Lair and WarHawk possible PS3 launch titles

When asked about any truth behind possible delays forcing the PlayStation 3 to launch in 2007, Kaz Hirai, President, Sony Computer Entertainment America laughed and said: “unless we have no software, which I doubt very much, we’re still on track for a spring 2006 launch.“

In the same interview Jack Tretton, executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America, revealed that they SCEA is currently developing three titles, with the futuristic Aerial combat game WarHawk, and Lair from Factor 5 said to be launch titles.

“We wouldn’t be making claims of what our platforms could do if we didn’t feel we could deliver on them. We’ve actually got three internal titles that we’re working on at Sony Computer Entertainment America. On of them, WarHawk, is playable, and you can compare the graphics and see them live, and also with another one of our launch titles, a game from Factor 5 called Lair, again live footage, that footage compares very favourably to what was shown at E3 press conference,” said Tretton. “I think that, in the very near future, you’ll see some comparable gameplay footage that will really put those rumours [PS3 can’t be as powerful as we’re claiming it is] to bed.“

Discussing the possibilities of a simultaneous worldwide launch, ala the Xbox 360, Tretton wasn’t giving much away, but did say that he feels that a simultaneous launch is not required.

“I don’t think a consumer really cares whether or not if [the PS3] is available in another country before or after it’s available for them. Everybody wants a new platform as soon as they can get their hands on it, and I guess selfishly every territory wants to be first, but I think ultimately what the consumers are going to be excited about is going to be the software content that’s available for it. The actual machine isn’t very exciting unless you have compelling software to put into it,” said Tretton.

We’ll keep you updated on the PlayStation 3 situation should we hear any more.