Sony Vice President of Worldwide Studios Scott Rhode has denied reports that many third-party developers in Japan have started cancelling their PlayStation Vita projects.
A report today in Japan's Nikkei newspaper alleges that third party developers in Japan are already in the process of shifting their support away from the Vita. The piece includes a quote from an anonymous Japanese gaming industry insider who says that "Major Japanese companies are canceling all projects intended for the Vita and are changing development to the 3DS."
After solid initial sales the Vita has faired poorly in Japan, often selling fewer units than its predecessor the Nintendo 3DS and its predecessor, the PSP.
Speaking with Gamasutra, Rhode says there's no evidence of such a shift, dismissing the report as "largely exaggerated."
"I mean, obviously, there is no way anyone could stand in front of a camera and say that all developers are changing focus from one platform to another, no matter what it is," said Rohde. "I know many, many, many third party developers and publishers are feverishly working on Vita titles, not just for now, but for the foreseeable future."
Will this news affect western sales of PS Vita? We'll find out the console makes its US debut next Tuesday, February 22nd.
[Via Gamasutra]
