Konami has released its financial results for the last three month of the year 2003. Unlike most of its competitiors, Japan's largest 3rd party publisher managed to improve its sales on a year-to-year comparison. Consolidated sales rose by 5.3% to 82.31 billion yen ($777.10 million US), while operating profit only dropped by 2.2% to 13.32 billion yen ($125.76 million US). Konami also upgraded its full year forecast for the fiscal year ending on March 31st. It now expects to post a net profit of 20 billion yen ($188.82 million US), an operating profit of 38 billion yen ($358.76 million US) and sales of 267 billion yen ($2.52 billion US). An operating profit of 38 billion yen ($358.76 million US) would mean a new record for the company behind hit series such as Suikoden and Castlevania. Once again the continued popularity of Yu-Gi-Oh in the US and Europe as well as the worldwide success of Winning Eleven 7 for PlayStation 2 were cited as key factors behind the good results.

• Dengeki Online