Godfather to launch later on next-gen consoles and the PSP

Electronic Arts has confirmed that its movie licensed gangster romp, The Godfather, will not be appearing on PSP or Microsoft's next-generation Xbox 360 console when the game hits retail stores in March.

Already the subject of various development delays, The Godfather was originally scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2005, during the industry's busiest sales period as consumers prepare for Christmas. The initial change in release dates, pushing the title to March 2006, prompted analysts to lower their estimates for the company's full-year performance.

Development on current generation platforms, including PC, PS2 and Xbox is almost complete for the Mature-rated title, and the game is on schedule for a simultaneous multi-format release in March.

An EA representative confirmed the release of current generation versions is definitely on track, adding that a release date for the PSP and Xbox 360 versions has yet to be officially announced, effectively denying rumours of additional development delays.

EA would only confirm that the next-gen console and PSP versions will be released at some stage during the company's 2007 fiscal period, which begins 1st April 2006.