BIZ: So when do you expect that we'll see installed bases like those of the PS2 – or was that a one-time occurrence? Are you saying the days of the large installed base are over?

Takeuchi: In reality, not all the users own multiple platforms, and thus, the chance to experience what we saw with the PS2 will be very slim. I feel that it's not only true for the currently available platforms, but will also be true for the next-gen hardware. We have to continue to produce titles for multiple platforms.

BIZ: You've said you liked Call of Duty 4. What did you like about the game?

Takeuchi: The game design allows players to enjoy a very wide range of experiences. It is just absolutely superb. On top of that, the play value is expanded with the enhanced online functionality. COD4 serves as a guidepost for shooting games.

BIZ: Were there any elements from the game that influenced your direction of Lost Planet 2? What lessons did you carry over?

Takeuchi: We like the wide variation of game design seen in COD4, and we made efforts to realize that ideal in Resident Evil 5 and other games. COD4 has validated our game design concepts and given us a conviction that we are right, which has enabled us to pursue our game design without a doubt. COD4 has also given us a great reference point, with its perfect balance between casual game style and the advanced style that core gamers find so satisfying.

BIZ: It's been reported that Lost Planet 2 is being developed for the Xbox 360. Is it an exclusive?

Takeuchi: We are currently investigating other platforms.

BIZ: Finally, we've seen iPhone gaming take off in Europe and in America. Will we ever see Japanese gamers adopt the iPhone?

Takeuchi: Not only limited to iPhone, adaptation of mobile phone gaming has become a movement in Japan. The Japanese mobile market was once so closed and reclusive that it was referred to as the "Galapagos Island," but smart phones are about to radically change the ecology. In the years to come, we might see a huge mobile game market grown in Japan.

BIZ: Thanks for your time.