PS3 Submissions Procedure Causes Launch Title Slippage

Looking over Ubisoft’s latest release schedule just in it seems that Rainbow Six: Vegas and GRAW 2 both join Splinter Cell: Double Agent (March 30), Oblivion (April 20) and Vivendi’s F.E.A.R. (April 20) in the list of PS3 titles slipping back as late as June (in the case of GRAW 2) or the vague release date of ‘Spring’ (in the case of R6: Vegas).

The official reasons, from publishers and Sony, is yet to be properly formulated into a press release. SPOnG, however, has been informed (as ever, under terms of strict anonymity) that the slippages are due to SCEE's stringent submissions procedures. If true, this can be seen as a good thing for gamers, as it should mean that the games will be polished and bug-free when they finally do arrive on the shelves.

However, it is a double-edged sword; Sony really needs a strong launch line-up to help get the Euro PS3 launch off with as big a bang as possible. Initially, 30 Blu-ray disc-based games were promised for the launch line-up – eroding this number (albeit based as it apparently is on quality control) will be seen by many potential purchasers as an indicator that the PS3 lacks content.

Still, not to worry too much,"GRAW 2 on the trusty old Xbox 360 is marvellous, plus there's the Shivering Isles Oblivion expansion to look forward to later this month..." as one wag in the SPOnG office opined earlier.

What do you think? Is this a minor issue which will only affect a small number of PS3 early adopters? Or is this perhaps a sign of a more worrying trend for Sony? Tell us in the Forum below.