PlayStation software firm records jump in sales

Games software developer Bits Corp reported a jump in sales for the last half year.

The hi-tech company develops video games software for consoles including Sony's PlayStation 2, Nintendo's GameCube and Gameboy, and Microsoft's Xbox.

Bits Corp said turnover increased to £807,000 for the six months to September 30, compared with £513,000 in the five months to March.

It recorded a pre-tax loss of £495,000, against a profit of £5,000 in the five months to March 31.

The company designed and developed "Warlocked" for the Nintendo Gameboy. It said it had generated revenue from sponsorship by MSN, AOL, Netscape, Kellogg's and Sports.com of its pilot internet game, Virtual Athlete.

The game has attracted more than 9,000 registered users, and the company intends to expand this area following the success of the pilot.

The company expects to release two games at the launch of next generation games consoles, including Microsoft's Xbox and Nintendo's GameCube in around September this year.