When Sony revealed they were shifting to software emulation for backward compatibility, gamers were wary how many games they'd truly have up and running in time for the European launch, based on past experience with Microsoft and Xbox 360. When they launched their database website this morning declaring which games were and weren't compatible and many favorites were, most were relieved. But, as 1UP pointed out, a number of high-profile games aren't compatible. Metal Gear Solid 3, for example, will run on software emulation, but Metal Gear Solid 2 won't. Will that change? Probably not, says Sony. "We are pleased with the number we have been able to make playable for the European launch, but as we have made clear before, our focus going forward will be on innovative new applications and services for PS3 rather than on backwards compatibility," said Nick Sharples, director of corporate communications at SCEE. "We will test all forthcoming PS2 titles, but it would be unrealistic to expect significant increases [our emphasis] in the number of playable PS2 titles in future firmware upgrades given the above. Whilst J&D and MGS are not listed as playable, their successors MGS3 and Jak and Daxter 2 are playable," Sharples continued. Sharples wouldn't provide a firm answer on whether games like MGS2 would be emulated in the future, but his answer doesn't provide much promise. Instead, he suggests looking at the sequels as replacements of sorts. "We will certainly be testing our own future PS2 releases and will offer the facility to our publishing partners," he said, but once again reiterated the focus going forward was on PS3, not the past. As with Xbox 360 backward compatibility, however, gamers may be able to make a difference -- we saw this with Psychonauts (though, sadly, not with Panzer Dragoon Orta -- tear). If you want MGS2 or other currently incompatible games to start functioning on a shiny new PS3, start shouting. Source
