Sony Computer Entertainment America announced on Thursday that effective April 1, the company will combine its operations to prepare for long-term objectives, including the introduction of the PlayStation2 into the US market. The consolidation includes the merger of the company's publishing and development group 989 Studios with Sony Computer Entertainment America.

　　The company also announced that Shuhei Yoshida will be joining the organization as vice president of product development. A 14-year Sony veteran, Yoshida is partly responsible for the creation of Sony Computer Entertainment's internal product development operations, as well as many of Sony's biggest software titles. He acted as executive producer on Gran Turismo and helped develop such titles as Ape Escape and The Legend of Dragoon.

　　Kelly Flock, president of 989 Studios, will leave the organization on April 1. Sony cited new business opportunities as the reason for his departure.

　　“Since PlayStation remains the undisputed entertainment choice for millions of consumers, we continue to challenge ourselves as a company to provide a revolutionary gaming experience for our diverse and broad audience,” said Kaz Hirai, president and chief operating officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America. “As we prepare to introduce the world to computer entertainment with PlayStation2, our decision to focus and direct our development organization efforts through the integration of 989 Studios within Sony Computer Entertainment America will provide our company with unrivaled capacity to create and distribute revolutionary and breakthrough game content.”