Here is the full transcript to the Exclusive MILIA interview with Nintendo Europe's managing director, sales and marketing, David Gosen.

MILIA News: In the run-up to MILIA, could you give us an idea of how well GameCube has sold in Japan and America, as well as a progress –report on Game Boy Advance?

David Gosen: 2001 has been an outstanding year for Nintendo, both overseas and in Europe. GameCube has been extremely successful in both Japan and the US. Most recently in the US, the product was selling so quickly that we increased the shipment from 1.1 million to 1.3 million units prior to Christmas to keep up with the demand. We also saw Super Smash Brothers Melee reaching sales of more than a quarter of a million units in just nine days, making it the fastest selling game for any new console launched this year.
In Europe we launched Game Boy Advance simultaneously with the US in June 2001, and the revolutionary hand-held console paved the way for the success of the GameCube. In Europe alone we sold over half a million units over the launch weekend and broke our three million target at the end of the calendar year 2001.

MILIA News: What is Nintendo's strategy for introducing GameCube into Europe in 2002?

David Gosen: There has been enormous anticipation for GameCube in Europe, and we are extremely excited at the prospect of launching it in the spring. Nintendo GameCube is the only truly dedicated gaming console, providing the most creative, innovative and entertaining gaming, and our launch strategy will reflect this.

MILIA News: Why has Nintendo chosen MILIA to talk about upcoming products and what will Nintendo's main focus be on at MILIA 2002?

David Gosen: MILIA is the premier event for interactive entertainment in Europe and is a key event for game developers. At MILIA we will be showcasing the Nintendo GameCube, which has been designed specifically with game developers in mind, making it easier for them to develop for and enabling them to develop the most creative and entertaining games. We will also be showcasing the Game Boy Advance which has revolutionised handheld gaming and, as a controller for GameCube, will open up a new dimension of continuous gaming as players will be able to transfer game information between the two systems to allow secretive gaming and enter a world of continuous gameplay at home or on the move.

MILIA News: How will Nintendo use MILIA 2002 expo promote Gamecube and Game Boy Advance?

David Gosen: At MILIA we will be demonstrating the breadth of excellent gaming available on both the GameCube and Game Boy Advance. We believe that gaming is an attitude not an age, and we will promote this be showing the range of games, both first and third party, that will suit any person at any time.

MILIA News: How important does Nintendo consider the European market compared to the rest of the world?

David Gosen: The European market is extremely important to Nintendo, representing more than 20 percent of its global sales.

MILIA News: What products can we expect to see at MILIA 2002 and on which platform?

David Gosen: We will be showcasing GameCube and its outstanding line-up of software, including the first party software that was so successful at launch in America, and a wide range of excellent third party titles. The first party titles will include Luigi’s Mansion, in which Mario’s brother takes his first star turn in a game that presents some of the most atmospheric moods and intricate graphics, such as the flicker of candles and reflections in the mirror. Also, the ground-breaking Pikmin which has been already been hailed as a cultural masterpiece. Plus Wave Race: Blue Storm where the graphics are so lifelike that you can almost feel the spray in your face, and Super Smash Bros. Melee, the ultimate smash ‘em up game where Nintendo’s stable to gaming icons pit themselves against each other in the battle arena.The Game Boy Advance will also be featured plus a range of the excellent software titles available on that platform.

MILIA News: How does Nintendo view the current climate of the videogames sector?

David Gosen: The videogames sector has gone through a period of significant change, in which there has been talk of transition within the industry. During this period Nintendo has gone from strength to strength, and with the European launch of GameCube in spring 2002 this is set to continue. The video games industry is now bigger than the cinema box office business in many countries around the world - this is a sign that the industry is really coming of age.