GTA 3 PS2 - Factory Sealed?

[slickhit]

As the title suggests, I am looking for some advice as to whether this is an actual factory seal or not. I believe Sony only began using ‘PlayStation 2’ branded ribbon seals around 2003 - hence this being a 2001 release, it has a blank ribbon seal (?). Appreciate any input.

https://imgur.com/a/iy8Gqck

[sworddude]

I would say yes clearstrip seal is a thing.

However with this game probably a later print it's less desirable than the sony tear strip one.