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Guitar Hero franchise tops the charts for '08 (so far)
As part of today's quarterly financial wrap-up, Activision Blizzard struck a high note with the announcement that the Guitar Hero franchise has topped the NPD Group's software sales chart for the first nine months of 2008. This includes, of course, every permutation of the rhythm game series combined across all console platforms and Nintendo DS, with the exception of the newly released Guitar Hero World Tour.In its report to shareholders, Blizzivision pointed out that Guitar Hero: Aerosmith and Guitar Hero: On Tour, in particular, contributed most to its bottom line for Q2. With World Tour out in Q3 followed by the holiday release of GH: Decades for the DS, we could see a similar chart-topping performance for the franchise come the end of December.
Activision Blizzard loses $108m in Q209, plans to repurchase $1 billion in stock
Publishing powerhouse Activision Blizzard (or "A.B. Atta' Boy" to its friends) has released its fiscal quarter results for the three-month period ending September 30. Overall, the company incurred a $108 million net loss, with a bulk of that (at least $188 million) from costs related to the merger with Vivendi Games. Top games for the quarter were Call of Duty 4, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, GH: On Tour and money gusher World of Warcraft. As part of its September quarter fiscal results, Activision Blizzard has announced that it has "authorized a stock repurchase program under which the company can repurchase up to $1 billion of the company's common stock." The company's stock price has been in decline since September (and has taken a noticeable hit today, too). While the motivations aren't known, it is likely in part to increase the earnings per share. Don't feel too bad for A.B., though. After all, Wrath of the Lich King is just around the corner.
EA loses $310 million in Q209, 6% of employees being let go
Electronic Arts has revealed its second quarter fiscal results (ending Sept. 30) ... and things aren't pretty. The company lost $310 million in the quarter, another big hit following Q1's $95 million loss. Highlights from the quarter were the sales of Madden NFL 09 (4.5 million sold), Spore (2 million sold) and Warhammer Online (1.2 million sold). Unfortunately, EA's continuing hard times will impact its employees. The company plans to let go of 6% of its work force, which amounts to about 600 jobs. The next two quarters are when EA normally really starts bringing in the cash -- not that it'll mean much to those who'll be unemployed soon.[Via GameDaily]
Ubisoft Q2 sales up 37%, thanks to DS
Ubisoft released its Q2 results yesterday for the 2008-09 fiscal year. Sales totaled €175 million (US $220.24 million), beating the previous forecast of €160 (US $201.36 million) and ending up 37% higher than the same quarter last year. The financial report cited the successful launches of Soul Calibur IV in Europe and Hell's Highway, as well as sales of Imagine Teacher, My Secret World and -- Joystiq's favorite -- PlayZone Sports Party.It's worth noting that 39% of Ubisoft's Q2 sales came from the Nintendo DS, up from 23% same time last year. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 each represent 20% of the slice, followed by the Wii at 11% and PSP/PS2 at 2% and 1%, respectively. For Q3 holiday season, Ubisoft is expecting €500 million (US $629.25 million), up 11% from same time last year. It's also raised its forecast for the full fiscal year from €1.02 billion to €1.05billion (US $1.32b).Source [PDF]
