Activision Blizzard Inc (ATVI)

[fredman]

Activisions, DJ Hero was based on music 'mashups' and the controller was more of a toy than an instrument. Genius Products, Scratch: The Ultmate DJ, on the other hand, has a professional Numark MIDI controller, is backed by Mix Master Mike, and is more focussed on scratching and creativity. I am certain Scratch will be released soon now that ATVI and GNPR have decided to settle before trial.

The reason why I do not have a position in ATVI, is I am not happy with Activisions unethical business decisions. Activision purchased 7 Studios, effectively undermining Scratch The Ultimate DJ, in order to dominate the DJ Hero market unopposed, only to close 7 Studios in the end. Ethical companies are the ones that will ultimately succeed.

The music game industry is all about product execution. Build what consumers want, and they will buy hand-and-fist. There is still truckloads of money to be made in the Music / Video / DJ / Scratch based video game industry, imo.