Activision: ‘Our Q4 line-up is strongest ever’

In its Q2 earnings announcement this evening Activision CEO Bobby Kotick said that the firm’s Christmas line-up was its strongest ever.

While some titles had postponements confirmed, revenue for the last quarter surpassed $1bn, and Activision made it clear ti thinks the trend will continue through the year given its upcoming slate of games.

A number of other publishers have pushed key games into 2010 – leaving commentators to suggest they were fearful of the impact Activision’s line-up, including a new Call of Duty, would have on their sales.

CEO Bobby Kotick commented: "This fall, we will release our strongest video game slate based on some of the industry’s most successful franchises, including Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Guitar Hero 5, DJ Hero, Band Hero, Tony Hawk: RIDE and Bakugan Battle Brawlers.

"We are in a unique industry position to be able to invest in people, products and resources for the long term without compromising our short-term commitments of earnings growth and margin expansion."

"As we prepare for next year, we have moved the expected release dates for two games, Activision Publishing’s Singularity and Blizzard Entertainment’s StarCraft II, into 2010. However, we are increasing our calendar year earnings-per-share GAAP outlook and reaffirming our calendar year earnings-per-share non-GAAP outlook and still expect to deliver record non-GAAP operating margins.

"Although there is a great deal of economic uncertainty in the global marketplace, we remain focused on the opportunities afforded by our industry and will continue exploring potential new markets and business models that should enable us to continue expanding our operating margins," Kotick added.