December 5th, 2008

Take-Two’s Black Friday Sales

I don't know if you were one of those who had a direct contribution - as buyers, of course - to the Black Friday sales, but that doesn't really matter. Somebody was really into shopping last Friday, and - if I had to speak for myself - I skipped this day, preparing myself(and my budget) for the holiday season. Of course, talking about the Black Friday sales all over would be almost impossible, so let's focus on Take-Two, shall we?

Speaking at the Reuters Media Summit in New York, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. Chief Executive Strauss Zelnick said this year's Black Friday "was better than expectations, but it's pretty hard these days -- being slightly down is the new up." Obviously, last Friday's sales can't predict a healthy holiday season, but that's what remains to be seen.

According to Zelnick, strong titles will continue to sell well - and that's perfectly natural, if you ask me - but "everyone's at best cautiously optimistic. You're unlikely to be celebrating, but you'll be OK. In terms of how our titles are performing, I feel that it's within that range."

Regarding Take-Two's financial position, despite the fact no GTA 4 sales numbers were made public, Zelnick said "We are well financed and well structured (and) we own our intellectual property. I feel really good about how we are positioned to be an independent company."

Just my five cents - a healthy gaming market means one able to engulf properly strong titles, and not one that allows crappy titles to exist simply because they are backed by a big player in the industry. I won't give any names now, but I'll be back with a review in a few days, and you'll find out once again why not to buy a title that we were all waiting for...