Comments on: Q4 game launch stupidity http://www.bruceongames.com/2007/10/08/q4-game-launch-stupidity/ A veteran's view on marketing games Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:01:38 +0000 hourly 1 By: Bruce http://www.bruceongames.com/2007/10/08/q4-game-launch-stupidity/comment-page-1/#comment-258 Bruce Tue, 09 Oct 2007 19:07:28 +0000 http://www.bruceongames.com/2007/10/08/q4-game-launch-stupidity/#comment-258 Thanks for this Jordan. That Activision strategy makes a lot of sense. Thanks for this Jordan.
That Activision strategy makes a lot of sense.

]]> By: jordan brock http://www.bruceongames.com/2007/10/08/q4-game-launch-stupidity/comment-page-1/#comment-240 jordan brock Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:58:38 +0000 http://www.bruceongames.com/2007/10/08/q4-game-launch-stupidity/#comment-240 It is important to note that a publisher like Activision, among others, actually make their big releases over the summer, because they tie in titles to summer movie blockbusters. Spiderman and Madadascar come to mind from the past few years ( I didn't watch Cars). Also please note that traditionally Activison's stock goes up in the summer and then declines in Q4. I'm not exactly sure why this is, however, I suspect that it is tied to them making alot of their money over the summer. I agree with your "game launch stupidity." Just because Q4 is Christmas shopping time, doesn't mean that everyone will be spending alot of money on presents. There is always the possibility of a recession. There is always a possibility that the country won't be buying alot of toys if their gas and oil bills are soaring and they can't heat their homes. So, putting all of your eggs in the Q4 basket doesn't make much sense. Hence Activsion's strategy. It is important to note that a publisher like Activision, among others, actually make their big releases over the summer, because they tie in titles to summer movie blockbusters. Spiderman and Madadascar come to mind from the past few years ( I didn’t watch Cars).

Also please note that traditionally Activison’s stock goes up in the summer and then declines in Q4. I’m not exactly sure why this is, however, I suspect that it is tied to them making alot of their money over the summer.

I agree with your “game launch stupidity.” Just because Q4 is Christmas shopping time, doesn’t mean that everyone will be spending alot of money on presents. There is always the possibility of a recession. There is always a possibility that the country won’t be buying alot of toys if their gas and oil bills are soaring and they can’t heat their homes. So, putting all of your eggs in the Q4 basket doesn’t make much sense. Hence Activsion’s strategy.

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