Guitar Hero sales bolster Activision's performance
The LA Times is today reporting that Electronic Arts has lost its crown as the world's biggest publisher to Activision following the huge success of the Guitar Hero and Call of Duty franchises, as well as the summer movie blockbuster spin-off SpiderMan 3.According to NPD Group, Electronic Arts has held the coveted title for the last ten years, but Activision's recent accounts show that they've raked in a mammoth $398 million in sales in the first 6 months of 2007, with EA lagging only slightly behind with $366 million sales.
The second half of the year could see the accolade shifting back to the EA camp with the release of some huge titles from the company, including Army of Two, FIFA 08 and Rock Band; titles that should all make huge profits. Activision's line-up for the next half of 2007 includes the new Tony Hawk's game, Tony Hawk's Proving Ground, Call of Duty 4 and Guitar Hero III.
It's going to be a close battle right up to the 2007 Christmas period, but Activision feel that they're in a strong position to hold the title as the World's largest publisher. "We're well situated to win," said an company spokesperson citing the fact that the company have won E3 awards for Call of Duty 4 and many other awards for their games in recent years.
