Market freefall drags down game stocks

Publishers not immune from biggest one-day Dow Jones Index drop in history; EA, Activision Blizzard hit in US, Ubisoft clobbered overseas.

Though the US economy has been listing during 2008, analysts have been touting game stocks as a safe bet. In a May online column for the financial weekly Barron's, Signal Hill Capital Group Senior analyst Todd Greenwald called the game industry "virtually recession-proof." In a piece aired last week, National Public Radio said games' are growing more popular because they offer cost-effective escapism, much like films did during the Great Depression.

Unfortunately, today's massive market loss affected even the most prosperous of publishers. As the Dow Jones industrial average shed a whopping 777.68 points (6.98 percent)--the biggest one-day point drop in history--the NASDAQ composite index was also clobbered, falling 199.61 points, or 9.14 percent.

Given that all US game publishers are traded on the NASDAQ, it was unsurprising that they, too, were down across the board. The share price of Activision Blizzard (World of Warcraft, Guitar Hero World Tour), the newly minted biggest third-party publisher on the planet, slid 13.8 percent ($2.26) to end the day at $14.12. Former top dog Electronic Arts (Madden NFL 09) saw $3.63 shaved off of its stock price, ending the day down 9.16 percent at $36 even. THQ (Saints Row 2) lost 7 percent, or $0.87, to close at $11.48, and shares in Take-Two Interactive (Grand Theft Auto IV) lost 4.52 percent ($0.73) to close at $15.43--nearly $10 less than its asking price one month ago.

Large multinational companies with large game components also suffered. Software giant and Xbox 360 maker Microsoft (Gears of War 2) saw 8.72 percent ($2.39 per share) of its multibillion-dollar market value vanish in a single day, closing at $25.01. On the New York Stock Exchange, PlayStation 3 manufacturer Sony Corp (Resistance 2) shed 5.09 percent ($1.65 per share), ending trading at $30.76.

But though today's losses in American markets came after the US House of Representatives voted down a $700 billion bailout bill, some game companies overseas were flagging even before the legislative decision. Worst hit was Paris-based Ubisoft (Assassin's Creed), which lost a whopping €12.47 ($17.92) per share in just hours, closing at €45.50 ($65.37) on the Euronext market. Eidos Interactive parent SCi Entertainment (Tomb Raider Underworld) lost £3.75 ($6.75) on the London Stock Exchange, ending the day at £26.75 ($48.16).

480 Comments

  • lordmarkitgs

    Posted Oct 20, 2008 1:16 pm PT

    It will take a very long time to recover. Share prices will maybe rise in around 12 months time.

  • matt_kun

    Posted Oct 10, 2008 3:42 pm PT

    Although this hit has hurt stock prices across the board, at a per share level, game stocks' value hasn't been hurt nearly as badly as stocks elsewhere. (GM's stock value per-share hasn't been this low since 1950!)

    I don't think it's over, but I believe we're near the bottom.

  • awakendjay

    Posted Oct 8, 2008 8:24 am PT

    Its all that guys fault....its all thats guys fault...omg omg omg its this persons fault.....omg ima blame that dude...omg omg omg...NO! look in the mirror, its that guys fault!

  • snakes3425

    Posted Oct 3, 2008 8:19 pm PT

    Congress has had second thoughts, and I think a lot of people have as well, a revivsed verson of the bill was signed into law today.

  • GhostStalkerX1

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 4:34 pm PT

    @adultgamer77 Half of the time when people say they hate america, there more than likly talking about our government. Anyhow, most americans need to realise, the governers/senators we vote for. We dont work for them, they work for us. Until people begin to stand up and realise what that means. The american government will continue to step on the american people.

  • fatmike2127

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 2:19 pm PT

    how the hell is this reagan's fault lord darkstorm? he's dead, it's dumb ass george bush's fault for giving away to much money that people couldn't back up

  • xxxarlow

    Posted Oct 2, 2008 12:56 am PT

    Whoa whoa whoa ppl, this shouldnt be about discussing the international credit crisis!! We need to turn this board into something important like which console is superior!! (Like every other news article on here)

    Can we have a system war..........YES WE CAN.

  • Lord__Darkstorn

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 11:23 pm PT

    Dude, this is all Reagan's fault. He's the one who brought back deregulation, and look where it got us...

  • pallex85

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 3:42 pm PT

    do i sense another great depression happening? banks are losing money too, like before

  • adultgamer77

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 10:58 am PT

    A couple of people here are saying "Americans Fault", it's not the people in general that did this, it's those big execs who pat themselves on the back with bonuses while the little guy works his tail off. I know a few people that are in that position and all I can tell you is that it is ridiculous what they get; bonuses, trips(that's not all business), private cars to and from work, and the list go on and on. The little guy on the other hand who is mopping the floors cannot get a raise because there is no money...it's bs. I've seen it and if they were not my friends I would of told them a long time ago what my thoughts were. Just as an example....an exec gets a job with a sign on bonus, if he gets terminated...he gets money, and at the end of the year...another bonus for doing a great job. The gaming industry might be loosing some steam...but it's going to stay on top in sales because as of right now, it's the cheapest form of entertainment. 1 game = 30+ hours of gaming + make your own drinks = under $100. Compare that to going to the movies, bar, etc.

  • prioritymail

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 7:06 am PT

    You know things aren't looking good when games are losing market value...

  • garrcus

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:59 am PT

    80gb's here are going for $399, and yeah the only real reason to purchase one is for MGS4 and God of War 3 whenever that may happen, otherwise Blueray movies are hardly dicernable from DVD's played on a $50 dollar up-converting 1080p dvd player. Not really worth the money until their prices drop!

  • mikefoy

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:50 am PT

    80gb PS3 goes for £300 ($560ish I think)on play.com but I would probably get it a little cheaper somewhere else.

    The only games I really want are MGS4 and LBP, oh well maybe after the credit crunch, Maybe America could help me out?

  • garrcus

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:45 am PT

    What do PS3's run for in the UK? I was also hoping for a price drop here in the US, but its probably unlikely. Hey and my comments are never directed toward the Brits there one of the only other countries along with the Aussies that have any kind of backbone!!

  • mikefoy

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:44 am PT

    garrcus! Yep no problem mate, time for my medication again...

    Its a good debate and I only read a couple of posts att he top and got a little pisst off but hey thats forums for you,

    Anyhow, this will have long term damage and everyone will be affected, lets hope that whatever the outcome PS3's will get cheaper in the UK!!

    Its funny, running the economy on Rollercoaster Tycoon is easy?

  • garrcus

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:39 am PT

    Mikefoy- don't take every comment too seriously, Many people on here including me from time to time like to simply see what kind of reaction people will have!!

  • garrcus

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:36 am PT

    kdamian- We would love to stay in our own country if the rest of the world could take care of itself, but noooo everyone looks to us to solve every crisis or defeat every threat! And you know you love eating a huge big mac while watching Iron Man!!!

  • mikefoy

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:19 am PT

    garrcus what in gods name are you talking about?

    Stick to computer games mate, I have limited knowledge as to what you say but your argument of invasion is pointed at such a small portion of the world.

    If you want to scream about invasion these days take a look at the map of the world and see where america has invaded and ask the reasons why!

    Mikees1 your comment is just as bad, the economy is affected by a number of different things and if various economies fall or suffer it affects everyone, indeed our failing economy affects many smaller countries but we just don't hear about it.

    I hate ranting but for goodness sake everyone stick to what you know (myself included feel free to pick at what I have written as it is only opinion).

  • garrcus

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:19 am PT

    Yes, here they come...how predictable!!!

  • kdamian

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:17 am PT

    Can Americans just stay there in your own continent and only leave it to go on vacations? Then we will see your economy. Your only contribution in the world is...McDOnalds and Holywood movies...I mean the only REAL good you have to offer is Angelina Jolie and that's it!!!

  • kdamian

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 6:13 am PT

    Well m8y we have to make some things clear..."Oh Sh** our neighboring country is threatening to invade" this is because America encourage this country to attack so America can arrive as the all mighty force to establish Democracy (hahahaha) and world order...rather to create another protectorate in her list. Or to sell weapons, or to give "job" to america's many companies who want to chew on other countries wealth...but I bet you were just kidding "All of you living under western governments around the world better hope America never fails because who then would fight your fights or bear the brunt of humanitarian aid to the world!!!"...or not?!?!?!?

  • garrcus

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 5:24 am PT

    Yup everything is always America's fault, lets just blame those stupid Americans for f***** up the entire world...Oh Sh** our neighboring country is threatening to invade... America! America! help its your duty to help us you must!!

    All of you living under western governments around the world better hope America never fails because who then would fight your fights or bear the brunt of humanitarian aid to the world!!! Let all the liberals sound off!!

  • mikees1

    Posted Oct 1, 2008 4:19 am PT

    Americans have alot to answer for.This current economic crisis is down to them and rejecting the pay out to Wall street is going to worsen matters for the world in general.It is an American caused problem and it is America's duty to fix what they have inflicted on the world.

  • Pumbaa83

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 9:52 pm PT

    Well I guess now is the time to buy then! I mean the stocks are sure to rise to their former value(and probably beyond) in a not too distant future.

  • osmifura

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 8:54 pm PT

    What the hell!

  • Criros

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 8:49 pm PT

    I never belive to see a political debate in a video game site.... wow lol

  • kevinsyel

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 8:35 pm PT

    This wouldn't have happened if we had stayed on the great streak Clinton left us with. Clinton actually fixed so much, and now 8 years of Bush killed us. I think he will go down in history as the worst President ever. America needs to step back and really analyze whats going on, and not worry about party lines, flip-flopping, or even their political careers. more peoples lives are at stake compared to the people who may damage their political careers

  • xxxarlow

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 5:52 pm PT

    I'm John Mccain and I endorse this Video Game........

  • sonic_nhl

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 5:18 pm PT

    Hey Mag? how can anyone go to school and get an education if no one can get loans?

  • garrcus

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 4:57 pm PT

    Darkride66, I am glad to see that somebody else out there knows of John McCain's attempt in 2005's "mortgage reform act" to warn the government and the American people of the dangerous consequences to be had if the practices of "affordable housing" were not reigned in or reformed. However your objectivity is maddening I am just waiting for you to get upset and shred somebody's argument like I know you can!!!

    Great Posts!!!!!!

  • JonnyHomicide

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 4:41 pm PT

    Ugh stinking money. Why can't we just do the barter system again lol. But yeah, the stocks will go up again, or w/e, cause its just a cycle. It's just we're in the sucky part now.

  • betachu

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 4:23 pm PT

    this also hit us here un mexico, we are losing investments from american investors, but i agree with you spunky.

  • garrcus

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 4:19 pm PT

    Sixgears2, the mere fact that you would call my posts ignorant rants reveals your partisanship and absolute loyalty to your party, even when presented with facts about Obama's campaign advisors having direct ties to this financial mess you get scared and angry at the thought that other people may learn something relevant about Obama not covered in the mainstream media. Yes McCain does have lobbyists within his team of Advisors I won't dispute that or make any excuses because I only care about the facts. I won't get mad or call you ignorant simply because you speak the truth. However, I will take issue with your general attitude towards the American people... [[["at this point it's pretty clear that the old "pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" isn't going to work, most of us can't even afford the boots! The government MUST step in to avoid a long term economic failure. 700b is a small price to pay for that, especially in light of the losses yesterday."]]]

    It is precisely this kind of attitude- "oh poor me, I can't make it, life is too hard, won't somebody give me a handout... Ahh government to the rescue!!! that we are in this mess. The government is not the answer to everything and was never meant to provide all the amenities of life! It took my wife and I years to save up enough money to put a down payment on a house all the while sacraficing many other opportunities. I didn't rely on the government for my house or my college education nor do I now rely on them for my medical care, why should I have to pay for everybody else's!!! YES You can pull yourself up by your own bootstraps and if you can't afford any boots then use your socks...take some responsibility for your own choices in life!! As for the trillion in losses you were speaking of yesterday in the market, just look at the rebound we saw today by some 400 points, it's not quite as apocalyptic as all the talking heads want you to believe. You may be surprised to know that I am not totally against a recovery package but only if congress and the senate slow down, take their time and get the best possible bill to the floor that includes less burden on the taxpayer and more free market solutions. Please don't overreact to a statement of facts simply because it may portray your candidate in an unfavorable light.

  • SpunkyB0B

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 3:50 pm PT

    as far as i can see now is a good time to buy lots of shares in the companies coz it will go back up again.

  • GhostStalkerX1

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 3:39 pm PT

    @Adultgamer77 You are right about that. To many people are ******* greedy and its hurting the rest of us.

  • GhostStalkerX1

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 3:36 pm PT

    Many people think its Prez Bush falt for making a false war on Iraq for there "weapons of mass distruction (Air Quote). Sometimes I fellthat they are right on that part but, idk. America tries to police the world to much imo. I guess we will just have to w8 and see what happens.

  • maugely

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 3:32 pm PT

    I wouldn't even dare to pretend that I understand what happened to get us here or what the solution should be. I am worried for the people around me. I am afraid for the financial and emotional well being of my friends and family. It's not the end of the world or the end of the success of our nation, but there could be some very tough times ahead of many of us. All I can say is, go to school, get an education, and strive for the success you desire. And don't forget to encourage the people around you as you go.

  • ninjabob1

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 3:21 pm PT

    well hell if the next president does get us out of this, then he's definetly going to be elected next year and his side (democrate or republican) is going to have a little more leeway.

  • adultgamer77

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 3:09 pm PT

    OHHHH! Next President , be ready for the job off a life time.

  • adultgamer77

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 3:07 pm PT

    Wall St. need to figure out a solution by themselves. They have given themselves ridiculous amount of bonuses at the end of the year that most people will ever make in 5 years. Greed is the cause off this, and now that they may be the cause, (or helped it), we are all knee deep into a recession,they expect to be bailed out for greed. Are they going to be arrested for a crime or asked to give the money, cars, trips, vacation, etc.? . On the other hand, what are we/government to do? Any suggestions? Something needs to be done. Personally I know right now I'm safe for a year and a half, after that I'm not sure what my job status will be. The Federal Government fund our projects, btw.

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