Activision Blizzard
(
ATVI
) recently announced that
Diablo III
will be available for
Sony
's (
SNE
) PlayStation 3 ("PS3") and PlayStation 4 ("PS4"). Currently,
only the PC version of the game is in the market. The game was
released on May 15, 2012.
Diablo III
consists of a pulsating and riveting quest by the gamers to
banish the forces of evil from the "Sanctuary." Players can play
the role of any of the five characters namely barbarian, witch
doctor, wizard, monk and demon hunter.
Diablo III
was one of the most successful games in 2012. The game has sold
more than 12 million units as of Dec 31, 2012, according to The
NPD Group, GfK Chart-Track, and Activision's estimates.
Activision's initiative to expand the platform for
Diablo III
should be incrementally beneficial for the company.
The PS3 version of the game will be on display at PAX East to
be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center scheduled
from Mar 22 to Mar 24, 2013.
The PlayStation version of the game will be available with all
the regular features of the PC version including the latest
upgrades. Additionally, a new user interface is being designed by
the company that will enhance the game play on the
PlayStation.
Nonetheless,
Diablo III
's splendid performance in 2012 has prompted Activision to remain
cautious about fiscal 2013 due to higher year-over-year
comparisons. Volatile macroeconomic environment and uncertainty
related to the console transition are the other factors for the
company's cautious 2013 outlook.
Moreover, continued softness in the video game industry,
limited presence in the mobile gaming segment, higher adoption of
free-to-play games and significant competition from
Electronic Arts
(
EA
) and
Take-Two Interactive Software
(
TTWO
) are the major headwinds for Activision going forward.
Additionally, continued investments in new products and upgrades
for the upcoming next generation consoles are expected to hurt
margins in the near term.
Currently, Activision has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
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