Why do I get the feeling that I've played this game before?
THQ
If these end bosses look familiar it's because the two video game specialists also whacked away at their payrolls in one-two punch fashion three months ago.
In THQ's case, the new moves should eliminate another $100 million in costs come fiscal 2010, on top of the previously announced $120 million shave.
THQ definitely needs to do something. Revenue fell by 30% to $357.3 million during its fiscal third quarter. On a non-GAAP basis -- before takings hits for things like realignment expenses and goodwill impairment -- THQ posted a loss of $0.14 a share. It has scored a profit of $0.22 a share from continuing operations a year earlier.
The company has scored well with recent releases like Saints Row 2 and its latest World Wrestling Entertainment
EA's report on Tuesday was slightly better -- with a modest top-line uptick and at least mustering a non-GAAP profit -- but what has become of this industry?
Video game retailers have reported brisk selling during the holidays. More developers are also embracing digital delivery and its margin-widening promise. Is it all a facade?
Hardly. THQ and EA have company-specific shortcomings. Unless market leader Activision Blizzard
Other games to play: