Like a patient kid waiting for his video game-playing buddies to hand over the controller, it is Time Warner's
It's about time. Video games can be a great business, done right. Electronic Arts
However, the relationship between movie studios and their in-house gaming divisions have been dicey at best. Vivendi's
There are three questions that Time Warner will need to answer in the affirmative to succeed in this venture. Will it be able to tap its wide content library and single out the properties that are the most marketable to a game-playing audience? Will it create titles that are compelling in their own right, rather than just dole out mediocrity in a lame attempt to piggyback on popular characters? Will it recognize the opportunity to market the games aggressively through its huge distribution channels by doing things like wedging trailers in home video releases and plugging away relentlessly on America Online?
Because, yes, a hit movie will sell games. But those that have stood out, such as the original James Bond titles and Marvel's
Now What?
David Gardner makes a habit of investing in what he knows and loves. In fact, he's picked Time Warner, Electronic Arts, and Marvel in Motley Fool Stock Advisor. His selections are up 76% in total since April 2002 vs. an 18% gain for the S&P 500 over that same time period. Looking for great stock ideas? Try Motley Fool Stock Advisor risk free for six months.