Gaucho420

Expect Plenty of M&A Activity in Gaming

I agree with you on this one Bruce. The question is when and how? Financing is not that readily easy to get and people like EA have been losing money hand over fist, reducing their cash position and available financing. But once the finance world returns to normal, this clearly is the case.

What about Capcom? They have stated specifically that they are looking to partner with a Western Interest...question is who? TTWO provides very strong western games that would have great synergies with a Japanese oriented producer and hence, reach a very wide array of potential global customers.

Konami also needs a shot in the arm, perhaps they are looking to broaden their scope as well.

With the Yen being so strong and with the stocks in the US publishers in very weak Dollars (at least compared to the Yen, which could go as low as 80 to 1 with the Dollar), Japanese companies may never have a better time or opportunity to snatch up some Western Rivals.

Consolidation in the Gaming Industry During the Economic Downturn

I agree with you Bruce...just picked up some THQ today.