Dave,
I think it's actually inaccurate to compare wrestling games with football games. With football, there are several games now that feature the actual pro (or college) stars. As such, more traditional factors (such as gameplay, graphics, etc.) are the basis for consumer differentiation. In wrestling games, though, the audience has traditionally had different values. It's the thrill of playing as Hulk Hogan, or some other wrestler that you watch on TV. Look at some of the game reviews for THQ's wrestling games. Gameplay? Graphics? The best I've seen is slightly above average. This is not to criticize THQ, but I think they realized that the main thing that attracted players to their wrestling games was the WCW feel. So yes, I do think buyers really do care -- particularly if someone else picks up the WCW name.
On the other hand, I agree with Andrew that this should have no impact on 1998. They can still sell stuff through June 1999, so what's the big deal? Also, if you look at THQ's game pipeline, there's no way WCW would've been 39% of revenue in 1999 or beyond; so I think the long-term effects of losing this license are actually pretty minimal (as several others here have argued). Looks like a good buying opportunity, IMO. :-)
Harry |
