The world economy is going to shit, but the video game industry continues to thrive. But for how long? Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick hops on the "cautious optimism" bandwagon, saying "slightly down is the new up."

He tells Reuters that his company had a Black Friday that was "better than expectations" but didn't provide dirt on Grand Theft Auto IV sales. Like Microsoft's Shane Kim, Zelnick seems pleased with recent sales, but is concerned about post-holiday "momentum."

If Strauss is worried, he sure doesn't show it. Just look at that cool, comfortable corporate lean! It exudes cautious optimism!

Black Friday sales better than expected: Take Two [Reuters - Image Credit]