Appearing on the Fox Business network on Friday, the same day U.S. unemployment passed 10%, the head of Activision acknowledged that high jobless numbers will challenge the gaming business, but vouched for the value of playing games in tough times.
After chatting about the company's recent earnings, Fox Business guest host Charles Payne and Activision chief Kotick talked unemployment:
Robert Kotick, CEO, Activsion Blizzard: [Most] of our market is in their 20s or 30s.
Fox News host Charles Payne: That is a pretty hard hit spot right now. This is one of these unusual times when a lot of men, particularly men in that range have lost their jobs. Any chance that might impact your business?
Kotick: Well, look, I think that it's one of the profound challenges we face in our economy today and our country today. I think it is likely to affect every business. One of the nice things about video games is that it does give you the opportunity to escape from some of the difficulties in the day-to-day — in your day-to-day lives as you start to think about those challenges.
Whether it's "DJ Hero" or "Guitar Hero" or "Band Hero" or "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," these are all products that give you hundreds and hundreds of hours of entertainment for good value.
Payne: Bobby, I put a few hundred dollars in your pocket too along the way. Congratulations and thanks a lot for coming on the show.
Out of work? Do you still play or buy games?