Top Game Publishers of May

Activision rode the success of two Hollywood films to a rather healthy May in the games industry. Videogames based on DreamWorks' "Over the Hedge" and 20th Century Fox's "X-Men: The Last Stand" (each of which sold over 100,000 units) propelled the company to a 97 percent increase over last May. Activision game sales were up 40 percent over last month, thanks to continued strong sales in its "Call of Duty," "Spider-Man" and "Tony Hawk" franchises.

Overall, videogame publishers did not fare great in May, as lower price points and lower overall sales cut into their bottom line. The average selling price for games was $30.62, which was down 6 percent from last May's $32.43 average. Traditionally, the summer months translate to slower game sales.

Electronic Arts were up 26 percent over last May, but down 30 percent compared to last month. Sales were lead by "Battlefield 2: Modern Combat," "The Godfather," "Black," "Fight Night Round 3," "Need for Speed: Most Wanted," and "Madden NFL 06."

Take-Two Interactive rode the success of "The Da Vinci Code," "Major League Baseball 2K6," "Table Tennis," "GTA: Liberty City Stories," and "Oblivion" to a 38 percent increase over last May. Game sales for the publisher were down 39 percent compared to last month.

"Jaws Unleashed" caught an audience for Majesco, which saw May game sales increase 12 percent over last May. The company also had a 34 percent increase in sales from April to May. "Age of Empires," "Infected" and "Teen Titans" lead game sales.

THQ game sales fell 15 percent over 2005 May sales. From April to May of this year, THQ games dipped 30 percent. Game sales were lead by "The Outfit," "WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2006" and "Bratz."

Midway Games saw sales drop 19 percent compared to last May and 10 percent compared to last month. The company's game sales included "NBA Ballers: Phenom," "Rampage," "Blitz: The League," and "Mortal Kombat."