Can anytihng stop Vivendi and Acti-Blizz-ision?

Activision Blizzard, once again, reported better than expected results and the company’s full year guidance remains unchanged despite a challenging software market. Performance was driven by a strong consumer response to Guitar Hero 5, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, Wolfenstein and the continued success of Guitar Hero and Call of Duty franchises as well as Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft.

For the first nine months of 2009, Guitar Hero World Tour and Call of Duty: World at War were respectively the #1 and #2 bestselling titles in North America (NPD Group) and Europe (Chartrack and Gfk). Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft continues its substantial lead in MMORPG category.

In IFRS, Activision Blizzard’s revenues were €1,986 million and EBITA was €406 million.

For the calendar year 2009, on a non-GAAP basis3, Activision Blizzard expects net revenues of $4.5 billion and earnings per diluted share of $0.63.

Activision Blizzard has already shipped four of its five holiday titles – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, DJ Hero, Band Hero and Bakugan Battle Brawlers.

The much anticipated Call Of Duty:Modern Warfare 2 has become the biggest launch in history across all forms of entertainment with estimated sales of $310 millions in North America and the United Kingdom alone in the first 24 hours. Tony Hawk: RIDE will be released next week in the United States.

As of September 30, 2009, Activision Blizzard had purchased $960 million, or approximately 89 million of its common shares, under its annual stock repurchase program since the program’s inception. As of September 30, 2009, Vivendi held an approximate 57% non-diluted ownership interest in Activision Blizzard.

Gee, you think Q4 will be ’better than expected’ considering the sales-pushing hype surrounding Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2?