Game stocks celebrate new year

It looks like Electronics Boutique executives won't be the only ones breaking out the champagne a week after New Year's Eve. Not only did the retailer's recently announced holiday sales numbers boost its own stock $2.67 (10.90 percent), it also sent GameStop, the chain's main rival, shooting up $1.94 (12.08 percent).

The good news also rubbed off on publishers' stocks. Despite being the subject of a never-ending stream of protests and lawsuits over Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Take-Two Interactive led the pack with a $2.69 (9.22 percent) gain. Following behind it was THQ, up $1.22 (6.94 percent), and Electronic Arts, which rose $1.04 (2.17 percent).

But the news wasn't all good. Activision, Acclaim, and Eidos posted negligible gains (i.e. a dime or less), while Atari and Midway took minor losses (ditto). However, the EB numbers do dispel the air of doom that many analysts had cast over the 2003 holiday season.