So the video-game data report for February is out. According to InvestorPlace's survey of NPD figures, consoles systems saw a 10% increase in sales. Microsoft's (MSFT) Xbox 360 was particularly robust. The Nintendo (NTDOY) Wii didn't do badly, either.

As you might imagine, there were other companies mentioned in the article. Electronic Arts (ERTS) scored pretty well, as did Activision Blizzard (ATVI). In fact, the latter's latest Call of Duty entry is apparently still selling a bunch of copies in retail shelves even though the holiday season is long gone.

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (TTWO) reported earnings for the fiscal third quarter yesterday after the bell. Today, the market expressed its pleasure with the results. In fact, a new 52-week high of $15.50 was set this session.

At the time of this writing, the quote going across my screen was $14.82, a price that was representative of a 2% gain. Volume conviction is definitely present. Looking at the one-year chart, it can be seen that the uptrend in the shares continues on following the making of a low point near the end of August.

Dawn Kawamoto over at DailyFinance wrote an article discussing THQ Inc. (THQI). She brings into focus a licensing deal between the video-game publisher and Mattel, Inc. (MAT). There was also mention of the incredible price action in the stock. So, what are investors to make of the thesis? What about traders?

This is a tricky one. And I've been wrong about THQ's prospects before. It's certainly difficult to predict the movement of a stock that's priced in the single digits. At the time of this writing, the shares were trading at a quote of $6.26.

I've written a lot about Blizzard (ATVI). It's a fun stock to watch. And the company is pretty fun, too. How can you not like the business behind both Call of Duty and Pitfall?

Those who've read my prior pieces on this subject probably know what I'm about to say in regard to the recent bullishness in the shares: Take profits now. Yes, the stock continues to scare me a bit. Well, maybe more than a bit. I know that the latest Call of Duty title is doing incredibly well at retail, but I also know that Guitar Hero is no longer on every teenager's Christmas wish list. Offsetting elements can be a problem, keep in mind.

There are always interesting stories in the marketplace. Today, I'm going to briefly comment on the price movements of three that I am watching.

Activision Blizzard (ATVI) is currently down 3% to $11.52, with significant volume backing the sell-off. Down, is that right, you ask? Yes, I'm afraid it is. I know: Call of Duty: Black Ops is doing excellent business. Millions of copies have been sold, and hundreds of millions of dollars have been grossed. Unfortunately, when it comes to trading on such news, the best bet is to sell out on any anticipatory rise that manifests itself before the event finally occurs.

Activision Blizzard (ATVI) was, at the time of this writing, off by 3% to a quote of $11.28. Strong volume accompanied the dip. It's a shame, because the latest earnings report wasn't all that bad.

According to the Associated Press, adjusted income of 12 cents per share was three pennies ahead of the consensus estimate. The top line, after taking into account some items, also beat projections. Furthermore, management raised its outlook for the full fiscal year.

Activision Blizzard (ATVI) will be issuing its third-quarter earnings release on Thursday, November 4. How should investors view the stock?

Right now, I'm not so positive on the shares. They were trading at a quote of $11.39 at the time of this writing. The 52-week low for the shares is $9.93; the 52-week high is $12.58. The chart shows an up-down pattern that probably doesn't inspire a lot of confidence in investors. You get the feeling that putting capital to work in this name will inevitably lead to a dead-money situation.