"The video game industry was once thought to be virtually recession proof; unfortunately, recession reality has intruded," notes Geoffrey Seiler, who adds, "Boosters, however, are pointing to new games scheduled for release later this year as a reason for optimism."

In his always-informative BullMarket.com, the advisors offers an in-depth review of the sector, highlights potential opportunities in GameStop (NYSE: GME), Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), and Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI).

"When you get right down to it, success in the video game business isn't much different from the movie business: developers are only as good as their last hit game.

"Viacom (NYSE: VIA.B), the cable, movie and video game empire of longtime chairman Sumner Redstone, is a solid media stock that we think can be accumulated on dips," suggests Geoffrey Seiler.

In his always-excellent BullMarket.com, he looks to the upcoming release of Star Trek and the new Beatles-based music video game as potential catalysts for improved results. Here's his update.

"Viacom, which spun off CBS in 2007, describes itself as an entertainment content company that operates in two segments: Media Networks and Filmed Entertainment.

"Everyone who wants out has probably already done their selling," says Nate Pile, who sees a "sidways to up' market. In his Nate's Notes, the advisor sees opportunity in a trio of techs.

"My experience with market cycles continues to suggest to me that the odds favor a 'sideways or up' market over the next several months.

"Meanwhile, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is technically still stuck in a trading range, I am very pleased with the leadership it has shown in the market over the past several weeks.

"While I've watched video game maker Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) for many years, I've never felt it was cheap," says growth stock specialist Nate Pile.

In his Nate's Notes, he now says, "I am thrilled to see the stock price finally experience the sort of pullback that justifies a buy rating; indeed, I wasn't interested at $50 four months ago, but at $17 today, I can't help but get excited."

"Over the years, Electronic Arts has amassed an impressive library of titles. In particular, you may be familiar with the entire Sims collection, as well as the company's extensive lineup of sports games (including Madden NFL and Tiger Woods PGA Tour, for example).

"In addition, Spore is a recently introduced hit, and some other titles you may be familiar with (or at least seen in TV commercials) include Need For Speed, Medal of Honor, and Rock Band.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"The video game industry provides the best entertainment value per dollar and has generally been considered a recession resistant industry," says Asif Suria.

In his SINLetter, the advisor looks to the newly combined game maker Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI) as his top investment idea for the coming year.

"October video game retail sales increased 18% year-over-year and software sales jumped a whopping 35% to $696.8 million. November proved to be another good month with both overall and software sales up 10% and 11% respectively.

"However looking at the stock of industry leader Electronics Arts, which has lost more than 70% since the start of this year, this hardly seems to be case. Competitor Take-Two Interactive fared a little better but still lost more than half its value over the same time period.