Activision (ATVI 18.40) said it expects first quarter results to exceed its previous guidance, as the video game publisher shipped more than 8 million units during the latest period.  Its shares traded higher on the news, gaining more than 3% in pre-market activity.

Activision, and other leading video game software developers, are benefiting from the build-out of next-generation gaming systems from Sony (SNE 53.04), Microsoft (MSFT 29.87), and Nintendo (NTDOF 340.00).  The company's shares have climbed more than 71% over the past twelve months, and are up about 7% since the beginning of the year.  With a strong release schedule, and a number of long-term licensing deals with key content providers like Marvel Enterprises (MVL 26.56) and DreamWorks (DWA 28.84), Activision remains well-positioned in an industry with strong fundamentals.  

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