Activision's Kotick Confirms DJ Hero Game This Year

Activision's DJ Hero, a widely-rumored music game supported by a turntable peripheral, is set to release this year, says CEO Bobby Kotick. Speaking at the Davos World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Kotick responded to CNBC reporters' questions about innovation in the games business by touting the upcoming product. "We have this product called DJ Hero coming out later this year, which is a turntable that you can actually play competitively, spin discs and mix on," he explained, although he offered no further detail on released dates or any other related information. The game seems conceptually similar to Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, a previously announced game from 7 Studios and Genius Products, in development with the help of hip hop veteran Quincy Jones III. It's also accompanied by a turntable controller, and gameplay focuses on the DJ experience. Specifically on peripheral-driven titles' ability to widen markets, Kotick noted, "This physical interface is starting to have a real impact on the consumer." Earlier in the same interview Kotick was asked about Activision's positioning against the global economic decline. "We're sitting on $3 billion in cash and no debt," he said simply. "We've been fortunate not to have to access the credit markets." Would Activision consider using any of that money for further business acquisitions? Kotick says right now the company is "focused on running our business," but at the same time, "it's nice to know that you have the strength... of balance sheet if there is a strategic opportunity."