Faceoff,
Your interest in Capcom, EA, etc., is some of the best reasons for investing in a company. A (not THE...but A) general rule that is good to stand by is that if *you* are satisfied with a company, its products, and/or its services, it is more than likely that others too are generally satisfied. As such, if you feel good about the company, then you should consider investing in them. Again, that is a "general" rule.
It was *that* rule that led me to invest in Sony. In a nutshell, Sony has done very well for me (so perhaps you won\'t wish to read further for boredom, but here goes...). After my appreciation for gaming on the PS1 and knowing what I\'d enjoyed in various Sony products (previously mentioned in this thread), I opted to invest in Sony. I initially purchased 5 shares (my wife and I only recently - last 2 years or so - began investing in stocks) of Sony. Until recently I have enjoyed a 300% increase in this stock\'s worth. Also, over the course of ownership, the 5 shares split 2-1 so I now have 10 shares of same. The recent downturn in the markets has put a pinch on all tech related stocks (of which Sony is considered) and has therefore turned Sony\'s down some as well. However, I have a few shares of about 15 other companies as well and they have done despicably poor, whereas Sony is still showing an overall overwhelming profit. I\'m happy I did what I did with Sony.
Do keep in mind, however. Just as one should not invest all their money in a single company or type of stocks, there is a perceptible difference between investing in Sony and investing in a software company such as Namco or EA. Whereas Sony makes LOTS of different things, and therefore they can capture profits from many different products, various software developers can often count on their 1-3 titles coming out in a year to be their make or break opportunity. If the software busts, the company has no chance. I think you know where I\'m going here, but I\'ll leave it as is for now.
Also, if your interest go this way...start investigating the companies on the Net. Learn what they do and how they make their money, etc. There are a lot of great places to investigate companies...you\'ll be all the richer for taking the time to be sure.
- w1ngman