Top 10 of 2009: News
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Number 4: Square Enix Acquires Eidos
Switching back to the start of 2009 once again and for Eidos it was the calm after the storm, but before another storm.
For a company which had seen its market capitalisation decimated in the space of six months between 2007-2008, its senior management walk and an entirely new business structure put in place, most of the work seemed to have been done by the beginning of this year - and finally the insane level of rumour-mongering about potential new ownership had died down.
Which is why it was inevitable that only halfway through January the company announced an acquisition approach, followed by a calm and efficient period of time until that deal with Square Enix was closed.
Given the rollercoaster ride the company had endured in the preceding two years, the acquisition process was actually very smooth, and now the new publishing entity - Square Enix Europe - is effectively bedded in with plenty of time to go before flagship title Final Fantasy XIII is released in the region.
At the same time both entities look likely to benefit from the overall integration of cultures, and while some will bemoan the passing of yet another UK business into foreign ownership, the reality of the market situation once again underlines the importance of a global approach.
That's not to say that the new combination won't face challenges next year - after all, it still is yet to announce its plans with respect to pretty much all of the former Eidos franchises, Tomb Raider, Hitman and Championship Manager among them.
But, finally, the uncertainty around the company is over and I suspect that for many employees this will be the most relaxing and enjoyable Christmas for some time.