#3 - Microsoft Game Studios

With the 3rd pick in this year’s draft, Microsoft Game Studios select Niko Bellic out of Grand Theft Univeristy.  It’s surprising to see Niko fall to #3 and into the laps of the team at MGS.  It’s perhaps even more surprising that Nintendo opted to pass on who many teams had rated as the overall #1 value on their draft boards.  It’s true that a few character issues have come up in the weeks leading up to the draft but that apparently had no bearing on who Microsoft Game Studios would select at #3.

“We interviewed Niko and he assured us that most of the character issues during the previous seasons at Grand Theft University were a thing of the past,” said Microsoft.  “So we felt like at #3, the risk was worth the reward for what we think Niko can do for our team.”

This is the first European born pick to make it in the top 5 so that says something about the programs Niko comes from.  He’s definitely out to prove that he was the right choice at #3 this year.  Will he prove a good pick this year?  Only time will tell.  If you believe Niko when he says he wants a “new start”, then you’ll believe he can turn things around this year for Microsoft Game Studios.

#4 - Activision Blizzard

 With the fourth pick, Activision Blizzard selects Jack from East BioShock Rapture State University.  This is the pick that everyone knew would be made as Activision Blizzard looks to ease the transition of merging with another team during the off-season.  Jack has a lot of experience having been a starter in his freshman year and winning many of that season’s individual awards.  He also lead his team to GOTY honors in their respective division so it’s no surprise he was taken with the 4th pick.

“I’d like to thank my little sisters and friends for motivating me to work hard during the year,” Jack said.  “I can’t wait to get started and do the things I do in my next game.”

This pick was a bit of a stretch for Activision Blizzard if you think about who’s still available on the board right now.  Alex Mercer is still available.  Ed Carnby.  Alan Wake.  You have the guys out of COD Academy still sitting there.  2K was trying to trade up in order to make the grab here so it’ll be interesting to see how their draft board changes.  Who do they go to after this?