Interplay Entertainment Gets Nasdaq Warning

The National Assn. of Securities Dealers notified Irvine computer game maker Interplay Entertainment Corp. that it does not meet certain criteria to maintain future listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The software publisher disputes the decision, and says it will appeal the NASD’s notice at a hearing June 22. The news does not mean that the financially troubled company’s stock will be delisted, analysts said. Interplay recently reported a net loss of $5.5 million in the first quarter ended March 31, down from a $8.3-million loss in the same period a year earlier. Revenue in the quarter fell 16% to $18.1 million. Though the company has a slew of popular titles on store shelves, Interplay is caught by an industrywide slump as consumers wait for the debut of new video players. Pending the outcome of the NASD hearing, Interplay’s common stock will continue to trade on the exchange, Interplay officials said. Interplay’s stock rose 9 cents to close at $2.13.