The Failure of Google Stadia

The Failure of Google Stadia

When we had our first look at the Google Stadia streaming service at GDC in March 2019 we left uncertain. To us it was unimpressive, but we were told Google had more up its sleeve. Last week Google Stadia officially launched (we think) and it became clear the emperor has no clothes. Google Stadia is dead on arrival. I.....
Will Apple Dominate the Video Game Business?

Will Apple Dominate the Video Game Business?

For years DFC Intelligence has stated that Apple Inc could become the most powerful company in the video game industry if it desired.  However, the company has shown almost no interest in the game space.  Recent trends suggest that this is changing.  As services like Apple Arcade launch, it is important to look at how Apple may shake up the established video game market infrastructure. The new DFC Intelligence report Ap.....
Sony Gets Aggressive With PlayStation Now Game Streaming Service

Sony Gets Aggressive With PlayStation Now Game Streaming Service

In advance of the launch of competing services, Sony has announced a major price reduction for its PlayStation Now game streaming service.  In addition to cutting monthly subscription prices in half, Sony has added major new AAA content including Grand Theft Auto V. The new monthly pricing is: US: $9.99 – monthly / $24.99 – quarterly / $59.99 – yearly (from 19.99/ 44.99/ 99.99) CAN: $12.99 – monthly / $34.99 – .....
Activision Blizzard Sees Success with World of Warcraft Classic Sales

Activision Blizzard Sees Success with World of Warcraft Classic Sales

Large video game publishers have significant value in their historic franchises.  Unfortunately, they have often struggled to take full advantage of those evergreen classics.  Activision Blizzard was no exception.  However, the recent release of World of Warcraft Classic shows that they may be coming around. World of Warcraft Classic released on August 26th.  The main attraction of this product is that it is a version of the game from when it first launched 15 years ago .....
Battle Royale Game Revenue to Hit $7 Billion

Battle Royale Game Revenue to Hit $7 Billion

The latest DFC Intelligence report takes a hard look at the battle royale game genre.  One of many surprising findings was that PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is set to become the leading battle royale game in 2020.  Battle royale game revenue is set to reach $7 billion a year. The battle royale genre has been the biggest video game success story over the past two years.  There have been.....

Minecraft Popularity Continues to Soar

Throughout 2019, DFC Intelligence has noted how Minecraft was making a major comeback among the school-age audience.  This was after a slow period of general decline with the Microsoft purchase and rise of Fortnite.  Over the summer, Minecraft saw a continued increase in usage.  The Minecraft ecosystem is poised to be a major driver of future video game industry trends. In May, we wrote about how M.....

Will Minecraft RTX Drive Hardware Sales?

Minecraft is one of the most popular video games of all-time.  It is also decidedly low-tech and noted for its blocky graphics.  However, that may be changing as Minecraft looks to become one of the leading franchises for the next generation.  Minecraft RTX will be a major upgrade In May, DFC wrote about how Minecraft was starting to become cool again.  This was after the game seemed to stagna.....

Video Game Violence a Non-Issue in Today’s Society

With tragic mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio the issue of the link between video games and violence has once again reared its head.  The good news for the game industry is that this time it does not appear the public is buying claims of a connection. In the past week, DFC has received several worried calls from investors of public game companies.  They are concerned that the stock of video game companies will decline as they are linked to mass shootings.  Our respon.....