2023 Sees the Video Game Industry in Transition

2023 Sees the Video Game Industry in Transition

So far 2023 has been a stagnant year for the video game industry.  DFC Intelligence forecasts that worldwide revenue for PC and console games will remain flat for the year at $74 billion.  However, from a strategic perspective the industry is undergoing a remarkable business model transition. As large publishers focus on live services there is growing potential for smaller publishers and developers. Living Games Redefine Launch Strategies Heading into the holiday season one.....

Microsoft Activision Blizzard Ushers in New Era for Game Industry

The completion of the Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard launches a new era for the video game industry.   After years of struggle Microsoft has bought itself a position as a leading industry force.  The overall impact will be huge but remains uncertain.  However, we can start sketching out the major players and how this battle for market control is likely to play out. Microsoft is Now Largest Video Game Publisher In recent months, DFC Intelligenc.....
Is Microsoft Activision Blizzard Deal Dead?

Is Microsoft Activision Blizzard Deal Dead?

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced that it is blocking the proposed Microsoft purchase of Activision Blizzard. Does this mean the deal is dead? The answer is complex. Summary: AKA Just Give Me the Answer DFC gets a ton of questions on this subject so we are providing a full summary of events here. However, for the quick summary: No the deal is not dead! However, Microsoft will likely need to make further compromises to appease regulators. The questi.....
Activision Blizzard Has Strong Start to 2023

Activision Blizzard Has Strong Start to 2023

For the first quarter of 2023 ending 3/31/23, Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI) reported revenue increased 35% over the previous year to $2.38 billion.  Net bookings were up 25% to $1.86 billion.  Net income for the quarter was $740 million compared with $395 million for the first quarter of 2022. In its financial release Activision commented on the U.K. CMA decision to block its acquisition by Microsoft.  The company stated: Activision Blizzard considers tha.....
U.K. CMA Narrows Scope of Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Purchase

U.K. CMA Narrows Scope of Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Purchase

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued updated provisional findings to narrow its scope of review in the proposed Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard.  The new findings reach the provisional conclusion that overall the transaction will not result in a substantial lessening of competition for console gaming in the U.K. market This new finding d.....
Do CMA Findings Jeopardize Microsoft Activision Blizzard Deal?

Do CMA Findings Jeopardize Microsoft Activision Blizzard Deal?

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its latest findings in its ongoing inquiry into the Activision Blizzard merger.  These provisional findings are part of the ongoing Phase 2 investigation that started last September and is scheduled to be completed by April 26, 2023. The 275-page document concludes with two major issues: The full report is available .....
Activision Blizzard Sees Bookings Soar

Activision Blizzard Sees Bookings Soar

For the third fiscal quarter ending 12/31/22, Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI) saw bookings soar to $3.56 billion, up 45% from the previous year’s quarter.  Net revenue was $2.3 billion with $1.2 billion in deferred revenue.  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II saw the highest opening quarter sell-through in franchise history.  Blizzard reported its highest quarterly net bookings. Analysis The results for Activision Blizzard were quite strong.  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.....