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.....
Microsoft Video Game Results Remain Disappointing

Microsoft Video Game Results Remain Disappointing

For its fourth fiscal quarter ending 6/30/2023, Microsoft reported gaming revenue was up 1% year-over-year.  Xbox content and services grew 5% while Xbox hardware declined 13%. Analysis Microsoft’s video game performance continues to significantly underperform the industry.  The poor sales for Xbox hardware is in stark contrast to record sales for Sony’s PlayStation 5.  Clearly Microsoft needs .....
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.....
Microsoft Hardware Revenue Has Major Decline

Microsoft Hardware Revenue Has Major Decline

For its third fiscal quarter ending 3/31/23, Microsoft reported that Xbox Hardware revenue was down 30% year over year.  Xbox content and services were up 3%.  Overall game revenue was down 4% to $3.6 billion. Analysis The big news this week has been the U.K. blocking Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.  The recently released financials serve to highlight how.....
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.....
Will Xbox First-Party Software Catchup to PlayStation in 2023?

Will Xbox First-Party Software Catchup to PlayStation in 2023?

It is no secret that in recent years Microsoft has made a significant investment in beefing up its internal video game software development.  However, since the 2020 launch of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, Sony has been ahead when it comes to notable first-party software.  This may be changing going forward as some big-name exclusives are scheduled to launch for Xbox platforms. As PlayStation 5 shortages ease, the new .....
Microsoft Signs Game Deals with Nvidia and Nintendo

Microsoft Signs Game Deals with Nvidia and Nintendo

Microsoft announced two separate deals to bring Xbox games to other platforms.  Nvidia and Microsoft signed a 10-year partnership to bring Xbox PC games to the Nvidia GeForce Now cloud streaming service. In a tweet from Microsoft President Brad Smith, it was announced that Microsoft and Nintendo have signed a binding 10-year agreement to bring Call of Duty games to Nintendo players on the same day as Xbox. Analysis The announcements are clearly an effort to assure .....