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 .....
Does Nintendo Have the Best Online Subscription Service?

Does Nintendo Have the Best Online Subscription Service?

A great deal of attention has been focused on Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service.  However, the recent Microsoft quarterly earnings show that the service does not appear to be doing much for Microsoft’s bottom line.  Revenue from both Xbox hardware and content and services declined during the holiday 2022 season.  This begs the question, does Microsoft’s game business model make sense.....
Microsoft Video Game Revenue Declines for Holiday 2022

Microsoft Video Game Revenue Declines for Holiday 2022

For the second quarter of fiscal 2023 ending 12/31/22, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) saw revenue increase 2% to $52.7 billion from the previous year.  Revenue in Gaming declined 13% to $4.76 billion.  For the first six months of fiscal 2023, gaming revenue was down 7% to $8.4 billion.  In the second quarter, game hardware revenue declined 13% over the previous year and Xbox content and services declined 12%. Analysis Microsoft is a large company a.....
Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Enters Phase 2

Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Enters Phase 2

One of the biggest issues of 2022 has been the potential Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard. DFC Intelligence continues to argue that events of recent months indicate the deal is should get approved. Multiple Government Agencies Review the Deal There are several agencies around the globe looking at the Microsoft.....
Can Microsoft Control PC Game Distribution?

Can Microsoft Control PC Game Distribution?

PC game sales soared in 2020 driven by Covid stay-at-home orders. Sales leveled off in 2021 and the latest DFC forecasts predict a slight decline in 2022. However, at $37 billion a year the PC game business is as strong as ever and is the most lucrative platform for a wide range of products. With the potential Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a major question is whether there will be a shakeup in PC software di.....
Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Should Be Approved

Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Should Be Approved

Going into the last part of 2022 it is looking like the Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard (ATVI) will be approved. Microsoft has successfully framed the deal as a means of improving its competitive position in the PC game and console game spaces, an area where Microsoft has struggled against Valve and Sony. However, becoming more competitive in the video game business is not the primary consideration driving the acquisition. The reality is that acquiring ATVI is not about Mi.....
Subscription Services Drive Video Game Market Growth

Subscription Services Drive Video Game Market Growth

It is no secret that video game software delays will result in a weak holiday 2022 product lineup.  However, overall video game revenue in 2022 is expected to see continued growth without major new hits.  This is a sign of how the game industry has successfully moved to a games as a service model. In the latest DFC Intelligence market forecast 2022 software revenue from console and PC games .....