Will Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Go Through?

Will Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Go Through?

The proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI) by Microsoft is massive by any standards. Of course, it raises many questions. The video game industry is trying to gauge the potential impact of the deal. However, the bigger issue is what are the chances of this deal going through? And if it does occur how long will it take? When Microsoft announced it was buying Activision Blizzard for $95 a share the stock was tradin.....
Microsoft Announces Plan to Buy Activision Blizzard

Microsoft Announces Plan to Buy Activision Blizzard

Today it was announced that Microsoft plans to acquire Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI) for $68.7 billion. This is the largest video game deal ever and it will likely take some time to go through. Here are our initial thoughts. • Activision Blizzard was looking in a weak position with internal turmoil. The thinking was the company would need to be split up with Activision, Blizzard, King as three separate parts. It was hard to imagine any company willing to swallow the whole pill. .....
Consumer Interest In Xbox Still Behind PlayStation and Nintendo

Consumer Interest In Xbox Still Behind PlayStation and Nintendo

For several years DFC Intelligence has forecasted that PlayStation systems will continue to outperform Xbox systems by a significant margin. During 2021 there was some suggestion that interest in the Xbox Series X/S would increase with the Game Pass service and new exclusives like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5. However, the latest DFC survey shows that consumers are still leaning heavily towards PlayStation and Nintendo systems. In a detailed survey conducted in October/November th.....
Latin American Market May be Key to Microsoft Xbox Success

Latin American Market May be Key to Microsoft Xbox Success

Latin America is a video game loving region that is home to over 660 million people.  Many observers assume the market is dominated by mobile games.  However, there is a vibrant core gamer segment in Latin America that is very interested in the latest console and PC games. The latest DFC Intelligence forecasts estimate that core console and PC games in Latin America are expected to grow fro.....
Microsoft Flight Simulator Highlights A Bold Microsoft Strategy

Microsoft Flight Simulator Highlights A Bold Microsoft Strategy

Much of the news about Microsoft’s plans for a new video game console system has come out this week.  What is clear is that Microsoft is focused on a service-based subscription model.  However, one of the best indications of where Microsoft is going may be Microsoft Flight Simulator which launched for PC in August. The Flight Simulator franchise has been around since 1982 when Microsoft was using it to promote IBM DOS-based PCs.  In 1996, the franchise moved to Windows.....
Microsoft Throws a Hail Mary with Xbox Series S

Microsoft Throws a Hail Mary with Xbox Series S

The rumors about a watered-down digital only version of the upcoming Microsoft Xbox Series X have been going on for quite some time. In the past few days the details about the system, originally known as Project Lockhart, started to catch fire. Finally, on Tuesday September 8, Microsoft officially announced the rumors were true and a new system the Xbox Series S would launch November 10, 2020. The Xbox Series S will launch at the bargain price of $299. However, the Xbox Series S featur.....
Game Pass Could Be Microsoft’s Secret Weapon

Game Pass Could Be Microsoft’s Secret Weapon

On Thursday July 23, Microsoft finally revealed some key titles for the upcoming Xbox Series X via its online Xbox Games Showcase. The lineup looks solid, but the most notable feature seems to be the Xbox Game Pass service. The irony for Microsoft is that this service does not necessarily require a consumer to own the upcoming Xbox system. Game Pass is a subscription service that allows subscribers to play over 100 high-end games. The cost is $5 a month for PC game access, $10 a month .....
Can Elder Scrolls Become the Next Metaverse?

Can Elder Scrolls Become the Next Metaverse?

Elder Scrolls is a 25-year old action role-playing series set in a fantasy universe. Like many franchises with tens of millions of users, observers are starting to ask whether products like Elder Scrolls have the potential to become a metaverse. The concept of a metaverse is a hot buzzword in video games. A metaverse is basically a virtual 3D space where users can interact with each other. Not only can they communicate but they can build their own environments.....