Global Video Game Consumer Population Passes 3 Billion

Global Video Game Consumer Population Passes 3 Billion

DFC Intelligence just released its latest global Video Game Consumer Segmentation.  This ongoing project breaks out the number of game consumers by country, region, and platform.  As of mid 2020, it is estimated that the number of global game consumers is approaching 3.1 billion. Of course, 3 billion is a massive number, however it only represents about 40% of the world population.  Furthermore, by far .....
PlayStation 5 Expected to Significantly Outperform Xbox Series X

PlayStation 5 Expected to Significantly Outperform Xbox Series X

In recent months it has become clear that Sony and Microsoft are pursuing two very different strategies in the video game industry.  The likely result is that the upcoming Sony PlayStation 5 should significantly outsell the Microsoft Xbox Series X.  However, Microsoft may have the long-term winning battle plan. The latest DFC Intelligence video game console forecasts have the PlayStation 5 outselling t.....
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 .....
Sony PlayStation 5 on Track for 2020 Launch

Sony PlayStation 5 on Track for 2020 Launch

In the recent DFC Intelligence Video Game Forecast, we modeled both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X to launch in 2020. In Sony’s recent fiscal year earnings and forecast releases the company has confirmed the PlayStation 5 launch is still on track for holiday 2020. Assuming that hardware launches are on track the big remaining question is how many units will a.....
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.....
Final Fantasy VII Remake Turns Classic 1990s Game Into a Billion Dollar+ Product

Final Fantasy VII Remake Turns Classic 1990s Game Into a Billion Dollar+ Product

On April 10, Square Enix released Final Fantasy VII Remake. This game was based on the 1997 hit PlayStation title. Rereleasing classic titles is not new. However, what Square Enix is doing with Final Fantasy VII Remake is taking a historic franchise and making it into a billion dollar plus product. Upon its release, Final Fantasy VII was seen as a key driver for the first PlayStation system. At the time Square, along with then competitor Enix, had the best-sel.....
Activision Blizzard Removes Games from GeForce Now

Activision Blizzard Removes Games from GeForce Now

Last week Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI) released its annual results for 2019.  Revenue was down over 2018, but the stock had a nice increase.  This week ATVI announced it would remove its games from the newly launched GeForce Now streaming service.  So, what is up with Activision? In 2019, Activision revenue was $6.5 billion versus $7.0 billion for 2018.  Net income in 2019 was $1.5 billion versus $1.8 billion the previous year.  However, the week after th.....
Nintendo Sales Strong/ Stock Drops

Nintendo Sales Strong/ Stock Drops

Last week Nintendo announced its earnings for the nine months ending 12/31/2019.  As expected Nintendo sales were strong.  However, they were not strong enough to please investors who punished Nintendo stock. DFC Intelligence had forecasted a strong holiday season for the Nintendo Switch and it delivered.  For the second half of 2019, Switch hardware sales were up 31% over 2018.&nb.....