Google’s Cloud Game Strategy Post Stadia

Google’s Cloud Game Strategy Post Stadia

DFC Intelligence is doing a series of reports and in-depth research on the future of cloud games, live service games and the emergence of games as a service.  As part of this research, we are talking with experts from the leading companies in the industry.  With products like Google Play and YouTube Google has been a behind-the-scenes leader in video games for years. Becoming a leader in AAA games has been more challenging. Early this year Google shut down its cloud game s.....
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 appea.....
Video Game Stock Portfolio has 20% Return for the First 3 Months of 2023

Video Game Stock Portfolio has 20% Return for the First 3 Months of 2023

Video game stocks did well in the first quarter of 2023.  Stocks in the general video game stock index were up 15% while stocks in the DFC Intelligence Video Game Stock Portfolio showed a 20% return between the first week of January through early April.  This compares with only a 7% increase for the S&P 500. Hardware companies had the strongest gains with Turtle Beach (NASDAQ: HEAR) increasing 52% and Corsai.....
Global Video Game Audience Reaches 3.7 Billion

Global Video Game Audience Reaches 3.7 Billion

The latest DFC Intelligence report shows the number of global video game consumers has soared to 3.7 billion. This is closing in on nearly half of the global population as video games become ubiquitous. The new numbers were reported as part of the latest release in the DFC Video Game Consumer Segmentation service. The reality is the overall number of video game consum.....
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 .....
Don’t Blame the Economy for Poor Video Game Sales

Don’t Blame the Economy for Poor Video Game Sales

As Warner Bros Hogwarts Legacy becomes the latest title to announce record sales it is clear that the video game industry is back on track.  Consumers are in a buying mode, and it is up to companies to execute by delivering quality products.  Blaming the economy is no longer a valid excuse. PlayStation 5 is Now Available! Last year was tough for the video game industry.....
Japanese Video Game Companies Increase Focus on Western Markets

Japanese Video Game Companies Increase Focus on Western Markets

In a tough 2022, Japanese video game publishers did surprisingly well in the high-end North American and Europe markets.  This is an indication of a trend of Japan IP having a larger impact on the global market.  It also highlights some major differences between pay-upfront business models and live services/free-to-play models. Japanese Companies Dominated the Late 1980s and early 1990s With the rise of Nintendo in the 1980s, publishers from .....