Konami Has Big Plans for 2023

Konami Has Big Plans for 2023

In the DFC Intelligence Interactive Entertainment Stock Index, the Konami Group (9766.T-JP: Tokyo) was one of the strongest performers with a 5% increase in stock price from January 2022 to January 2023.  The overall index was down 30%. Konami was actually one of the few companies to have a nice run in mid-2022.  In early June Konami stock was actually up 58% from January 2022.  Unfortunately, results for the first half of the year were just OK, nothing to get excited ab.....
CD Projekt is a Dark Horse

CD Projekt is a Dark Horse

CD Projekt (OTC: OTGLY) is a Polish video game company whose stock was hammered after the December 2020 release of Cyberpunk 2077.  After a major drop in value during 2021, CD Projekt stock fell a further 40% in 2022. However, Cyberpunk 2077 is looking like a strong performer going into 2023.  CD Projekt has also announced a major strategy based around the.....
Is Square Enix Trying to Do Too Much?

Is Square Enix Trying to Do Too Much?

For 2022, Square Enix (9684.T-JP: Tokyo) (OTC: SQNNY)  stock was down 1%.  This compares with a 30% decline for the DFC Intelligence Video Game Stock Index.  However, among Japanese video game companies, Square Enix was one of the weaker performers.  Overall Japanese video game companies had a strong stock price increase of 15%. The big news from Square Enix has been the sale of Western assets and IP to the.....
Electronic Arts Had Strong 2022

Electronic Arts Had Strong 2022

For 2022, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) was one of the strongest performers in the DFC Intelligence Interactive Entertainment Stock Index.  Of course, 2022 was a down year for most stocks and EA was no exception.  However, the decline in EA’s stock price in 2022 was only 8% versus an average 30% for the index. As DFC reported, Electronic Arts was able to maintain revenue even in the absence of new products rele.....
Could New Nintendo System Leapfrog PlayStation 5?

Could New Nintendo System Leapfrog PlayStation 5?

The Nintendo Switch is arguably the most successful video game system ever. At least for Nintendo, if not for major third-party publishers. Of course, nothing lasts forever and inevitably Nintendo will need to release a new system. Given current market conditions, a major question is will a new Nintendo console with a strong online component for live service games make the PlayStation 5 obsolete? Switch In Downcycle Switch sales hit records in both 202.....
Nintendo Switch Sales Forecast Lowered

Nintendo Switch Sales Forecast Lowered

For the first half of fiscal 2023 that ended 9/30/22, Nintendo reported Switch hardware sales down from 8.3 million units in the previous year period to 6.7 million.  In addition, forecasts for the year were lowered from 21 million Switch units to 19 million units. Analysis Despite the decline in hardware unit sales, Nintendo reported an increase in revenue.  This was largely due to favorable exchange rates with a strong U.S. dollar compared to the J.....
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.....