Microsoft Activision Blizzard Ushers in New Era for Game Industry

The completion of the Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard launches a new era for the video game industry.   After years of struggle Microsoft has bought itself a position as a leading industry force.  The overall impact will be huge but remains uncertain.  However, we can start sketching out the major players and how this battle for market control is likely to play out. Microsoft is Now Largest Video Game Publisher In recen.....
Microsoft Video Game Results Remain Disappointing

Microsoft Video Game Results Remain Disappointing

For its fourth fiscal quarter ending 6/30/2023, Microsoft reported gaming revenue was up 1% year-over-year.  Xbox content and services grew 5% while Xbox hardware declined 13%. Analysis Microsoft’s video game performance continues to significantly underperform the industry.  The poor sales for Xbox hardware is in stark contrast to record sales for Sony’s PlayStation 5. .....
U.K. CMA Narrows Scope of Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Purchase

U.K. CMA Narrows Scope of Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Purchase

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued updated provisional findings to narrow its scope of review in the proposed Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard.  The new findings reach the provisional conclusion that overall the transaction will not result in a substantial lessening of competition for console gaming in the U.K. market This new finding d.....
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 .....
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.....
Activision Stock Price Depends on Microsoft Acquisition

Activision Stock Price Depends on Microsoft Acquisition

Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI) was one of the strongest performers in the DFC Intelligence Video Game Stock Index for 2022.  From January 2022 to January 2023, ATVI stock price increased 15% versus an average 30% decline in the index.  Of course, the reason for the increase was that Microsoft announced plans to buy Activision Blizz.....
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.....