Can Video Game Software Really Sell at $70

Can Video Game Software Really Sell at $70

With the new game system launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X many are arguing that this will be the last major console hardware cycle.  However, the bigger issue is around software.  In the emerging digital age can game software maintain a premium price or are games doomed to go the way of the music industry? DFC has long argued that the demand for high-end dedicated hardware is huge and growing.  Ironically, this demand has only grown in the digital era where d.....
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series: Is This the Last Generation of Video Game Console Systems?

PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series: Is This the Last Generation of Video Game Console Systems?

As a new generation of game consoles launches many observers are again wondering if this will be the end of the console era. In other words, as games go online, will game hardware, like many consumer electronics products, become a commodity? This question has been asked for years, but now takes on new importance given the strategy of companies like Microsoft that increasingly view game offerings as part of a hardware agnostic service. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X will be in sh.....
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.....
Sony Stock Jumps as Game Revenue Declines

Sony Stock Jumps as Game Revenue Declines

On Monday February 3, Sony Corporation (NYSE: SNE) announced total revenue results that were flat, but down significantly in the video game division.  Ironically Sony stock rose on the news.  This was in sharp contrast to Nintendo that a few days before had seen its stock drop after reporting a significant revenue increase. The recent third fiscal quarter for Sony ended on December 31, 2019.  Overall revenue in the quarter was up 3% over Q3 2018.  However, net incom.....
Sony Gets Aggressive With PlayStation Now Game Streaming Service

Sony Gets Aggressive With PlayStation Now Game Streaming Service

In advance of the launch of competing services, Sony has announced a major price reduction for its PlayStation Now game streaming service.  In addition to cutting monthly subscription prices in half, Sony has added major new AAA content including Grand Theft Auto V. The new monthly pricing is: US: $9.99 – monthly / $24.99 – quarterly / $59.99 – yearly (from 19.99/ 44.99/ 99.99) CAN: $12.99 – monthly / $34.99 – .....
Online Console Video Game Sales Expected to Pass Packaged Sales in 2019

Online Console Video Game Sales Expected to Pass Packaged Sales in 2019

DFC Intelligence just released its latest global video game console market forecast.  This included initial estimates for console systems expected to launch in 2020 and beyond.  Of course, one of the biggest issues is the growing digital delivery of software on console systems.  DFC Intelligence forecasts that revenue from digital delivery of console software will pass sales of packaged software in 2019......
Analysis: AAA Video Games for Late 2018

Analysis: AAA Video Games for Late 2018

Last week we looked at the strong video game lineup for the first half of 2018.  Of course, most of the big sales occur in the second half, and more specifically the fourth quarter.  With strong hardware sales and an impressive holiday lineup, DFC Intelligence recently raised its forecast for both 2018 and 2019.  .....
Assessment of the Top Selling Video Games of the First Half of 2018

Assessment of the Top Selling Video Games of the First Half of 2018

The first half of 2018 is in the record books and it is time to assess where we are at.  We can say right off the bat it was a fairly strong first half.  Of course, most industry sales are done in the second half of the year, so it is hard to say whether that will translate into a solid second half.  This article is our examination of the top video games of the first half of 2018.  Our next article will provide our predictions for the second half of the year. Of course, when talkin.....