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 Has Solid Games and Design Reveal

Sony PlayStation 5 Has Solid Games and Design Reveal

Surprise, Sony not only revealed games, but they gave the world a glimpse of the PlayStation 5 design.  With the PlayStation 5 having a large existing advantage over the Microsoft Xbox Series X, does this reveal change the analysis? This time of year, the video game industry was supposed to be gathering at the E3 show in Los Angeles.  This was the place to reveal new consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.  Of course, COVID-19 killed this year’s show.  .....
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.....
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X Release Full Specs

PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X Release Full Specs

While the world is battling coronavirus, gamers received a little excitement last week when both Sony and Microsoft released more detailed specs for their video game console systems.  In this battle of the engineers, the Xbox Series X specs arguably came out on top.  However, long-term DFC still believes the PlayStation 5 will be the best-selling system. For the hardware announcements, marketing and PR departme.....
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.....
Major Video Game Announcements at CES 2020

Major Video Game Announcements at CES 2020

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is always the first show of the New Year.  This is an event more about the future than what is actually currently going on in the marketplace.  CES 2020, held in Las Vegas January 7 to January 10, was no exception. The video game industry rarely pays much attention to CES.  However, this is a show about hardware and there are always some goofy gadgets looking to take the game world by storm.  CES shows that Sony, Microsoft and Nin.....
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 – .....
Will it be Sony and Microsoft versus Google and Amazon?

Will it be Sony and Microsoft versus Google and Amazon?

Last week many industry observers were surprised when Sony and Microsoft announced a deal to work together on cloud games/AI and other technology.  This deal was done at the highest level of both companies.  The big question of many observers is whether Sony and Microsoft are teaming up to fight a perceived challenge from newcomers like Google and Amazon? The deal basically has Sony using some of Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform technology to develop game and content streaming serv.....