Microsoft Flight Simulator Highlights A Bold Microsoft Strategy

Microsoft Flight Simulator Highlights A Bold Microsoft Strategy

Much of the news about Microsoft’s plans for a new video game console system has come out this week.  What is clear is that Microsoft is focused on a service-based subscription model.  However, one of the best indications of where Microsoft is going may be Microsoft Flight Simulator which launched for PC in August. The Flight Simulator franchise has been around since 1982 when Microsoft was using it to promote IBM DOS-based PCs.  In 1996, the franchise moved to Windows.....
Nvidia GeForce Now Service Expands to Chromebook

Nvidia GeForce Now Service Expands to Chromebook

The GeForce Now streaming service has not received a great deal of media attention.  This is surprising as it is arguably the most advanced service on the market.  It was timely that as students are heading back to school, Nvidia announced GeForce Now would be available on Chromebooks. Nvidia is known for its PC graphics cards that can cost over $1,000.   Of course, many consumers can not afford to spend big money on a high-end PC rig.  This is where GeForce No.....
Key Strategic Investors Make Major Bet on Interactive Game Streaming Technologies

Key Strategic Investors Make Major Bet on Interactive Game Streaming Technologies

Genvid Technologies focuses on what many would consider an obscure area, interactive streaming SDKs for game developers. However, this is an area that could drive a new future of game industry business models. Investors tend to agree as the company announced an oversubscribed Series B round from important strategic investors. The new funding round is for $33 million, raising the total investment in Genvid to $53 million. However, it was not the amount of money that made this investment.....
Activision Blizzard Removes Games from GeForce Now

Activision Blizzard Removes Games from GeForce Now

Last week Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI) released its annual results for 2019.  Revenue was down over 2018, but the stock had a nice increase.  This week ATVI announced it would remove its games from the newly launched GeForce Now streaming service.  So, what is up with Activision? In 2019, Activision revenue was $6.5 billion versus $7.0 billion for 2018.  Net income in 2019 was $1.5 billion versus $1.8 billion the previous year.  However, the week after th.....
Nvidia GeForce NOW is Strong Competitor to Google Stadia

Nvidia GeForce NOW is Strong Competitor to Google Stadia

The GeForce NOW cloud gaming service has been operating for several years. Today in a blog post, Nvidia announced GeForce Now is open for all and the service is officially launching. GeForce Now is launching as a $5 a month subscription service. This $5 price includes the first 3-months free and is good through 2020. There is also a free.....
The Failure of Google Stadia

The Failure of Google Stadia

When we had our first look at the Google Stadia streaming service at GDC in March 2019 we left uncertain. To us it was unimpressive, but we were told Google had more up its sleeve. Last week Google Stadia officially launched (we think) and it became clear the emperor has no clothes. Google Stadia is dead on arrival. I.....
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.....