Tag Archives: Games

Business, Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

The official future Xbox was already apparent before the confirmation by Phil Spencer

In a recent interview with XboxEra, Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, made some groundbreaking announcements that have sent ripples through the gaming community. The interview, which celebrated the 250th episode of the XboxEra podcast, was a candid and insightful discussion about the future of Xbox and its strategy moving forward.

The End of Exclusivity

One of the most significant revelations from the interview was Spencer’s confirmation that Xbox is no longer aiming for exclusivity. In a not surprising shift from previous strategies (if you were paying special attention at least since the purchase of Zenimax and Bethesda in 2021), Spencer stated “I’m not trying to move [PS5 and PC] all over to Xbox anymore.” He acknowledged that players are deeply invested in their current platforms and that Xbox’s goal now is to allow more people to play Xbox games, regardless of the system they own.

This move marks a departure from the traditional console wars, where each platform vied for exclusive titles to attract and retain players. Spencer emphasized that while Xbox only recoups 70% of the sale when games are sold on competitor devices, this strategy helps build a great portfolio and reach a broader audience.

Another key point Spencer discussed was Xbox’s commitment to supporting single-player games. He highlighted the importance of Xbox Game Pass in keeping modern single-player games viable3. Spencer explained, “Part of our reason for trying to get a subscription going was to allow us to also support games that have a beginning, middle, and end.” This approach helps studios resist the temptation to turn everything into a live-service product and ensures a diverse range of gaming experiences.

Spencer also indirectly confirmed that Double Fine Productions’ next project will be another single-player title, further underscoring Xbox’s dedication to this genre. With many more single-player games from both Microsoft and third-party studios coming to Xbox Game Pass in 2025, it’s clear that Xbox is committed to providing varied and engaging content for its subscribers.

The Back Story

The interview also touched on the back story of Xbox’s evolving strategy. Spencer reflected on the early days of Xbox and how the company’s focus has shifted over the years1. He mentioned that while Xbox initially aimed to dominate the gaming market with exclusive titles, the changing landscape and player preferences have led to a more inclusive approach.

Spencer’s pragmatic outlook was evident when he admitted that although he would prefer to make all the money from Xbox games, the current strategy of allowing games to be played on other platforms is beneficial for building a strong portfolio and reaching a wider audience. He also reassured fans that Xbox is not giving up on its hardware endeavors and continues to invest in its own platform.

As Xbox moves into this new era, Spencer’s vision is clear: to create a more inclusive gaming environment where players can enjoy Xbox games on their preferred platforms. This shift not only benefits players but also helps Xbox build a diverse and robust portfolio of games.

The interview with Phil Spencer was a refreshing and insightful look into the future of Xbox, and it’s clear that the company is committed to evolving with the times and meeting the needs of its players. As we look ahead, it will be exciting to see how this new strategy unfolds and what it means for the gaming community.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Ubisoft heading to close Fiscal Year 2025 with a Live Services with Open World games focus for FY2026

Ubisoft recently released its earnings report for the third quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year. The company reported net bookings in line with revised expectations, and confirmed its full-year targets1. Despite some challenges, including the underwhelming performance of Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft’s strategic focus on open-world action-adventure games and live service games continues to drive its financial health.

Key Highlights:

  • Net Bookings: €751 million ($857 million USD)
  • Operating Income: €129 million ($147 million USD)
  • Cost Reduction: Expected savings of €200 million ($228 million USD) ahead of schedule

Strategic Focus on Open-World and Live Service Games

During a Q&A session following the financial results presentation, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot emphasized the company’s commitment to focusing on open-world action-adventure games and live service games. This strategic direction includes popular franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Rainbow Six Siege, as well as upcoming titles such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows and The Crew Motorfest.

Ubisoft has a robust pipeline of products for the coming years. Some of the key titles to look forward to include:

  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Set to launch on March 20, 2025, this highly anticipated game has already garnered significant pre-orders.
  • Rainbow Six Across All Platforms: Plans for major updates and expansions are in the works.
  • Anno 117: Pax Romana: Scheduled for release next year, this game is expected to be a major addition to Ubisoft’s portfolio.
  • The Division: Resurgence on Mobile: This mobile game is also set to make a significant impact.

Despite some setbacks, Ubisoft’s financial health remains strong. The company’s cost reduction program is expected to be achieved ahead of schedule, with savings exceeding €200 million. The focus on open-world and live service games is seen as a key strategy to maintain and grow Ubisoft’s market position.

As per VGC, Ubisoft’s strategic focus on open-world and live service games is a clear indication of its commitment to delivering engaging and immersive gaming experiences year after year. With a strong pipeline of upcoming titles and a solid financial foundation, Ubisoft is poised to continue its success in the gaming industry.

We have been investing significantly for a big pipeline of products for the coming years along our two verticals, [these] being open-world action adventure as well as ‘Game as a Service’-native experiences.

And that’s what we want to deliver year after year.

As you know, we are preparing a big launch for Assassin’s Creed Shadows in the very short term. Next year we’ll have big plans that will benefit Rainbow Six across all platforms, that’s focusing well, and that’s a key milestone in the gross plan for the company.

We’ve announced that Anno 117: Pax Romana will also come next year, as well as The Division: Resurgence on mobile. All this is coming along well. We haven’t provided more colour for FY 2026 but we’ll have more to share by the time of May, and as I’ve just said, we have a strong platform for the future years across these two verticals.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 brings ease at the finances of Embracer Group

Embracer Group, a major player in the gaming industry, recently released its Q3 earnings report for the fiscal year 2024/25. The report presents a mixed picture, with some segments showing declines while others have managed to grow.

Financial Overview

  • Net Sales: Embracer Group reported net sales of $685 million, a decrease of 3% compared to the same period last year. This figure includes a 7% organic growth.
  • Segment Performance:
    • PC/Console Games: This segment saw a significant decline of 23%, with sales dropping to $241 million.
    • Mobile Games: There was a slight increase of 2%, bringing sales to $155 million.
    • Entertainment & Services: This segment performed well, with a 19% increase in sales, reaching $286 million.
  • EBIT: The company’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to $59 million, a decrease of 305 million SEK.
  • Adjusted EBIT: Adjusted EBIT decreased by 11% to $133 million, corresponding to an adjusted EBIT margin of 16%.
  • Cash Flow: Cash flow from operating activities was $183 million, and free cash flow after changes in working capital amounted to $97 million.

Embracer Group’s CEO, Lars Wingefors, commented on the report, highlighting the successful spin-off and listing of Asmodee Group as a non-current asset. He emphasized the company’s strong foundation for future value creation and reassured investors about the company’s performance.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Shines Bright

One of the standout performers for Embracer Group has been Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, developed by Warhorse Studios. The game has exceeded expectations, selling nearly 2 million copies in less than a month. It set six concurrent player records on Steam, peaking at over 250,000 simultaneous players.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s success is attributed to its high-quality production and the strong support from the gaming community. The game’s launch day saw over 1 million copies sold, quickly surpassing its predecessor in both sales and reviews.

Embracer Group is optimistic about the future, with a robust roadmap of new content and updates for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. The company believes that investing time and resources in high-quality titles is crucial for sustained success in the competitive gaming market.

Business, Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Nintendo Granted U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111 and probably is going to be used against Palworld

Nintendo has recently been granted U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111, a significant development in its ongoing legal dispute with Pocketpair, the developers behind Palworld. This patent, filed after Palworld’s launch, covers the process of aiming and capturing characters in a game, a mechanic that closely resembles the gameplay of Pokémon.

The patent describes a gameplay system where players use a “catching item” to capture a “field character” and then engage in a battle with a “fighting character”. This system is integral to the lawsuit in Japan, where Nintendo has accused Pocketpair of infringing on multiple patents related to creature-catching mechanics.

Pocketpair has confirmed a few months ago, that Nintendo’s lawsuit involves three specific Japanese patents: 7,545,191, 7,493,117, and 7,528,390. These patents cover various game mechanics, including the use and activation of “rideable characters” and the process of aiming and throwing a captured item at a character to capture it in a virtual space.

Evidently, U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111 is the American equivalent and consolidated patent of the previous three.

In a first mode, an aiming direction in a virtual space is determined based on a second operation input, and a player character is caused to launch, in the aiming direction, an item that affects a field character disposed on a field in the virtual space, based on a third operation input. In a second mode, the aiming direction is determined, based on the second operation input, and the player character is caused to launch, in the aiming direction, a fighting character that fights, based on the third operation input.

With the approval of this patent, Nintendo is now preparing to potentially extend its legal battle to the United States. The company has also filed additional patents related to creature-catching mechanics, further strengthening its case1. This move highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property and the potential for international legal disputes over game mechanics.

Nintendo’s legal strategy involves building a “patent family” where later patents are connected to earlier filings. This approach ensures that even if specific claims are rejected, the overall patent portfolio remains robust. The recent approval of U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111 is part of this broader strategy to protect its intellectual property on a global scale.

This development has significant implications for the gaming industry, as it underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property and the potential for international legal disputes over game mechanics. It also raises questions about the boundaries of game design and the extent to which companies can claim ownership over common gameplay elements.

As the legal battle between Nintendo and Pocketpair continues, the approval of U.S. Patent No. 12,179,111 marks a critical step in Nintendo’s efforts to protect its intellectual property. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for the gaming industry and the way game mechanics are developed and protected in the future.

Business, Gaming, News, Playstation

Playstation led the win the Q3 2025 for Sony

Sony Corporation recently announced its Q3 earnings for the fiscal year 2025, revealing impressive growth across its various divisions. However, the standout performer was undoubtedly the PlayStation and gaming business, which has continued to exceed expectations and drive significant revenue growth.

Sony reported a net income of $2.45 billion for the quarter, surpassing Wall Street expectations. The company’s revenue reached $28.95 billion, with full-year revenue projections now set at $86.66 billion. This strong financial performance can be attributed in large part to the success of the PlayStation division.

PlayStation 5 Sales Surge

One of the most notable highlights from the earnings report was the PlayStation 5 sales figures. Sony sold 9.5 million PlayStation 5 consoles between October and December 2024, bringing the total lifetime sales to over 75 million units. This marks a significant milestone for the console, which has been a major driver of growth for Sony’s gaming business.

The gaming software segment also saw substantial growth, with 95.9 million units sold during the quarter. This includes 11.6 million units of first-party titles, although this was a slight decrease from the previous year. Additionally, PlayStation Network’s monthly active users increased from 118 million in FY23 Q3 to 129 million in FY24 Q3. PlayStation Plus’ revenue also saw a 20% year-on-year increase, driven by a shift towards higher-priced tiers.

Despite these successes, Sony faces challenges in the competitive gaming market. Intense competition from rivals like Xbox and Nintendo, as well as cybersecurity vulnerabilities, pose ongoing threats4. However, emerging markets and the rise of esports, mobile gaming, and advanced technologies like VR and AR present new growth opportunities for PlayStation.

With all that Sony remains optimistic about the future of its gaming business. With the launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro and upcoming highly anticipated titles like Ghost of Yotei, Monster Hunter Wilds, and GTA VI, the company expects continued growth in the coming fiscal year. Sony’s commitment to innovation and its strong brand loyalty among gamers position it well to capitalize on these opportunities.

Other Key Segments

  • Imaging & Sensing Solutions (I&SS): This segment, which includes image sensors, saw a 15% year-on-year increase in revenue. Sony’s image sensors are widely used in smartphones and other devices, contributing significantly to the company’s overall revenue.
  • Music: Sony’s music division also performed well, with a 10% increase in revenue compared to the previous year. The growth was driven by strong streaming numbers and the success of new releases from popular artists.
  • Pictures: The entertainment division, which includes movies and television production, saw a 5% increase in revenue. This was attributed to the success of new film releases and increased licensing deals.
  • Financial Services: This segment experienced a slight decline in revenue due to lower interest rates and increased competition in the financial sector.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Recap of PlayStation State of Play: February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025, was a day filled with excitement for PlayStation fans as Sony hosted its first State of Play presentation of the year. The livestream, which ran for over 40 minutes, showcased a variety of upcoming games and updates for the PlayStation 5.

This article focus on brand-new games, no remaster/remakes (full event at the end of the article).

The event kicked off with a teaser for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, directed by Hideo Kojima. The trailer hinted at a more immersive experience, with stunning visuals and a gripping storyline.

Next up was Ghost of Yotei by Sucker Punch Productions. The game, set in a snowy, mystical world, promises to be an action-packed adventure with breathtaking graphics and a captivating narrative.

Another highly anticipated game was Marathon, a revival of the classic Bungie shooter. The new version promises to bring back the fast-paced, intense gameplay that fans loved, with updated graphics and new features1.

The presentation also included a surprise announcement for Grand Theft Auto 6, which is set to release in fall 2025. The trailer showcased the open-world gameplay and the vast, detailed environment that Rockstar Games is known for.

Other notable games featured in the State of Play included:

  • Civ 7: The latest installment in the popular Civilization series, promising new features and improvements.
  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: A sequel to the critically acclaimed medieval RPG.
  • Sniper Elite: Resistance: A new entry in the stealth-action series, set in an alternate history World War II.
  • Path of Exile 2: The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved action RPG.
  • Black Ops 6: The latest installment in the Call of Duty franchise, featuring new gameplay mechanics and a gripping storyline.
  • Lost Soul Aside: An indie game with a unique art style and engaging gameplay.
  • Monster Hunter Wilds: A new entry in the Monster Hunter series, set in an expansive open world.
  • Hell is Us: A dark, atmospheric game with a gripping storyline.
  • Judas: A new game from a renowned developer, promising innovative gameplay and a compelling story.

My notable mentions:

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Sega has announced a new Shinobi game titled Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. This game is set to be released on August 29, 2025, for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. It’s the first new entry in the series in nearly 15 years. The game will feature the classic protagonist Joe Musashi, who returns to find his village in ruins and his clan turned to stone. Players can expect challenging platforming puzzles and intense combat with a variety of weapons and Ninjutsu skills.

Warriors Abyss

Omega Force is taking the Dynasty Warriors series into roguelike territory with Warriors Abyss. This new game will feature frenzied action and a roguelite spin-off style, allowing players to take command of historic warriors and challenge countless swarms of enemies. The game will be released digitally, though no specific release date has been announced yet

The State of Play event was a major success, with fans eagerly anticipating the release of these exciting games. Sony’s commitment to delivering high-quality content for the PlayStation 5 was evident throughout the presentation, and fans can look forward to more exciting announcements in the future.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Crytek freezes Crysis 4 development

Crytek, the renowned developer behind the iconic Crysis series, recently announced that the development of Crysis 4 has been put on hold. This decision comes amidst significant layoffs affecting up to 60 employees, which accounts for 15% of their workforce.

The company cited financial sustainability and unfavorable market dynamics as the primary reasons for this move.

The Crysis series has been a staple in the first-person shooter genre since its debut in 2007. Known for its groundbreaking visuals and innovative nanosuit powers, Crysis has set a high bar for PC gaming benchmarks. The last mainline game, Crysis 3, was released in 2013, and fans have eagerly awaited a new installment ever since.

Crysis 4 was officially announced in January 2022, generating excitement among fans. The teaser showcased impressive visuals and hinted at the return of the beloved nanosuit powers. However, since the announcement, updates on the game’s progress have been scarce.

Shift to Hunt: Showdown 1896

In an effort to remain financially viable, Crytek shifted its focus to Hunt: Showdown 1896, a successful PvPvE extraction shooter. The game has seen a surge in popularity, partly due to celebrity endorsements and new content updates4. Despite these efforts, the company determined that layoffs were inevitable to continue operations.

Layoffs and Severance Packages

Crytek’s founder, Avni Yerli, expressed deep regret over the layoffs, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the affected employees. The company has committed to offering severance packages and career assistance services to support those impacted2.

Crytek’s situation is not unique, as the video game industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years. Market dynamics, rising costs, and changing consumer preferences have forced many studios to reevaluate their strategies and make difficult decisions4.

While Crysis 4 is currently on hold, Crytek remains committed to Hunt: Showdown 1896 and the continued development of its game engine, CRYENGINE. The company hopes to return to Crysis 4 development when the financial situation stabilizes.

The decision to put Crysis 4 on hold is a tough one for both Crytek and its fans. However, it reflects the harsh realities of the gaming industry and the need for studios to adapt to survive. As fans, we can only hope that Crytek will find a way to bring the next chapter of Crysis to life in the future.

Games, Gaming, News

Remedy got Alan Wake 2 finally being profitable while Control 2 is now on full development phase

Remedy Entertainment, the renowned Finnish game developer behind hits like “Alan Wake” and “Control,” has announced some exciting financial news. In their latest earnings report, Remedy revealed that Alan Wake 2 has finally turned a profit, while Control 2 is set to enter full production.

Alan Wake 2″ released in October 2023, has been a long journey for Remedy. The game recently surpassed the two million sales mark, allowing it to recoup its development and marketing costs. This milestone means that Remedy has started accruing royalties from the game, marking a significant financial victory for the studio3.

The success of “Alan Wake 2” can be attributed to several factors. The release of the The Lake House expansion, the physical deluxe edition, and updates to optimize the game for PS5 Pro have all contributed to its sustained popularity. The game’s sales saw a significant boost in October 2024, thanks to these efforts.

Another exciting announcement from Remedy is that Control 2 is entering full production. This project, financed through a partnership with Annapurna Interactive, has been in the works for some time1. With the production pipelines established and asset creation verified, Remedy is ready to scale up production.

“Control 2” is highly anticipated by fans of the original game, and its development has been progressing smoothly. The studio has also provided updates on other projects, including FBC: Firebreak, a cooperative multiplayer shooter set in the Control universe, and the remakes of the first two Max Payne games.

Q3 2024 Highlights:

  • Record Revenue: Remedy reported a significant increase in revenue for Q3 2024, reaching approximately $20 million (EUR 17.9 million), more than double the previous year’s figure.
  • Positive Operating Profit: The company achieved a positive operating profit of approximately $2.7 million (EUR 2.4 million), compared to a loss of EUR 4.2 million in the same period last year.
  • Cash Flow: Cash flow from operations was positive at approximately $7.4 million (EUR 6.6 million).
  • Development Fees: Development fees reached approximately $19 million (EUR 17 million), 2.5 times the amount in the comparison period.
  • Year-to-Date Performance: Year-to-date revenue was approximately $43.7 million (EUR 39 million), a 65% increase from the previous year. However, year-to-date operating profit remained negative at approximately $3.3 million (EUR 2.9 million), showing improvement from the previous year.
  • Total Cash Level: The total cash level increased to approximately $34.9 million (EUR 31.2 million), up by EUR 5 million from the previous quarter.

Remedy’s CEO, Tero Virtala, expressed confidence in the studio’s future, stating:

We are in a great place to begin our strategy period and have set targets we are confident in reaching.

With Alan Wake 2 now profitable and multiple exciting projects in the pipeline, Remedy Entertainment is poised for continued success.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

SHIFT UP continues the financial grind with Stella Blade heading to its 1st anniversary

Shift Up, the South Korean game developer behind Stellar Blade and Goddess of Victory: Nikke, has reported record-breaking revenue and operating profit for the year 2024. The company’s financial success can be attributed to the strong performance of these two titles, which have captured the attention of gamers worldwide.

Stellar Blade, an action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world, was released on PlayStation 5 on April 26, 2024. The game follows the protagonist, Eve, as she embarks on a mission to reclaim Earth from monstrous creatures known as Naytibas. Stellar Blade has been praised for its stunning visuals and engaging combat mechanics, which emphasize precise timing and strategic parrying.

In 2024, Stellar Blade generated $43 million in royalties for Shift Up, thanks to constant updates, collaborations (such as the Nier: Automata DLC), and a dedicated player base. The game’s success on PlayStation 5 has paved the way for a highly anticipated PC release in 2025, which is expected to further boost its revenue.

Meanwhile, Goddess of Victory: Nikke is an immersive sci-fi RPG shooter that has taken the mobile gaming market by storm. Released on Android and iOS in 2022 and later on Windows in 2023, the game features a gacha system and a variety of unique characters with distinct combat specialties5. Players command a squad of Nikkes, humanoid weapons created to reclaim Earth from the Rapture invasion.

In 2024, Goddess of Victory: Nikke generated $105.4 million in revenue, accounting for 69.6% of Shift Up’s total revenue. Despite fierce competition in the mobile gaming market, the game managed to retain its player base through regular events, collaborations, and updates1. Shift Up also plans to officially launch the game in China in 2025, with pre-registrations already meeting expectations.

Shift Up’s total revenue for 2024 reached $151.4 million, a 30.4% increase from the previous year. The company’s operating profit was $102.3 million, up 33.8% year-over-year, while net profit grew 33.7% to $98.2 million. These impressive financial results mark a record year for Shift Up in terms of revenue and operating income1.

Looking ahead, Shift Up plans to expand its workforce to 400-420 employees by the end of 2025. The company is also working on a new game titled Project Witches, which is expected to launch after 2027. Additionally, Shift Up will continue to support and update Stellar Blade and Goddess of Victory: Nikke, ensuring that both games remain popular among players.

Shift Up’s success in 2024 is a testament to the company’s innovative game design and ability to engage players with captivating content. With Stellar Blade and Goddess of Victory: Nikke leading the charge, Shift Up is well-positioned to continue its growth and dominance in the gaming industry.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Square Enix’s Latest Earnings Report: A Mixed Bag of Results

Square Enix recently released its financial earnings report for the nine months ending December 31, 2024. The report paints a mixed picture of the company’s performance, with some segments showing growth while others experienced declines.

Financial Overview

Square Enix reported a decrease in net sales, which fell to ¥248.5 billion from ¥257.6 billion the previous year. This decline was primarily attributed to weakness in existing titles within its mobile and PC browser sub-segment. Despite this, the company saw a 70.3% increase in operating profit for its HD games subsection, reaching ¥4.6 billion ($30.2 million). This growth was driven by lower development costs and advertising expenses, as well as stronger-than-expected sales of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D.

Game Performance Highlights

  1. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D: This remake exceeded expectations, contributing significantly to the HD games sub-segment’s profitability. The game’s modernized graphics and nostalgic appeal resonated well with fans, leading to stronger sales than initially anticipated.
  2. Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail: Released in July 2024, this expansion for Final Fantasy 14 saw a 26.4% rise in net sales for the MMO sub-segment, reaching ¥44 billion ($288.6 million). The expansion’s success helped offset some of the declines in other areas1.
  3. Mobile and PC Browser Games: This sub-segment faced significant challenges, with a 58.5% decline in operating profit to ¥5.6 billion ($36.7 million). Despite the launch of the puzzle RPG Emberstoria in November 2024, the segment struggled due to weakness in existing titles and a valuation write-down associated with content production.

Looking ahead, Square Enix remains optimistic about its future prospects, with no changes to its forecast for the fiscal year announced during its FY24 results last May. The company is banking on upcoming titles and continued growth in its successful segments to drive future performance.