Tag Archives: Industry

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Electronic Arts Acquires TRACAB Technologies: A Game-Changer for EA Sports

Electronic Arts (EA) has recently announced its agreement to acquire TRACAB Technologies, a leader in advanced sports optical tracking and analysis solutions. This acquisition is set to revolutionize EA Sports’ approach to creating immersive and realistic sports experiences.

What is TRACAB Technologies?

TRACAB Technologies specializes in real-time data capture and analysis using advanced optical tracking technology. Their systems can track almost everything happening on the field or pitch at 60Hz per second, generating 600 million data points per game. This includes 65 unique data points per player and referee, capturing live skeleton data from 21 joints on each body on the pitch.

https://media.contentapi.ea.com/content/dam/eacom/videos/2025/02/ea-sports-realism-technology-article-sc2-16x9.mp4?_=1

Why is this Acquisition Significant?

  1. Enhanced Realism and Immersion: By integrating TRACAB’s technology, EA Sports aims to create lifelike animations and simulations that closely mimic real-world sports action. This will significantly enhance the realism and immersion of their games.
  2. Advanced AI and Machine Learning: TRACAB’s technology will enable EA Sports to harness advanced AI and machine learning models, powered by real-world volumetric data. This will lead to incredible advancements in gameplay and animation capabilities.
  3. Beyond Games: EA Sports envisions the EA SPORTS App as the leading interactive sports platform in the world. TRACAB’s technology will support this vision by providing near real-time insights for media broadcast teams, referees, players, coaches, and fans.
  4. Global Expansion: Currently available in Spain, the EA SPORTS App plans to expand globally, offering fans new opportunities to create highlights and predictive simulations.

The acquisition is expected to close in EA’s first fiscal quarter of FY26. With TRACAB’s cutting-edge technology and expertise, EA Sports is poised to accelerate groundbreaking new features in their games and the EA SPORTS App. This will not only enhance the gaming experience but also create more dynamic and engaging sports experiences for fans worldwide.

The acquisition of TRACAB Technologies marks an exciting new chapter for EA Sports. By leveraging TRACAB’s advanced tracking technology, EA Sports is set to push the boundaries of sports simulations, creating living, breathing simulations of sport that will captivate and engage fans like never before.

Business, Gaming, News

Apple star its Fiscal Year 2025 with Record-Breaking Earnings and Gaming Performance

Apple recently announced its Q1 2025 earnings, revealing record-breaking revenue of $124.3 billion, a 4% increase year-over-year. The company also reported a net quarterly profit of $36.3 billion, with earnings per share (EPS) reaching $2.40, up 10% from the previous year. This marks Apple’s best quarter ever, driven by strong sales across its product and services lineup.

Key Highlights from Apple’s Earnings Report:

  • Revenue: $124.3 billion (up 4% year-over-year)
  • Net Profit: $36.3 billion
  • EPS: $2.40 (up 10% year-over-year)
  • Services Revenue: $26.3 billion (up 13.9% year-over-year)
  • Mac Revenue: $9.0 billion (up 15.5% year-over-year)
  • iPad Revenue: $8.1 billion (up 15.2% year-over-year)
  • iPhone Revenue: $69.1 billion (down 0.8% year-over-year)
  • Wearables Revenue: $11.7 billion (down 1.7% year-over-year)

Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, highlighted the company’s success in integrating AI into its devices, which has helped maintain strong performance despite market challenges. The company’s new AI product, Apple Intelligence, has been a significant focus, although it has faced some criticism for inaccuracies.

Of course, this is a gaming blog, let’s focus on Apple Arcade’s Performance:

Apple Arcade, the company’s subscription-based gaming service, has seen impressive growth and positive reception. As of February 2024, Apple Arcade has 7% of gamers in the United States subscribed to the service. Some of the standout games on Apple Arcade include:

  1. Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm: A Zelda-like adventure game with immersive gameplay and excellent controller support.
  2. Sonic Racing: A kart racing game that runs smoothly at native resolution.
  3. Marble Knights: An isometric game with good performance and controller support.
  4. The Pathless: A visually stunning game with resolution issues but captivating gameplay.
  5. Asphalt 8: Airborne+: A highly impressive racing game with consistent 60 FPS performance.

Apple Arcade has been praised for its diverse library of games and the quality of its titles, making it a strong competitor in the mobile gaming market.

Despite its successes, Apple faces challenges, including declining phone sales in China and competition from domestic brands like Huawei. The company’s ability to navigate these challenges while continuing to innovate in AI and gaming will be crucial for its future growth.

Apple’s commitment to enhancing its gaming ecosystem through Apple Arcade and integrating AI into its devices positions the company well for continued success in the tech and gaming industries.

Business, Gaming, News

Capcom ended 2024 with a sudden stop on positive quarters

For those who has been following corporate news and mainly from Capcom, the Japanese veteran has been nailing good numbers in each earning report from the past 2 years, but of course and unfortunately, some things cannot last forever and this is what the latest earning can tell us.

Capcom released its consolidated financial results for the 9 months ending December 31, 2024 for its Q3 for the fiscal year 2024. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s performance and future outlook, revealing both challenges and opportunities ahead.

The creators of franchise like Megaman, Resident Evil, Street Fighter and other classics, reported net sales of 88.853 billion yen or around $573.08 million, a decrease of 16.3% compared to the same period last year. The operating income also saw a significant decline, dropping by 33.4% to 23.066 billion yen or around $149.84 million.

Despite these decreases, Capcom remains optimistic about its future performance, citing several key factors contributing to its resilience.

The Digital Contents segment, which includes home video games, experienced a slight decline in unit sales for new titles. However, the performance of catalog titles (excluding those released in the previous fiscal year) has steadily increased year over year2. The Arcade Operations business saw growth in existing stores, which were utilized as cooling shelters during hot weather, resulting in increased revenue and profit. The Amusement Equipments business launched two new models and sold 17,000 units as planned, benefiting from cost reductions through the procurement of common components.

Future Outlook

Capcom has maintained its full-year forecast, with expectations of increased sales and profit due to digital sales growth in the Consumer sub-segment. The company forecasts an earnings per share of ¥109.98 (US’ 71 cents) and a dividend of ¥36 (US’ 23 cents) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. Capcom aims for 12 consecutive years of operating profit growth, driven by the stability of Digital Contents and strong performance in the Amusement Businesses.

Key Takeaways

  1. Resilience Amid Challenges: Despite a decrease in net sales and operating income, Capcom remains optimistic about its future performance.
  2. Growth in Digital Sales: The company expects increased sales and profit due to digital sales growth in the Consumer sub-segment.
  3. Strong Performance in Amusement Businesses: The Arcade Operations and Amusement Equipments businesses have shown growth and resilience.

Capcom’s latest earnings report highlights the company’s ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the ever-evolving video game industry. With a strong focus on digital sales and continued innovation in its business segments, Capcom is well-positioned for future growth.

Business, Gaming, News, Xbox

How Microsoft and Xbox are doing reaching the half of fiscal year 2025?

Microsoft recently released its FY25 Q2 earnings report, revealing a mixed bag of results. The company posted a revenue of $69.6 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year. Net income also saw a significant rise, reaching $24.11 billion compared to $21.87 billion in the same quarter last year. The growth was primarily driven by the Intelligent Cloud segment, which saw a 20% increase in revenue to $25.76 billion.

Microsoft Gaming: A Closer Look

Microsoft Gaming, a division established in 2022, has become a major player in the gaming industry. The division oversees the production and sales of Xbox hardware, Xbox Game Studios, and services like Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming. With the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft Gaming now owns some of the most popular and highest-grossing media franchises, including Call of Duty, Candy Crush, Warcraft, Halo, Minecraft, and The Elder Scrolls.

Key Highlights from Microsoft Gaming’s Performance

  1. Revenue Decline in Xbox Hardware: Despite the overall growth, Xbox hardware revenue saw a steep decline of 29% compared to the previous quarter. This decline is notable as it includes data over the holiday period, typically a strong sales period for gaming hardware.
  2. Growth in Xbox Content and Services: On a positive note, Xbox content and services revenue, which includes Xbox Game Pass, grew by 2% over the quarter. This growth was likely bolstered by popular titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and continued support for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
  3. Publishing on Competing Platforms: Microsoft’s strategy of publishing its first-party titles on competing platforms like PlayStation and Nintendo has been a significant factor in the growth of Xbox services. Titles like Doom: The Dark Ages and The Outer Worlds 2 are expected to be released on PlayStation simultaneously.
  4. Integration with Handheld PCs: Microsoft is working on integrating the Xbox and Windows gaming experience on handheld PCs, which may include improved integration of the Windows Store and PC Game Pass.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood have expressed optimism about the future of Microsoft Gaming. They expect Xbox content and services revenue growth to be in the low to mid-single digits, driven by first-party content and Xbox Game Pass. The company is also focusing on cost efficiency and innovation in AI infrastructure, which could further boost its gaming division.

Elsewhere for Microsoft

Intelligent Cloud Segment

  • Revenue: $25.76 billion, up 20% year-over-year.
  • Azure Growth: Azure and other cloud services revenue grew by 31%, although this was slightly lower than the 33% growth seen in the previous quarter.
  • AI Investments: Microsoft is heavily investing in AI infrastructure, committing to spend $80 billion this fiscal year. The company’s AI business has surpassed an annual revenue run rate of $13 billion, up 175% year-over-year.

Productivity and Business Processes

  • Revenue: $29.4 billion, up 14% year-over-year.
  • Microsoft 365: Continued strong performance, with significant contributions from Microsoft 365 Copilot and other productivity tools.

More Personal Computing

  • Revenue: $14.7 billion, relatively unchanged from the previous year.
  • Windows PC Sales: There was a notable increase in Windows PC sales, driven by demand for new hardware and upgrades.
  • Xbox Services: Despite a decline in Xbox hardware revenue, Xbox content and services revenue grew by 2%, supported by titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

Financial Highlights

  • Total Revenue: $69.6 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year.
  • Net Income: $24.11 billion, up from $21.87 billion in the same quarter last year.
  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): $3.23, beating expectations of $3.11.

Strategic Initiatives

  • AI Infrastructure: Microsoft is focusing on cost efficiency and innovation in AI infrastructure, including investments in small language models (SLMs) to reduce AI costs.
  • OpenAI Partnership: Microsoft and OpenAI have a new agreement through 2030, giving Microsoft access to OpenAI’s intellectual property and APIs for use within Copilot.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

  • ESG Commitments: Microsoft continues to invest in sustainability and social responsibility initiatives, aiming to balance operational discipline with environmental and social practices.

Microsoft’s FY25 Q2 earnings report showcases the company’s continued growth and strategic investments in key areas like cloud computing and gaming. While there are challenges, particularly in Xbox hardware revenue, the overall outlook remains positive, especially with the strong performance of Xbox content and services. Microsoft Gaming, with its diverse portfolio and strategic initiatives, is poised to play a crucial role in the company’s future success.

Featured, Games, Gaming, News

GOG wants you to help them deciding their next game to land the GOG Preservation Program

GOG, the renowned digital storefront known for its commitment to DRM-free gaming, has recently unveiled an exciting update to its platform: the Dreamlist. This revamped feature, previously known as the Community Wishlist, is designed to empower gamers to influence which classic games are brought back to life.

The Dreamlist serves as a community-driven tool where gamers can vote for their favorite games that they want to see available on GOG. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about preserving gaming history and making beloved titles accessible to new generations. Each game on the Dreamlist has its own dedicated page, complete with detailed descriptions, screenshots, and trailers. Gamers can also share their personal stories and memories associated with these games, adding a heartfelt touch to their votes.

How Does it Work?

GOG has made it incredibly easy for gamers to participate in the Dreamlist. The interface has been overhauled to provide enhanced browsing and filtering options, making it simple to find and vote for games. The Dreamlist also features a “Staff Picks” section, where GOG highlights games that they believe deserve attention.

This not only helps guide the community but also showcases GOG’s dedication to bringing quality games to its platform.

The Dreamlist has already proven its worth. One notable success story is the revival of Dino Crisis 1 and 2, which were brought back to life thanks to the overwhelming community support on the Dreamlist. These games were remastered to ensure compatibility with modern systems, preserving their original content while enhancing their playability.

Looking ahead, GOG has ambitious plans for the Dreamlist. Games like Freelancer, Resident Evil Code: Veronica X, and the original Final Fantasy VII are among the titles that GOG and its community are eager to see revived. The Dreamlist is not just a wishlist; it’s a powerful tool for gamers to influence the gaming industry and ensure that their favorite titles are not forgotten.

In an industry where many classic games are no longer available, GOG’s Dreamlist is a beacon of hope for game preservation. According to GOG, 87% of games released prior to 2010 are no longer accessible, making the Dreamlist an essential initiative for keeping gaming history alive. By voting on the Dreamlist, gamers are not only expressing their preferences but also contributing to the preservation of gaming culture.

GOG invites all gamers to explore the Dreamlist, cast their votes, and share their memories. Whether it’s a childhood favorite or a game you’ve always wanted to play DRM-free, your vote matters. Together, we can ensure that these classic games find a new home on GOG and continue to be enjoyed by gamers around the world.

And from my part… I made some votes already and I want to highlight this one:

DO NOT CHANGE MY MIND!!!

Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

People Can Fly confirms being co-developing Gears of War: E-Day

In exciting news for the gaming world, People Can Fly confirmed that they are working with Xbox Game Studios’s The Coalition as co-developers for the highly anticipated shooter game, Gears of War: E-Day. This prequel aims to immerse players in the epic saga of the Gears universe, taking them back to the fateful event of Emergence Day.

For long-time fans, this collaboration should see this delightful reunion, as People Can Fly has a rich history with the Gears of War franchise. Known for their previous work on Gears of War: Judgment, as well as co-developing Gears of War 1-3, they bring a wealth of experience and passion to the project.

The Coalition, which has been the driving force behind the series since Gears of War 4, is excited about this partnership. Mike Crump, Studio Head at The Coalition, expressed his enthusiasm, stating:

We’re pleased to be partnering with the talented folks at People Can Fly who have been a part of our franchise’s legacy for so long.

The teams aim to combine their strengths to deliver an intense and authentic experience that fans have come to cherish.

While details about the game remain under wraps, fans can expect to witness iconic characters like Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago as they navigate the horrors of Emergence Day. With state-of-the-art graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5, Gears of War: E-Day promises to exceed the expectations of both veteran players and newcomers alike.

The collaboration between People Can Fly and The Coalition heralds a thrilling chapter in the Gears of War series. As the development teams work tirelessly to bring this prequel to life, fans eagerly await the day when they can relive the harrowing events of Emergence Day. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to embark on another unforgettable journey in the world of Gears of War.

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox

Microsoft & Xbox will double down on more Xbox games on other platforms

Phil Spencer confirmed that more Xbox games will become available on other platforms, including PlayStation in his first major interview for 2025 with Gamertag Radio. He emphasized that they want to make great games accessible to as many people as possible, without putting up barriers.

This move is part of Xbox’s strategy to ensure that their games reach a wider audience.

When asked why gamers should buy an Xbox console, the Microsoft Gaming CEO highlighted the unique capabilities and features of Xbox hardware. He stressed that they want their hardware to stand out based on its merits and not just exclusive games. Phil Spencer wants people to choose Xbox hardware based on its capabilities and the choices they want to make about where they want to play.

The head of Microsoft’s gaming business did share his vision for the future of Xbox, mentioning upcoming titles like Avowed, DOOM: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, The Outer Worlds 2, and possibly Fable. He also mentioned that Xbox Games Publishing is working on Ninja Gaiden 4, aiming to bring the franchise back to its former glory.

Finally, Spencer reflected on his legacy and the impact he hopes to have on the gaming industry and also, he talked about his passion for gaming and his commitment to innovation and inclusivity in the gaming community. Phil emphasized that he wants to leave a positive mark on the industry and continue to push for new and exciting gaming experiences.

There are insisting rumors that the “silence on Nintendo” at this interview, is because Xbox actually has plans on the brand be involved with Nintendo Switch 2 with surprising launches and Phil Spencer hasn’t been shy on expressing excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 and his commitment to supporting the console with Xbox games has already gone outside the implicit.

The noise in the rumors mill suggests that we are inbound for an historical Nintendo Switch 2 port of Halo: The Master Chief along with Microsoft Flight Simulator, Starfield, Diablo 4 and Fallout 4.

Games, Gaming, News

Reason for the new delayed of Assassin’s Creed Shadows revealed

In the ever-expanding universe of Assassin’s Creed, each new installment is eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide. The latest in the series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has faced several delays, leaving fans anxiously waiting for its release.

Directed by Charles Benoit, the game promises to transport players to the mystical and complex world of feudal Japan, specifically, the intricate architecture of feudal Japan has posed unique challenges for the development team.

However, Benoit recently revealed the primary reason for the latest delay, pushing the release date to March 20, 2025.

As per an interview with IGN, Benoit explained that the Japanese roofs are the most complex structures he has ever worked with. These intricacies demanded specific codes and animations to ensure smooth and fluid transitions, an element crucial to the parkour mechanics that Assassin’s Creed is known for.

The Japanese architecture, the roofs [are] super complex.

Probably the most complex thing that I ever worked with if we compared to Odyssey and Syndicate. We needed specific codes and specific animations to support something super fluid, changing the transition of the parkour to make it even more fluid.

So that’s one of the specific feedback that we heard that we wanted to address, and it really improved since the last few months.

The decision to delay was heavily influenced by player feedback. The development team focused on making the parkour system feel more natural and responsive. Tweaking and balancing the progression, along with improving the overall gameplay experience, were top priorities. Benoit reassured fans that the story and design of the game have not been altered during this delay.

Benoit emphasized that the additional development time was essential to deliver a polished and enjoyable game. The team’s commitment to quality means ensuring that every aspect of the gameplay, from parkour to combat, is refined and balanced. This dedication to perfection is what fans of the series have come to expect, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows aims to meet those high expectations.

As the new release date approaches, excitement continues to build. The promise of exploring feudal Japan with enhanced parkour mechanics and a seamless gameplay experience is sure to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

While delays can be disappointing, they often result in a superior final product, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to be a standout title in the franchise.

BTW, at my YouTube Channel, I mentioned about the recent developments at Ubisoft and also, offered a quick recap on what it is left for the so called Assassin’s Creed Infinity, please enjoy and support!

Business, Gaming, News

Warner Bros. Games CEO David Haddad Announces Retirement

Warner Bros. Games President David Haddad has announced his departure from the company after 12 years of leading the division. Haddad will remain in his role for the next three months to ensure a smooth transition and assist in finding his successor.

Haddad’s tenure at Warner Bros. Games saw the development and release of several iconic gaming franchises, including the successful Harry Potter: Hogwarts Legacy and the critically acclaimed Mortal Kombat series. However, the past year has been challenging for the company, with the disappointing performance of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and MultiVersus contributing to significant financial losses.

Despite these setbacks, Haddad expressed pride in his work and gratitude for his time with Warner Bros. Games.

I am so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together at Warner Bros. Games during my time with the company.

It has been an absolute pleasure working on and building our iconic gaming franchises, and I will continue to be an enthusiastic supporter of this talented team’s future endeavors.

Warner Bros. Discovery Global Streaming and Games CEO and President JB Perrette praised Haddad’s contributions and noted that his departure was planned to coincide with a lighter release schedule, minimizing disruption to ongoing projects.

David has thoughtfully and purposefully chosen a time when our release schedule is lighter which will help minimize disruption to our ongoing projects and strategic plans and allow this team to smoothly prepare for its next record-breaking title.

As the search for Haddad’s successor begins, Warner Bros. Games continues to focus on its core franchises, including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, the DC Universe, and Mortal Kombat. The company is also working on a Wonder Woman game at Monolith Productions, which is expected to be a major release in the coming year.

Haddad’s departure marks the end of an era for Warner Bros. Games, but it also signals a new chapter for the company as it looks to the future with fresh leadership and new opportunities.

Featured, Games, Gaming, Xbox

Everything announced at Xbox Developer Direct 2025

On January 23, 2025, Xbox held its much-anticipated Developer Direct, revealing an impressive line-up of games and some splendid surprises. Here’s everything that was announced:

DOOM: The Dark Ages

Release Date: May 15, 2025 (NOT AN XBOX EXLUSIVE)

id Software took the stage to unveil DOOM: The Dark Ages, a prequel set in an intriguing dark fantasy and sci-fi world. Fans of the franchise can look forward to:

  • Combat: Incredible new weapons added to the Slayer’s arsenal to crush hellspawn.
  • Exploration: A dive into medieval-inspired settings, teeming with dark, sinister realms.
  • Story: An epic narrative revolving around the Slayer’s war against hell itself.

South of Midnight

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Compulsion Games showcased South of Midnight, a third-person action-adventure set in the myth-laden landscapes of the American Deep South. The game promises:

  • Folkloric Exploration: Immerse yourself in a world populated by creatures from Southern folklore.
  • Visually Magical World: Stunning graphics and a captivating narrative experience that explores rich, cultural tales.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Release Date: TBA

While no specific release date was mentioned, Sandfall Interactive provided a more in-depth glimpse into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

  • Visual Spectacle: A beautifully crafted fantasy setting.
  • Gripping Story: An engaging narrative that fans of JRPGs will appreciate.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Insights: A look into the creative process and the art behind the game.

Ninja Gaiden 4

Release Date: Fall 2025 (NOT AN XBOX EXCLUSIVE)

A thrilling surprise, Ninja Gaiden 4 was announced as a collaboration between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames. Set in a dystopian Tokyo, the game introduces:

  • New Protagonist: Join Yakumo, a member of the Raven Clan, navigating Tokyo’s neon-lit streets.
  • Classic Action: Fast-paced combat familiar to fans, with deep roots in the Ninja Gaiden legacy.
  • Ryu Hayabusa: The original protagonist will play a pivotal role in the unfolding saga.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black – Remastered

Available Now

In a delightful twist, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is now available as a remastered definitive edition.

  • Unreal Engine 5: Enhanced visuals and performance.
  • Immediate Access: Available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass from today.

Xbox Play Anywhere and Game Pass Integration

All titles announced support Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to switch between Xbox and Windows devices with seamless progress. Plus, all the games from this event will be available on Xbox Game Pass from Day One, with cloud gaming support.