Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Gamestop Q1 sales and profits down, mobile/digital sales up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/gamestop-q1-sales-and-profits-down-mobile-digital-sales-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/gamestop-q1-sales-and-profits-down-mobile-digital-sales-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/gamestop-q1-sales-and-profits-down-mobile-digital-sales-up/#comments Gamestop's financial data for the first quarter of its fiscal 2013 have arrived like a pizza with nearly 25 percent fewer toppings than the pizza you ordered during the same 13-week period last year. Also, cheesy bread sales are way up? This may not be the strongest analogy.

In non-allegorical terms, gross revenue (overall sales) and net income (post-tax profit) were both down year-over-year, at $1.865 billion and $54.6 million, respectively. As far as net income, that's a 24.69 percent decrease from the $72.5 million Gamestop reported at the end of Q1 2012.

Meanwhile, mobile device sales were up 290 percent, though this massive increase was largely due to the fact that Gamestop's mobile trade-in/sales program was just getting started during Q1 of 2012. Digital sales also increased, to the tune of 47.3 percent year-over-year, while new software sales, both physical and digital, fell 3.8 percent.

As was the case during Q1 2012, used hardware and software sales accounted for the majority of Gamestop's pre-tax profit, with new hardware and software sales making up just 29.5 percent of the quarter's overall gross.

JoystiqGamestop Q1 sales and profits down, mobile/digital sales up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20133dsandroiddsfinancialsfiscal-2013gamestopmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspQ1sonyvitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 23 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft ends fiscal 2013 with €64.8 million in profit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ubisoft-ends-fiscal-2013-with-64-8-million-in-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ubisoft-ends-fiscal-2013-with-64-8-million-in-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ubisoft-ends-fiscal-2013-with-64-8-million-in-profit/#comments Ubisoft has released its financial information for the 12 month period ending March 31, 2013, which by all accounts seems to have been a pretty legit fiscal year for the publisher/developer conglomerate. The company crossed the finish line with €1.256 billion ($1.615 billion) in revenue and €64.8 million ($83.3 million) in profit, an 18.3 and 73.7-percent year-over-year increase, respectively, when compared to the €1.061 billion ($1.364 billion) in revenue and €37.3 million ($47.9 million) in profit recorded at the end of 2012.

Ubisoft contributes its stellar year to the continued success of its main three franchises, Assassin's Creed, Just Dance and Far Cry, the latest entries in which have all sold between six and 12 million copies.

JoystiqUbisoft ends fiscal 2013 with €64.8 million in profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20133dsAssassins-Creedassassins-creed-3far-cryfar-cry-3financialsfiscal-2013just-dancejust-dance-4macmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ubisoftvitawii-uxboxWed, 15 May 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hit mobile RPG Puzzle & Dragons earned $113 million in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/hit-mobile-rpg-puzzle-and-dragons-earned-113-million-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/hit-mobile-rpg-puzzle-and-dragons-earned-113-million-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/hit-mobile-rpg-puzzle-and-dragons-earned-113-million-in-april/#commentsHit mobile RPG Puzzle & Dragons earned $113 million in April In its latest financial report (translated here by Dr. Serkan Toto) Osaka-based publisher GungHo Entertainment announced that its mobile puzzle-RPG Puzzle & Dragons grossed over $113 million in April.

To put that in perspective, GungHo's catalog-wide earnings for April totaled ¥12 billion ($119 million) - a 1,142.8 percent increase over its performance in April 2012. Puzzle & Dragons currently generates $3.76 million in daily revenue, and boasts 13 million players in Japan.

Puzzle & Dragons originally launched for iOS and Android devices last year. A Nintendo 3DS adaptation is slated for release in Japan this winter.

JoystiqHit mobile RPG Puzzle & Dragons earned $113 million in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfinancialsgunghoiosiphonemobilepuzzle-and-dragonsMon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two year-on-year revenue up, digital sales on the rise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/take-two-year-on-year-revenue-up-digital-sales-on-the-rise/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/take-two-year-on-year-revenue-up-digital-sales-on-the-rise/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/take-two-year-on-year-revenue-up-digital-sales-on-the-rise/#commentsTakeTwo reports annual net loss of $312 million, rise in digital revenue Take-Two announced its financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, revealing that the company took in $1.214 billion in sales last year, up from $825.8 million for the fiscal year 2012.

Take-Two notes that BioShock Infinite met with "significantly" higher sales than any previous BioShock release, shipping over 3.7 million units to date. The company reports a net loss of $31.2 million over the past fiscal year, but projects between $1.75 to $1.85 billion in revenue for the current fiscal year (ending in March, 2014), spurred by upcoming releases like Grand Theft Auto V and WWE 2K14.

The report notes year-over-year improvements in both revenue and net losses, bolstered by big sellers like Borderlands 2, NBA 2K13, and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Catalog sales for older releases like Grand Theft Auto IV and Red Dead Redemption also saw strong performances, as Take Two noted a 192 percent year-over-year rise in revenue from digitally delivered software.

JoystiqTake-Two year-on-year revenue up, digital sales on the rise originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infinitefinancialsfiscal-2012fiscal-2013microsoftpcplaystationps3take-twoxboxMon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix posts $134M fiscal net loss, projects profit for coming year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/square-enix-posts-134m-fiscal-net-loss-projects-profit-for-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/square-enix-posts-134m-fiscal-net-loss-projects-profit-for-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/square-enix-posts-134m-fiscal-net-loss-projects-profit-for-com/#comments As approximately projected, Square Enix posted a net loss of ¥13.7 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31 2013, that converting to around $134 million. Back in March, Square Enix announced it was implementing major restructuring that would produce an "extraordinary loss". Today the company further detailed its new strategy for the next fiscal year, in which it projects a return to profit.

"The business environment surrounding the [Square Enix] Group is in the midst of major changes, where smart devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs are spreading rapidly," Square Enix stated in today's results, "while the console game markets in North America and Europe are increasingly competitive and oligopolistic. In light of such environmental changes, the Group is focusing all efforts on a substantial earnings improvement through driving reforms of business structure in order to establish new revenue base."

Square Enix previously noted "weak" sales of "big console titles" in North America and Europe, including Sleeping Dogs, Hitman: Absolution, and even Tomb Raider. Today the company said it will increasingly target smartphones and tablets, citing Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade and Kaku-San-Sei Million Arthur as satisfactorily profitable. Square Enix also noted Dragon Quest X as "showing steady performance."

As such, the restructuring brings overhauls to Square Enix's larger-scale development,with the company looking to improve turnover and produce content better tailored for different regions. Square Enix was clearly dissatisfied with the performance of its western portfolio, and layoffs were incurred in the company's North American and European divisions.

Square Enix believes these changes will be the platform for profit in the coming fiscal year, projecting net income of between ¥3.5 billion and ¥6 billion, or $34.4 million to $59 million.

JoystiqSquare Enix posts $134M fiscal net loss, projects profit for coming year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefinancialsjapannorth-americarestructuringsquare-enixMon, 13 May 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega Sammy posts fiscal net profit, Aliens: Colonial Marines shipped 1.3M [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/sega-sammy-posts-fiscal-net-profit-aliens-colonial-marines-shi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/sega-sammy-posts-fiscal-net-profit-aliens-colonial-marines-shi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/sega-sammy-posts-fiscal-net-profit-aliens-colonial-marines-shi/#comments Sega Sammy reported financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31 2013 today, noting a net profit of ¥33.5 billion, which converts to $331 million. The figure represents annual growth of 53.3 percent. However, the company's operating profit decreased year-on-year by 67.3 percent, down now to ¥19.1 billion, or $189 million.

While Sega Sammy made significant net profit, largely through gains on the sales of "investment securities" and transfers of employees' pension benefits, the company noted decreased demand for packaged games in light of global economics. Sega Sammy said it must adapt to a market leaning towards games on social networks and smartphones.

That decreased demand was coupled with a year of restructuring at Sega Sammy's US and European divisions. With less games coming out as a result, it's no surprise Sega Sammy saw decline in packaged software shipments, down to 10.8 million overall. They include 1.31 million units of the critically panned Aliens: Colonial Marines, as well as 1.36 million for Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed and 940,000 for Football Manager 2013. Meanwhile, Yakuza 5 shipped 590,000 units since its launch in Japan in December 2012.

Sega Sammy's biggest success gaming-wise looks to be Phantasy Star Online 2. The PC and Vita MMO has a subscription base of over 2.5 million now, and the company said revenue from in-game purchasable items "exceeded forecasted levels."

Sega Sammy forecasts it will ship 11 games on PC, 7 on Wii U, 7 on PS3, 6 on 3DS, 5 on Vita, 4 on Xbox 360, and 2 on PSP in the fiscal year ending March 31 2014 - of course there'll be some crossover there. The company estimates a 41 percent growth in net profit for the next fiscal year, up to ¥47 billion, or $464 million.

Update: Sports Interactive's Miles Jacobson tweets Football Manager 2013 has now passed the 1 million mark for sales, having done so five months earlier than FM2012 did.

JoystiqSega Sammy posts fiscal net profit, Aliens: Colonial Marines shipped 1.3M [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesfinancialsfootball-manager-2013phantasy-star-online-2segasega-sammysonic-and-allstars-racing-transformedFri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai's year-end revenues rise despite missing Tekken target]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/namco-bandais-year-end-revenues-rise-despite-missing-tekken-tar/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/namco-bandais-year-end-revenues-rise-despite-missing-tekken-tar/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/namco-bandais-year-end-revenues-rise-despite-missing-tekken-tar/#commentsNamco Bandai's yearend revenues rise despite missing Tekken target Namco Bandai released its financial results for the end of its fiscal year today, noting increased earnings in multiple sectors despite missing sales targets for Tekken Tag Tournament 2 and Tales of Xillia 2.

The company's worldwide net sales grew by 7.3 percent, ending this fiscal year at ¥487 billion (approximately $4.9B), compared to last year's earnings of ¥434 billion. Namco Bandai's net income for the year ending March 31, 2013 was ¥32.4 billion ($327M), a 67.8 percent increase over last year's reported ¥19.3 billion.

Regional sales saw significant boosts. Net sales of Namco Bandai products in Japan increased 7.3 percent year-over-year to ¥406 billion ($4.1B), while sales for the Americas rose 38.3 percent, finishing at ¥33.6 billion ($339M).

The report additionally reveals that Namco Bandai failed to meet shipping targets for some of its key titles. Siliconera notes that Namco Bandai expected to ship 1.7 million units of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 worldwide, but came up short at 1.5 million. The Japan-exclusive RPG Tales of Xillia 2 shipped 500,000, missing its initial target of 650,000 units.

Other big titles for the company include SoulCalibur V, which shipped 1.05 million units worldwide in the fiscal year ending in March, and two entries in its Naruto Shippuden series, which shipped a combined 1.76 million units across all regions.

JoystiqNamco Bandai's year-end revenues rise despite missing Tekken target originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfinancialsfiscal-2012fiscal-2013microsoftnamconamco-bandainintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitawii-uxboxThu, 09 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami reports year-over-year losses, strength in social games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/konami-reports-year-over-year-losses-strength-in-social-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/konami-reports-year-over-year-losses-strength-in-social-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/konami-reports-year-over-year-losses-strength-in-social-games/#commentsKonami 2013 financial results report strength in social games, losses in pachinko Konami has released details of its financial performance in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, reporting sizable year-on-year losses in its digital entertainment and pachinko divisions but growth in its social gaming sector.

Company product sales and service revenue for the year amounted to ¥226 billion ($2.4B), down 15 percent from its earnings of ¥266 billion last year. Net income sank to ¥13.2 billion ($140M), a decrease of 42.8% compared to last year's reported income of ¥23 billion.

Konami saw its largest losses in the pachinko sector, in which revenue fell more than 70 percent compared to last year. The company's Digital Entertainment division reported a loss of 17.1 percent in year-on-year revenue, though solid worldwide performances for titles like Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance boosted earnings.

Konami's finances are buoyed by the success of Metal Gear Solid Social Ops and another popular online game, Dragon Collection, which it operates in partnership with Japanese social networking service GREE. Konami's social games currently boast more than 35 million registered users worldwide.

JoystiqKonami reports year-over-year losses, strength in social games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfinancialsfiscal-2012fiscal-2013konamimicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxThu, 09 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony posts $458M fiscal 2012 net profit, forecasts 5M portable sales in fiscal 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/sony-posts-458m-fiscal-2012-net-profit-forecasts-5m-portable-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/sony-posts-458m-fiscal-2012-net-profit-forecasts-5m-portable-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/sony-posts-458m-fiscal-2012-net-profit-forecasts-5m-portable-s/#comments Sony had a net income for fiscal 2012 (ending March 31 2013) of ¥43 billion, which converts to $458 million. It's the first time the company's posted annual net profit since 2008. A far better situation than the company's $456.7 million loss last year.

As the company predicted following several cost-cutting measures across the previous year - including the sales of major buildings in Tokyo and New York, as well as thousands of layoffs - Sony posted an operating profit for the fiscal year, which came in at ¥230.1 billion ($2.45 billion).

Sony shifted 3.4 million PS3 and PS2 units across the last quarter, while the Vita and PSP came in at 1.3 million. Sony's fiscal year figures were in line with projections made last quarter, with the home consoles at 16.5 million and the portables at 7 million.

However, the portables' figures compare unfavorably with the company's initial estimate for the year, which was 16 million. Sony is being much more cautious for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, predicting only 5 million units in what's approximately the Vita's second year at retail. PS3 figures are estimated at 10 million, while Sony chose not to include PS4 projections.

The PlayStation division saw 12.2 percent year-on-year decline in sales, coming in at ¥707.1 billion ($7.52 billion). Operating income saw a much sharper drop, down 94.1 percent to ¥1.7 billion, or $18 million. Sony put the declines down to decreased hardware sales, as well as the "strategic price reduction" for the Vita in Japan earlier this year.

One area where growth is predicted is software, even without including the PS4. Sony projects an increase from the 266 million units sold in fiscal 2012 to 319 million (including digital units).

JoystiqSony posts $458M fiscal 2012 net profit, forecasts 5M portable sales in fiscal 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsplaystationplaystation-vitaps2ps3pspsonyvitaThu, 09 May 2013 06:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive down $54 million in Q2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/disney-interactive-down-54-million-in-q2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/disney-interactive-down-54-million-in-q2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/disney-interactive-down-54-million-in-q2/#comments By the end of the second quarter of its fiscal year, Disney Interactive was once again the media conglomerate's only unprofitable sector, reporting a $54 million operating income (read: pre-tax) loss for the three month period ending March 31, 2013. This is, however, a 22 percent year-over-year improvement when compared to Q2 2012's reported operating income loss of $70 million.

Disney contributes the loss to "growth at our Japan mobile business from a licensing agreement that started in February 2012 and lower acquisition accounting expense at our social games business." No mention is made of Junction Point Studios, which Disney closed in January after lackluster sales of Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, or of the company's forthcoming game/toy platform Disney Infinity.

JoystiqDisney Interactive down $54 million in Q2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsDisneydisney-infinityDisney-InteractiveEpic-Mickey-2financialsjunction-point-studiosmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Q2Q2-2013vitawii-uxboxWed, 08 May 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard closes out Q1 2013 with $1.32 billion net revenue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/activision-blizzard-closes-out-q1-2013-with-1-32-billion-net-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/activision-blizzard-closes-out-q1-2013-with-1-32-billion-net-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/activision-blizzard-closes-out-q1-2013-with-1-32-billion-net-re/#comments The first quarter of Activision Blizzard's fiscal 2013 has come to a close, with the massive developer/publisher reporting $1.324 billion in net revenue for the three months ending March 31, 2013. This figure is $164 million beyond Activision Blizzard's prediction for the quarter ($1.16 billion), and 12.96 percent more than the $1.172 billion earned during the same period last year.

"The shift in release dates of competing products, the disappointing launch of the Wii U, uncertainties regarding next-generation hardware, and subscriber declines in our World of Warcraft business all raise concerns, as do continued challenges in the global economy," CEO Bobby Kotick said in the report. "For these reasons, we remain cautious."

Despite this, Activision Blizzard is raising its net revenue outlook for calendar year 2013 by 3.3 percent, from $4.085 billion to $4.22 billion. Kotick attributed the company's successful quarter to Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm and World of Warcraft, as well as continued consumer interest in Call of Duty and Skylanders.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard closes out Q1 2013 with $1.32 billion net revenue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivision-blizzardfinancialsfiscal-2013macmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3q1-2013vitawii-uxboxWed, 08 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft subscribers drop by 1.3 million in three months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-drop-by-1-3-million-in-three-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-drop-by-1-3-million-in-three-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-drop-by-1-3-million-in-three-month/#comments World of Warcraft's subscriber base is down to 8.3 million as of March 31, representing a 14 percent drop in the past three months. In the previous-quarter financials, Activision-Blizzard said the MMO had 9.6 million subscribers, but 1.3 million have since said so long to Azeroth.

"Though the majority of our subscriber decline occurred mainly in the East, where we have more subscribers and lower revenue per subscriber, we saw declines in the West as well," Activision-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said in a financials call.

"While we do believe further declines are likely and we expect to have fewer subscribers at year-end than we do today, World of Warcraft remains one of the most successful franchises in the history of entertainment," he added.

To put the plummet into perspective, it would be like the Governor of New Hampshire decreeing that every citizen must cease playing World of Warcraft - that is, if every citizen of New Hampshire plays World of Warcraft. Which they do.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft subscribers drop by 1.3 million in three months originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardfinancialsmacpcWorld-of-WarcraftWoWWed, 08 May 2013 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[No Star Wars games in FY 2014, EA says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/no-star-wars-games-in-fy-2014-ea-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/no-star-wars-games-in-fy-2014-ea-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/no-star-wars-games-in-fy-2014-ea-says/#comments EA won't launch a Star Wars game during its 2014 fiscal year - April 2013 to March 2014 - EA said during an investor call today. Yesterday EA announced it had signed an exclusive, multi-year deal with Disney to develop and publish games in the Star Wars universe.

EA released its FY 2013 results today, complete with expectations for 2014 that put net revenue at $3.50 billion. This is based on the launch of 11 games and 15 mobile titles, EA Labels President Frank Gibeau said. In FY 2013, EA saw a net revenue of $3.797 billion, down from $4.143 billion in 2012.

Gibeau called out the next Battlefield, FIFA, Madden, NBA Live and Need for Speed games as next-gen titles. It's notable that NBA Live is on the schedule at all, considering that series' rocky launch history.

"In fiscal 14, we will release 11 major titles across consoles, and on the PC. This includes our core sports titles," EA Labels President Frank Gibeau said, before listing the following franchises and games:

Continue reading No Star Wars games in FY 2014, EA says

JoystiqNo Star Wars games in FY 2014, EA says originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androideaElectronic-Artsfinancialsfy-2014iosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Star-Warsvitawii-uxboxTue, 07 May 2013 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[EA revenues over $1B in fiscal Q4, down from last year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-revenues-over-1b-in-fiscal-q4-down-from-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-revenues-over-1b-in-fiscal-q4-down-from-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-revenues-over-1b-in-fiscal-q4-down-from-last-year/#comments Following a weak third quarter in its fiscal 2013 calendar, EA has reported strong digital sales in the home stretch but an overall decline in revenue. The three months leading to March 31, 2013, generated $1.209 billion for EA, compared to last year's final quarter revenue of $1.368 billion.

Digital sales in particular showed a 22 percent increase in cash flow to the tune of $108 million, over $88 million during the same period as last year. In the financial report, EA claimed it was the top global publisher on the iOS App store for the entirety of its fiscal 2013.

As for full fiscal year performance, EA reported net revenue of $3.797 billion, down from $4.143 billion in 2012. FIFA 13 sold 14.5 million copies for EA, a 30 percent increase over last year's game, and Battlefield 3's Premium subscription service generated $120 million. SimCity has sold 1.6 million copies, with half of those sales coming via online purchases.

JoystiqEA revenues over $1B in fiscal Q4, down from last year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafinancialsfiscal-2013q4-2013salesTue, 07 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 13 sells 14.5 million in 2013, digital revenue up from FIFA 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/fifa-13-sells-14-5-million-in-2013-digital-revenue-up-from-fifa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/fifa-13-sells-14-5-million-in-2013-digital-revenue-up-from-fifa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/fifa-13-sells-14-5-million-in-2013-digital-revenue-up-from-fifa/#commentsFIFA 13 sells 145 million through 2013, net revenue up from FIFA 12 FIFA 13 sold through 14.5 million units in fiscal year 2013, up 30 percent compared with FIFA 12 sales from the prior year. Net revenue from digital sales hit $200 million in adjusted, non-GAAP terms, an increase of 94 percent compared with FIFA 12 year-over-year. The entire FIFA franchise generated $350 million in digital net revenue in FY 2013, including sales from FIFA Online and FIFA World Class Soccer.

By Q3 2013, which ended on December 31, 2012, FIFA 13 clocked a total of 12 million sales.

JoystiqFIFA 13 sells 14.5 million in 2013, digital revenue up from FIFA 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAfifa-13financialsfy-2013microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxTue, 07 May 2013 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom: None of the canceled games had been announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/capcom-none-of-the-canceled-games-had-been-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/capcom-none-of-the-canceled-games-had-been-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/capcom-none-of-the-canceled-games-had-been-announced/#comments Capcom's recently revealed slew of game cancellations didn't involve anything previously announced. In a follow-up conference call to last week's financial statement, the company clarified that most of the canceled games were due between April 2014 and March 2015, although a few were scheduled for the current fiscal year ending March 2014.

Capcom revised its financial forecasts last week with a "special loss" of around $73 million, due to those cancellations. The company also announced a switch to more internal development following disappointment with projects outsourced overseas.

Asked if the company was considering reducing "the number of development lines for home video games," Capcom said developing for that market is still the core element of its strategy. Even if packaged software sales drop, the company said it believes console and online (such as DLC) sales will continue to increase.

JoystiqCapcom: None of the canceled games had been announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancellationcapcomfinancialsjapanWed, 24 Apr 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Satoru Iwata to assume Nintendo of America CEO role]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/satoru-iwata-assumes-nintendo-of-america-ceo-role/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/satoru-iwata-assumes-nintendo-of-america-ceo-role/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/satoru-iwata-assumes-nintendo-of-america-ceo-role/#comments Nintendo president Saturo Iwata will assume the additional role of Nintendo of America Chief Executive Officer, overseeing NoA President and Chief Operating Officer Reggie Fils-Aime, who remains in place. The move is one of several board changes in the wake of planned retirements.

The executive-level musical chairs will see Iwata replace current NoA chairman and CEO Tatsumi Kimishima, who will transfer to Nintendo's Kyoto headquarters as the General Manager of Corporate Analysis and Administration, and General Manager of the General Affairs Division.

In a statement, Nintendo said the move will support "the company's unified global strategy" and "allow streamlined decision making and enhance Nintendo's organizational agility in the current competitive environment."

Nintendo released its fiscal-year financial statement this morning, with the company's net profits almost half of its projections at just over ¥7 billion, or around $71 million.

JoystiqSatoru Iwata to assume Nintendo of America CEO role originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsnintendonintendo-of-americareggie-fils-aimesatoru-iwataWed, 24 Apr 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U shipments miss targets at 3.45M, projected 9M for next fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/wii-u-shipments-miss-targets-at-3-45m-fy14-forecasts-of-9m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/wii-u-shipments-miss-targets-at-3-45m-fy14-forecasts-of-9m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/wii-u-shipments-miss-targets-at-3-45m-fy14-forecasts-of-9m/#comments The Wii U shipped 3.45 million units worldwide as of March 31, a figure well short of the 4 million projected in January, itself adjusted from initial forecasts of 5.5 million. That means the Wii U only shipped around 390,000 units worldwide in the last three months.

In a financial statement, Nintendo said its console failed to "maintain the initial sales momentum" due to delays of subsequent games, and the company aims to remedy this in the second half of this year through to next year by "releasing key Nintendo titles." The company believes this'll help the Wii U attain its projected shipping figures of 9 million for the next fiscal year (April 1 2013 to March 31 2014).

Nintendo's fiscal year net profits came in at almost half the company's projections, down from a projected ¥14 billion to just over ¥7 billion, or around $71 million. The figure nonetheless represents significant turnaround from the ¥43 billion net loss posted for the previous fiscal year. Nintendo forecasts net profits of ¥55 billion for its next fiscal year.

3DS shipping figures continue to climb, with the handheld now at 31.09 million, up over a million in the last quarter. The Wii remains short of the 100M mark at 99.84 million. The Wii outperformed the Wii U in the last quarter, shipping 70,000 units more at 460,000.

Continue reading Wii U shipments miss targets at 3.45M, projected 9M for next fiscal year

JoystiqWii U shipments miss targets at 3.45M, projected 9M for next fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsanimal-crossing-new-leaffinancialsluigis-mansion-dark-moonnew-super-mario-bros-2new-super-mario-bros-unintendonintendo-landpaper-mario-sticker-starwiiwii-uWed, 24 Apr 2013 04:20:00 EST<![CDATA[March NPD: BioShock Infinite rises to the top, Tomb Raider in second]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/march-npd-bioshock-infinite-rises-to-the-top-tomb-raider-in-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/march-npd-bioshock-infinite-rises-to-the-top-tomb-raider-in-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/march-npd-bioshock-infinite-rises-to-the-top-tomb-raider-in-se/#comments The sales-tracking data hounds at NPD have released their figures for March 2013, which collectively place hardware sales down, physical software sales slightly up, and BioShock Infinite at the top of the best-selling pile.

The physical retail sales sector of the U.S. video game industry pulled in 10 percent less coin than it did during the same five-week period in 2012, amassing a total of $992.5 million between March 3 and April 6, 2013. Hardware sales took the biggest hit out of the three monitored retail sub-categories, bringing in a total of $221.6 million, a 32 percent year-over-year decrease. Microsoft's Xbox 360 claimed its 27th month as the best-selling console in America, selling 261,000 units, down 13.5 percent from last month.

Meanwhile, overall physical software sales (console, portable and PC games) outperformed March 2012 by two percent: $602.4 million in 2013, as compared with last a total of $592.2 million in sales last March.

BioShock Infinite took an immediate victory over the rest of the period's release calendar, with Tomb Raider and Gears of War: Judgment rounding out the podium lineup. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon placed sixth overall; we learned yesterday it has sold 415,000 units. Though that figure's retail-to-digital ratio remains undefined, the "vast majority" of sales took place at retail, according to Nintendo's Scott Moffit.

As always, jump on through for the top 10 best-selling games of March, 2013.

Continue reading March NPD: BioShock Infinite rises to the top, Tomb Raider in second

JoystiqMarch NPD: BioShock Infinite rises to the top, Tomb Raider in second originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfinancialsmarch-2013March-NPDmicrosoftnintendoNPDNPD-marchpcplaystationps3pspsalessales-figuressonywiiwii-uxboxThu, 18 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom adjusts forecasts, cancels games, revises overseas strategy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/capcom-adjusts-forecasts-following-canceled-games-revises-strat/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/capcom-adjusts-forecasts-following-canceled-games-revises-strat/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/capcom-adjusts-forecasts-following-canceled-games-revises-strat/#comments Capcom adjusts forecasts following canceled games, revises strategyCapcom revised its financial forecasts in light of a "special loss" of around $73 million due to game cancellations, with the studio partially placing the blame on projects outsourced overseas. The company said it's making more of its game development internal due to a drop in quality from an "excessive" outsourcing of projects, this leading to the cancellation of certain games in development overseas.

Capcom also said it's aiming to "strengthen digital strategies" via increased DLC output. The company also wants its development and marketing divisions to be more in sync after noting "insufficient coordination" overseas.

Despite the restructuring loss announced today, Capcom forecasts a net profit for the fiscal year (which ended March 31) of ¥2.9 billion (around $29.5 million), thanks to strong sales from its Resident Evil 5 slot machine. The company also noted its shipping forecasts are largely in line with the revisions announced earlier this year, with DmC: Devil May Cry expected to come in at 1.15 million, and Resident Evil 6 at 4.9 million.

JoystiqCapcom adjusts forecasts, cancels games, revises overseas strategy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomfinancialsforecastsThu, 18 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio revenue in 2012 doubles to $195 million, toys contribute 45%]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/rovio-revenue-in-2012-doubles-to-195-million-toys-contribute-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/rovio-revenue-in-2012-doubles-to-195-million-toys-contribute-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/rovio-revenue-in-2012-doubles-to-195-million-toys-contribute-4/#comments Rovio is making so much money, you guysAngry Birds developer Rovio reported $71.3 million in net profit in 2012, up $25 million from the previous year, and its revenue doubled to $195.6 million. Rovio attributes the growth to its new gaming franchises, such as Bad Piggies and Amazing Alex, and its consumer products, including all of those Angry Birds plushies, backpacks and clothes lining Target shelves. Consumer products in 2012 brought in three times the revenue as in 2011, accounting for 45 percent of Rovio's total.

Rovio games have been downloaded more than 1.7 billion times, and monthly active users across all platforms hit 263 million in December. Rovio notes that its main sources of revenue within gaming are paid titles, virtual goods and advertising.

Angry Birds Toons premiered in March and Rovio is working on an Angry Birds movie, using its own funds to make that thing happen outside of the standard studio system. Despicable Me producer John Cohen and Iron Man executive producer David Maisel are both on board for the film, which is set to launch in 2016.

JoystiqRovio revenue in 2012 doubles to $195 million, toys contribute 45% originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsdsfinancialsiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspRoviosonywiixboxWed, 03 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix president Wada to step down, $106M 'restructuring' loss [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/square-enix-president-wada-to-step-down-106m-restructuring-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/square-enix-president-wada-to-step-down-106m-restructuring-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/square-enix-president-wada-to-step-down-106m-restructuring-l/#comments Square Enix president Wada to step down, $106M 'restructuring' lossYoichi Wada is leaving his post as Square Enix president and representative director, Square Enix announced this morning. Wada, who became the company's president and CEO in December 2000, is to be replaced by former company director and CFO Yosuke Matsuda. According to Square Enix's announcement, the change is "subject to a resolution" at the company's annual shareholders meeting in June, and a board of directors meeting held afterwards.

The news coincides with Square Enix announcing further major revisions to its fiscal year forecasts, which the company attributes to its decision to implement major restructuring in the wake of "the rapidly changing environment of the game businesses." Square Enix expects the changes, which it noted as affecting development policy, organizational structure, and business models, to incur a total "extraordinary" loss of ¥10 billion, or around $106 million.

However, Square Enix says the primary reason for the company's lower-than-expected results is the "sluggish" sales performance of its major games in western territories. When Square Enix announced its nine-month fiscal year net loss of just over ¥5 billion, the company said then it hadn't recovered the losses from earlier in the year because of "the increasingly difficult condition of the worldwide console game market."

Today's forecast revisions show a dramatic turnaround for the company's yearly financials. For the fiscal year ending March 31, Square Enix is projecting now a net loss of ¥13 billion, or around $138 million, compared to initial forecasts of a net profit of ¥3.5 billion, around $37 million. The previous fiscal year, Square Enix posted a net profit of just over ¥6 billion.

Update: GamesBeat is reporting Square Enix sold a number of its free-to-play games to privately funded start-up Sleepy Giant, with sources "familiar with the matter" saying four unannounced games were included in the deal. Neither party has announced the deal, with a Square Enix representative telling GamesBeat it doesn't "comment on any details for external development deals."

JoystiqSquare Enix president Wada to step down, $106M 'restructuring' loss [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsjapanlossrestructuringsquare-enixyoichi-wadayosuke-matsudaTue, 26 Mar 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Batman Arkham game coming this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/new-batman-arkham-game-coming-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/new-batman-arkham-game-coming-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/new-batman-arkham-game-coming-this-year/#comments A new Batman Arkham game is being released this year, although it's unknown if series developer Rocksteady Studios is behind it. The news comes courtesy of the Time Warner Q4 2012 earnings call, as posted by Yahoo! Finance.

"And we also have a strong games release this year, which will include the next release in the Batman Arkham franchise," said John K. Martin, Time Warner chief financial officer and chief administrative officer.

Warner Bros. Interactive and Rocksteady Studios released Batman: Arkham Asylum in 2009, followed by Arkham City in 2011. In that sense, a new Arkham game in 2013 adds up.

According to a Variety report from last year, Rocksteady is developing another Batman game, but it's set in the Silver Age of comic history, and isn't expected to be released until 2014. Maybe Variety and Warner are talking about the same game, but it sounds like they may not be. In any case, we've reached out to Warner Bros. Interactive for more info.

JoystiqNew Batman Arkham game coming this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkhambatmanbatman-arkham-asylumbatman-arkham-cityfinancialsrocksteady-studioswarner-broswarner-bros-interactiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIETue, 12 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami revenues, income down year-over-year, still profitable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/konami-revenues-income-down-year-over-year-still-profitable/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/konami-revenues-income-down-year-over-year-still-profitable/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/konami-revenues-income-down-year-over-year-still-profitable/#comments Konami has released its year-to-date financial information for the nine month period ending on December 31, 2012, and while the company has posted significant year-over-year losses, it is still reporting a profit in all areas.

So far, Konami has accrued revenues of ¥160.1 billion ($1.71 billion), down nearly 18 percent from the ¥194.5 billion it had earned by the end of calendar 2011. Likewise, net income (read: post-tax profit) was down 48 percent; ¥8.82 billion ($94.6 million) as compared with the ¥17 billion reported this time last year. Konami's "Digital Entertainment" division, responsible for all video games and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, brought in roughly half of the company's overall revenues with ¥80.5 billion ($861.1 million) reported.

Konami also produces a wide assortment of slot machines and pachinko games for western and Japanese markets: Its "Gaming & Systems" and "Pachinko & Pachinko Slot Machines" segments, respectively. While all of Konami's divisions suffered losses, its Pachinko division experienced the most severe year-over-year disparity, reporting a 77.8 percent decrease in revenue versus last year.

JoystiqKonami revenues, income down year-over-year, still profitable originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfinancialsfiscal-2012fiscal-2013konamimicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Q3vitaxboxThu, 07 Feb 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard sees 'best performance in history' during 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/activision-blizzard-sees-best-performance-in-history-during-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/activision-blizzard-sees-best-performance-in-history-during-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/activision-blizzard-sees-best-performance-in-history-during-20/#comments Activision Blizzard and its many, many franchises brought in $4.85 billion dollars in net revenue over the course of calendar 2012, with $1.76 billion of that hitting its coffers during the three month period ending on December 31, 2012. Digital sales represented 32 percent of that total annual new revenue, raking in $1.54 billion.

As far as actual profit is concerned, Activision Blizzard reports net post-tax income of $1.14 billion for the year and $354 million for Q4; a 5.8 and 257 percent year-over-year increase, respectively.

"Activision Blizzard delivered the best performance in its history," CEO Bobby Kotick said in the financial statement. "In the short-term, we expect to continue delivering strong profitability, but below our record setting 2012 performance, due to a challenged global economy, the ongoing console transition and a difficult year-over-year comparison because of Blizzard's record-shattering Diablo 3 success in 2012."

In addition to said Diablo 3 success, Activision Blizzard also lists Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Black Ops 2 and Skylanders among the many reasons that it had such a successful year, with Skylanders as a series having crested $1 billion in lifetime sales.

Looking forward, Activision Blizzard anticipates total net revenues for calendar 2013 to ring up at $4.08 billion, with $1.16 billion of that being generated during the year's first quarter.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard sees 'best performance in history' during 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsActivision-Blizzardandroidcalendar-2012diablo-3dsfinancialsfiscal-2013incomeiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilemodern-warfare-3nintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaprofitps3pspQ4-2014skylanderssonyvitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 07 Feb 2013 16:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft sales crest $1 billion during Q3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/ubisoft-sales-crest-1-billion-during-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/ubisoft-sales-crest-1-billion-during-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/ubisoft-sales-crest-1-billion-during-q3/#comments Ubisoft's performance figures for the three month period ending December 31, 2012 have been released, and while we don't have specific net/operating/sticky/whatever income figures on account of the company's Frenchness, we do have an overall indication of how it performed in Q3. Which is to say, pretty good.

Sales for the period totaled €802 million ($1.07 billion), which is a 23 percent increase over the €652 million reported for the same quarter last year. Ubisoft's nine month year-to-date figures are also outperforming last year's: €1.08 billion ($1.45 billion) versus €900 million by this time last year, an increase of 21 percent.

Ubisoft attributes a large amount of this income with Assassin's Creed 3's 12 million shipped units and Far Cry 3's critical success, in addition to a 143 percent year-over-year increase in digital sales, totaling €55.2 million ($74.3 million).

JoystiqUbisoft sales crest $1 billion during Q3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3digital-salesfar-cry-3financialsiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3Q3saleswiiwii-uxboxThu, 07 Feb 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony cuts Q3 net loss to $115M, handheld forecasts down 30 percent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/sony-cuts-q3-net-loss-to-115m-handheld-forecasts-down-30-perce/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/sony-cuts-q3-net-loss-to-115m-handheld-forecasts-down-30-perce/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/sony-cuts-q3-net-loss-to-115m-handheld-forecasts-down-30-perce/#comments Sony posted a net loss of ¥10.8 billion for its fiscal third quarter ending December 31, 2012, which converts to around $115 million. That represents a huge reduction from a previous Q3 net loss of ¥159 billion, with the company's various cost-cutting strategies across the last year helping to turn the tide.

On the games front, however, Vita and PSP forecasts took a significant hit. The handhelds' combined fiscal-year estimate (March 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013) is now at 7 million, down 30 percent from the 10 million projected in November, not to mention the initial projection of 16 million. Sony sold 2.7 million of the handhelds across the third quarter, but in the last three months of its fiscal year the company only expects to sell 1.3 million.

The PlayStation division endured a tough third quarter overall, with operating income dropping year-on-year from ¥33.8 billion to just ¥4.6 billion, or around $49 million. While Sony noted the previous Q3 was offset by the Vita's launch in December 2011, the company admitted this year's figures took a hit because of decreased sales across all its gaming hardware. The Vita's "slow penetration" was noted as a particularly important issue.

The combined fiscal-year projection for PS3 and PS2 remained steady at 16 million, with Q3 sales of 6.8 million for the two consoles. Software-wise, 61.7 million PS3 and PS2 games were sold across the third quarter, while PSP and Vita game sales came in at 8.9 million.

JoystiqSony cuts Q3 net loss to $115M, handheld forecasts down 30 percent originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsjapanplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitaThu, 07 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive was Disney's least profitable branch in Q1 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/disney-interactive-was-disneys-least-profitable-branch-in-q1-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/disney-interactive-was-disneys-least-profitable-branch-in-q1-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/disney-interactive-was-disneys-least-profitable-branch-in-q1-20/#comments Despite revenues of $291 million during the three month period ending December 29, 2012, Disney Interactive's remaining $9 million in operating revenue (read: pre-tax profit) made it the entertainment giant's least profitable division during the first quarter of the fiscal 2013.

Still, this was a marked increase over Disney Interactive's Q1 2012 performance, where it posted a loss of $28 million. Being back in black is even more impressive when you consider Interactive's reported an operating loss of $42 million just last August, making it Disney's only unprofitable sector at the time.

Disney attributes this year's growth to improved performance in its social gaming businesses in the Japanese market, where a new licensing agreement has increased the amount of Disney-branded hardware and software.

Of course, Disney's financial report made no mention of Junction Point or its sordid fate, but that's to be expected since the studio's closure technically happened during the second quarter of fiscal 2013. We may gain some new insight into that situation during the next round of quarterlies, but for now, all we've got to go on is Mickey's increasing popularity in the Land of the Rising Sun.

JoystiqDisney Interactive was Disney's least profitable branch in Q1 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disney-Interactiveearnings-reportfinancialsfiscal-2013junction-pointQ1-2013quarterlyreportWed, 06 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga posts $209.4 million loss for 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/zynga-posts-209-4-million-loss-for-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/zynga-posts-209-4-million-loss-for-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/zynga-posts-209-4-million-loss-for-2012/#comments Though 2012 was a rough year Zynga - with the company seeing studio closures, layoffs and departures - the casual game developer and publisher fared better financially than it did in 2011. Zynga ended 2011 in the red to the tune of $404.3 million, while the company has posted a net loss of just $209.4 million in 2012. Year-end revenues stacked up at $1.28 billion; a 12 percent increase over 2011.

The difference between Zynga's overall Q4 revenue in 2012 and 2011 is negligible: $311.1 million as compared with $311.2 million, respectively. Online game revenues were down by three percent year-over-year, while advertising revenue was up by 35 percent, cresting $36 million. Year-over-year net losses are dramatically different, however, with Q4 2012's loss of $48.5 million an 88 percent decrease from the $435 million loss posted in Q4 of 2011.

Looking forward, Zynga anticipates a net loss for Q1 2013, somewhere in the ballpark of $12 million to $32 million.

JoystiqZynga posts $209.4 million loss for 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012androidfinancialsfiscal-2012iosipadiphonemacmobilepcQ4-2012ZyngaTue, 05 Feb 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix posts $61 million nine-month net loss, net sales up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/square-enix-posts-62-million-nine-month-net-loss-net-sales-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/square-enix-posts-62-million-nine-month-net-loss-net-sales-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/square-enix-posts-62-million-nine-month-net-loss-net-sales-up/#comments Square Enix posts $62 million ninemonth net lossSquare Enix's net loss for this fiscal year is now ¥5.7 billion, which converts to around $61 million. Compare that to last fiscal year, when the company turned a net profit of just over ¥5 billion, or around $53.5 million, and it's a drastic difference. Square Enix stated it hadn't recovered the losses posted in November 2012 because of "the increasingly difficult condition of the worldwide console game market."

Net sales, however, did see year-on-year growth of over 7 percent to ¥102.8 billion, or around $1.1 billion. Square Enix also noted acceptable profits for mobile and social networking games like Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade and Final Fantasy Artniks.

Looking ahead, Square Enix forecasts end-of-fiscal-year net profits of ¥3.5 billion yen, or around $37.3 million, that figure down year-on-year by 42 percent. The company expects content expansion and the launch of "full-scale commercial services for major MMO titles," to drive earnings up.

JoystiqSquare Enix posts $61 million nine-month net loss, net sales up originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-14financialsjapansquare-enixTue, 05 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two Interactive bags 405% year-over-year profit increase during Q3 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/take-two-interactive-bags-405-year-over-year-profit-increase-du/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/take-two-interactive-bags-405-year-over-year-profit-increase-du/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/take-two-interactive-bags-405-year-over-year-profit-increase-du/#comments Take-Two Interactive has released its financial report for the three month period ending on December 31, 2012, or "Q3 2013" in technical terms. The company raked in net revenue (read: gross income) of $415.7 million during that period; a 75.9 percent increase over the $236.3 million it earned in Q3 of fiscal 2012.

Net income (read: profit) was also up year-over-year, $71.3 million during Q3 2013 versus $14.1 million in 2012, which is an astonishing 405.9 percent increase. Meanwhile, Take-Two's nine month year-to-date figures are reporting a loss of $51.9 million, down from the $41.9 million loss reported at this same time in fiscal 2012.

Revenues accrued from digital sales were up 244 percent year-over-year, an increase that Take-Two attributes to Borderlands, Borderlands 2, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, NBA 2k13, the Grand Theft Auto series and all of those games' respective DLC.

JoystiqTake-Two Interactive bags 405% year-over-year profit increase during Q3 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsfinancialsfiscal-2012microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspQ3-2012sonytake-twoTake-Two-InteractivewiixboxTue, 05 Feb 2013 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom sales, income up in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/capcom-sales-income-up-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/capcom-sales-income-up-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/capcom-sales-income-up-in-2012/#comments Capcom continued its recent financial boon with a net income of 6.6 billion yen ($72 million), up 104.9 percent, for the first nine months of its fiscal year, which will end on March 31, 2013. Capcom attributed the success to launches of major games, the growing popularity of its social games in Japan, and its newly introduced Resident Evil 5 slot machine. Sales were up 44 percent during the same period from last year.

While both Resident Evil 6 and DmC: Devil May Cry saw significant reductions to their end-of-fiscal-year projections, Capcom is pleased by the performances of Dragon's Dogma, which exceeded expectations to become a million-seller last year, and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, which racked up over 600,000 sales during its first month in Japan.

JoystiqCapcom sales, income up in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdmc-devil-may-crydragons-dogmafinancialsfy-2012monster-hunter-3-ultimateq3resident-evil-5resident-evil-6Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang revenue hits $237 million in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/mojang-revenue-hits-237-million-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/mojang-revenue-hits-237-million-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/mojang-revenue-hits-237-million-in-2012/#comments We already knew that 2012 was a particularly legit year for Minecraft maker Mojang, what with its principle product being purchased over 15 million times and everything, but now we have a better idea of what success like that translates to in dollars. Well, technically in krona and then translated again into dollars, but whatever.

Overall, Mojang's revenue for 2012 tallied up at SEK 1.5 billion, or $237.84 million at current exchange rates, according to GamesIndustry's translation of Swedish publication IT24. Nearly half of that revenue (SEK 640 million/$101.48 million) was derived from the collection of license fees. Meanwhile, pre-tax profits were reported at SEK 580 million ($91.96 million), although no post-taxes/net income figures were provided.

One of Mojang's biggest hurdles is the non-universal nature of its online payment system, CEO Carl Manneh told IT24: "We have so many markets where we are not very strong yet," he said, "where many play Minecraft but few have bought it simply because you can't use our online payment solution there. That's something we'll get our hands to during 2013."

JoystiqMojang revenue hits $237 million in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidCarl-MannehfinancialsiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftMinecraftmobileMojangpcrevenuexboxSat, 02 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA posts $45 million net loss in Q3, reduces revenue forecast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/ea-posts-45-million-net-loss-in-q3-reduces-revenue-forecast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/ea-posts-45-million-net-loss-in-q3-reduces-revenue-forecast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/ea-posts-45-million-net-loss-in-q3-reduces-revenue-forecast/#comments Electronic Arts announced a net loss of $45 million for its third fiscal quarter, ending December 31, 2012. The figure represents a significant year-on-year improvement from the company's previous Q3 net loss of $205 million. However, net revenue for the quarter endured year-on-year decline, down from $1.061 million to $921 million.

In light of the economy's weakness, EA adjusted fiscal year net revenue forecasts to between $3.7 billion and $3.8 billion, down from the figures of $3.85 billion to $4 billion as per the company's Q2 financials. Speaking to Reuters, EA chief financial officer Blake Jorgensen noted the company's uncertainty over the market in the next few months.

"The economy hasn't gotten any stronger," Jorgensen said. "It's a little early for me to know how strong the market's going to be, so based on that we widened our range for revenue for the fourth quarter and brought our guidance down slightly just to make sure we're prudent."

Yesterday's financial call revealed continuing successes for many of EA's headline franchises, such as FIFA, Battlefield, Dead Space and Crysis. However, following the poor reception to Warfighter, the company said it's taking Medal of Honor "out of rotation."

JoystiqEA posts $45 million net loss in Q3, reduces revenue forecast originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAelectronic-artsfinancialsQ3q3-2013Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U price cut ruled out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/wii-u-price-cut-ruled-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/wii-u-price-cut-ruled-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/wii-u-price-cut-ruled-out/#comments Nintendo president Satoru Iwata made it clear the Wii U isn't getting a price cut anytime soon. In an investor briefing following yesterday's financial results, Iwata said Nintendo's "resolute stance" on selling the Wii U at a loss means a markdown is out of the question.

"With Wii U, we have taken a rather resolute stance in pricing it below its manufacturing cost, so we are not planning to perform a markdown," Iwata said. "I would like to make this point absolutely clear. We are putting our lessons from Nintendo 3DS to good use, as I have already publicly stated.

"However, given that it has now become clear that we have not yet fully communicated the value of our product, we will try to do so before the software lineup is enhanced and at the same time work to enrich the software lineup which could make consumers understand the appeal of Wii U."

Nintendo cut its end-of-fiscal year forecasts for hardware sales yesterday, the company expecting now to ship 4 million rather than 5.5 million Wii U consoles by March 31. 3DS fiscal year forecasts also took a hit, down from an initial 18.5 million to 15 million.

With concerns over the amount of overseas development for its 3DS system, Nintendo plans to assist Japanese developers in bringing their games to European and North American markets this year. The news must be sweet music to the ears of those who've been clamoring for Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney to get a Western release.

JoystiqWii U price cut ruled out originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsnintendoprice-cutwii-uThu, 31 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 13 sold 12 million in 2012, revenue up from FIFA 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/fifa-13-ships-12-million-in-q3-2013-revenue-up-from-fifa-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/fifa-13-ships-12-million-in-q3-2013-revenue-up-from-fifa-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/fifa-13-ships-12-million-in-q3-2013-revenue-up-from-fifa-12/#comments FIFA 13 ships 12 million in Q3 2013, revenue up from FIFA 12FIFA 13 sold through 12 million units through the third fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2012, an increase of 23 percent over FIFA 12's sales the previous year. In adjusted, non-GAAP sales, FIFA 13's digital net revenue hit $100 million in Q3, a 98 percent increase over FIFA 12 in Q3 2012.

Throughout the first three quarters of 2013, FIFA generated more than $230 million in digital net revenue, including more than $60 million from FIFA Online 2 and FIFA World Class Soccer.

JoystiqFIFA 13 sold 12 million in 2012, revenue up from FIFA 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsEAElectronic-Artsfifa-13financialsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspQ3-2013sonyvitawiiwii-uxboxWed, 30 Jan 2013 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo cuts hardware sales targets after shipping 3M Wii U consoles in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/nintendo-cuts-hardware-sales-targets-after-shipping-3m-wii-u-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/nintendo-cuts-hardware-sales-targets-after-shipping-3m-wii-u-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/nintendo-cuts-hardware-sales-targets-after-shipping-3m-wii-u-con/#comments Nintendo adjusted its annual net profit outlook from ¥6 billion to ¥14 billion (around $154 million) on the back of a weakening yen, with the company posting a nine-month operating loss of ¥5.8 billion ($63.7 million) compared to the corresponding figure of ¥48.4 billion for the last fiscal year. However, Nintendo's end-of-fiscal-year hardware targets took a big hit on the back of shipping 3.06 million Wii U consoles in 2012.

Nintendo now projects a figure of 4 million for Wii U by the end of its fiscal year on March 31, down from the 5.5 million the company predicted in October 2012. 3DS shipments are now expected to hit 15 million for the year, down from initial projections of 18.5 million.

Nintendo has now shifted 29.84 million units of its handheld since launch. Meanwhile, the Wii's life-to-date figures are up to 99.38 million, with 3.53 million units shipped across the nine month period.

Regards software, Nintendo shifted 11.69 million Wii U games since the console's launch on November 18, The best-performing games were the bundled-in Nintendo Land and New Super Mario Bros. U, coming in at 2.33 million and 2.01 million respectively.

On the 3DS front, Nintendo shipped 39.56 million units of the handheld across the nine months. Pokémon Black/White 2 soared to a total of 7.63 million on the back of almost 3 million sales in Japan alone, while New Super Mario Bros. 2 is at 5.96 million. Animal Crossing: New Leaf sits at 2.73 million, largely thanks to its popularity with Japan's female demographic. All figures are as of December 31, 2012.

JoystiqNintendo cuts hardware sales targets after shipping 3M Wii U consoles in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsanimal-crossing-new-leaffinancialsnew-super-mario-bros-2new-super-mario-bros-unintendonintendo-landpokemon-black-2-white-2wiiwii-uWed, 30 Jan 2013 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Logitech to phase out production of console gaming accessories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/logitech-to-phase-out-production-of-console-gaming-accessories/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/logitech-to-phase-out-production-of-console-gaming-accessories/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/logitech-to-phase-out-production-of-console-gaming-accessories/#comments The third quarter of fiscal 2013 wasn't especially awesome for Logitech, despite the fact that I personally spent 30 of my own dollars on a wireless keyboard within that time frame. Whereas the same period last year saw a net profit of $55 million, Logitech posted a net loss of $194.9 million in its most recent earnings report.

As a result, some of Logitech's divisions will be scaled back, while others will be discontinued altogether. "We have initiated the process to divest our remote controls and digital video security categories, and we plan to discontinue other non-strategic products, such as speaker docks and console gaming peripherals," said Logitech president/CEO Bracken P. Darrell.

While Logitech's console peripheral business will disappear, the company's PC gaming offerings will remain unchanged. We've also been able to confirm that Logitech console accessories that have already been purchased will continue to exist, and will not crumble into piles of dust. These cost reduction measures are expected to take place "by the end of Calendar Year 2013."

JoystiqLogitech to phase out production of console gaming accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesconsolecontrollersfinancialsfiscal-2013hardwarelogitechmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Q3Q3-2013racing-wheelwiixboxSat, 26 Jan 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft fiscal 2013, Q2: Xbox still on top, Entertainment revenue down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/microsoft-fiscal-2013-q2-xbox-still-on-top-entertainment-reve/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/microsoft-fiscal-2013-q2-xbox-still-on-top-entertainment-reve/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/microsoft-fiscal-2013-q2-xbox-still-on-top-entertainment-reve/#comments Microsoft fiscal 2013, Q2 Xbox still on top, Entertainment revenue down Microsoft's financial statement for the three month period ending December 31, 2012 (aka Q2 fiscal 2013) has been released, and amid the breakdowns of the Windows Division's revenue increase and the Server & Tool division's year-over-year whatever is some information our readers actually care about.

Specifically, the Entertainment and Devices Division, which includes everything Xbox, experienced an 11 percent year-over-year decrease in revenue as compared with 2011; $3.77 billion versus $4.23 billion, respectively. Still, the Xbox 360 was the best-selling console in the United States, as it has been for the last 22 months.

As a whole, Microsoft's Q2 revenue (read: gross income) rang up at $21.45 billion, up three percent when compared to 2011, but its operating (read: net) income went down by three percent to $7.77 billion, which is only enough to buy about 26.7 billion mechanical pencils.

JoystiqMicrosoft fiscal 2013, Q2: Xbox still on top, Entertainment revenue down originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsearnings-reportfinancialsfiscal-2013kinectmicrosoftmobilepcQ2Q2-2013xboxThu, 24 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop holiday sales down 4.6 percent to... $2.88 billion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/gamestop-holiday-sales-down-4-6-percent-to-2-88-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/gamestop-holiday-sales-down-4-6-percent-to-2-88-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/gamestop-holiday-sales-down-4-6-percent-to-2-88-billion/#comments GameStop sales dropped to $2.88 billion for the nine-week holiday period concluding December 29, 2012, a 4.6 percent decrease from the record-breakers the past three years.

"As a result, GameStop expects its fourth quarter 2012 earnings per share results to be at the low end of its current guidance range. Our strong market share positions us well for the future, and we look forward to new product launches in 2013," said CEO Paul Raines, glaring at Microsoft and Sony to get on with it.

Overall, hardware and software sales were down during the period, with pre-owned games taking at 15.6 percent dip. The company did mention it sold 320,000 Wii U units worldwide. The good news for the company is that its digital conversion seems to be moving along smoothly, with digital receipts up 40 percent and global e-commerce sales up 20.5 percent from the holiday period last year. Fight the future!

JoystiqGameStop holiday sales down 4.6 percent to... $2.88 billion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsgamestopTue, 08 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST