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[Nintendo downloadable game sales more than double this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/nintendo-downloadable-game-sales-more-than-double-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/nintendo-downloadable-game-sales-more-than-double-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/nintendo-downloadable-game-sales-more-than-double-this-year/#comments Nintendo downloadable game sales more double this yearWii U sales may be struggling but Nintendo's download business is booming. As part of its financial briefing today, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed that the company's downloadable game sales surpassed ¥16 billion ($160.9 million), more than doubling sales of the previous year. Download sales also handily eclipsed the banner year of 2010, when "both the Wii and Nintendo DSi systems were actively used."

Iwata noted that the majority of Nintendo customers have taken their 3DS online. That includes 87 percent of users in Japan and 83 percent in America. Europe's connection rate is significantly lower at 57 percent. The Wii U, meanwhile, has an 80 percent connection rate worldwide.

Iwata also mentioned the surprising viewing habits for the company's Nintendo Direct presentations. For recent presentations, he said, "it became common to see total views for a single video reach five hundred to six hundred thousand in a matter of about 10 days on the Nintendo eShop while they did not show apparent growth on YouTube." In fact, it seems that the eShop is now the most popular source for Nintendo Direct, accounting for "approximately 60 to 70 percent" of total views. That might sound like a surprising statistic, especially given the immense presence of YouTube, but Iwata noted that the eShop appeals to viewers "who do not own their own PCs or smart devices."

JoystiqNintendo downloadable game sales more than double this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfinancialfiscal-2012fy-2012nintendowii-uThu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop concludes fiscal year with net loss, CEO calls 2012 a 'challenging year']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/gamestop-concludes-fiscal-year-with-net-loss-ceo-calls-2012-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/gamestop-concludes-fiscal-year-with-net-loss-ceo-calls-2012-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/gamestop-concludes-fiscal-year-with-net-loss-ceo-calls-2012-a/#comments GameStop announced the results of it 2012 fiscal year (ending Feb. 2, 2013) today, with revenues of $403 million, which is slightly down from the $405.1 million in fiscal 2011. Due to "restructuring, impairment and debt retirement expenses of $680.7 million primarily related to goodwill impairment," the company saw a net loss of $269.7 million (2011: net earning of $339.9).

"While 2012 was a challenging year for console gaming, we focused on factors within our control. We expanded our market leadership position, maintained our financial strength and controlled our spending," said CEO Paul Raines in a company statement. "Perhaps most importantly, we invested in our mobile and digital businesses to position the company for future success. These channels delivered as planned and significantly contributed to our highest ever gross margin and profitability."

Short version: Gamestop spent to prepare for the future. The company expects a return to growth with the launch of "at least one next generation console by holiday." There's also the launch of Grand Theft Auto, which was specifically called out as a highlight of this holiday.

JoystiqGameStop concludes fiscal year with net loss, CEO calls 2012 a 'challenging year' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2012gamestopThu, 28 Mar 2013 19:30:00 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[Disney's mobile, social push improves its bottom line]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/disneys-mobile-social-push-improves-its-bottom-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/disneys-mobile-social-push-improves-its-bottom-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/disneys-mobile-social-push-improves-its-bottom-line/#comments Disney's focus on the mobile space improves its bottom lineDisney Interactive, the arm of Walt's empire that handles video games, saw an operating loss of $216 million for the fiscal year 2012, which ended on September 29. Loss for the quarter came to $76 million, an improvement of $18 million from Q4 2011.

Revenue for the year decreased 14 percent from 2011's $982 million, bringing 2012 to $845 million - the $216 million loss, however, improved from 2011's $308 million. Disney attributed the loss improvement to a focus on social games and decreased production of console games:

"Improved segment operating results for the year reflected an increase at our social games business.... The reduction in console games product development reflected an ongoing shift from console game releases to mobile and social game releases."

In 2011, Disney Interactive shut down all core studios except for Junction Point, the house responsible for the Epic Mickey series. Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion on October 30, and the deal included LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, the Star Wars games and effects studios. During the acquisition, Disney said it was likely to develop social and mobile games in the Star Wars universe, leaving console games to licensed third parties.

JoystiqDisney's mobile, social push improves its bottom line originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddisneyDisney-Interactivefy-2012iosipadiphoneLucasArtslucasfilmmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3wiiwii-uxboxSun, 11 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive is only division running at a loss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/disney-interactive-is-only-division-running-at-a-loss/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/disney-interactive-is-only-division-running-at-a-loss/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/disney-interactive-is-only-division-running-at-a-loss/#comments
The Walt Disney Company saw the largest earnings in the company's history for the quarter ending June 30, which is all sunshine and lollipops until you get down to the interactive (games) division. A year after gutting nearly all its core projects - and shuttering all core studios except Epic Mickey studio Junction Point (under the protection of Warren Spector) - the interactive division is the only part of the conglomerate operating at a loss.

Sales during the quarter were down 22 percent from the same period last year to $196 million, with an operating loss of $42 million, which is better than the $86 million loss last year. The improvement is thanks to social games. The company is still in an "ongoing shift from console games to social and other interactive platforms."

There is one exception to that: Junction Point's Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, which will be available this November. Hopefully, sales of the sequel will let the House of Mouse continue to show leniency toward Junction Point.

JoystiqDisney Interactive is only division running at a loss originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-Interactiveepic-mickey-2fy-2012junction-pointjunction-point-studiosq3Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai game business up 32% in fiscal quarter, Soulcalibur 5 leads sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/namco-bandai-game-business-up-32-in-fiscal-quarter-soulcalibur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/namco-bandai-game-business-up-32-in-fiscal-quarter-soulcalibur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/namco-bandai-game-business-up-32-in-fiscal-quarter-soulcalibur/#comments Namco Bandai's Game Software Division brought in 13.8 billion yen ($176.3 million) in its fiscal Q1 (ended June 30), up over last year's 10.4 billion yen. Overall, the "Content Business" that includes game software brought in 57 billion yen ($728.18 million), a 60% increase over the 35.6 billion from the same time last year.

The success of Namco's game business is partly due to just brute force - Namco released 46 games worldwide in the quarter, versus 27 last year. Its best selling game for the quarter was Soulcalibur 5, which added 680,000 worldwide sales to its total, for a life-to-date 1.38 million. Its other named best sellers include Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations, which sold 440,000 in the quarter, and the Japan only Toriko Gourmet Survival 2 for PSP, which sold 100,000.

JoystiqNamco Bandai game business up 32% in fiscal quarter, Soulcalibur 5 leads sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfy-2012microsoftnamco-bandainintendoplaystationps3pspq1sonysoulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vwiixboxFri, 03 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision brings in $1.08 billion in Q2: more than expected, but less than last year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/activision-brings-in-1-08-billion-in-q2-more-than-expected-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/activision-brings-in-1-08-billion-in-q2-more-than-expected-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/activision-brings-in-1-08-billion-in-q2-more-than-expected-bu/#comments Activision Blizzard beat its outlook for its fiscal Q2 (ending June 30), bringing in $1.08 billion in revenue - the outlook as of May predicted $950 million. This still falls short of the same period last year.

It's no mystery as to where Activision's money came from. "For the first six months, we had the top three best-selling games in North America and Europe with Activision Publishing's Skylanders Spyro's Adventures and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and Blizzard Entertainment's record setting Diablo III," reported Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. In addition, Activision reported $343 million in revenue from its digital channels (WoW subscriptions and Call of Duty maps), representing an impressive 32% of total revenue.

JoystiqActivision brings in $1.08 billion in Q2: more than expected, but less than last year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3diablo-3earningsfinancialsfy-2012q2skylanders-spyros-adventureThu, 02 Aug 2012 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two ends fiscal '12 with loss, high '13 projection raises eyebrows]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/take-two-ends-fiscal-12-with-loss-high-13-projection-raises-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/take-two-ends-fiscal-12-with-loss-high-13-projection-raises-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/take-two-ends-fiscal-12-with-loss-high-13-projection-raises-e/#comments Take-Two Interactive's revenues for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, were $825.8 million, short of last year's $1.14 billion, because it didn't have Red Dead Redemption in it. Last year's breakout star, L.A. Noire, did well with 5 million units shipped, but that doesn't compare to the more than 13 million units (8.5 million at that time) done by Red Dead Redemption.

Overall, the publisher had a net loss of $108.8 million for the year, compared to the $48 million profit in the previous year.

Here's where things get interesting: During this afternoon's investor call, CEO Strauss Zelnick reiterated a point from earlier in the call that there are "titles yet to be announced for fiscal 2013." This is significant because the company expects revenues of $1.75 - $1.85 billion for the fiscal year ending next March. Look back at that blockbuster Red Dead Redemption year, and note that revenues reached $1.14 billion. So, what's the deal?

Officially, at this time, Take-Two plans to launch Borderlands 2 in September, NBA 2K13 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown in October and, finally, BioShock: Infinite in February. Although any one of those could be a runaway hit, there's still $600-$700 million missing over that impressive Red Dead year to hit the projection. Either Grand Theft Auto 5 is secretly on the docket for this year or Take-Two is expecting blockbusters from more than one of the announced games.

JoystiqTake-Two ends fiscal '12 with loss, high '13 projection raises eyebrows originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3Take-TwoTake-Two-InteractivexboxTue, 22 May 2012 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K13 slotted for October 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/nba-2k13-slotted-for-october-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/nba-2k13-slotted-for-october-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/nba-2k13-slotted-for-october-2/#comments ImageNBA 2K13 is set to launch on October 2 for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PSP and PC, Take-Two Interactive announced today. This is in line with the October precedence set by previous NBA 2K titles. Developer 2K Sports has yet to reveal any details about the game, but our best guess is that it will feature an orange ball and some tall dudes.

2K13's direct predecessor, NBA 2K12, shipped 5 million units, Take-Two said.

JoystiqNBA 2K13 slotted for October 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Sportsfinancialsfy-2012microsoftNBA-2K13nintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyTake-TwowiixboxTue, 22 May 2012 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne 3 ships 3 million units, PC launch pushed worldwide June 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/max-payne-3-ships-3-million-units-pc-launch-pushed-worldwide-ju/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/max-payne-3-ships-3-million-units-pc-launch-pushed-worldwide-ju/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/max-payne-3-ships-3-million-units-pc-launch-pushed-worldwide-ju/#comments ImageMax Payne 3 has shipped 3 million units since hitting shelves last week, publisher Take-Two Interactive revealed in its FY 2012 financial report.

Take-Two also announced Max Payne 3 is now scheduled with an international PC release date of June 1. Rockstar initially planned to launch Max Payne 3 for North American PCs on Tuesday, May 29, but has pushed that back to meet the standard European launch day of Friday that week. All's fair in love and gritty, noir-style war.

JoystiqMax Payne 3 ships 3 million units, PC launch pushed worldwide June 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfy-2012Max-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3RockStarTake-TwoxboxTue, 22 May 2012 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ sees net loss of $239.9 million, still in business]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/#comments ImageTHQ saw a net loss of $239.9 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, $100 million more than the previous fiscal year's loss of $136.1 million.

"We have made significant changes to our business, and are on track to execute our strategy of delivering quality connected core gaming experiences, beginning with the sequel to the award-winning Darksiders in August," president and CEO Brian Farrell said in a THQ earnings statement.

THQ has seen a rough year, with plummeting revenue despite the success of Saints Row: The Third and WWE '12. THQ laid off 240 employees, slashed the salaries of its head honchos and cut its "kids' licensed video games" department earlier this fiscal year, following quarter losses of nearly triple the previous period.

THQ has sold through 84 percent of its shipped uDraw tablets and expects to sell its remaining inventory in fiscal 2013. The company's "future kids' license commitments" have been reduced by $30 million, THQ reports.

THQ describes its emergency layoffs, salary cuts and company rehashing as follows: "The company exited the traditional kids' licensed games business, and streamlined its product line, organization and cost structure to support a smaller company positioned for sustained profitability."

JoystiqTHQ sees net loss of $239.9 million, still in business originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2012kinectlossmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationps3THQwiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[South Park: The Game delayed to early 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/south-park-the-game-delayed-to-early-2013/#comments ImageSouth Park: The Game was originally announced with a launch in the second half of 2012, but it has been pushed to Q4 of FY2013, THQ's financial statement reveals. THQ's financial years run April through March, putting the new launch window in early 2013 territory.

Developer Obsidian Entertainment was hit with layoffs in March, with a few losses coming from the South Park: The Game development team.

JoystiqSouth Park: The Game delayed to early 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Delayfy-2012microsoftObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-the-gameTHQxboxTue, 15 May 2012 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft profits in 2012, 'core gamers' drive rise in sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-profits-in-2012-core-gamers-drive-rise-in-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-profits-in-2012-core-gamers-drive-rise-in-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-profits-in-2012-core-gamers-drive-rise-in-sales/#comments ImageUbisoft ended the 2012 financial year on the up, reporting a gross profit of €718 million ($917 million) and sales up 2.1 percent to €1 billion ($1.4 billion) year-over-year, according to its financial results for 2011-2012.

Ubisoft ended fiscal 2011-12 with net income of €37.3 million ($47.6 million), up from a net loss of €52.1 million ($66.5 million) in the 2011 fiscal year.

Sales from "core gamers" in Assassin's Creed Revelations, Rayman Origins, Driver San Francisco and free-to-play title The Settlers Online generated €578 million ($738.1 million) in revenue, Ubisoft reported. Casual games brought in €483 million ($616.8 million) in revenue, mainly from Just Dance, Rocksmith and free-to-play title Howrse.

Core and casual titles contributed to a 110.8 percent jump in online and digital sales, bringing that figure to €80 million ($102.1 million), Ubisoft reported.

Ubisoft's net cash position is down from €99.2 million ($126.6 million) in 2011 to €84.6 million ($108 million) in 2012, while current operating income rose 90 percent to €56 million ($71.5 million) year-over-year.

JoystiqUbisoft profits in 2012, 'core gamers' drive rise in sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfy-2012kinectmicrosoftmovenintendopcplaystationps3UbisoftwiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony shares drop to 31-year low in Japan, 19-year low in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sony-shares-drop-to-31-year-low-in-japan-19-year-low-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sony-shares-drop-to-31-year-low-in-japan-19-year-low-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sony-shares-drop-to-31-year-low-in-japan-19-year-low-in-us/#comments ImageShares of Sony stock have dipped to their lowest number in 31 years in Japan and to a 19-year low in the US, following a dismal earnings report for the previous fiscal year. Sony shares dropped 7 percent in Japan, to 1,135 Yen ($14), and 2 percent in the US, closing at $15.37.

Sony CEO Kaz Hirai plans to lose 10,000 employees in a company-wide reorganization effort. Sony reported a net revenue loss of 9.6 percent for fiscal year 2012, dropping from $89 billion to $79.1 billion year-over-year.

JoystiqSony shares drop to 31-year low in Japan, 19-year low in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downfy-2012Japanplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsharessonystocksusvitaFri, 11 May 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai has solid fiscal year thanks to Dark Souls, arcade sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/#comments ImageNamco Bandai saw a net income of 1.9 billion yen ($24 million) in its fiscal year 2012, with help from strong US sales of Dark Souls and Ace Combat Assault Horizon. Dark Souls sold 1.19 million units across the US and Europe, while Ace Combat Assault Horizon sold 1.07 million units in Japan, the US and Europe.

Across all platforms, Namco sold 23.3 million software units, led by 8.5 million for PS3, 4.2 million for PSP and 3.2 million for Xbox 360. Revenue from Namco's mobile sector increased, although number of paid subscribers dropped from 3.34 million to 2.15 million year-over-year. Sales of Namco's arcade game machines grew from 56 billion yen ($701.3 million) in FY 2011 to 73.4 billion yen ($919.2 million) in FY 2012.

JoystiqNamco Bandai has solid fiscal year thanks to Dark Souls, arcade sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-combat-assault-horizondark-soulsfinancialsfy-2012microsoftmobileNamco-Bandaipcplaystationproject-darkps3pspsonyxboxWed, 09 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA has 11 million strong on Origin, made $150 million in ten months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-has-11-million-strong-on-origin-made-150-million-in-ten-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-has-11-million-strong-on-origin-made-150-million-in-ten-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-has-11-million-strong-on-origin-made-150-million-in-ten-mon/#comments ImageEA's Origin service has a registered 11 million members and has generated $150 million in non-GAAP revenue during the fiscal year from March 31, 2011 to April 1 this year, EA reports.

EA's Nucleus, its cross-platform community network, now has 220 million members, EA says.

EA recently allowed all 11 million members to provide feedback on Origin, its digital distribution service.

JoystiqEA has 11 million strong on Origin, made $150 million in ten months originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAea-nucleusea-originElectronic-Artsfy-2012nucleusoriginpcMon, 07 May 2012 16:48:00 EST<![CDATA[EA spending $80 million on next-gen development over next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-80-million-next-gen-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-80-million-next-gen-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-80-million-next-gen-development/#comments ImageAccording to EA's results for fiscal 2012, the period from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012, it's been a good year. The publisher saw growth across many sectors, but perhaps most surprising was talk of investing $80 million in development of games for "Gen4 console systems" over the next 12 months, EA's fiscal 2013.

It speaks to not only when we could potentially get our hands on some new hardware, but is potentially indicative of how much cash a major publisher will need in order to produce games for the next generation of AAA blockbusters. $80 million for one "Samaritan" seems like par for the course, right? That's how much we imagine it'll cost to produce one game in Superfuture 2013.

JoystiqEA spending $80 million on next-gen development over next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfiscal-2013fiscal-year-2012FY-2012FY-2013investmentnext-generationMon, 07 May 2012 16:47:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ earnings forecast improves due to Saints Row 3 sales, DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/thq-earnings-forecast-improves-due-to-saints-row-3-sales-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/thq-earnings-forecast-improves-due-to-saints-row-3-sales-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/thq-earnings-forecast-improves-due-to-saints-row-3-sales-dlc/#comments ImageAre you ready for this? It's ... good news about THQ's finances. The company is revising its earnings forecast for the quarter ending March 31, now reporting expectations of "non-GAAP net sales of $160 million to $170 million, which is above the company's previous outlook of non-GAAP net sales in the range of $130 million to $150 million." Non-GAAP earnings include "adjustments" or other non-recurring costs that aren't included in the standardized GAAP numbers companies are required to report.

Unfortunately, there's still some less-than-stellar news: The report will also have to account for "approximately $30 million to $50 million" in non-cash software development charges, "resulting from decisions made related to the company's previously-announced product strategy." A THQ representative tells Joystiq that these kinds of "charges" actually reflect a shift in expected performance of certain software - including the no-longer MMO Warhammer 40K Dark Millennium.

As for why the company is doing less poorly than expected, THQ cites three factors: Saints Row the Third, of which THQ has now shipped over four million units; "higher-than-expected digital sales" ... mostly of Saints Row DLC; and "slightly" better sales of UFC Undisputed 3 than predicted.

JoystiqTHQ earnings forecast improves due to Saints Row 3 sales, DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfy-2012q4saints-row-the-thirdthqWed, 18 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega's home game division posts losses, Mario & Sonic a bright spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/segas-home-game-division-posts-losses-mario-and-sonic-a-bright-s/#comments Sega's "Game Contents" division (i.e. home video games) was down 5.1% for the nine-month period ending December 31, with the company reporting 63.5 billion yen ($833 million) in net game sales from the division ... and 5.5 billion yen in total losses. As for reasoning, Sega said only that "in the overseas markets, sales of the new titles remained slow as affected by adverse market condition." Best we can tell, that "adverse market condition" refers to our economies all being really, really terrible.

The publisher shared sales numbers for its major releases. Sonic Generations sold 1.63 million copies across four platforms (Wii, PS3, PC, and the 3DS Generations game). Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games outsold it with 2.39 million copies -- despite not being released in Japan yet, and only being on one platform at the time, the Wii. And, uh, despite being a Mario & Sonic Olympics minigame collection. Hatsune Miku Project Diva Extend for PSP (released in Japan only) was the other named hit, with 290,000 copies.

Looking up at Sega's sales by platform, it's worth noting that Sega's single PlayStation Vita release, Virtua Tennis 4 (called Power Smash 4 in Japan) sold just 10,000 copies between the Vita launch date of December 17 and the end of the year. That ... doesn't seem very good.

JoystiqSega's home game division posts losses, Mario & Sonic a bright spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfy-2011fy-2012mario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-gamesmicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsegasega-sammysonic-generationssonyvitawiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ no longer manufacturing uDraw hardware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-no-longer-manufacturing-udraw-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-no-longer-manufacturing-udraw-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-no-longer-manufacturing-udraw-hardware/#comments THQ will no longer manufacture uDraw hardware, according to its fiscal 2012 third quarter financial report. "Sales of the uDraw GameTablet and related software, and other titles in the kids, family and casual category were far weaker than anticipated, substantially reducing our financial results for the quarter," reported THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell.

The uDraw is seemingly out of picture at this point, as the publisher "has no future commitments or plans to manufacture uDraw hardware." The Wii version of the tablet proved to be a success for THQ in 2010, leading the company to produce versions for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Sales of uDraw on Sony and Microsoft's platforms were underwhelming, however, leading the company to lower financial forecasts at the end of 2011.

THQ now plans to focus on "premium core and fighting franchises." The report doesn't specify whether or not THQ will continue to produce software for uDraw, though it seems unlikely given the transition away from children's products. Unless someone is working on a Saints Row art game, of course.

JoystiqTHQ no longer manufacturing uDraw hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialfy-2012microsoftnintendoplaystationps3q3thqudrawudraw-studiowiixboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 17:12:00 EST<![CDATA[EA sees $205 million net loss in Q3, rise in social-games users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-sees-205-million-net-loss-in-q3-rise-in-social-games-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-sees-205-million-net-loss-in-q3-rise-in-social-games-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-sees-205-million-net-loss-in-q3-rise-in-social-games-users/#comments EA recorded a net loss of $205 million, but its highest operating cash flow in 31 quarters for the fiscal third quarter ending December 31, 2011. In Q3 2011, EA generated $1.06 billion in net revenue, which is up from the previous Q3, with a net revenue of $1.05 billion. EA's cash flow from operations is recorded at $475 million.

EA's Battlefield 3 and FIFA 12 have each sold more than 10 million units, while Madden 12 sold almost 5 million. PopCap, which EA acquired in August, grew revenue 30 percent on a trailing 12-month basis, and its monthly active users for social games rose to 52 million, up from 39 million the previous year.

JoystiqEA sees $205 million net loss in Q3, rise in social-games users originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsfinancialsfy-2012iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspQ3q3-2012salessonywiixboxWed, 01 Feb 2012 16:48:00 EST<![CDATA[uDraw hasn't fared so well on Xbox 360 and PS3, THQ lowers its forecast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/udraw-hasnt-fared-so-well-on-xbox-360-and-ps3-thq-lowers-its-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/udraw-hasnt-fared-so-well-on-xbox-360-and-ps3-thq-lowers-its-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/udraw-hasnt-fared-so-well-on-xbox-360-and-ps3-thq-lowers-its-f/#comments THQ has lowered its earnings forecast for the third quarter of the 2012 fiscal year, citing underwhelming sales of its recently multiplatform uDraw tablet.

THQ CEO Brian Farrell explained in a press release, "Despite uDraw's strong success on the Wii in fiscal 2011 and market research indicating strong demand for uDraw on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, initial sales of our uDraw tablet and software on these high-definition platforms have been weaker than expected." As a result, the company is lowering its original sales guidance of between $510 million and $550 million by "approximately 25 percent," which is a large number of millions (at least $127.5 million).

We'll know how poorly the device did when third quarter results drop next February. Until then, Farrell assures investors that "WWE '12 and Saints Row: The Third are expected to perform at or better than the levels we discussed on our fiscal 2012 second quarter earnings call." We guess folks are just more into simulated violence and genuine bonersword violence than they're into drawing things with their kids.

JoystiquDraw hasn't fared so well on Xbox 360 and PS3, THQ lowers its forecast originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessfy-2012microsoftplaystationps3q3q3-2012salesthqudrawudraw-game-tabletxboxThu, 08 Dec 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two earns $107m in second fiscal quarter, thanks to L.A. Noire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/take-two-earns-107m-in-second-fiscal-quarter-thanks-to-l-a-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/take-two-earns-107m-in-second-fiscal-quarter-thanks-to-l-a-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/take-two-earns-107m-in-second-fiscal-quarter-thanks-to-l-a-no/#comments Take-Two Interactive recently released its financial figures for the second quarter of the 2012 fiscal year, boasting "better-than-expected" net revenue of $107 million. That figure -- driven largely by L.A. Noire and MLB 2K11 sales -- pales in comparison to the company's $245 million in earnings from the same period last year. Of course, that period last year had Civilization 5, Mafia 2 and Red Dead Redemption on the docket, so there's that.

Despite the surprise upswing, Take-Two didn't revise its expectations for the entire fiscal year, during which it hopes to earn around $1 billion in revenue. Though they didn't explicitly say so, we're assuming they've revised expectations for whichever quarter Grand Theft Auto V will launch in to "three bajillionty dollars."

JoystiqTake-Two earns $107m in second fiscal quarter, thanks to L.A. Noire originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2012LA-Noiremicrosoftmlb-2k11pcplaystationps3q2-2011q2-2012salestake-twoxboxTue, 08 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom sales down year-over-year, due to lack of 'major titles']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/capcom-sales-down-year-over-year-due-to-lack-of-major-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/capcom-sales-down-year-over-year-due-to-lack-of-major-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/capcom-sales-down-year-over-year-due-to-lack-of-major-titles/#comments Capcom released its earnings for the first half of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 (which puts the halfway point at September 30). Net sales are down year-over-year, from 40.7 billion yen ($522 million) in 2010 to 29.3 billion yen ($375.1 million) in 2011. Net income is down 878 million yen ($11.3 million). Capcom attributes the downward trend to the fact that "no major titles were launched in Consumer Online Games business."

As for the titles that did come out in that period, Capcom sold 450,000 units of the Japan-only Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver., the PS3 port of the PSP hit. Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition brought Oni into 400,000 homes worldwide, and Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D also sold 400,000 worldwide. "These figures are shipment volumes," president Haruhiro Tsujimoto noted in his summary of the results, "so digital downloads are on top of those figures."

The second half of Capcom's year will be anchored by the December 10 launch of Monster Hunter Tri-G in Japan (of which Capcom expects to sell 1.2 million copies), and Dragon's Dogma (1.5 million), Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (2 million), and Street Fighter X Tekken (2 million) worldwide. Oh, and Snoopy's Street Fair for iPhone. In a Q&A, the publisher said it "will consider launching [Monster Hunter Tri-G] overseas," but hasn't come to a decision yet.

Capcom also announced that it's merging its North American subsidiaries, Capcom USA and Capcom Entertainment, Inc. In other news, Capcom had two North American subsidiaries.

JoystiqCapcom sales down year-over-year, due to lack of 'major titles' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomcapcom-usaearningsfy-2012iosiphonemicrosoftmobilemonster-hunter-portable-3rd-hdnintendopcplaystationps3xboxTue, 08 Nov 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Deus Ex boosts Square Enix's half-year forecast [update: official results posted]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/deus-ex-boosts-square-enixs-half-year-forecast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/deus-ex-boosts-square-enixs-half-year-forecast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/deus-ex-boosts-square-enixs-half-year-forecast/#comments Square Enix issued a change to its most recent six-month forecast of earnings, now that it's had the benefit of actually experiencing those six months (April-September 2011). That has a tendency to make predictions a bit more accurate.

The revision is a slight increase in net sales, from ¥56 billion ($718 million) to ¥57 billion ($730 million), and a whopping 146.7% increase in net income. These increases come thanks to the success of Deus Ex: Human Revolution and "increased billing revenue" from web, social, and mobile games.

Thanks to the unusually strong yen, Square Enix had the misfortune of marking an additional "foreign exchange loss" of ¥2.1 billion ($27 million). That's a lot of money to just have disappear.

Update: Square has posted its official results and the predictions, unsurprisingly, were right on the money. Net sales reached ¥57.5 billion and net income of ¥3.7 billion ($47.4 million).

JoystiqDeus Ex boosts Square Enix's half-year forecast [update: official results posted] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutionearningsfinancialfy-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxWed, 02 Nov 2011 10:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega game sales down in first half of fiscal 2012; Rise of Nightmares fails to hit the heights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/sega-game-sales-down-in-first-half-of-fiscal-2012-rise-of-night/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/sega-game-sales-down-in-first-half-of-fiscal-2012-rise-of-night/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/sega-game-sales-down-in-first-half-of-fiscal-2012-rise-of-night/#comments The net sales for Sega Sammy's consumer division were down 13.7% year over year in the six months ended September 30. Sega brought in 33.4 million yen ($428,655) from its home game business, part of the 152.6 million yen in overall net sales.

The 29.9% slump in company-wide net sales is mostly attributed to a slowdown in demand for new pachinko machines and "the settlement payment for patent licensing". Within the consumer business, Sega cited "weak" sales of its titles, especially in the west, which, Sega claims, continues to experience "headwinds such as sluggish personal consumption."

Sega named three "major titles" released in the period, and detailed their sales. Captain America: Super Soldier, released only in the west, sold 450,000 units across four platforms. Rise of Nightmares sold 200,000 worldwide. The other major release, the Japan-only PSP soccer management sim Sakatsuku 7 Euro Plus, also sold 200,000.

JoystiqSega game sales down in first half of fiscal 2012; Rise of Nightmares fails to hit the heights originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captain-america-super-soldierdsearningsfy-2012microsoftnintendoplaystationps3rise-of-nightmaressegasega-sammywiixboxMon, 31 Oct 2011 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two profits down in first quarter of Red Dead-free fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/take-two-profits-down-in-first-quarter-of-red-dead-free-fiscal-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/take-two-profits-down-in-first-quarter-of-red-dead-free-fiscal-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/take-two-profits-down-in-first-quarter-of-red-dead-free-fiscal-y/#comments Take-Two's net revenue for its first quarter of fiscal 2012 (which ended June 30) represents a downturn year-over-year -- $334.4 million versus fiscal 2010's $375.4 million (Take-Two shifted its fiscal calendar since then, in case you're wondering why we're comparing Q1 2012 with Q3 2010), with a net loss of $8.7 million instead of profits of $26.3 million. Last year around this time, of course, everyone on Earth was buying Red Dead Redemption, pushing Take-Two's profits into the stratosphere.

With the game sold to all of Earth's residents to date, that leaves only babies born in the interim as the audience for new copies of the game; that market of babies has done well enough for the company to count RDR and its Undead Nightmare expansion as one of the leading products in this quarter, with 2 million retail copies of Undead Nightmare shipped life-to-date and 9 million Red Dead Redemptions. Other leaders include Duke Nukem Forever, LA Noire, NBA 2K11 and Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do.

JoystiqTake-Two profits down in first quarter of Red Dead-free fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsearningsfy-2012microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspq1Red-Dead-Redemptionsonytake-twoxboxMon, 08 Aug 2011 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco game sales increase in Q1, income on the rise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/namco-game-sales-increase-in-q1-income-on-the-rise/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/namco-game-sales-increase-in-q1-income-on-the-rise/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/namco-game-sales-increase-in-q1-income-on-the-rise/#comments Tales of the Abyss Namco Bandai has released the financial results (PDF) for the first quarter of its fiscal 2012, which ended June 30. Worldwide game sales - accounting for a total of eleven new titles - rose to 3.38 million units, up from 3.15 million units during the same period last year. With the help of growing arcade machine and amusement facility business, Namco's net income reached ¥3.25 billion ($42.1 million), a big improvement over last year's ¥1.64 billion ($21.3 million) loss.

The 3DS proved to be a top performer for the company, with its four titles for the new handheld moving a combined 622,000 units. In particular, 3DS titles One Piece: Unlimited Cruise SP and Tales of the Abyss sold 170,000 and 150,000 copies, respectively. Meanwhile, the US release of Ridge Racer 3D moved 90,000 copies. Get a full breakdown at the Source link.

JoystiqNamco game sales increase in Q1, income on the rise originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsfinancialfy-2012microsoftnamco-bandainintendoplaystationps3pspq1salessonywiixboxTue, 02 Aug 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ disappointed in Red Faction performance, thinks fiscal Q3 could be its best ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/thq-disappointed-in-red-faction-performance-thinks-fiscal-q3-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/thq-disappointed-in-red-faction-performance-thinks-fiscal-q3-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/thq-disappointed-in-red-faction-performance-thinks-fiscal-q3-co/#comments Despite the fact that net sales were up year-over-year in THQ's fiscal Q1 (which ended June 30), from $149.4 million to $195.2 million, CEO Brian Farrell still wasn't satisfied. "We are disappointed in our first quarter financial performance," he said in the earnings release. "Sales of Red Faction: Armageddon and our licensed kids titles were below our expectations, and the late release of UFC Personal Trainer also adversely impacted the quarter." Of course, that disappointment is probably due to the fact that even with increased net sales, the company came out negative, with a net loss of $38.4 million. Most of the "losses" are from "deferred revenue" -- revenue that the company isn't counting now, because it'll go toward ongoing online services for its games.

However, Farrell is looking forward to a profitable Q3 (October through December) -- so profitable, in fact, that he said THQ expects it to be "the biggest third quarter, both in revenue and earnings per share, in our company's history," thanks to Saints Row: The Third, WWE 12, and the PS3/Xbox 360 versions of the uDraw tablet, all scheduled for November releases.

JoystiqTHQ disappointed in Red Faction performance, thinks fiscal Q3 could be its best ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-farrellearningsfy-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3q1Red-Faction-ArmageddonsalesthqxboxWed, 27 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA sees dip in physical sales for Q1 2012, increase in digital]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/ea-sees-dip-in-physical-sales-for-q1-2012-increase-in-digital/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/ea-sees-dip-in-physical-sales-for-q1-2012-increase-in-digital/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/ea-sees-dip-in-physical-sales-for-q1-2012-increase-in-digital/#comments Thanks to a somewhat limited release line-up which included Portal 2, Alice: Madness Returns, Shadows of the Damned and Darkspore, EA saw sales in its packaged goods division slip during the first quarter of its 2012 fiscal year. The four titles (among other back catalog releases) raked in a net non-GAAP revenue of $195 million, a decrease from the $298 million packaged games pulled in during the same period last year.

However, a steady increase in digital sales softened the blow to the company's bottom line, pulling in a total non-GAAP revenue of $524 million, down from $539 million from last year's first quarter. EA's counting on both digital sales and packaged goods (supported by big-name releases like Battlefield 3 and the back-on-track Madden 12) to continue to grow as the year goes forward, and has increased its net revenue guidance for the entire fiscal year by nearly $100 million.

JoystiqEA sees dip in physical sales for Q1 2012, increase in digital originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsearningselectronic-artsfy-2012microsoftpcplaystationportal-2ps3q1salesxboxTue, 26 Jul 2011 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2 ships 3 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/crysis-2-ships-3-million-dead-space-2-at-around-2-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/crysis-2-ships-3-million-dead-space-2-at-around-2-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/crysis-2-ships-3-million-dead-space-2-at-around-2-million/#comments The most memorable sales numbers we've heard about an EA game recently were not good (see: Shadows of the Damned's disappointing debut). EA has some much happier numbers to report (about other games) in its latest quarterly earnings report.

According to the report, Crysis 2 has "sold in" (shipped) "approximately three million units" since its March release, adding another million since last quarter.

You want some more big numbers? How about 15 million FIFA 11 shipments (including various mobile and downloadable versions), and 9 million of Battlefield Bad Company 2? The document is full of large numbers in various denominations; we'll talk about some of the others soon.

JoystiqCrysis 2 ships 3 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crysis-2dead-space-2eaearningselectronic-artsfy-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3q1salesxboxTue, 26 Jul 2011 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft Q1 sales down 36 percent from last year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/ubisoft-q1-sales-down-36-percent-from-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/ubisoft-q1-sales-down-36-percent-from-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/ubisoft-q1-sales-down-36-percent-from-last-year/#comments The latest Ubisoft financial report for the first quarter of its 2012 fiscal year is a tough pill to swallow for everyone who loved Q Entertainment's stunning rhythm-shooter, Child of Eden. The company's sales for the quarter reached €103 million, a decline of 36.3% from the €161 million reported during the same period during FY 2011.

The quarter wasn't a total wash -- sales actually exceeded Ubisoft's expectations of €90 million thanks to strong back-catalog sales (thanks, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood!), successful digital titles like Outland and Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes, and the massive worldwide sales of Michael Jackson: The Experience. Still, in a perfect world, Ubisoft's financial report would just show the logo for Child of Eden, then a picture of Tetsuya Mizuguchi rolling around in an Olympic swimming pool filled with hundred-dollar bills.

JoystiqUbisoft Q1 sales down 36 percent from last year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011child-of-edenfinancialsfy-2012michael-jackson-the-experiencemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3q1-2012salesubisoftwiixboxWed, 20 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Faction: Armageddon coming May 2011; new Saints Row next fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/red-faction-armageddon-coming-may-2011-new-saints-row-next-fal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/red-faction-armageddon-coming-may-2011-new-saints-row-next-fal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/red-faction-armageddon-coming-may-2011-new-saints-row-next-fal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

THQ today published a "core games" release calendar, highlighted by the revised May 2011 date given for Red Faction: Armageddon, which pushes it out of a crowded first quarter -- but just a few months beyond the initially proposed date. The calendar spans the publisher's fiscal 2012 (April 2011 - March 2012) and also includes a Spring 2011 release window for MX vs. ATV Alive, followed by the planned summertime launch of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine. A new Saints Row game (or games?) and a WWE iteration are expected next fall.

Additionally, an upcoming UFC title has been slated for Winter 2012 (January-March 2012). Of course, all dates are "subject to change," THQ notes.

JoystiqRed Faction: Armageddon coming May 2011; new Saints Row next fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysfy-2012microsoftmx-vs-atv-alivepcplaystationps3q2-2011Red-Faction-Armageddonrelease-dateSaints-Row-3saints-row-the-thirdTHQUFCvolitionwarhammer-40k-space-marineWWExboxMon, 13 Sep 2010 17:12:00 EST