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[Dustforce devs explain what they earned, what they learned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/dustforce-devs-explain-what-they-earned-what-they-learned/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/dustforce-devs-explain-what-they-earned-what-they-learned/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/dustforce-devs-explain-what-they-earned-what-they-learned/#comments Dustforce dev details struggles to make money despite successDeveloper Hitbox Studios has cracked open the financial books on Dustforce, revealing just how much the indie release made. After the game's launch in January of 2012 and some major sales with Steam and the Humble Bundle, Dustforce has earned a total of $668,490 in revenue.

That may sound profitable, but that's before taxes, Valve's take, and other fees are removed, which brings the total down to $489,404. Removing various software and hardware costs, accounting fees, and other expenses lowers it even further to $295,000, says Hitbox. In the end, for every $10 copy of the game sold, Hitbox earned $4.41 - which the studio's (now four) developers must split.

Dustforce began with a $0 budget, as a game prototype made with GameMaker. After an IndiePub competition win, Hitbox was able to budget the $100,000 prize for the game's development, which it says was enough to support the staff of three for about a year and a half.

Hitbox's Terence Lee says the release was ultimately worth it. The game's success and "the pleasure of making Dustforce was worth far more than the opportunity cost of working somewhere else." He calls the process a "fantastic foundation for us as a studio," providing experience and funds for work on Hitbox's next title, an FPS called Spire.

JoystiqDustforce devs explain what they earned, what they learned originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dustforcefinancesgamehitbox-studioshumble-bundleindiemacmoneypcprofitrevenueWed, 17 Apr 2013 22:30:00 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[Wii U only needs one game bought to make a profit, says Nintendo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/wii-u-only-needs-one-game-bought-to-make-a-profit-says-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/wii-u-only-needs-one-game-bought-to-make-a-profit-says-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/wii-u-only-needs-one-game-bought-to-make-a-profit-says-nintendo/#comments Wii U needs just one game purchase to turn loss into profit, says Nintendo A single game purchase turns the loss Nintendo makes with each Wii U sold into an overall profit. So says Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime, who in an interview with Mercury News played down how his company's latest system is selling for a loss at launch.

"The business model doesn't change dramatically," said Fils-Aime. "In that as soon as we get the consumer to buy one piece of software, then that entire transaction becomes profit positive. In the end, the business model is still to drive the install base of hardware, and then to drive a strong tie ratio with all of the other software and experiences for the consumer. And if we're able to do that, then we will create significant profit for the company."

The Wii U is doing a bit better than the 1:1 attach rate required for profit, at least based on reported GameStop pre-orders. The retailer says it took 1.2 million Wii U game pre-orders for 500,000 systems at launch, coming to an attach rate of 2.4 to 1.

JoystiqWii U only needs one game bought to make a profit, says Nintendo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoprofitreggie-fils-aimewii-uWed, 21 Nov 2012 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dear Esther turned a profit in just 5 hours, 30 minutes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/dear-esther-turned-a-profit-in-just-5-hours-30-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/dear-esther-turned-a-profit-in-just-5-hours-30-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/dear-esther-turned-a-profit-in-just-5-hours-30-minutes/#comments Last year Indie Fund voted to support Dear Esther, a rebuild of the popular Half-Life 2 mod, and it gave developer thechineseroom $55,000 in one lump sum. Indie Fund had its reservations: In an email to thechineseroom's Dan Pinchbeck before handing over the money, Indie Fund said the Steam audience may not understand Dear Esther and it proposed a release on PSN instead. This didn't happen, and thankfully so.

Dear Esther recouped Indie Fund's $55,000 investment yesterday in just 5 hours and 30 minutes, selling 16,000 copies and becoming the top-selling title on Steam for the entire day. This means all the sales now are going directly to thechineseroom, whether to fund another game, add to this one or take a team-building sky-diving trip, we'll have to wait and see.

JoystiqDear Esther turned a profit in just 5 hours, 30 minutes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan-pinchbeckdear-estherIndie-fundInvestmentpcprofitSTEAMthechineseroomtop-sellingWed, 15 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai profits up in Q3 2012, as are year-end projections]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/namco-bandai-profits-up-in-q3-2012-as-are-year-end-projections/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/namco-bandai-profits-up-in-q3-2012-as-are-year-end-projections/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/namco-bandai-profits-up-in-q3-2012-as-are-year-end-projections/#comments Namco Bandai's financial statement for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 has been released, and while the report contains a lot of tables and numbers and figures, it actually has very few pictures, which was a problem for our exceedingly limited attention spans. We did our best, though, and after concentrating really hard and taking our Adult ADD medication, we were able to produce actual, honest-to-goodness business information.

For instance! For the 9 month period ending on December 31, 2011, Namco Bandai reports a net income (which is the amount of earned money left over after all operating expenses and taxes) of ¥16.3 billion, or about $210 million, which is a 34.3 percent increase over the same period last year.

The company predicts an additional ¥2.19 billion ($28.3 million) in net income over the course of Q4, (which runs from January 1 to March 31, 2012), wrapping up fiscal 2012 to the tune of ¥18.5 billion ($238.4 million) in net profit over the course of the fiscal year. Provided these predictions stand the test of time, Namco Bandai's performance in fiscal 2012 will be a 90 percent increase over its performance in fiscal 2011.

Whew! Now if you'll excuse us, we have cat videos to watch.

JoystiqNamco Bandai profits up in Q3 2012, as are year-end projections originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiscal-2012increasenamco-bandainet-incomeoutlookprofitprojectionsQ3-2012Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix thanks games for 2011's rise in revenue, profit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/square-enix-thanks-games-for-2011s-rise-in-revenue-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/square-enix-thanks-games-for-2011s-rise-in-revenue-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/square-enix-thanks-games-for-2011s-rise-in-revenue-profit/#comments Deus Ex is leading the revenue revolution for Square Enix, whose digital entertainment -- games -- department in April-December 2011 grew 6.2 percent from the previous fiscal year, totaling $704.7 million in net sales. Games now comprise 56 percent of Square Enix's total revenue, where in the same period of 2010 they made up just 52 percent.

The company's operating profit rose 11.5 percent to $169.4 million and its net income ended at $65 million, up 175.2 percent from the previous period. Square Enix cited Deus Ex: Human Revolution and its online and social titles as the main factors behind its financial progress.

JoystiqSquare Enix thanks games for 2011's rise in revenue, profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddeus-ex-human-revolutionfinancialsiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationprofitps3revenueSquare-EnixxboxSat, 04 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic hits a million players, 28 million hours played]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-hits-a-million-players-28-million-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-hits-a-million-players-28-million-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-hits-a-million-players-28-million-h/#comments EA has announced that Star Wars: The Old Republic has assembled more than a million registered players in its first week officially live, earning it the self-granted title of "fastest growing subscription MMO in history."

A million players is a solid milestone, but EA and BioWare still have some parsecs to travel to make SW:TOR a resounding success: The beta test, don't forget, was able to pick up twice as many players than are currently registered. EA's management expects at least two million players to call the game successful at all, according to previous reports.

EA says that players have logged in more than 28 million game hours (no word on how many hours spent waiting in login queues, of course), and in that time have created 3.8 million characters, split about evenly across Jedi and Sith. More than 2 billion NPCs have been killed in the eight days since launch as well, which is quite the virtual genocide. You can check out the official stats and announcement below.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic hits a million players, 28 million hours played

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic hits a million players, 28 million hours played originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareealucasartsmilllionmmopcplayersprofitstar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 23 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft dev's profits spawn new, six-person studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/minecraft-devs-profits-spawn-new-six-person-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/minecraft-devs-profits-spawn-new-six-person-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/minecraft-devs-profits-spawn-new-six-person-studio/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When he's not flying to Valve to speak about his world-building game, Minecraft, one-man development team Marcus Persson has been spending his days lately scouting for a new office and a couple more employees. Profits from his yet-to-be-finished crafting game have already netted enough to start a development studio and hire a handful of employees. On the latest Indie Games Podcast, Persson said he's looking for "about six" employees in total, and he's got four so far.

He's also already got plans for a second game -- a title to be developed alongside Minecraft that he repeatedly points out is "going to be fairly different" from his first solo outing. Unlike Minecraft, however, Persson won't be heading up development of the second game, but one of the other folks he's working with. As for when Minecraft will be completed? He "doesn't dare" guess. Hopefully five other people will help speed up the process!

JoystiqMinecraft dev's profits spawn new, six-person studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessmacmarkus-perssonMinecraftpcprofitFri, 01 Oct 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nikkei: Sony enters the black in fiscal Q1, game division turns a profit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/nikkei-sony-enters-the-black-in-fiscal-q1-game-division-turns/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/nikkei-sony-enters-the-black-in-fiscal-q1-game-division-turns/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/nikkei-sony-enters-the-black-in-fiscal-q1-game-division-turns/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to a report from Japanese newspaper Nikkei (translated by Andriasang), Sony will be reporting its fiscal 2011 first quarter results (April 1 through June 30) in the coming days, posting an operating profit somewhere between 10 billion ($114.63 million) and 30 billion yen ($343.89 million). Among the factors contributing to Sony's reported profits was the games division, apparently achieving as much through "cost-cutting measures."

If this report is accurate, the company will be improving year-over-year profits by anywhere from $382.63 to $611.89 million -- not to mention enjoying a rare, profitable quarter for the gaming division. Sony refused to comment on the report, and the company's official release and conference call won't take place until this coming Thursday.

JoystiqNikkei: Sony enters the black in fiscal Q1, game division turns a profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2011playstationprofitps3pspq1-2011sonyMon, 26 Jul 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest PS3 SKU has updated, cheaper RSX innards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/newest-ps3-sku-has-updated-cheaper-rsx-innards/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/newest-ps3-sku-has-updated-cheaper-rsx-innards/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/newest-ps3-sku-has-updated-cheaper-rsx-innards/#comments Japanese tech site PocketNews recently -- for reasons unbeknownst to us -- cracked open the smooth, colorless shell of the new CECH-2100A model of the PlayStation. What did they find inside? Candy. So much candy. They also found a smaller, more energy-efficient RSX graphics chip, which allows Sony to cut costs on the console's heat sink, power supply and cooling unit. It also lets the manufacturer cut down on the number of graphics chips contained within the console, leaving more room for the aforementioned candy.

While these technological improvements will likely help Sony cut down on the manufacturing price of each console, we wouldn't expect that savings to translate into a price cut for the console. Mostly because Sony's still working to recover from a few quarters of heavy, heavy losses, but also because the PS3 just got a price cut. Stop being so greedy.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqNewest PS3 SKU has updated, cheaper RSX innards originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cech-2100agraphicsgraphics-chiphardwareprofitps3-slimrsxsonyMon, 26 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA joins the Fortune 500]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/ea-joins-the-fortune-500/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/ea-joins-the-fortune-500/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/ea-joins-the-fortune-500/#comments There are two kinds of corporations in the US: those who count themselves amongst the top 500 companies, according to Fortune magazine, and those who can't afford Fortune magazine. And now Electronic Arts has managed to break its way into the august ranks of the Fortune 500, CNN reports, at number 494, to be exact. Despite emerging from a period of bad morale, layoffs and studio closures, it would seem things are looking up for ol' EA. Uh, not that we care or anything. EA is totally evil, right?

[Via @CNNMoney]

JoystiqEA joins the Fortune 500 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseaelectronic-artsfortune-500profitprofitssalesThu, 15 Apr 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine makes more money by giving its MMO away for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/turbine-makes-more-money-by-giving-its-mmo-away-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/turbine-makes-more-money-by-giving-its-mmo-away-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/turbine-makes-more-money-by-giving-its-mmo-away-for-free/#comments Here's a story that you're probably going to see a lot over the next few years: A company started giving away its game for free, and now reports that it's making more money than before. That's what happened to Turbine, maker of the Dungeons and Dragons Online MMO. Last year, it decided to move from a subscription model to free-to-play, instead earning its revenue off of in-game transactions, and now it's announced that income has increased by 500% and the game is making more money than ever.

DDO is sort of a special case here -- the game was already developed for a subscription model, so the content might be a little more in-depth (not to mention officially licensed) than you'd find on most free-to-play properties. And since the game still does offer subscription plans, the number of subscribers has actually doubled since the changeover (there's no information about whether more money is being made from selling in-game items or from new players who have decided to subscribe). But you can be sure other game developers are closely watching this model, and it's not a stretch to think that, in the next few years, we'll see many more publishers -- of MMOs and otherwise -- try to pull off the paradox of making more money by giving their games away for free.

JoystiqTurbine makes more money by giving its MMO away for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineincomemmoparadoxprofitrevenuesubscription-modelturbineTue, 02 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom posts $9.6 million loss in Q3 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/funcom-posts-9-6-million-loss-in-q3-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/funcom-posts-9-6-million-loss-in-q3-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/funcom-posts-9-6-million-loss-in-q3-2009/#comments Following a round of layoffs, a delay for one of its most anticipated titles and continuing reports of the player decline of Age of Conan, we knew that Norwegian developer Funcom wasn't in the best shape. Earlier today, the company posted its Q3 financial results and confirmed our suspicions: The company's reporting a $9.6 million loss for the third quarter of this year. Compared to the company's $3.3 million profit from the same period last year, that's a pretty disheartening decline.

With an expansion for Age of Conan and the ever-intriguing The Secret World presumably due out next year, and (according to a September 30 finance report) $34.8 million in the bank, Funcom's far from down and out. However, until one of those titles hits store shelves, things are probably going to get considerably less fun for Funcom.

JoystiqFuncom posts $9.6 million loss in Q3 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanbusinessdeclinefinancefuncommoneyprofitthe-secret-worldWed, 18 Nov 2009 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak doubles game sales in 2009 amid dropping profits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/southpeak-doubles-game-sales-in-2009-amid-dropping-profits/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/southpeak-doubles-game-sales-in-2009-amid-dropping-profits/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/southpeak-doubles-game-sales-in-2009-amid-dropping-profits/#comments Though SouthPeak is keen to point out that its net revenues rose from last year by $7.2 million, the company's profits for the year remain firmly in the red, with a $12.1 million posted loss for the 2009 fiscal year ending June 30. SouthPeak's loss report comes confusingly paired with a 100% increase in units sold from fiscal year 2008 (from 1.2 to 2.4 million units) -- 2009's posted $12.1 net loss gets explained away by "approximately $12.5 million invested in game development and intellectual property for future title releases," among other things.

The report also allows "$1.6 million of expenses relating to the Gamecock acquisition," hopefully some of which went to paying Gamecock debt now owed by SouthPeak -- this on top of another $4.6 million or so for "charges relating to write-downs on software values and sequel right values to certain titles." Unsurprisingly, the publisher hopes that upcoming titles Two Worlds 2 and My Baby: First Steps, as well as a "highly-anticipated sequel to Dementium," will bolster its next fiscal year. We're just hoping the games the company does sell will actually garner some profit this time around.

JoystiqSouthPeak doubles game sales in 2009 amid dropping profits originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdebtdementiumgamecockgamecock-media-grouplossesmy-baby-first-stepsprofitsouthpeaksouthpeak-gamessouthpeak-interactivetwo-worlds-2Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft's net profit declined 37 percent in past fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/ubisofts-net-profit-declined-37-percent-in-past-fiscal-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/ubisofts-net-profit-declined-37-percent-in-past-fiscal-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/ubisofts-net-profit-declined-37-percent-in-past-fiscal-year/#comments
It's time for another installment of "Sales Go Up, Profit Goes Down," the completely perplexing economic phenomenon that's been taking the gaming industry by storm as of late. Today's contestant is Ubisoft, who in April reported a 14 percent annual sales increase over the past fiscal year, from €928.3 million to €1.06 billion, yet recently revealed it had experienced a 37 percent (or €31 million) decrease in net profit during FY 2008.

This might sound bad, but Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said during a recent investor conference call he was pleased his company could, "offer superior quality games, while maintaining a high level of profitability." Oh, let's not forget the company's projected €1.1 billion sales target for the next fiscal year. With the amount of stuff the developer is working on, figures that huge wouldn't surprise us.

JoystiqUbisoft's net profit declined 37 percent in past fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financefinancial-reportfiscal-yearprofitsalesubisoftyves-guillemotFri, 29 May 2009 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft has solid Q1 sales, profits thanks to Aion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/ncsoft-has-solid-q1-sales-profits-thanks-to-aion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/ncsoft-has-solid-q1-sales-profits-thanks-to-aion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/ncsoft-has-solid-q1-sales-profits-thanks-to-aion/#comments
NCsoft is apparently off to a good start in 2009 -- notwithstanding Richard Garriott's lawsuit -- thanks to "solid maintenance" of Lineage and Lineage II, along with sales of its new MMO, Aion. The publisher's sales were up 51 percent year-over-year to $107.7 million in the first quarter, with net income enhanced to $27 milllion, a 315 percent increase. It appears the Korean-based company's numerous international workforce cuts paid off.

NCsoft's CFO, Jaeho Lee, was happy that Aion's launch did not affect the performance of the Lineage series in Korea. Now we wait to see how the rest of the globe embraces Aion. The MMO is prepped to launch in China during Q2, with other major markets set for the second half of the year.

JoystiqNCsoft has solid Q1 sales, profits thanks to Aion originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 May 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionbusinessncsoftprofitq1Mon, 11 May 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameloft cares not for recessions, sales up in Q1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/gameloft-cares-not-for-recessions-sales-up-in-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/gameloft-cares-not-for-recessions-sales-up-in-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/gameloft-cares-not-for-recessions-sales-up-in-q1/#comments
Gameloft announced today that sales were up 22 percent year-over-year for its first quarter and the mobile publisher took in $40.2 million in sales. Mobile games represented 94 percent of the haul, with North America increasing sales 57 percent over last year -- Gameloft should send Apple a gift basket of thanks for the iPhone.

Gameloft already has plans to jauntily expand more into the console space, but the company knows where its bread is slathered with butter, as evidenced by alleged talks with Microsoft to develop titles for Windows Mobile. Overall, the publisher plans to grow its revenues and be even more profitable in 2009. What recession?

JoystiqGameloft cares not for recessions, sales up in Q1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplebusinesscasualgameloftiPodmobileprofitWed, 29 Apr 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameloft says: Recession? What recession?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/gameloft-says-recession-what-recession/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/gameloft-says-recession-what-recession/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/gameloft-says-recession-what-recession/#comments
As the dwindling economy has most companies checking their coffers for cobwebs, developer-publisher Gameloft is sipping mojitos and enjoying a refreshing 15 percent uptake in its revenue over the previous year. In 2008, the company boasted revenue of 110.3 million euros, or $149.6 million, with profits likewise surging up 15 percent to $4.4 million during the fiscal year.

Console releases were responsible for just 7 percent of Gameloft's results, though with the company set to deal Uno onto every platform imaginable this may soon change. For now, however, it's mobile games that are responsible for the lion's share of Gameloft's newfound wealth, making up 93 percent of the company's sales as even the unemployed refuse to give up their casual shovelware fix.

JoystiqGameloft says: Recession? What recession? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualgameloftmobilemoneyprofitrevenueMon, 23 Mar 2009 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop used games revenue estimated to be $2 billion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/gamestop-used-games-revenue-estimated-to-be-2-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/gamestop-used-games-revenue-estimated-to-be-2-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/gamestop-used-games-revenue-estimated-to-be-2-billion/#commentsFiled under: ,


GameStop's revenue on used games is estimated to reach $2 billion this fiscal year, ending January 31. The figure represents almost 23% of the unstoppable corporation's revenue, and is $400 million more than the prior year. The Wall Street Journal notes that about 42% of the company's profits come from used game sales.

Further on in the piece, the WSJ covers how publishers are trying to incentivize customers to buy new, by adding extra content that can "only be used once." It leads by using Gears of War 2's "Flashback map pack" as an example of "an effort to diminish the appeal of buying a used game." That certainly would be worth noting, if the pack wasn't available to purchase now on XBLM for $5.

[Via Edge]

JoystiqGameStop used games revenue estimated to be $2 billion originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopmoneyoverlordsprofitFri, 23 Jan 2009 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Reeves: PlayStation 'on target' to start earning profit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/reeves-playstation-on-target-to-start-earning-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/reeves-playstation-on-target-to-start-earning-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/reeves-playstation-on-target-to-start-earning-profit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Step 1: Release PlayStation 3.

Step 2: ?????

Step 3: Profit!

David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, believes that Sony is "on target" to figure out that elusive second step. "The most important thing for us as a company in the very short term is for us to start making money," Reeves explained rather candidly in a recent article on the official PlayStation website. "This is a pledge that was made last March and is something that we are still very much on target to achieve." His tone was considerably more positive than one adopted by recent rumors, which have Sony on the "brink of upheaval."

Quizzed -- or rather, politely asked to contribute in a promotional piece -- about 2009's most exciting developments, Reeves noted that once the company's flagship system is out of the financial woods, things will really take off for PlayStation and its fans. "2009 promises to be a very exciting year for PS3, with blockbuster titles such as Heavy Rain and Killzone 2 coming out, whilst we have the music and video download service becoming available towards the end of the year," he said. And don't forget about our pal, the PSP, which will have games taking "full advantage of the new enhanced screen."

JoystiqReeves: PlayStation 'on target' to start earning profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>David-ReevesProfitPS2PS3PSPSCEESony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropeTue, 06 Jan 2009 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes: Nintendo making $6 profit on every Wii sold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/forbes-nintendo-making-6-profit-on-every-wii-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/forbes-nintendo-making-6-profit-on-every-wii-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/forbes-nintendo-making-6-profit-on-every-wii-sold/#commentsFiled under: ,


While Sony and Microsoft dream of turning a profit on their consoles, Nintendo is doing just that. According to a new article from Forbes, the Big N makes $6 in operating profit from every Wii unit sold. Nearly 19 million units have been sold worldwide so far during 2008, earning Nintendo a tidy $114M in profit, taking that $6-per-system figure into account. That's not the extent of the interesting numbers in the article, though.

Forbes points out that, while Nintendo is turning a profit on hardware, the fact that its top-selling software is all first party means it is losing out on serious revenue normally brought in via licensing fees. Still, according to its figures, the magazine claims that there will be in the neighborhood of 100 million more pieces of Wii software sold in 2008 (220M) than the nearest competitor, Xbox 360, at 125M (PS3 is on track for 120M). One has to wonder, though, how many of those Wii games will be snagged from a bargain bin, given recent analyst data.

JoystiqForbes: Nintendo making $6 profit on every Wii sold originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialforbesit-prints-moneyprofitwiiMon, 01 Dec 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo making six bucks on every Wii sold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/nintendo-making-six-bucks-on-every-wii-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/nintendo-making-six-bucks-on-every-wii-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/nintendo-making-six-bucks-on-every-wii-sold/#commentsFiled under:

Macquarie Securities analyst David Gibson has used Science to calculate that Nintendo makes $6 from every Wii console snapped up by the public. It's long been known that Nintendo profits from its hardware, though how much has never been revealed.

If Gibson's sums are accurate, that means Nintendo made almost $4.2 million of profit from North American Wii hardware during October alone. Six dollars, for the record, is what we almost earn in a whole day of blogging. That kind of money will get you one-fifth of this amazing Wii Music add-on set!

Gibson also states that Microsoft breaks even with the Xbox 360, while Sony loses cash whenever it sells a PS3. Sadly, he doesn't say how much Sony drops, so we can't point and laugh.

[Via MCV]

JoystiqNintendo making six bucks on every Wii sold originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessforbesmoneyprofitSCIENCEMon, 01 Dec 2008 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Xbox division turns Q1 profit, ships 2.2 million consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/microsofts-xbox-division-turns-q1-profit-ships-2-2-million-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/microsofts-xbox-division-turns-q1-profit-ships-2-2-million-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/microsofts-xbox-division-turns-q1-profit-ships-2-2-million-con/#commentsFiled under: ,


Good news, everybody (concerned with the financial prosperity of a gigantic corporation)! Microsoft's fiscal Q1 2009 results, which cover the three-month period ending September 30th, 2008, show that its Entertainment and Devices Division -- the same one responsible for the entertaining device known as the Xbox 360 -- managed to turn a profit once again. According to Gamesindustry.biz, quarterly income rose to $178 million, an approximate 6.6% increase over last year's $167 million.

In less financially fortuitous news, overall sales were down from $1.929 billion to $1.814 billion (no Halo 3 this year, remember?) compared to Q1 2008, and revenue from the Xbox 360 and PC platforms went down by 22%. Though Microsoft still shifted 2.2 million consoles, the EDD was greatly aided by sales of Mac software, mobile device applications and the Zune. Seriously, people, we can't keep making fun of it if you actually go and buy the darn thing.

JoystiqMicrosoft's Xbox division turns Q1 profit, ships 2.2 million consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsEDDFinancial-ResultsMicrosoftProfitQ109XboxXbox-360Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 profitability cast in doubt, 2008 earnings forecast grim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/ps3-profitability-cast-in-doubt-2008-earnings-forecast-grim/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/ps3-profitability-cast-in-doubt-2008-earnings-forecast-grim/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/ps3-profitability-cast-in-doubt-2008-earnings-forecast-grim/#commentsFiled under:

If you've opened a newspaper, turned on the TV, or looked at your stock portfolio, you must know the story: the global economy is in shambles. And that hurts large global companies, like Sony. Sony has updated their 2008 forecast, slashing profit expectations 38% to to 150 billion yen ($1.5 billion). A strong yen makes Sony, a export-centric company, do worse. The global downturn in the economy is likely to strongly the affect the sales of their top-ticket items, such as high definition TVs, cameras.

In spite of promises to make the PS3 profitable this year, it appears that may be cast in doubt. With the system significantly more expensive than its competitors, and a price drop not likely in the immediate future, this holiday season may not continue PS3's momentum from the beginning of the year. That's a shame too, considering the slew of high quality titles that's just about to come about.

"This is just the beginning of a big earnings collapse," said a Tokyo-based analyst to Forbes.com. "Given the track record of this company, it will under-deliver all the way." He added that there is a "good chance" Sony will post a loss this year.

[Via Joystiq; Image from The Brokers With Hands On Their Faces blog]

JoystiqPS3 profitability cast in doubt, 2008 earnings forecast grim originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessprofitps3sonyThu, 23 Oct 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's 'profits per employee' are higher than Goldman Sachs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/nintendos-profits-per-employee-are-higher-than-goldman-sachs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/nintendos-profits-per-employee-are-higher-than-goldman-sachs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/nintendos-profits-per-employee-are-higher-than-goldman-sachs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If there was ever any question as to how obscenely rich Nintendo is, the Financial Times has crunched some numbers to show the cash flow, per employee, at the House of Mario. The newspaper estimates that Nintendo produces more than $1.6 million per employee -- that's more than investment bank Goldman Sachs' $1.24 million per employee during its best year in 2007.

There are some caveats to the information, most of which revolve around how much outsourcing the Big N does. Nintendo makes so much money for having so few employees (3000 full-time), because many of the company's necessities (external development, manufacturing, public relations, etc.) are handled by outside companies. Also, don't think this means that Nintendo is compensating its full-time employees too generously. Goldman's average (by mean) employee received $660,000 in 2007, while the average salary at Nintendo was $90,900.

[Via GameDaily]

JoystiqNintendo's 'profits per employee' are higher than Goldman Sachs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSfinancial-timesftGameCubegoldman-sachsnintendoprofitWiiTue, 16 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infogrames, Namco Bandai strike distribution deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/infogrames-namco-bandai-strike-distribution-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/infogrames-namco-bandai-strike-distribution-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/infogrames-namco-bandai-strike-distribution-deal/#commentsFiled under:


After getting the unfamiliar taste of profit out of its mouth, Infogrames is hungry for more. To this end, the parent of oft-addled Atari announced that it has cozied up to fellow publisher Namco Bandai to handle distribution of the latter's titles in both Europe and Asia. GI.biz writes that Infogrames' distribution activities in those regions will be consolidated as a result of the agreement, with Namco Bandai taking ownership of some 34 percent while leaving the remainder in the hands of Infogrames itself.

According to the report, Infogrames expects to find its wallet pleasantly filled with added revenue as a result of the deal thanks to added efficiency and every Economics major's favorite phrase -- economies of scale. The report further notes that Infogrames is also open to partnering with other companies over similar deals in the pursuit of greater profitability, no doubt helped when not weighed down by any pesky big budget monkeyshines.

JoystiqInfogrames, Namco Bandai strike distribution deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaataridistributioneuropeinfogramesnamco-bandaipartnershipprofitTue, 09 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Majesco 'close' to turning a profit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/pachter-majesco-close-to-turning-a-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/pachter-majesco-close-to-turning-a-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/pachter-majesco-close-to-turning-a-profit/#commentsFiled under:


Of course, as the saying goes, close only counts in horseshoes and things that go boom. Regardless, Wedbush Morgan's most outspoken soothsayer predicts that troubled publisher Majesco is "close to returning to profitability." Good for them, we say, though in the face of waning share prices and delisting threats, the company needs more than encouraging analyst comments to help push it to the top of Money Mountain.

Pachter bases his expectations for the publisher on tweaks made to the company's sales and cost management, as well as growth that, according to the analyst, has been managed "prudently." We'll see if the company can meet the firm's expectations of $10 million in revenue for the quarter when Majesco reports its Q3 2008 earnings on Thursday.

JoystiqPachter: Majesco 'close' to turning a profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>majescopachterprofitTue, 09 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Sony Hardware Reciprocal: PS3 losses surpass PS2 profits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/the-sony-reciprocal-ps3-losses-surpass-ps2-profits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/the-sony-reciprocal-ps3-losses-surpass-ps2-profits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/the-sony-reciprocal-ps3-losses-surpass-ps2-profits/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

According to DFC intelligence figures cited by Dave Perry, Sony has lost more money on the PlayStation 3 hardware than it made on the PlayStation 2 during its five most popular years. In pure numbers speak it's lost $3 billion on the PS3, which is about equivalent to everything it made selling PS2s during its peak years. This story would actually have a lot more impact if Carl Sagan was around to say "beelyuns."

Perry, best known for his stint at Shiny Entertainment, was speaking at the really long-named Games Convention Developers Conference, which appears to be both a Convention and a Conference, and was just using the figures to underscore how much Sony was spending on hardware development. However, the 1UP article doesn't mention until near the end that the original PS2 lost money in its first year, and that Sony (and the other console makers) does this so it can make bank on the software/games that people need to fuel their systems.

In all fairness, the article goes on to explain that Microsoft lost $4 billion on the original Xbox, and has had to spend over $1 billion replacing faulty hardware in the 360 and extending the warranty for original purchasers. So, we tend to think $5 billion trumps $3 billion. The real winner in this struggle? Nintendo. It has been churning a profit on that little Wii since it hopped out of the gate. Rassin' frassin' wand-wagglin' profiteers.

JoystiqThe Sony Hardware Reciprocal: PS3 losses surpass PS2 profits originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billionshardwareMicrosoftNintendoprofitprofitsPS2PS3SonyWiiXboxXbox-360Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari's CEO wants you to know how it will stay back in black]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/atari-ceo-wants-you-to-know-how-theyll-stay-back-in-black/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/atari-ceo-wants-you-to-know-how-theyll-stay-back-in-black/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/atari-ceo-wants-you-to-know-how-theyll-stay-back-in-black/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We've already witnessed the news that made us go, "Wha?" -- Atari actually turned a profit this past financial quarter, even though it was just a measly $3.5 million smackers. GameDaily went a little more in-depth in their interview with brand-spanking new Atari CEO Jim Wilson to find out what the company's plan is for staying profitable and earning bigger margins, and we'll sum it up for you here: "We really, really, really hope Alone In The Dark continues to do well," and "Location, location, location!" Yup, it's trying like mad to establish a strong footing in the North American market.

The trouble with that scenario is that the most exciting Atari title we were shown at E3 was What's Cooking? With Jamie Oliver for the DS. Atari is relying heavily on N+ and Backyard Sports to make a splash... but will it be enough to keep its head out of the water? The publisher needs a huge smash that can potentially turn into a franchise to keep things rolling, or else release dozens of marginally successful titles for the DS and the Wii to make things stick.

Either way, the interview is an interesting read. While we don't want to see Atari fade into obscurity and bankruptcy again, the company has a hard row to hoe.

Photo credit: Evil Angela's Flickr feed

JoystiqAtari's CEO wants you to know how it will stay back in black originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtaribusinessDSJamie-OliverJim-WilsonprofitWhats-Cooking-With-Jamie-OliverWiiMon, 18 Aug 2008 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[First sign of the Apocalypse: Atari made profit in Q1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/first-sign-of-the-apocalypse-atari-made-profit-in-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/first-sign-of-the-apocalypse-atari-made-profit-in-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/first-sign-of-the-apocalypse-atari-made-profit-in-q1/#commentsFiled under:


Grab the kids and run for the countryside, perennial loser Atari made a profit last quarter! GameDaily reports that it's nothing huge, but the company's $3.5 million profit in Q1 is quite the departure from the $11.9 million loss the same time last year. Alone in the Dark, which shipped 1.2 million copies this quarter, was apparently a strong contributor to the happy times.

Considering Atari didn't have any huge reveals at E3, it appears its projections for AitD's success need to be maintained for the rest of the fiscal year. It's good to see Harrison et al. have the old girl up and walking again. Now let's see if they can avoid a relapse into fiscal floundering.

JoystiqFirst sign of the Apocalypse: Atari made profit in Q1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApocalypseatariinfogramesprofitThu, 14 Aug 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Music wants more money for licensed songs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/warner-music-wants-more-money-for-licensed-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/warner-music-wants-more-money-for-licensed-songs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/warner-music-wants-more-money-for-licensed-songs/#commentsFiled under: ,


Developers vying for a slice of the rhythm game pie may soon find the cost to dig in to be increasing -- at least if they want players to nod along with music they know. According to Reuters, Warner Music's top exec Edgar Bronfman has come forward, stating that game companies should pay more to the music industry in order to include licensed tunes in their music-based games.

Says Bronfman, who compared the relationship to the likes of MTV or Apple's iPod, "The amount being paid to the music industry, even though their games are entirely dependent on the content we own and control, is far too small." Given Warner's interest in music currently flowing through both Guitar Hero III and Rock Band, not to mention the war that is about to unfold on living room stages later this year, it will be interesting to see who will 5-star this game of financial tug-of-war.

JoystiqWarner Music wants more money for licensed songs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghwtguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitarheromusicprofitrock-bandrock-band-2rockbandwarnerwarner-musicThu, 07 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision quarter profits double on Kung Fu Panda, Guitar Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/activision-quarter-profits-double-on-kung-fu-panda-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/activision-quarter-profits-double-on-kung-fu-panda-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/activision-quarter-profits-double-on-kung-fu-panda-guitar-hero/#commentsFiled under:


After teasing its financial fortitude earlier this month, Activision continued to fill its already fat wallet during the most recent fiscal quarter, today announcing that the company more than doubled its profits to $59 million on record sales of $654 million, a 32 percent jump over the same time last year.

Unsurprisingly, both Guitar Hero: Aerosmith and On Tour played a key role in Activision's economic well-being, as did the tie-in with Dreamworks' Kung Fu Panda. Looking ahead, with Activision finally sewing up its mash-up with PC powerhouse Blizzard just weeks ago, the conglomerate now expects to report revenue of $636 million for the current quarter, and if we listen closely we can almost hear the coffers at Actilizzard bursting at the seams.

JoystiqActivision quarter profits double on Kung Fu Panda, Guitar Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbreakingnewsprofitsalesThu, 31 Jul 2008 23:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Q109 results drown company in billions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/nintendo-q1-results-drown-company-in-billions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/nintendo-q1-results-drown-company-in-billions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/nintendo-q1-results-drown-company-in-billions/#commentsFiled under: , ,


"It prints money" just isn't going to cut it anymore in conveying Nintendo's cash flow. The House of Mario announced today that in its first quarter the company brought in $993 million (+34%) in profit! Net sales were up 24% to $3.91 billion. The company sold 5.17 million Wii consoles globally (+50%) and 6.94 million DS units, which means the total lifetime sales of the units are 29.62 million and 77.54 million units for the Wii and DS, respectively.

In the software department, Mario Kart Wii drove away with 6.42 million units sold and Wii Fit continued its quest to save the Fat Princesses with 3.42 million units in people's homes -- more than likely collecting dust, along with the Bowflex and Thighmaster. Nintendo maintains its forecast of reaching a net profit of $3.04 billion and operating profit of $4.97 billion by the end of its fiscal year in March '09.

JoystiqNintendo Q109 results drown company in billions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsDSnintendoprofitQ109WiiWed, 30 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony games division posts profit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/sony-games-division-posts-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/sony-games-division-posts-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/sony-games-division-posts-profit/#commentsFiled under:


The beginning of the PS3 life cycle was not good for the company coffers. The launch period resulted in significant losses for Sony. Q1 2008 for PlayStation resulted in a ¥29.2 billion loss (US$276 million). Look how quickly things have turned around, though. The first quarter of Sony's new fiscal year (April-June) has shown the games division posting a profit, albeit a small one. The games division was responsible for ¥5.4 billion in operating income (or US$51 million).

What's responsible for the startling change in profitability? Strong sales of the PS3 and PSP, of course. PS3 sold 1.56 million units this quarter, more than double that of Q1 2008. More importantly, 22.8 million units of PS3 software were sold during this time, an increase of 385% from the same period last year. PSP sold 3.72 million units that quarter as well.

This news will undoubtedly come as good news for investors. However, with so much money still lost on the PS3, Sony will need a few more quarters of strong earnings to recoup the costs of launching the PS3 into our homes.

[Image source]

JoystiqSony games division posts profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-3profitps3salessonyTue, 29 Jul 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP hardware and software sales for Q1 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/psp-hardware-and-software-sales-for-q1-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/psp-hardware-and-software-sales-for-q1-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/psp-hardware-and-software-sales-for-q1-2009/#commentsFiled under:


The first quarter of Sony's new fiscal year (Apr-Jun 2008) has proved to be quite successful for the PlayStation brand. The gaming division posted a profit of $51 million, a stark change from PS3 loss-driven quarters in the past. PSP played a significant role in bringing PlayStation to profitability, with increasing hardware and software sales.

During this period, PSP sold 3.72 million units worldwide. This is an increase of 75% over Q1 2008. Software sales went up to 11.8 million units, an increase of 20%. While improving software sales is a good sign, this total still trails significant earnings from both the PS2 and PS3.

PSP has been meeting incredible success all over the world, especially in Japan. With sales the way they are now, there's little reason to believe the trend will change any time soon.

JoystiqPSP hardware and software sales for Q1 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessplaystationprofitpspsalessonyTue, 29 Jul 2008 10:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco sales drop in second quarter, re-confirms DS focus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/majesco-sales-drop-in-second-quarter-re-confirms-ds-focus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/majesco-sales-drop-in-second-quarter-re-confirms-ds-focus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/majesco-sales-drop-in-second-quarter-re-confirms-ds-focus/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Publisher Majesco has returned from the kitchen with a piping hot plate of second quarter results. However, unlike the previous quarter's delectably sweet increases in both sales and profits, the company's second course of financials proved to be much less appetizing. For the period, Majesco announced second quarter sales of $12.8 million, down from last year's $14.6 million as well as the previous quarter's $18.7 million. Much of this decline, admits Majesco, can be blamed on the lack of key releases from company during the period, particularly from cash cows Cooking Mama and Bust-a-Move, both of which were key ingredients in Majesco's success during 2007's second quarter.

However, even with a lighter wallet, the company noted that it expects to report between $53 and $58 million in revenue for fiscal 2008. The company also took the opportunity to blow kisses at Nintendo, confirming that of its upcoming lineup this year some 59 percent will be released for the DS with the remainder "almost entirely" coming to the Wii. Jeeze, guys, get a room.

JoystiqMajesco sales drop in second quarter, re-confirms DS focus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bust-a-moveCookingcooking-mamaCooking-Mama-2Cooking-Mama-2-Dinner-with-FriendsCooking-Mama-LtdDSmajescoMajesco-EntertainmentMinigamesNintendoprofitsalesWiiMon, 16 Jun 2008 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision enjoyed $2.9 billion in sales last fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/activision-enjoyed-2-9-billion-in-sales-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/activision-enjoyed-2-9-billion-in-sales-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/activision-enjoyed-2-9-billion-in-sales-last-year/#commentsFiled under:


Activision had itself a very good fiscal year '08 with record revenues and its 16th year of consecutive growth. GameDaily reports the publisher's revenues hit $2.9 billion, with net income growing from $85.8 million in FY07 to $344.9 million this past year. Amazingly, the fourth quarter of FY08, which was between January and March of this year, saw no new titles released according to the publisher and still raked in $602.5 million in sales and $44.2 million in profits.

Activision has many titles to thank for its banner year, including the billion dollar franchises, Guitar Hero and Call of Duty. The publisher grew its market share from 7.2% to 17.3% and says it expects new revenues this year of $2.75 billion; that figure does not include the merger with Vivendi Games, which will create the behemoth Activision Blizzard. Activision CEO, Bobby Kotick, says the merger is still on track and the company plans to make bagiggles of cash for its stockholders in the coming year.

Continue reading Activision enjoyed $2.9 billion in sales last fiscal year

JoystiqActivision enjoyed $2.9 billion in sales last fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionprofitsalesThu, 08 May 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's game division to post smaller losses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/sonys-game-division-to-post-smaller-losses/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/sonys-game-division-to-post-smaller-losses/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/sonys-game-division-to-post-smaller-losses/#commentsFiled under:

Are things finally looking up for the Japanese electronics giant? Sony, plagued by a slowing US economy and weakening US dollar, has struggled to meet its financial targets. However, things aren't all gloom and doom. A report by the Nikkei (via Reuters) shows that Sony's video game division is starting to turn around. The fiscal year, ending in March 2007, was a disastrous affair for the company, with an operating loss of 232 billion yen. The high cost of PS3 production and development bled money from the department.

However, due to improving sales and smaller manufacturing costs, Sony's game division will see its operating loss shrink by 100 billion yen in its March 2008 fiscal year. While that means it will still have lost 132 billion yen, it's certainly a turnaround from the previous year. Overall profitability of Sony has improved thanks to the game division's smaller losses.

PlayStation, once the leading brand of video games, has been struggling since the launch of the PS3. In the latest console generation, Nintendo has been posting incredible profits (much to the happiness of investors). Microsoft's game division has historically posted loss after loss, but has finally started to become profitable in recent months.

JoystiqSony's game division to post smaller losses originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 May 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo hasn't just been sitting prettily on its laurels these past twelve months. Nope, the Kyoto firm has kept itself occupied by generating giant wads of filthy lucre, in readiness for when it takes over the world with Satoru Iwata as our new supreme overlord, and Shiggy his ruthless, iron-fisted deputy. Or something.

The company has released details of its full year results for the period ended March 31st, 2008, and guess what? Nintendo is rich. Profits shot up by 47.7 percent, while sales rose by 73 percent (to ¥1.67 trillion, or $16.1bn).

Not only that, but the Wii sold 18.61 million consoles in the last fiscal year, bringing it to a lifetime total of 24.45 million units (and, as we're now in late-April, we can safely presume that that figure has passed the landmark total of 25 million). On the software front, the console now has 26 million-sellers (up from five last year), 1.8m Japanese consumers risked their hamstrings by picking up Wii Fit, and Brawl sold 4.85 million units in the U.S. and Japan (and might even sell a few more when it launches in Europe this June).

JoystiqNintendo rolling in money as Wii nears 25 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessfiscalyearmoneyprofitsalesThu, 24 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2007 worldwide financial results: Nintendo still rich]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/2007-worldwide-financial-results-nintendo-still-rich/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/2007-worldwide-financial-results-nintendo-still-rich/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/2007-worldwide-financial-results-nintendo-still-rich/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nintendo has announced their financial results for the full fiscal year 2007, and it's good news all around for people who make money from sales of Nintendo products. Total sales rose a remarkable 73%, up to 1.67 trillion yen ($16.1 billion). Profits are up 47.7 percent from last year, up to 257.3 billion yen ($2.5 billion)

Sales were up by 73.0 percent over the last twelve months to a total of ¥1.67 trillion ($16.1bn), and profits up 47.7 percent to ¥257.3 billion ($2.5bn). On the DS front, the little handheld sold another 30.31 million units, giving it a ridiculous total worldwide sales count of 70.6 million. Big sellers in software include both Pokemans (9.56 million in FY 2007, total 14.77 million) and, of course, the Brain Ages (11.81 million, total 23.81 million). There are now 57 million-selling games (and non-games) on the DS.

Nintendo has predicted only a 7.8 percent increase in sales for the new fiscal year, to 1.8 trillion yen. They cite the falling dollar, but really, they should be conservative in their estimate because how much more could Nintendo's sales go up?

Joystiq2007 worldwide financial results: Nintendo still rich originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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