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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![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[1.8 million PS3, 1.8 million PSP units sold from April-June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/1-8-million-ps3-1-8-million-psp-units-sold-from-april-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/1-8-million-ps3-1-8-million-psp-units-sold-from-april-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/1-8-million-ps3-1-8-million-psp-units-sold-from-april-june/#comments Sony announced that it sold 1.8 million PS3s worldwide between April 1 and June 30 (Q1 for Sony), a drop of around 600K from Q1 of FY 2010. Though numbers may have slipped, Sony is still predicting an uptick in sales for the whole of FY 2011: 15 million PS3s as compared to 14.3 in the year prior. On the games side, Sony fared a little better with 26.1 million PS3 games sold versus 24.8 in last year's first three months.

The real success story for Sony's console business is the PSP, which moved 1.8 million systems in the first quarter. That's compared to 700K during the same time period for the Nintendo 3DS and the 1.2 million PSPs sold in Q1 FY 2010.

In closing: Nintendo really needs a Monster Hunter game on 3DS.

Joystiq1.8 million PS3, 1.8 million PSP units sold from April-June originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfinancefinancialfy-2011playstationps3pspq1q1-2011sonyThu, 28 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom sales fall in 1st fiscal quarter, income rises]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/capcom-sales-fall-in-1st-fiscal-quarter-income-rises/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/capcom-sales-fall-in-1st-fiscal-quarter-income-rises/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/capcom-sales-fall-in-1st-fiscal-quarter-income-rises/#comments Capcom logo Capcom has reported financial results for its first fiscal quarter of 2011, which ended June 30. The company reported sales of ¥11.95 billion ($153.7 million), down from ¥19.04 billion ($244.91 million) during the same period last year -- a 37 percent decrease. Despite the dip in sales, Capcom managed to pull in a net income of ¥338 million ($4.35 million), up by 58 percent from ¥213 million ($2.74 million) during the same period last year.

Sales of "consumer online games" fell sharply, with Capcom stating that Super Street Fighter 4 Arcade, Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D, Monster Hunter Freedom 3 and Monster Hunter Frontier Online Forward "basically" met sales projections.

Specifically, The Mercenaries 3D - available since June 2 in Japan and since June 28 in the US - moved 400,000 units. Super Street Fighter IV Arcade, only available as DLC for a few days in June, sold 300,000. Monster Hunter Freedom 3 still managed to move 100,000 copies despite being released all the way back in December.

Meanwhile, Capcom's arcade sales were up eight percent despite the difficulties faced after Japan's earthquake earlier this year. Social games are also doing quite well for the company, cresting 19 million downloads largely on the back of Smurf's Village.

JoystiqCapcom sales fall in 1st fiscal quarter, income rises originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdsfy-2011microsoftmobilemonster-hunter-freedom-3nintendopcplaystationps3pspq1resident-evil-the-mercenaries-3dsonysuper-street-fighter-4-arcade-editionwiixboxThu, 28 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo cuts profit forecast by 82%]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/nintendo-cuts-profit-forecast-by-82/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/nintendo-cuts-profit-forecast-by-82/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/nintendo-cuts-profit-forecast-by-82/#comments If it wasn't clear already: the 3DS has not been a home run for Nintendo. In its revised earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2012, the company dropped its estimated profit to ¥20 billion ($257M), an 82 percent drop from the ¥110 billion ($1.41B) it expected. The company stated the modification had been done to reflect "trends of stronger-than-expected yen appreciation and sales performance, the decided price reduction of the Nintendo 3DS hardware, and the sales outlook for the holiday season."

A similar cut in Japan (effective August 11) will take the system from ¥25,000 (around $317) to ¥15,000 ($190).

The steep profit reduction isn't Nintendo's only glaring concern, as the company couldn't regain investor confidence after announcing the Wii U at E3 and its stock currently sits at five-year lows.

For the first quarter ending June 30, Nintendo saw its net sales cut by half from the same period last year to ¥93 billion ($1.2B), causing a ¥38 billion ($489M) loss in operating income, with a net loss for the quarter staying relatively even to last year's at ¥26 billion ($334M).

JoystiqNintendo cuts profit forecast by 82% originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSdsFinancialFinancialsFY-2011nintendoQ1wiiThu, 28 Jul 2011 10:01:00 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[NCsoft profits decline, limited marketing blamed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/ncsoft-profits-decline-limited-marketing-blamed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/ncsoft-profits-decline-limited-marketing-blamed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/ncsoft-profits-decline-limited-marketing-blamed/#comments MMORPG publisher NCSoft has reported a year-over-year decline in both revenue and profit during the first quarter of 2011. The company's revenues fell 7 percent from the same period a year ago to 155.4 billion Korean Won (about $143 million), despite increased sales from Lineage 2. Profits showed an even sharper decline, dropping 30 percent to 40.8 billion KRW ($37.5 million).

The company chalked up the losses to "soft sales promotions" of its other two key games, the original Lineage and Aion -- or, as we like to call them, "the one with all the castles" and "the one with all the angels." That's ... about all we know about the two games. You know, ahem, because of their limited marketing budgets.

JoystiqNCsoft profits decline, limited marketing blamed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionearningsfinancialfy-2011korealineagelineage-2mmommorpgncsoftpcq1Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard banks $503 million in first quarter profits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/activision-blizzard-banks-503-million-in-first-quarter-profits/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/activision-blizzard-banks-503-million-in-first-quarter-profits/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/activision-blizzard-banks-503-million-in-first-quarter-profits/#comments Beneath the Southern California headquarters of Activision Blizzard there lies a zeppelin-sized vault, near-bursting with piles of gold and riches -- or at least that's how we imagine it. The company today reported its first quarter 2011 earnings, reaping a record $1.4 billion in sales revenue, an increase of $100 million over the same period last year. Net income came to $503 million, up from $381 million in Q1 2010.

Not surprisingly, the publisher attributed a hefty chunk of those profits to continued sales of Call of Duty: Black Ops -- which it also confirmed is not just the best-selling game ever (in terms of revenue) in the US, but in Europe as well. In addition, the company noted that digital sales were up 30 percent over Q1 2010 and accounted for 30 percent of Activision Blizzard's revenue last quarter.

Finally, although it comes second in the "Activision Blizzard" name, Blizzard was first in profit for the quarter. The unit accounted for a whopping $170 million in income, compared to Activision Publishing's $48 million.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard banks $503 million in first quarter profits originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardCall-of-Duty-Black-Opsdigital-distributionearningsfinancialfy-2011q1salesMon, 09 May 2011 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Increased game sales 'partly offset' Warner Bros' revenue decline]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/increased-game-sales-partly-offset-warner-bros-revenue-declin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/increased-game-sales-partly-offset-warner-bros-revenue-declin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/increased-game-sales-partly-offset-warner-bros-revenue-declin/#comments The precise impact of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on big daddy Time Warner's bottom line is pretty obscured. WBIE is a division within a division of the media behemoth, which didn't bother to include a line for "video games" in its first-quarter earnings report. Though the company did manage to share a few positive words about its game-making sub-division.

Nestled somewhere underneath Time Warner's "Filmed Entertainment" umbrella (a.k.a. Warner Bros.), WBIE apparently performed admirably for a division that ultimately suffered declining revenues. Filmed Entertainment, which encompasses feature film, television, home video and "interactive game production and distribution" (that's video games!), saw its revenues slide 3 percent to $2.6 billion in the first three months of 2011, as compared to the prior-year first quarter. More noticeable was the division's 50 percent plunge to $155 million in "adjusted" operating income for the period.

However, Time Warner noted in its report that "declines were partly offset" by "higher video games revenues," in addition to other factors relating to television. While it's impossible to parse out video game sales from what's dubbed "other content" in the earnings breakdown, this category did show the biggest year-over-year percentage growth of all content in the Filmed Entertainment division, even if its dollar-amount revenues were a fraction of theatrical and television products' hauls.

Notably, Time Warner indicated that first-quarter game sales were "driven by Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars," which was developed by Traveller's Tales, part of WBIE subsidiary TT Games. The game is published by LucasArts.

As for Time Warner's outlook on Filmed Entertainment for the rest of the year, CEO Jeff Bewkes said during the earnings call, "With our strong film slate, the momentum in our TV business and several promising games, we continue to expect Warner will post record profits this year." Would it have killed him to namedrop Mortal Kombat and the next Batman? Jeez.

JoystiqIncreased game sales 'partly offset' Warner Bros' revenue decline originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 May 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsearningsfilmed-entertainmentfinancialfy-2011jeff-bewkeslego-star-wars-3-the-clone-warsnintendopcplaystationps3pspq1sonytime-warner-cablewarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewbiewiiThu, 05 May 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[SSX to descend in January 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/ssx-to-descend-in-january-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/ssx-to-descend-in-january-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/ssx-to-descend-in-january-2012/#comments During EA's Season Opener event yesterday, SSX creative director Todd Batty revealed a launch window for the snowboarding revival: January 2012. The game will be playable at E3 in June, so expect a more detailed evaluation from us at that point.

The presentation was very light on SSX gameplay footage, though we were shown some new mechanics. An overhauled physics system in the game will attempt to eliminate invisible or man-made boundaries, allowing you to trick off rocks and find you own way down through the particular track in question. You'll also be able to employ a wingsuit in mid-air, making it possible to clear large, otherwise unnavigable terrain. Expect some familiar faces to return for this latest entry, too -- you can see the new version of Elise in the gallery below.

During our interview with Batty following his presentation, he explained that dynamic snow particles, imbued with their own physics, could influence spontaneous avalanches throughout descent (now that sounds deadly).

Gallery: SSX (4/13/11)

JoystiqSSX to descend in January 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamicrosoftplaystationps3q1q1-2012release-datessxssx-2012todd-battyxboxWed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stark SouthPeak Q1 financials due to My Baby issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/southpeak-q1-2011-earnings/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/southpeak-q1-2011-earnings/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/southpeak-q1-2011-earnings/#comments SouthPeak's first quarter results saw the shaky publisher report a net loss of $1.2 million, compared to the $687K profit it reported during the same time last year. Revenues during the period were $1.4 million, a steep drop from the $16.7 million reported in the previous fiscal year.

The publisher claims sales during the quarter were "largely impacted" by the My Baby mama-drama currently going on in the courts. SouthPeak is hopeful that a summary judgment granting the company the rights to resume production of My Baby: First Steps and "reinstate the contract with Nobilis" for future My Baby sequels will be upheld on December 2.

Beyond praying that it gets My Baby back and sequels popping out, SouthPeak also spent time, and the bulk of its marketing costs during the quarter, promoting Two Worlds 2 -- which will arrive in the UK and US in January -- and getting the hype machine rolling for Stronghold 3.

JoystiqStark SouthPeak Q1 financials due to My Baby issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsearningsfinancialfy-2011my-babynintendoq1salessoftwareSouthPeaksouthpeak-gamesTue, 16 Nov 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix profits down, but not out as familiar franchises keep sales alive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/square-enix-profits-down-but-not-out-as-familiar-franchises-kee/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/square-enix-profits-down-but-not-out-as-familiar-franchises-kee/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/square-enix-profits-down-but-not-out-as-familiar-franchises-kee/#comments If you think we're going to explain that mess of scribbles above -- fuggedaboutit! What we have parsed from Square Enix's six-month financial report (April-September 2010) is a rather slight net income: ¥1.723 billion ($21.4 million). While any company would take pocket change over a loss, Square Enix profits are indeed down 36 percent from the same period last year, and software sales for the first half of this fiscal year have relied heavily on "contribution from highly profitable carryover sales of major titles released in March" -- in other words: Final Fantasy XIII picked up the slack.

And who were the slackers? Square Enix highlighted five "major titles" released during the period: Finally, Square Enix heralded its recent partnership with Chinese online games publisher Shanda Games; a deal indicative of two of the company's three proclaimed growth strategies: globalization and becoming "network centric." As for the third? Square Enix's three-pronged attack also stresses "strengthening our own-IPs." So when's that next Final Fantasy coming out again?

[Image: Year-over-year comparison of monthly revenues from existing outlets; source: Square Enix]

JoystiqSquare Enix profits down, but not out as familiar franchises keep sales alive originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-monsters-joker-2dsearningsfinal-fantasy-xivfinancialfy-2011Just-Cause-2kane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysKingdom-Hearts-Birth-by-Sleepmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspq1q2salesshanda-gamessoftwaresonysquare-enixxboxFri, 05 Nov 2010 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix lowers six-month financial forecast, cuts expected sales by $100M]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/square-enix-lowers-six-month-financial-forecast-cuts-expected-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/square-enix-lowers-six-month-financial-forecast-cuts-expected-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/square-enix-lowers-six-month-financial-forecast-cuts-expected-s/#comments It looks like Square Enix characters will have to hold that spiky hair with generic product, as the company lowered its earnings forecast today for the six months (first half of its fiscal year) ending September 30, 2010. The publisher reduced new sales expectations by 10.5 percent to ¥68 billion ($846 million), which is far below the ¥90.6 billion the company took in during the same period last year. Squeenix also lowered its net income expectations for the two quarters to ¥1.7 billion ($21 million), a reduction of just over 29 percent from the original forecast.

The company said that the declining figures were due to the "challenging operating environment" in which new games experienced "relatively slow growth." Squeenix's operating income remains high, however, thanks to "profitable carryover sales of major titles released in March of the previous fiscal year" -- i.e., Final Fantasy 13 et al. Square Enix will release its actual second fiscal quarter results in the near future.

JoystiqSquare Enix lowers six-month financial forecast, cuts expected sales by $100M originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsearningsFFXIIIFinal-Fantasy-13Final-Fantasy-XIIIfinancialforecastmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3q1q2Square-EnixxboxMon, 01 Nov 2010 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega software sales on the rise, for now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/sega-software-sales-on-the-rise-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/sega-software-sales-on-the-rise-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/sega-software-sales-on-the-rise-for-now/#comments Sega Sammy's recovery continues: Despite the generally bad economy, the company is turning around -- just not at Sonic speed. For the first half of the company's fiscal year, ending September 30, 2010, sales in the Home Video Game Software division (the "Sega" you know) were up 19 percent over the same period last year to ¥18.7 billlion ($231 million). Now, imagine this group as a Russian nesting doll inside the "Consumer Business" division, which recorded net sales of ¥38.7 billion ($477.5 million; up 2.9 percent) during the first half, despite an operating loss of ¥1.3 billion ($16.1 million) -- though the full-year projection is a more rosy ¥7 billion in operating income.

Three PSP games were highlighted as "Major Titles" for the period, including Kurohyo: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsyo, a.k.a. Black Panther: New Yakuza Chapter, which sold 250,000 units; and a pair of licensed music games, Hatsune Miku: Project Diva 2nd and K-On Houkago Live, accounting for 340,000 and 210,000 units sold, respectively. Overall, total sales of 33 available software SKUs in the first half reached 6.6 million units, besting the 5.4 million mark set by 30 SKUs during the first half of the last fiscal year. However, the full-year projection -- 16 million units sold from 75 SKUs -- is significantly lower than last fiscal year's total, 26.75 million units sold (across 105 SKUs).

In its report, the company said that the software industry has been "generally weak" in the US and European markets due to ... "headwind like sluggish personal consumption." The company's overview statement claims: "The Group needs to adapt to changing business environment in which the market demand for new content geared to social networking service (SNS), smartphone is expanding."

JoystiqSega software sales on the rise, for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-panther-new-yakuza-chapterearningsfinancialfy-2011playstationpspq1q2salessegasega-sammysoftwaresonyFri, 29 Oct 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft announces record Q1 revenue, thanks 'Xbox 360 consoles and games']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/microsoft-announces-record-q1-revenue-thanks-xbox-360-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/microsoft-announces-record-q1-revenue-thanks-xbox-360-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/microsoft-announces-record-q1-revenue-thanks-xbox-360-consoles/#comments Microsoft has issued its earnings report for Q1 of its fiscal year 2011, and things are looking good for its gaming division. The company reported revenue of $16.20 billion for the period, which ended on September 30. This amounts to a 25 percent increase over Q1 FY 20111 overall.

When it comes to Xbox 360, the console was cited as a top performer, alongside Windows 7 and Office 2010. In fact, Microsoft reports that sales are up 38 percent overall, compared with the same quarter last year, "outselling every competing console in the U.S. for each of the past four months," it gloats.

Diving into the numbers, Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division (home to Xbox, Zune, and Windows Phone 7) benefited from a 33 percent rise in revenue from Xbox 360 sales over Q1 FY 2010, to the tune of $409 million. Shipments of the console to retailers totaled 2.8 million units for the quarter, up from 2.1 million during the same period last year.

Revenue from software sales also increased, bolstered by (what else?) Halo: Reach. The Bungie title generated a whopping $350 million for Microsoft in the quarter -- a number made more impressive by the fact that, having launched September 14, that revenue resulted from only 17 days of the game's sales. No wonder Microsoft is considering releasing Halo games on a more frequent basis.

JoystiqMicrosoft announces record Q1 revenue, thanks 'Xbox 360 consoles and games' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessearningsfinancialsfy-2011microsoftq1xboxThu, 28 Oct 2010 17:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo painted red in first-half fiscal year results]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/nintendo-painted-red-in-first-half-fiscal-year-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/nintendo-painted-red-in-first-half-fiscal-year-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/nintendo-painted-red-in-first-half-fiscal-year-results/#comments We'll be the first to admit it's nigh impossible to grasp the nuances of just what in the world is going on with the global economy, but things are clearly up you-know-whose creek without a paddle when Nintendo reports a ... loss?! Sure, earnings were seriously down for Nintendo during the same six-month period last year (April-September), but even then, as other companies suffered tremendous hits, Nintendo enjoyed ¥69.5 billion in profit (which was roughly $766 million by the rate of exchange a year ago).

The problem is that the yen has appreciated wildly against the dollar since that time -- what was $766 million a year ago, would be more like $850 million today. In and of itself, that kind of appreciation might look spectacular, except 81.4 percent of Nintendo's sales have been overseas during the current fiscal year. When the yen is this strong, earnings on Japanese exports (sold with importers' currencies) are dashed on their way back to Japan (where they are converted back to yen). According to Nintendo's first-half report (April-Sept. 2010), "foreign currencies generated exchange losses totaling 62.1 billion yen," and, in turn, the company suffered net losses of ¥2 billion (about $24.6 million) for the period.

Keep in mind, this loss comes after selling 4.07 million copies of Pokémon Black and White since September 18 (in Japan alone); 5.1 million units of Super Mario Galaxy 2; and a million-plus Wii Party games. Worldwide, DS software sales totaled 54.84 million units, while Wii games accounted for 65.21 million units sold in the first-half of the fiscal year.

As for hardware, the various DS models combined to move 6.69 million units (including 2.26 million DSi and 3.21 million DSi XLs), as Wii racked up another 4.97 million units sold during the period. And did you hear? The new red Wii and DSi XL are going to be released next month to celebrate ... uh, the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., of course!

JoystiqNintendo painted red in first-half fiscal year results originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdsidsi-xlearningsfinancialfy-2011hardwarenintendonintendo-co-ltdPokemon-Black-and-Whiteq1q2salessoftwareSuper-Mario-Galaxy-2wiiwii-partyThu, 28 Oct 2010 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ report: $30m Q1 loss, UFC Undisputed 2010 moves 2.7m units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/thq-report-30m-q1-loss-ufc-undisputed-2010-moves-2-7m-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/thq-report-30m-q1-loss-ufc-undisputed-2010-moves-2-7m-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/thq-report-30m-q1-loss-ufc-undisputed-2010-moves-2-7m-units/#commentsFiled under: , ,

THQ logo
While THQ may be rebounding in terms of brand and product quality, that doesn't mean it can simply take the express bus to Money Town. There's more to running a successful entertainment business than simply making well-received games.

For its fiscal 2011 first quarter ended June 30, 2010, the publisher reported net sales of $149.4m driven primarily by UFC Undisputed 2010. While that sounds like a lot of scratch, that's compared with last year's sales for the quarter of $243.5m, driven by UFC 2009 Undisputed and Red Faction: Guerrilla. The earnings report explains, "No title comparable to Red Faction: Guerrilla was released during the first quarter of fiscal 2011." With sales down, losses are up, with a net loss of $30.1m for the quarter compared with a net income of $6.4m for the same period last year.

So with all bets on UFC 2010 for the quarter, and despite a stronger Metacritic score, it managed to move just 2.7m units compared with 2.9m units for its predecessor last year. "We built our plans for growth in UFC this year," Farrell told investors.

Though no new major titles are planned for the company's upcoming Q2 period, the remainder of the fiscal year holds releases for both Homefront and Red Faction: Armageddon, and THQ expects non-GAAP net sales "in the range of $845 million to $865 million" and "roughly breakeven" earnings for the year. The focus is very much on fiscal 2012, which includes major releases like Warhammer 40000: Space Marine and Darksiders 2. "We also delivered our most critically acclaimed E3 showing ever with a strong line-up of games in development, several of which are based on proven long-term franchises," Farrell says. "Our goal this fiscal year continues to be to position THQ for growth in fiscal 2012 and beyond."

JoystiqTHQ report: $30m Q1 loss, UFC Undisputed 2010 moves 2.7m units originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brian-FarrellFY-2011microsoftplaystationps3Q1THQUFC-Undisputed-2010xboxMon, 09 Aug 2010 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken 6 leads Namco Bandai's Q1 sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/tekken-6-leads-namco-bandais-q1-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/tekken-6-leads-namco-bandais-q1-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/tekken-6-leads-namco-bandais-q1-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The North American release of Tekken 6 was the brightest spot on Namco Bandai's game release calendar for its fiscal Q1 (which ended June 30). The fighting title sold 1.07 million copies in the US in that quarter, giving a clue as to why Namco Bandia would be so eager to collaborate with Capcom on Street Fighter x Tekken -- it means more Tekken games.

The next best-selling game in the quarter was the third Taiko Drum Master game on DS, which sold 170,000 copies in Japan; Ben 10 Alien Force, a title published by subsidiary D3 Publisher, sold 110,000 in the US and Europe and the latest Super Robot Wars for DS sold 110,000 in Japan.

Overall, the "content" division brought in ¥32.9 billion ($385 million) in net sales in the quarter, up from ¥20.2 billion last year. How is it up with lowered sales? Well, this year, the visual and musical content divisions were integrated with the game division. So it's kind of a technicality. It only lost ¥619 million in operating losses, compared to last Q1's ¥4.1 billion

JoystiqTekken 6 leads Namco Bandai's Q1 sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsEarningsfy-2011microsoftnamco-bandainintendoplaystationps3pspq1sonyTekken-6wiixboxSat, 07 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix reports increased fiscal Q1 sales, lists upcoming games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/square-enix-reports-increased-fiscal-q1-sales-lists-upcoming-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/square-enix-reports-increased-fiscal-q1-sales-lists-upcoming-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/square-enix-reports-increased-fiscal-q1-sales-lists-upcoming-ga/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Square Enix's net sales were up 11% year-over-year in its fiscal Q1 (which ended June 10), from ¥29.4 billion ($341.5 million) to ¥32.5 billion ($378.2 million). It's a phenomenon that president Yoichi Wada attributes to the million-plus copies sold of Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2 in Japan, and continued sales of Final Fantasy XIII and Just Cause 2 in the west.

Operating income jumped 814% in the same period, from ¥594 million ($6.9 million) in Q1 2009 to ¥5.43 billion ($63.14 million). That can be attributed to the fact that Square Enix didn't buy any major publishing companies this year.

The earnings presentation for the quarter (PDF) lists the company's current publishing plans for the near future, including the surefire Wii hit Dragon Quest Monsters Battle Road Victory for Japan only, as well as the Parasite Eve sequel The 3rd Birthday with a "This Winter" date in Japan and a "TBD" date in North America and Europe. The slides also reveal that Square Enix will handle Japanese publishing duties for Call of Duty: Black Ops, like it did for Modern Warfare 2.

JoystiqSquare Enix reports increased fiscal Q1 sales, lists upcoming games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-black-opsdragon-quest-monsters-joker-2dsearningsFinal-Fantasy-13financialfy-2011microsoftnintendoplaystationps3q1Square-Enixthe-3rd-birthdayxboxFri, 06 Aug 2010 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami's game business Peace Walks toward profit in its fiscal Q1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/konamis-game-business-peace-walks-toward-profit-in-its-fiscal-q/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/konamis-game-business-peace-walks-toward-profit-in-its-fiscal-q/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/konamis-game-business-peace-walks-toward-profit-in-its-fiscal-q/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Konami Corporation's operating income jumped 244 percent year-over-year in its fiscal Q1 2011, from ¥367 million ($4.26 million) last year to ¥1.265 billion ($14.7 million). Within its Digital & Entertainment Business division (the one for video games), Konami attributed the income to Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Winning Eleven 2010 Aoki Samurai no Chosen (which " was launched on multiple platforms in May to coincide with the once-every-four-years festivities that excite soccer fans worldwide"), and the Japan-only DS girlfriend simulator Love Plus, which has since been expanded with a followup release, Love Plus+.

Other contributing games with "strong sales" included Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side 3rd Story and Fairy Tail Portable Guild, both for PSP. In the future, the company is looking to make a bigger splash in "the expanding overseas video game software market" with Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Winning Eleven, and music games like Def Jam Rapstar and Karaoke Revolution Glee. We're guessing we'll see more PSP games from Konami, as well, since that's going so nicely for them.

JoystiqKonami's game business Peace Walks toward profit in its fiscal Q1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsearningsFy-2011KonamiMetal-Gear-Solid-Peace-Walkernintendoplaystationpspq1sonyWinning-ElevenThu, 05 Aug 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[EA reports increased revenues in Q1 of new fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/ea-reports-increased-revenues-in-q1-of-new-fiscal-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/ea-reports-increased-revenues-in-q1-of-new-fiscal-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/ea-reports-increased-revenues-in-q1-of-new-fiscal-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Things are looking rosy in general for EA, which today reported the results of its fiscal first quarter (April-June). While the company faced a $234 million net loss in the same period last year, this year the publisher recorded $96 million in net income during the quarter. Both digital revenues and revenues from packaged goods were up, though sales of distribution titles (EA Partners games) were down, suggesting that Green Day: Rock Band and APB sales weren't quite what EA would have wanted.

EA had plenty of boasting to do in light of the quarterly revenue growth, claiming its status as "the #1 publisher on high definition consoles with 22 percent segment share" in the 2010 calendar year. The company also claimed itself to be the top PC publisher and, amazingly, the #1 publisher "across all platforms" in the App Store for the quarter. So that's what that sale was for!

JoystiqEA reports increased revenues in Q1 of new fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeeaearningselectronic-artsfinancialfy-2011q1Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega sales up in fiscal Q1, despite Alpha Protocol's disappointing performance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/sega-sales-up-in-fiscal-q1-despite-alpha-protocols-disappointi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/sega-sales-up-in-fiscal-q1-despite-alpha-protocols-disappointi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/sega-sales-up-in-fiscal-q1-despite-alpha-protocols-disappointi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sega parent, Sega Sammy Holdings, has reported net sales of ¥91.3 billion ($1.05 billion) for its fiscal first quarter, which ended June 30. The outcome compares favorably to the ¥60.5 billion ($700 million) recorded by the company during the same period last year -- and it's mostly due to pachinko sales. Still, Sega's consumer products division -- the part that makes home video games -- also enjoyed increased sales, bringing in ¥20.9 billion ($241.8 million), minus ¥636 million ($7.36 million) in operating losses.

Despite the generally upward trend, Sega reported slow sales of its major Q1 titles, Iron Man 2 and Alpha Protocol, due to "adverse market conditions." Iron Man 2 sold 1.12 million units across multiple platforms, while Alpha Protocol only sneaked into about 700,000 homes.

JoystiqSega sales up in fiscal Q1, despite Alpha Protocol's disappointing performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-protocolearningsfinancialfy-2011iron-man-2q1salessegasega-sammysoftwareFri, 30 Jul 2010 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's PlayStation division sees sales increase, still operating at a loss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/sonys-playstation-division-sees-sales-increase-still-operating/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/sonys-playstation-division-sees-sales-increase-still-operating/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/sonys-playstation-division-sees-sales-increase-still-operating/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As analysts predicted, Sony finished the first quarter of its fiscal year (ending June 30, 2010) with a net income of ¥25.7 billion ($295M), a significant increase from the ¥37.1 billion ($426M) loss during the same quarter last year. Overall, sales were up 3.8 percent year-over-year to ¥1.7 trillion ($18.7B).

Compared to the same time last year, the division that houses the PlayStation brand is in a much better place, even though it still operates at a loss. While sales increased 32 percent this year to ¥326 billion ($3.7B), bumped up by PC and PlayStation 3 hardware and software, the division had an operating loss of ¥3.8 billion ($43 million) -- a vast improvement from the ¥36.7 billion ($422M) loss last year. The company expects hardware sales of the PS3 to continue increasing this year and software sales to remain flat.

JoystiqSony's PlayStation division sees sales increase, still operating at a loss originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessfinancialsfiscalplaystationps3pspq1sonyThu, 29 Jul 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameloft Q2 sales up 15% (thanks, Apple!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/gameloft-q2-sales-up-15-thanks-apple/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/gameloft-q2-sales-up-15-thanks-apple/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/gameloft-q2-sales-up-15-thanks-apple/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Reporting its second quarter financials for 2010, the unassailable Gameloft appears to remain unassailed. The company reports sales of €33.6 million ($43.6 million) for the second quarter, a gain of nearly 15 percent over the same period last year, which saw sales of €29.3 million ($38 million). Taking the first half of 2010 as a whole, sales have reached the devilish amount of €6.66 million ($8.65 million), an 11 percent increase over the €60.1 million ($78.1 million) earned in the first half of 2009.

Gameloft pins the increase in sales on "increased market share in traditional Java and Brew phones as well as by the massive success enjoyed by Smartphones around the world." More specifically, the company's sales in the Apple App Store increased by a staggering 113 percent. With more smartphones (and devices like the iPad) on the way, and with digital distribution becoming more popular, Gameloft expects to sustain its growth through the end of 2010.

JoystiqGameloft Q2 sales up 15% (thanks, Apple!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialfinancialsfy-2010Gameloftmobileq1Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari sales down in Q1, online is the glimmer of hope]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/atari-sales-down-in-q1-online-is-the-glimmer-of-hope/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/atari-sales-down-in-q1-online-is-the-glimmer-of-hope/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/26/atari-sales-down-in-q1-online-is-the-glimmer-of-hope/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Atari announced that revenues were down 65 percent to €19.3 million ($25M) in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending June 30, 2010. The company didn't reveal any profit or loss data, but given its loss during the previous fiscal year, it's pretty safe to guess that Atari isn't doing so hot. Last year's Q1 included Ghostbusters and The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, while this year had, according to the company, "only one major game" ... Sandlot Sluggers.

A small piece of "good news" during the quarter, which also included another major executive shuffle at the publisher, was that online revenues were up 320 percent to €8.4 million ($10.9M). The much-needed money injection was thanks to digital distribution sales and subscriptions for Star Trek Online and Champions Online.

Some of the hopes Atari has for the rest of the year include the reboot of Haunted House in September, The Witcher 2 next spring and "numerous casual and social online game releases based upon Atari's classic video game brands."

JoystiqAtari sales down in Q1, online is the glimmer of hope originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribusinessearningsfinancialsfy-2010-11q1revenuesalesMon, 26 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft fiscal Q1 sales up 94% over last year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/ubisoft-fiscal-q1-sales-up-94-over-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/ubisoft-fiscal-q1-sales-up-94-over-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/ubisoft-fiscal-q1-sales-up-94-over-last-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ubisoft has released a preliminary report on its fiscal first quarter, which ended June 30, revealing that software sales totaled €161 million ($207.8M). The company recorded a 94 percent revenue increase over the same period last year thanks to sustained sales of Assassin's Creed 2, Just Dance and Avatar. The company also reported "solid performance" from Splinter Cell: Conviction and shipped 1.9 million units of the game during the quarter. Ubisoft will reveal actual profit (or loss) figures for the quarter at a later date.

The company expects sales in the second quarter, which concludes at the end of September, to be flat year-over-year at an estimated €83 million ($107M). The company's Q2 releases are "highlighted" by plans to ship HAWX 2, Racquet Sports and R.U.S.E. -- although the strategy game has been known to live up to its name when it comes to sticking to a release date.

JoystiqUbisoft fiscal Q1 sales up 94% over last year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2financialsfy-2010-11just-dancemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3q1salessoftwaresplinter-cell-convictionubisoftwiixboxThu, 22 Jul 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA sales stats for first half of 2010, as deduced from leaderboard data]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/xbla-sales-stats-for-first-half-of-2010-as-deduced-from-leaderb/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/xbla-sales-stats-for-first-half-of-2010-as-deduced-from-leaderb/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/xbla-sales-stats-for-first-half-of-2010-as-deduced-from-leaderb/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gamerbytes has compiled a list of several Xbox Live Arcade games and their performance in the first half of 2010 based on data derived from leaderboards.

First, there are the top performers: Trials HD apparently had the biggest user base, jumping from 600,000 players to over a million during the first half of 2010 (not counting its DLC, which had almost 300,000 players over that period). But how about games that launched this year? Well, Perfect Dark enlisted 265,000, and Toy Soldiers and its DLC managed to recruit a combined 346,000 players. Risk: Factions and Snoopy Flying Ace have yet to reach 100,000.

Other games didn't fare so well, with several failing to capture the attention of even 1,000 users -- Voodoo Dice, Ben 10 and Fret Nice were near or below that mark -- and of the 24 new games that Gamerbytes catalogued, only 13 managed to reach 10,000 players.

Seeing how deals and promotions affected the growth of user bases on older titles is particularly interesting in the case of Zombie Apocalypse and TMNT: ReShelled, both of which came darn close to doubling their respective audiences when discounts were applied.

JoystiqXBLA sales stats for first half of 2010, as deduced from leaderboard data originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftperfect-darkq1q1-2010q2q2-2010risk-factionssalessnoopy-flying-aceTMNT-Turtles-in-Time-Re-Shelledtoy-soldiersTrials-HDxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadezombie-apocalypseWed, 21 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm kills retail with skill on February 22, 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/bulletstorm-kills-retail-with-skill-on-february-22-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/bulletstorm-kills-retail-with-skill-on-february-22-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/bulletstorm-kills-retail-with-skill-on-february-22-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Epic Games' Cliff Blezsinski took the stage at the EA keynote to show off People Can Fly's Bulletstorm. Thankfully, he had more than a new trailer with which to scare your dick off (that's an actual phrase in the game, by the way) and confirmed a launch date of February 22, 2011 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 EA Partners title.

Would you like to know more? Feel free to crack open our preview and sup on its delicious juices.

Continue reading Bulletstorm kills retail with skill on February 22, 2011

JoystiqBulletstorm kills retail with skill on February 22, 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulletstorme3-2010EAEA-PartnersElectronic-ArtsEpic-GamesPeople-Can-FlyQ1Q1-2011Release-DateMon, 14 Jun 2010 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Dead Redemption a 'surprise' hit for GameStop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/red-dead-redemption-a-surprise-hit-for-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/red-dead-redemption-a-surprise-hit-for-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/red-dead-redemption-a-surprise-hit-for-gamestop/#comments During an investors call today, GameStop executive VP of Merchandise and Markerting Tony Bartel mentioned that the company's recent earnings had been boosted by a title that apparently wasn't expected to be such a powerhouse. "Red Dead Redemption has been one of the very positive surprises," Bartel explained. "It probably has outperformed as large as any title has so far year-to-date." (Redemption was released this week, so presumably Bartel is largely referring to pre-order figures.)

As we see it, this could mean one of two things: Either Red Dead Redemption is doing outrageously, phenomenally well, or GameStop didn't expect a game made by Rockstar, which had a marketing budget of a hojillion dollars, to have much sales power. Considering the company isn't run by baboons, we doubt it's the latter.

JoystiqRed Dead Redemption a 'surprise' hit for GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2010gamestopMicrosoftq1red-dead-redemptionrockstarsalestony-bartelXbox-360Thu, 20 May 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New game sales up in GameStop's fiscal Q1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/new-game-sales-up-in-gamestops-fiscal-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/new-game-sales-up-in-gamestops-fiscal-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/new-game-sales-up-in-gamestops-fiscal-q1/#commentsGameStop reported earnings for its fiscal first quarter (February-April). Sales are up five percent over the first quarter of 2009, to $2.08 billion.

Some of that growth is no doubt due to strong sales of new games. The retailer announced that new software sales increased 13.3 percent in the quarter -- a trend that the GameStop should be happy to see, now that EA and THQ are taking aim at the used games business.

The company identified five games in particular that drove revenue growth: Battlefield Bad Company 2, God of War 3, Final Fantasy XIII, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, and BioShock 2. We all love buying sequels at GameStop, apparently.

JoystiqNew game sales up in GameStop's fiscal Q1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2bioshock-2earningsfinal-fantasy-xiiifinancial-reportfinancialsfy-2010gamestopgod-of-war-3pokemon-heartgoldpokemon-soul-silverq1retailsalessoftwareThu, 20 May 2010 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard doubles profit in first quarter of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/activision-blizzard-doubles-profit-in-first-quarter-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/activision-blizzard-doubles-profit-in-first-quarter-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/activision-blizzard-doubles-profit-in-first-quarter-of-2010/#comments Activision Blizzard beat out its own revenue estimates during the first quarter, taking in a whopping $1.3 billion in revenue. The company raised its forecast last month after the incredible launch of the Modern Warfare 2 "Stimulus Package" on Xbox 360, along with continued demand for MW2 and, naturally, that World of Warcraft phenomenon. The company earned $381 million in profit, generating over double the $189 million in profit it took in the same quarter last year.

Activision plans to release Blur, Singularity, Shrek Forever After and Transformers: War For Cybertron over the next quarter. With that said, the company expects to bring in about $900 milllion -- lowering its expectations from the same quarter last year. The company maintains it'll still generate $4.2 billion in revenue for the year -- on par with last year -- but that could be the company just being coy (can a company be coy?) with Starcraft 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops and maybe, just maybe, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm this year.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard doubles profit in first quarter of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionactivision-blizzardearningsfinancial-reportfinancialsfy-2010q1salessoftwareThu, 06 May 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands getting more DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/borderlands-getting-more-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/borderlands-getting-more-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/borderlands-getting-more-dlc/#comments Hidden in a dark, damp crevice of the Take-Two mega-mountain of news today was a brief, albeit interesting, comment from Ben Feder, president and CEO. After referencing the success of Gearbox's Borderlands, Feder stated that Take-Two "will continue to support the title with add-on content."

So, if you've finished The Secret Armory of General Knoxx, Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot and The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned, expect more soon. But, where will our intrepid foursome go next?

JoystiqBorderlands getting more DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsdlcfiscal-2010gearboxgearbox-softwareMicrosoftq1take-twoXbox-360Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two revenue up $14m, laying off 15% of execs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/take-two-revenue-up-14-million-in-fiscal-q1-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/take-two-revenue-up-14-million-in-fiscal-q1-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/take-two-revenue-up-14-million-in-fiscal-q1-2010/#comments Take-Two has released its fiscal 2010 Q1 financial report, dropping always thrilling financial news on us about the company's performance between November 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010. Aside from a $13.8 million year-over-year increase in net revenue ($163.2 million this year over $149.4 million last year), Take-Two also reports a diminished net loss (again, year-over-year) to the tune of $20 million.

Take-Two also updated investors on current sales of several games and franchises, with GTA IV chocking up "over 15 million units globally" to date, NBA 2K10 already shipping "over 2 million units," and Carnival Games accruing 6 million units sold worldwide across both Wii and DS platforms. That's gotta be helping with that improved bottom line, eh?

Aside from those highlights, the investor report additionally notes plans for "a targeted restructuring of its corporate departments," resulting in a "15 percent reduction in corporate headcount." More shocking, the "restructuring" (read: layoffs) will amount to "approximately $8 million in savings in fiscal 2010." Holy cow!

JoystiqTake-Two revenue up $14m, laying off 15% of execs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carnival-gamesearningsfinancefinancialfinancial-reportfy-2010gta-ivlayoffsmoneynba-2k10q1salestake-twotake-two-interactiveWed, 03 Mar 2010 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Bioshock 2 has shipped over 3 million units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/bioshock-2-has-shipped-over-3-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/bioshock-2-has-shipped-over-3-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/bioshock-2-has-shipped-over-3-million-units/#comments Take-Two has revealed in its latest fiscal earnings report that Bioshock 2 has managed to ship more than three million units worldwide since releasing on February 9. The report also says the first game has now sold over four million copies worldwide across all platforms, "bringing the total sales of the franchise to 7 million units." Of course, the important distinction here is that "shipped" does not equal "sold," as Take-Two infers above.

Still, getting three million copies out there into the world is a pretty noteworthy feat. Get yourself a couple more million and you'll be able to finance construction on your own underwater metropolis -- not that any good could possibly come of it.

JoystiqBioshock 2 has shipped over 3 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-china2k-games2k-marinbioshockbioshock-2digital-extremesfy-2010Microsoftq1salestake-twoXbox-360Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive to be more 'judicious' with HD games as losses abate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/disney-interactive-to-be-more-judicious-with-hd-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/disney-interactive-to-be-more-judicious-with-hd-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/disney-interactive-to-be-more-judicious-with-hd-games/#comments Though Disney's gaming division saw improved operating results during the company's first fiscal quarter of 2010 (which ended January 2) -- a loss of $10 million compared to a $45 million loss in Q1 the previous fiscal year -- CEO Robert Iger has maintained a prudent stance on upcoming projects.

"Disney-branded games seem to perform better on the Wii and DS platforms," he noted during a recent investor call (via Computerworld). It seems Disney will continue to target non-Nintendo platforms, but with fewer shots and steadier aim. "While we'll continue to make high-end games, we'll be very judicious in how many we make and which ones we choose," Iger said.

Iger is also likely to keep an eye on the performance of upcoming "high-end" titles like Tron Evolution and Black Rock Studios' Pure follow-up, Split/Second. And if neither of those work, you send in the spandex. "We have some interesting opportunities with Marvel," he said. "That's a brand we think would do extremely well on higher-end consoles."

Source: ComputerWorld [via GamesIndustry.biz]
Source: The Walt Disney Company Q1 results

JoystiqDisney Interactive to be more 'judicious' with HD games as losses abate originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob-igerdisneydisney-interactivefinancialfinancial-reportfinancialsfy-2010fy2010marvelMicrosoftq1robert-igersalessplit-secondtron-evolutionXbox-360Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix summons strong sales for first nine months of fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/square-enix-summons-strong-sales-for-first-nine-months-of-fiscal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/square-enix-summons-strong-sales-for-first-nine-months-of-fiscal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/square-enix-summons-strong-sales-for-first-nine-months-of-fiscal/#comments According to Square Enix's financial report covering the first nine months (ending this past December) of its fiscal year, the company is going to finish its annual business cycle with plenty of glistening gil. Overall, the company's profits are up 48 percent from the same period last year, and it forecasts a profit of ¥10 billion (which is far less shocking when converted to $112 million) for the fiscal year ending in March 2010.

The company's games division saw limit breaker sales and profits during the period due to Dragon Quest IX, Final Fantasy XIII, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and Batman: Arkham Asylum -- which it obtained as part of the Eidos buyout. Square Enix's games group saw sales of ¥72 billion ($806 million, a 97 percent increase over last year), along with a profit of ¥18 billion ($202 million, a 99 percent increase during the same time). Kupos to you, Square Enix.

JoystiqSquare Enix summons strong sales for first nine months of fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumbusinessDQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSeidosfinal-fantasy-xiiifinancialsfy-2009fy-2009-2010fy-2010JRPGkingdom-heartsLevel-5Nintendoq1q2q3rpgsquare-enixMon, 08 Feb 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[FYI: WarioWare DIY does it on DS in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/fyi-warioware-diy-does-it-on-ds-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/fyi-warioware-diy-does-it-on-ds-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/fyi-warioware-diy-does-it-on-ds-in-march/#commentsOne of Nintendo's most exciting announcements from E3 was the localization of WarioWare DIY, a DS app that lets players create their own WarioWare games, with custom graphics, sound, and gameplay. Nintendo didn't happen to offer a date during the thrilling E3 presentation, and it's said nothing at all about what should be a major part of the publisher's DS lineup -- until today.

In its Q1 schedule, Nintendo provided a date of March 28. You're not buying anything in March, right? The company also offered a Q1 date for WarioWare DIY Showcase, the WiiWare game through which WarioWare DIY games can be uploaded and played on a big screen.

JoystiqFYI: WarioWare DIY does it on DS in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSminigamesNintendoq1q1-2010release-datewariowarewarioware-diywarioware-diy-showcaseWiiMon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EndWar creator sounds off on 'brutal' holiday market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/endwar-creator-sounds-off-on-brutal-holiday-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/endwar-creator-sounds-off-on-brutal-holiday-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/endwar-creator-sounds-off-on-brutal-holiday-market/#comments
In a recent interview with Gamesindustry.biz, Ubisoft's Michael de Plater, who served as creative director for EndWar, gave some context for the Q1 2010 release window for the developer's next strategy title, RUSE. It's fairly familiar territory -- de Plater explained, "it's a bit tough to launch a new IP exactly at Christmas when you're head-to-head with blockbuster sequels," and added that the RTS title was following in the footsteps of many other Modern Warfare 2-fearing franchises.

That's just the thing, though -- de Plater mentions that the ol' Q1 shuffle is a popular move as of late. We wonder if he (and Ubisoft as a whole) realize that RUSE might have jumped out of the frying pan, and into ... an adjacent frying pan, filled with even more delicious, sizzling bacon.

JoystiqEndWar creator sounds off on 'brutal' holiday market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>endwarholidaymichael-de-platerq1ruseubisoftTue, 04 Aug 2009 01:00:00 EST