q2-2010
Latest
Konami publishing Ninety-Nine Nights II this spring in North America
Konami, which picked up the publishing rights for the Xbox 360-exclusive N3II: Ninety-Nine Nights in Japan, has announced that it'll also publish the feelplus-developed sequel in North America. In fact, the North American release is slated for the same spring 2010 window as the Japanese version. N3II features five different storylines telling the three sides -- humans, elves and goblins -- of a "free for all" battle. Prepare your thumbs, because that sounds like a lot of button-mashing! But you know, if all those storylines can maintain the kind of epic narration featured in this new trailer, N3II is guaranteed to be a multi-million seller. Wouldn't you agree? %Gallery-85843%
Sega cites 'tweaks' and release position for Alpha Protocol delay [update]
It would have been nice to hear more of an explanation way back in October when Sega's Alpha Protocol was "officially delayed" to the amorphous "Spring 2010," but, unfortunately, that didn't happen. Speaking with MTV Multiplayer this week, though, assistant producer at Sega Matthew Hickman explicitly detailed the reasons for the delay, saying, "We really wanted to polish the game up, make it everything Obsidian planned it to be, and give the consumer a very polished game." He added that there's been some "tweaks in lighting here and there," and the inventory screen has been revamped a bit, but in general the team has been focused on "bringing the whole quality level up." The post's author also notes that the game is set for a "Summer 2010" release window now, and we've reached out to him (and Sega) for clarification. Update: The post's author has responded that, yes, the game's current release window is set for "Summer 2010." Guess that's another delay then, eh? We'll update again if Sega responds. %Gallery-19776%
Xbox division down 12% but Windows 7 drives record Q2 revenue for Microsoft
While Microsoft posted "record" revenues of $19.02 billion for the second quarter ending December 31, 2009 – driven by "exceptional demand" for the new OS on the block, Windows 7 – the Entertainment and Devices Division, home to the Xbox 360 and PC gaming businesses, wasn't as successful. That's an inversion of last quarter, for those of you keeping track. "EDD revenue decreased reflecting a $295 million or 12% decline in Xbox 360 platform and PC game revenue," the company's 10-Q form reports. "This decrease was due mainly to decreased revenue from Xbox 360 video games, decreased Xbox 360 consoles sold, and decreased revenue per console, offset in part by increased Xbox Live revenue." Microsoft blames the dip in game revenue to a shortage of major releases; the same period last year saw the release of "two significant games," most likely Fable 2 and Gears of War 2. It reports sales of 5.2 million Xbox 360s for the quarter, a drop from the 6 million sold during the same period last year. And lastly, that pesky price drop is messing up this year's numbers. There are some silver linings: Xbox Live revenue is up, the unit's operating income is up nearly 300% "due to reduced operating expenses." You can thank "lower Xbox 360 console costs" and "decreased marketing for the Xbox 360 platform" for that savings. It looks like all eyes are on you, Mr. Wake and Mr. Supercop, to pick things up in the next fiscal half. [Via IndustryGamers]
Splinter Cell Conviction delayed to April; RUSE to '2010-11'
In a financial performance update chock full of thrilling tidbits, like "revised financial predictions" and "sales targets," Ubisoft today announced the unfortunate news that Splinter Cell: Conviction would be bumped back from February 23 to "April 2010" and RUSE even further; to the ambiguous fiscal year "2010-11" (April 1, 2010 – March 31, 2011). No reason was given for either delay -- which is at least the second for just this version of Conviction (the original iteration was due out in November ... of 2007!).
Video game release highlights for first half 2010
.nounderline a { text-decoration: none; } You know, we were having a heckuva time committing all the compelling first half retail releases of 2010 to memory, so then we thought, why not write them down? Bookmark this calendar to track your most anticipated games. Check back for updates -- and let us know what's on your radar in the comments section. (Time to crack open that piggy bank, eh?) Updated: May 14 January | February | March | April | May | June | Q3–Q4 | TBD
Losses, layoffs in EA's Q2 earnings report
EA announced a net loss of $391 million in its Q2 2010, which ended September 2009. The losses have increased from last year's $310 million. In addition, sales, at $788 million, are down $106 million in Q2 2010 from the same period last year. EA CEO John Riccitiello remains positive about EA's outlook, explaining, "EA is performing well, with quality, sales and segment share up so far this year." CFO Eric Brown echoed Riccitiello with his own confusingly half-upbeat statement, saying "We met our second quarter expectations and delivered a record quarter for revenue. Today we are announcing a significant cut in our operating expenses and the acquisition of a leader in social games, Playfish." Those cuts, revealed earlier today, will result in the loss of around 1,500 jobs by March 31, 2010. Last year's restructuring planned only 1,000 layoffs. EA estimates that the restructuring plan will save around $100 million after about $130 - 150 million of restructuring costs. We hope that, this time, the company arrives at a structure that works.
