Video game publisher Electronic Arts has reported $185M, and Take-Two Interactive $99M, profit for the second quarter.

EA: changes to release dates drag on period

In the second quarter of its fiscal year 2021, which ended 30 September, Electronic Arts (EA) generated $1.15B USD in net revenue, down 15% year-on-year. The period saw a 30.7% fall in net bookings (total net revenues added to the change in deferred net revenues for online and mobile game fees), falling to $910M.

Despite dropping by 45% , the majority of net bookings, some $513M, was contributed by EA’s console products, though both PC and mobile grew by 4% each, adding $225M and $172M respectively. 

According to EA, the drop in revenue is attributable to the decision to move the launch of Madden NFL 21 back, and move FIFA 21 from Q2 to Q3 – resulting in an estimated $525M of net bookings to shift from Q2 to Q3 and Q4 of fiscal year 2021. 

Despite the subdued results, EA noted that the FIFA player base has hit almost 35M globally, while Madden has seen a 30% year-on-year increase in players, and Apex Legends grew 20% year-on-year, and is on track to contribute more than $500M in revenue for the fiscal year – making it EA’s next billion-dollar franchise. 

Staying with Electronic Arts, earlier today we reported that EA Sports has renewed its partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL), and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), allowing it to continue developing its EA SPORTS NHL 21 game.

Take-Two: revenue down, but in-game purchases drive profit up

Take-Two Interactive Software, developer of popular basketball sim NBA 2K21 and NBA 2K20, also saw revenue drop in its FY 2020 Q2, down 2% year-on-year to $841M.

Despite this, revenues from in-game purchases, virtual currency, and add-on content actually surged by 56%, contributing a significant 59% of total net revenues, and the company ended the second quarter with a net profit of $99.3M, up a healthy 38.3% year-on-year.

In addition to its basketball titles, Grand Theft Auto V, Red Dead Redemption 2, and the WWE series, also contributed strongly to revenue. 

Staying with Take-Two’s offering, earlier today we reported that USA Basketball is entering esports for the first time, creating an E-National Team ahead of the FIBA Esports Open II, which will be played on T2’s NBA 2K21 title. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

North American organisation DarkZero Esports has named Tommy Padula as new Head of Partnerships. 

Padula is joining DarkZero from MGM Resorts, where he was Manager of Corporate Partnerships at its Sports and Entertainment Division. However, after suffering a car accident, and MGM announcing mass layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he made the decision to move to esports. 

In his new role, Padula will looking to build partnerships, as well as overseeing existing ones like the recently announced deal with UK-based esports apparel company Raven. 

Commenting on joining DarkZero, Padula said:

“As soon as I recovered I was looking for a new opportunity but with Covid, suddenly a lot of my network was also looking for work. DarkZero’s search for a Head of Partnerships was a perfect opportunity for me because it combined my passions for entertainment, gaming and sports.

“I believe that there is an opportunity to partner with properties on The Strip and build a lasting relationship with some of the global brands housed in Las Vegas. Vegas is the world capital of sports and entertainment and a home for incredible and unique brands. Esports is a global entertainment platform making it a natural fit for this city.”

While CEO of DarkZero Esports, Zach Matula, added:

“Tommy brings with him years of experience working with the world’s largest and most prestigious brands. He will now lead the effort at DarkZero to build meaningful relationships with our growing list of partners in Las Vegas and the esports industry.”

Though based in Houston, Texas, in September DarkZero revealed its new 8,000 sq ft gaming house in Las Vegas, giving its players a base in Sin City. The organisation currently fields a roster in Rainbow Six Siege. 

AYO.NEWS says:

The flow of talent from the traditional gaming and sports worlds to esports seems to be increasing with each month that goes by. And, with COVID-19 still hanging around, and cities like Las Vegas struggling to adapt to new realities, esports offer rare opportunities for growth and optimism. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

UK-based organisation Guild Esports has hired Duncan ‘Thorin’ Shields to help put together a CS:GO roster. 

The London Stock Exchange-listed organisation, which is part owned by footballing legend David Beckham, has entered a consulting agreement with Thorin to tap his expertise on CS:GO. Thorin has been covering esports as a journalist for almost two decades, and is a well known analyst and content creator, often seen presenting CS:GO competitions. 

Announcing his collaboration with Guild on Twitter, Thorin said:

“Guild Esports made a splash with their initial announcement and I’m pleased to announce that as they look to enter the Counter-Strike space, where I have been deeply embedded for decades, I have agreed to a consulting partnership with them.”

Guild Esports initially launched in summer with a European Rocket League squad, and FIFA player Niklas ‘NRaseck’ Raseck. It has since added a European VALORANT squad to its lineup, and entry into CS:GO is the next logical move.

Excited to sit under the learning tree of the CS Sensei 🥋 https://t.co/Vhae8uHdJr

— Guild (@guildesports) November 5, 2020

AYO.NEWS says:

After its high-profile £41.2M London Stock Exchange Listing in October, the pressure is on Guild Esports to live up to expectations, both in terms of on-screen victories and commercial deals. On the latter, Guild has already made progress, landing its first major sponsorship deal with an as yet undisclosed European fintech firm. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

USA Basketball is creating an E-National Team ahead of FIBA Esports Open II, inviting 30 of the top NBA 2K players for try-outs. 

The hopefuls will prove their skills this weekend in online virtual try-outs, where they will be divided into six different teams, competing in a round-robin tournament. 

Selecting the players will be USA Basketball E-National Team selection panelists, including NBA 2K League Community Ambassador Graham Borden; Wizards District Gaming Team Manager Patrick Crossan; Utah Jazz Gaming Coach Jelani Mitchell; Aerial Powers, 2015 World University Games gold medal winner and forward with WNBA Washington Mystics; and USA Basketball Youth & Sport Development Assistant Director Andrea Travelstead.

Seven players will be chosen to form a national team that will represent the United States at the FIBA Esports Open II, in the North and Central American Conference on 19-20 December, where they will compete against teams from Canada, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, and Puerto Rico. 

The 30 players who have accepted try-out invitations are:

• Amber  Sammons – “ABPureblood20”/HeartCrushers
• Wendi  Fleming – “ALittleLady87”/BallHerAlert
• Aaron  Rookwood – “Arooks”/Bucks Gaming
• Michael  Key – “BearDaBeast”/T-Wolves Gaming 
• Charles  Bostwick – “CB13”/Warriors Gaming Squad
• Chiquita  Evans – “Chiquitae126”/BallHerAlert 
• Rafel Davis – “Crush”Kings/Guard Gaming 
• Ryan Conger – “Dayfr”/Wizards District Gaming
• Artreyo Boyd – ”Dimez”/Mavs Gaming 
• Alaina Haney – “DjLayyy”/HeartCrushers
• Mihad Feratovic – “FEAST”/T-Wolves Gaming
• Dayvon Curry – “G O O F Y 7 5 7”/Grizz Gaming
• Samuel Salyers – “Gradient”/Warriors Gaming Squad
• Hazel Childress – “HazelChildress”/BallHerAler 
• Juan Gonzalez – “Hotshot”/Heat Check Gaming
• Brianna Novin – “icygrl”/BallHerAlert
• Ziah Minor – “iKilledZiah”/HeartCrushers
• John Mascone – “JBM”/Wizards District Gaming
• Kenneth Hailey – “Kenny Got Work”/Raptors Uprising GC
• Jake Knapp – “Legit 973”/Raptors Uprising GC
• Nidal Nasser – “Mama Im Dat Man”/Kings Guard Gaming
• Dayne Downey – “OneWildWalnut”/Blazer5 Gaming
• Malik Hobson – “OriginalMalik”/Knicks Gaming
• Ethan White – “Radiant”/76ers GC
• Ramo Radoncic – “Ramo”/Pistons GT
• Reginald Nash Jr. – “Regg”/Bucks Gaming
• Spencer Wyman – “Ria”/Jazz Gaming
• Gerald Knapp – “Sick One”/Raptors Uprising GC
• Eric Donald – “Timelycook513”/Raptors Uprising GC
• Zaeya Ishak – “Zae”/Hornets Venom GT

Though it will be the second FIBA Esports Open, the event marks USA Basketball’s entry into esports. The first round, which took place in June, involved five conferences with 114 players from 17 nations. For this round the event has been expanded to 38 national teams and seven regional conferences. Games will be played remotely on NBA 2K21, using the Pro-AM mode.

AYO.NEWS says:

It’s great to see USA Basketball get involved with the rapidly growing NBA 2K scene. Considering the first FIBA Esports Open, in June 2020, was such a big hit – attracting over 5 million social media views on the FIBA and National Federations’ social channels alone – we’re sure the second, expanded round will be an even bigger success, and demonstrate just how exciting basketball esports can be. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

Esports and influencer-focused data-driven payments platform Edge, has secured $1.5M USD in a funding round.

Blake Picquiet, co-owner of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, led the investment round, which also attracted participation from Green Egg Ventures, Game Tech Partners, and Robert Reeg, former President of Mastercard Global Technologies.

London-based Edge uses blockchain-based smart contracts to automate the entire payment process, including contracting, payments, data tracking, management and analysis, and KYC and identity verification.

The solution integrates directly with games including Rainbow Six Siege, Overwatch, Call of Duty, CS:GO, DOTA2, League of Legends, and Fortnite, along with social platforms, including Instagram, Twitch, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, and Discord.  

The company says it will use the new capital to improve marketing and business development, and further develop its technology – including its new Edge Sandbox, designed to enable smart contracts to be created easily and quickly. 

Discussing the news co-founder and CEO of Edge, Adam Whyte, said:

“When we started Edge we were very focused on the value of smart contracts for both businesses and the individual. The esports and video games industry is young and fast-paced, and unfortunately certain processes and regulations often fall by the wayside.

“Our ambition initially was to create something that would make the industry safer, and over time we’ve found our Edge technology has multiple purposes. We see huge value in connecting data, contracts and payments. If you’re running an influencer campaign and the required content isn’t posted, the contract isn’t fulfilled and payment won’t be made. We can monitor in-game and social performance and only pay when content is delivered. It’s as simple as that.”

While lead investor Picquet added:

“We invested in Edge because we believe in their vision. Using data to power and automate business makes sense in a global economy that is increasingly measured in reach, clicks, likes and engagements.

“We love the intersection of sports, tech, and media investments. Edge is enabling the growth of the influencer, streaming, and gaming industries by providing a purpose-built solution. Edge uses new world solutions for new world industries. 

“Their executive team couldn’t be better assembled to tackle this complicated problem with a simple solution. We are excited to give Edge lift-off internationally and look forward to supporting their growth in the US initially.”

AYO.NEWS says:

Even for the most experienced, the complexities of handling payment processes and remaining compliant can be tedious, time-consuming, and frustrating, so smart contract-based platforms like Edge offer a fantastic solution, and it’s great to see the company get the backing it deserves. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

Electronic Arts (EA), the National Hockey League (NHL), and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), have renewed their partnership. 

The multi-year renewal will enable EA SPORTS to continue to develop the officially licensed NHL video game, EA SPORTS NHL® 21 for PlayStation®4 and Xbox One. It follows a similar renewal of its licensing deal with the National Football League (NFL) earlier this year. EA SPORTS also publishes the officially licensed FIFA series. 

Commenting on the partnership Executive Vice President & Group GM, EA SPORTS, Cam Weber, said:

“We are thrilled to accelerate fun hockey experiences for years to come pushing the industry forward with our long-time NHL and NHLPA partners.

“The EA SPORTS NHL franchise these past 30 years has become synonymous with hockey culture, and this extension will ensure it remains at the forefront of connecting millions of fans around the world to the sport through interactive entertainment.”

While NHL Chief Brand Officer & Senior Executive Vice President, Brian Jennings, added:

“EA SPORTS NHL continues to introduce new fans to the sport through its realistic and entertaining approach to the game.

“The past eight months illustrates how EA is a critical extension to real-world sports, as fans turned to EA SPORTS NHL to play and watch hockey while we temporarily paused during the pandemic. 

“Our shared approach for competitive gaming has enabled the League to create a touchpoint to younger fans who may experience the NHL for the first time through EA SPORTS NHL. Sustained connection that enhances fandom is what EA delivers and we look forward to continuing the incredible partnership.”

Although the NHL’s official esports ecosystem is not as developed as other major franchises, like NBA 2K League, it has been steadily developing, with the league expanding its commercial esports partnerships through deals with companies like Honda and Great Clips. 

EA SPORTS also recently released a special retro version, NHL 94 Rewind, to give all those who appreciate the charm of old school 16bit games a treat. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Given the huge commercial success of EA SPORTS’ franchised titles, it’s almost inconceivable that this agreement wouldn’t be extended, but it’s still welcome news and illustrates the strength of the sim sports sector in video gaming and esports. 

Staying with the publisher, earlier this week the company announced it’s recent EA SPORTS™ FIFA 21 Challenge had smashed viewership records, with an Average Minute Audience of over 250K. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.