The video game and e-sports industry is, at least in my view, one of the most exciting industries in the world today. Not many people realise that annual global video game revenue is over $180bn, making it bigger than the global movie and North American sport industries combined.
There is little doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic will have helped this industry grow even bigger over the last year. Most people could not leave home, there were no sports to watch, TV viewership is down around 9% – so how did people spend their time? Twitch, the market leader in the streaming space, saw the hours streamed double in the second and third quarter of last year. Activision Blizzard reported that hours played were up 70% compared with the same period a year earlier. In fact, demand for video games and video game-related content is at historic highs, and honestly, if you think in terms of decades, it’s only getting started.
Our focus today though, is the Nasdaq-listed Electronic Arts (EA). Historically, EA’s success has come from its two flagship games: soccer video game, FIFA and NFL football video game, Madden. These are, of course, still titans in the video game industry. During the second quarter of 2020, the number of Madden games played, increased by 20% year over year, while FIFA games more than doubled compared with the prior year.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.
Making money from music
Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.
Conviction is key
Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.
The post-pandemic toolkit
How CFOs can use technology to support growth.
Big city living exodus
Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.
Big compact, big value
Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.
On barriers to entry
There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.
Fear and greed in one index
To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.