Short interest for Activision Blizzard, Inc. Com gives investors a sense of the degree to which investors are betting on the decline of Activision Blizzard, Inc. Com's stock. Short interest data is updated every two weeks.

Activision Blizzard, Inc. Com Stock (NASDAQ:ATVI), Short Interest Report

Activision Blizzard

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

Gaming

News

Tech

ATVI

MSFT

NTDOY

Sony Group Corporation American Depositary Shares

SONY

During Microsoft&#39;s third-quarter earnings call, CEO Satya Nadella announced record gaming achievements and the expansion of Microsoft games to Nintendo Switch and Sony PlayStation platforms.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Highlights Record-Breaking Gaming Performance, Expansion To Nintendo Switch, Sony PlayStation

Playstation Sony

Startups

General

The investment is a strategic move that will see the two companies collaborating on various commercial opportunities. 

Sony Bets Big On Africa&#39;s $1 Billion Gaming Industry With Carry1st Partnership

Insomniac Breach Leaks Marvel, X-Men Gaming Details: Does Sony Fear Microsoft&#39;s Strategy?

Activision Blizzard, Inc. Com

Microsoft Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) CEO&nbsp;Satya Nadella&nbsp;on Thursday announced the company&#8217;s record-breaking <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/04/38049341/microsoft-reportedly-working-on-bringing-ai-chatbot-to-xbox-to-enhance-gaming-experience">gaming performance</a> and its expansion to&nbsp;Nintendo Co., Ltd&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) Switch and&nbsp;Sony Group Corporation&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) PlayStation.
What Happened: On Thursday, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/04/38444199/microsoft-q3-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-new-era-of-ai-transformation-and-more">during the third-quarter earnings call</a>, Nadella revealed that Microsoft had set new&nbsp;records for game streaming hours,&nbsp;console usage, and monthly active&nbsp;devices. 
The CEO also highlighted the successful addition of&nbsp;Diablo 4, the first&nbsp;Activision Blizzard, title to the&nbsp;Game Pass service. &#8220;Subscribers played over 10 million hours within the first 10 days, making it one of our biggest first-party Game Pass launches ever,&#8221; he said. 
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/04/38345502/elon-musk-reacts-after-nvidia-stock-plunges-10-and-erases-212b-market-cap-rookie-numbers?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Reacts After Nvidia Stock Plunges 10% And Erases $212B Market Cap: &#8216;Rookie Numbers&#8217;</a>
He then went on to speak about the ongoing success of&nbsp;Call of Duty: Modern Warfare&nbsp;3, saying, the game has been attracting new gamers and retaining&nbsp;franchise loyalists.
Nadella also informed that Microsoft is expanding its&nbsp;games to new platforms. &#8220;Finally, we are expanding our games to new platforms, bringing four of our fan-favorite titles to Nintendo Switch and Sony PlayStation for the first time. In fact, earlier this month, we had seven games among the top 25 on the PlayStation store more than any other publisher,&#8221; he stated. 
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: Microsoft&#8217;s gaming division has been a significant driver of its overall growth. The company&#8217;s third-quarter revenue increased 17% year-over-year to $61.9 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $60.804 billion. Microsoft has now beaten analyst estimates on both the top and bottom lines in five consecutive quarters, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/gxjhpowx7zks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>. 
The company also exceeded analyst expectations by posting quarterly earnings of $2.94 per share, compared to the forecasted $2.82 per share.
This success comes on the heels of Microsoft&#8217;s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Nadella had previously expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, emphasizing the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/01/36682941/microsofts-satya-nadella-activision-gives-us-a-chance-of-being-a-good-publisher-on-sony-nintendo">opportunity to become a &#8220;good publisher&#8221;</a> across various platforms, including rival consoles like Sony and Nintendo. 
Earlier this month, six months after the acquisition,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/04/38342845/can-blizzard-keep-its-autonomy-post-microsoft-acquisition-no-one-asking-us-to-do-anything-says-wor">Blizzard executives revealed</a>&nbsp;that Microsoft had largely allowed Blizzard to maintain its autonomy.
MSFT Price Action: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft shares</a> were up 4.31% after hours at $416.25 at the time of publication, according to Benzinga Pro.
Photo by WEF on Flickr
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38351566/mark-zuckerberg-didnt-sell-facebook-for-1b-but-would-he-have-sold-for-5t-this-was-meta-ceos-thought?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg Didn&#8217;t Sell Facebook For $1B But Would He Have Sold For $5T? This Was Meta CEO&#8217;s Thought Process</a>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Sony Group Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) is expanding its gaming footprint by investing in an African gaming startup, Carry1st.
What Happened: Sony, the maker of the popular PlayStation gaming console, has made an undisclosed investment in Carry1st, a gaming studio based in Cape Town, South Africa, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/29/playstation-maker-sony-invests-in-african-gaming-startup-carry1st-.html">reported</a> CNBC on Monday. The investment is through Sony&#8217;s venture arm, the Sony Innovation Fund.
The investment is a strategic move that will see the two companies collaborating on various commercial opportunities. The partnership is currently in its early stages.
Carry1st&#8217;s CEO and co-founder, Cordel Robbin-Coker, pitched Africa to Sony as the next major gaming market. He highlighted the increasing console adoption in countries like Nigeria, Morocco, and Algeria.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/01/36805331/apples-alternative-app-store-model-in-the-eu-could-potentially-cost-meta-others-millions-of-dollars?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s Alternative App Store Model In The EU Could Potentially Cost Meta, Others &#8216;Millions&#8217; Of Dollars In Yearly Payments To The iPhone-Maker</a>
According to research from Carry1st and venture capital firm Konvoy, the African gaming industry is expected to surpass $1 billion in 2024. Many African gamers purchase consoles from &#8220;gray&#8221; markets, where vendors import and resell consoles locally.
Carry1st&#8217;s partnership with Sony aims to help the gaming giant expand PlayStation&#8217;s presence in Africa. Robbin-Coker emphasized the potential of Africa&#8217;s gaming market and the changing console business model, which is shifting towards digital downloads and in-app purchases.
Carry1st, founded in 2018, specializes in developing social and casual puzzle-based mobile games for an African audience. The company is now planning to develop its own original titles, with three new games currently in development.
Why It Matters: Sony&#8217;s investment in Carry1st is a significant move in the context of the company&#8217;s broader gaming strategy. In a recent interview, Sony&#8217;s CEO, Kenichiro Yoshida, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/01/36745961/sonys-playstations-gaming-future-is-expanding-to-pc-mobile-cloud-ceo-says">emphasized the expansion </a>of PlayStation&#8217;s gaming experiences to PC, mobile, and cloud, while reaffirming PlayStation&#8217;s centrality. This investment in an African gaming startup aligns with Sony&#8217;s vision of expanding its gaming presence across various platforms.
Moreover, this investment comes at a time when the African gaming market is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/04/31862187/south-africa-gives-green-light-to-microsoft-activision-blizzard-merger">gaining increasing attention</a> from global gaming companies. In 2023, the Competition Commission of South Africa approved Microsoft&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) acquisition of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATVI#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>), a move that raised concerns about the potential exclusivity of popular game franchises like Call of Duty to Xbox. 
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/01/36759403/if-you-invested-1000-in-apple-when-macintosh-was-introduced-40-years-ago-heres-how-much-youd-hav?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">If You Invested $1000 In Apple When Macintosh Was Introduced 40 Years Ago, Here&#8217;s How Much You&#8217;d Have Today</a>
Image by Sundry Photography via Shutterstock
<div style="font-family: 'Lato', sans-serif">
<hr style="border: 0;height: 5px;background: #225aa9" />
<div style="background-color: #f5f5f5;background-position: center;background-size: cover;justify-content: center"></div>

 Engineered by 
 Benzinga Neuro, Edited by 
 
 <a href="None" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: #225aa9;text-decoration: none"> 
 Pooja Rajkumari</a> 
 
 
<hr style="border: 0;height: 1px;background: #225aa9" />

 The GPT-4-based Benzinga Neuro content generation system exploits the 
 extensive Benzinga Ecosystem, including native data, APIs, and more to 
 create comprehensive and timely stories for you. 
 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: #225aa9;text-decoration: none">Learn more.</a>
 
<hr style="border: 0;height: 5px;background: #225aa9" />
 </div>

Sony Bets Big On Africa's $1 Billion Gaming Industry With Carry1st Partnership

Microsoft <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/companies/MSFT.O">(MSFT.O), opens new tab</a> is cutting around 1,900 jobs at Activision Blizzard and Xbox this week, news website The Verge reported on Thursday, citing an internal memo from the head of the company's gaming division.
The cuts represent around 8% of the overall Microsoft Gaming division, with most of the layoffs set to happen at recently acquired videogame publisher Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
The news follows job cuts at several other big firms including Alphabet, eBay and Amazon.com, which have signaled that the widespread pruning seen across the tech industry last year will continue in 2024.
Microsoft closed its $69 billion deal for Activision Blizzard in October, boosting its heft in the videogaming market with best-selling titles including "Call of Duty" to better compete with industry leader Sony.

Management

"Microsoft Lays Off 1,900 Activision Blizzard, Xbox Staff; Cuts Represent Around 8% Of The Overall Microsoft Gaming Division" - Reuters News

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/609443_-_ccs_opp_to_rcs_motion_to_reopen_discovery_public_file_stamp.pdf" title="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/609443_-_ccs_opp_to_rcs_motion_to_reopen_discovery_public_file_stamp.pdf">https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/609443_-_ccs_opp_to_rcs_motion_to_reopen_discovery_public_file_stamp.pdf</a>

Legal

UBSFY

'Complaint Counsel Opposes Respondent Microsoft Corporation's Motion To Reopen Discovery For The Purpose Of Serving Subpoenas Ad Testificandum On Ubisoft Entertainment And Sony Interactive Entertainment Regarding Their Agreements' - Court Document

The Insomniac data breach disclosed a significant agreement between Sony Group Corp. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sony#NYSE">SONY</a>) and The Walt Disney Company&#39;s (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dis#NYSE">DIS</a>) Marvel, outlining exclusive rights for Sony to produce X-Men games <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/12/36245665/gta-5-leads-the-lineup-playstation-plus-december-game-catalog-unveiled">until Dec. 31, 2035.</a>
The Rhysida ransomware group leaked over 1TB of internal data from Sony&#39;s Insomniac Games, which comprised 1.3 million files.
This occurred after Insomniac Games failed to meet the ransom deadline set by Rhysida, resulting in 98% of the data now being available on the darknet, Benzinga<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/12/36297416/ransomware-group-exposes-insomniac-games-large-data-cache-unveiling-unreleased-wolverine-game"> reported.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35127293/sony-reveals-another-security-breach-about-6-800-employee-records-compromised">Sony Reveals Another Security Breach, About 6,800 Employee Records Compromised</a>
<a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-signs-deal-with-marvel-to-make-exclusive-x-men-games-until-2035-insomniac-cyber-security-attack-reveals">According</a> to IGN, the leaked documents revealed detailed terms of the deal, preventing Marvel from releasing or announcing any X-Men games on various platforms and restricting the use of X-Men characters as a competitive edge in gaming.
While the agreement allows X-Men characters in certain Marvel games and retains rights for children&#39;s games and select 1990s X-Men titles, it grants Sony exclusive rights to develop X-Men games for the next 12 years.
Specific financial and developmental details, including the release schedule for upcoming titles such as Marvel&#39;s Wolverine in 2026 and the first X-Men game in 2030, were outlined in the leaked slides.
<h3>Concerns Over Gaming Strategies Post-Acquisition</h3>
Moreover, the cyberattack unveiled internal concerns within Sony regarding Microsoft Corp&#39;s (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) competitive strategy after its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>). Sony labeled Microsoft&#39;s move as &quot;the leapfrog,&quot; indicating potential competition surpassing Sony&#39;s current gaming pillars.
The leaked slides highlighted Microsoft&#39;s gain of strong live service games, mobile scale, and the Battle.net PC storefront through the acquisition, IGN <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-really-is-concerned-about-microsofts-xbox-strategy-following-the-activision-blizzard-buyout">reported.</a>
Furthermore, Sony expressed unease about the &quot;Call of Duty&quot; threat anticipated in 2027, which currently remains on PlayStation due to an antitrust deal ending in 2027, posing a significant risk to their subscription service, PlayStation Plus.
The Tokyo-based company admitted their &quot;pillars are already dated and behind the competition,&quot; expressing frustration over the challenge of achieving the ideal game subscription model.
Sony criticized the expectation of providing free top-tier games, deeming it an &quot;unsustainable model&quot; where subscription revenue fails to cover investment costs.
The contrast in strategies between Sony and Microsoft was emphasized: Microsoft launches games simultaneously on PC and Xbox via Game Pass, whereas Sony prefers a staggered release, initially on PlayStation and later on other platforms.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/10/35330766/sony-banks-on-spider-man-2-to-boost-ps5-sales-as-microsofts-power-play-shifts-industry-dynamics">Sony Banks on Spider-Man 2 to Boost PS5 Sales as Microsoft&#39;s Power Play Shifts Industry Dynamics</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Insomniac Breach Leaks Marvel, X-Men Gaming Details: Does Sony Fear Microsoft's Strategy?

Game developer Activision Blizzard, now a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), has agreed to a nearly $55 million settlement with the California Civil Rights Department over a gender discrimination case involving female employees and contractors.
What Happened:&nbsp;The settlement will cover legal costs and offer relief to women who experienced discrimination between October 2015 and December 2020. From the total settlement, $46 million will be directed to a fund for the affected women,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/16/activision-blizzard-agrees-to-settle-california-sex-discrimination-case.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>&nbsp;CNBC.&nbsp;
The announcement comes nearly two years after Activision Blizzard settled a similar case with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by establishing an $18 million fund for victims.
See Also:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/12/36049238/leaked-survey-is-blizzard-contemplating-a-100-price-tag-for-diablo-ivs-vessel-of-hatred-expansion" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leaked Survey: Is Blizzard Contemplating A $100 Price Tag For Diablo IV&#8217;s Vessel Of Hatred Expansion?</a>
For the uninitiated, in 2021, the California agency sued Activision Blizzard for alleged sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Reports later emerged suggesting that CEO&nbsp;Bobby&nbsp;Kotick&nbsp;was informed about these allegations but did not fully disclose them to the company&#8217;s board.
Following these disclosures, Activision Blizzard&#8217;s stock took a hit, opening the door for Microsoft&#8217;s acquisition discussions. The $69 billion deal was eventually approved in October, following an in-depth examination by U.S. and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35239617/microsofts-69b-activision-blizzard-acquisition-gets-green-light-from-uk-antitrust-regulator" rel="noreferrer noopener">European regulatory bodies</a>.
The California Civil Rights Department has stated that the settlement is pending approval from the Los Angeles County Superior Court. As part of the agreement, Activision Blizzard is expected to maintain its commitment to inclusive recruiting and must inform potential employees about opportunities for pay negotiation.
Why It Matters:&nbsp;This settlement comes after a series of tumultuous events for Activision Blizzard. Earlier this year, the company&#8217;s CEO, Kotick, announced his resignation following Microsoft&#8217;s acquisition of the company. Kotick&#8217;s exit marked the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35243252/end-of-an-era-activision-blizzard-ceo-bobby-kotick-confirms-exit-after-microsoft-deal" rel="noreferrer noopener">end of his 30-year tenure at the company</a>.
Microsoft&#8217;s acquisition of Activision Blizzard received approval after the company agreed to sell some of Activision&#8217;s game streaming rights to&nbsp;Ubisoft Entertainment&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35239617/microsofts-69b-activision-blizzard-acquisition-gets-green-light-from-uk-antitrust-regulator" rel="noreferrer noopener">alleviate competition concerns</a>.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/12/36051713/activision-opens-up-about-skill-based-matchmaking-in-call-of-duty" rel="noreferrer noopener">Activision Opens Up About Skill-Based Matchmaking In Call Of Duty</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo via Shutterstock.

Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Settles California Gender Discrimination Case For $55M

Microsoft Corporation&#39;s (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) presence in the console market, particularly in Europe, has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/23/11/35731963/sony-disappointed-with-its-latest-profit-slump-but-provided-an-optimistic-guidance">encountered substantial challenges.</a>
This is indicated by a notable 52% decline in sales for the Xbox Series X and S compared to the increasing sales of Sony Group Corp&#39;s (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sony#NYSE">SONY</a>)&nbsp;PlayStation 5 and Nintendo&#39;s Switch, as reflected in a <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/assassins-creed-spider-man-mario-and-ps5-boost-sales-in-europe-during-october-european-monthly-charts">report </a>from GI.biz.
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/04/31900337/playstation-5-dominates-the-console-market-outpacing-playstation-4-sales">&nbsp;PlayStation 5 Dominates The Console Market, Outpacing PlayStation 4 Sales</a>
The data reveals a stark reality for Xbox, with PlayStation 5 comfortably leading in Europe, marking a remarkable 143% surge in sales over the previous year, while the aging Nintendo ADR (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ntdoy#OTC">NTDOY</a>) Switch follows in second place, despite a 20% decrease in sales.
The conspicuous drop in Xbox sales, both on a year-on-year and month-on-month basis, paints a concerning picture for the brand. Even with the launch of Starfield, Xbox&#39;s exclusive title in September, the impact on console sales seems limited.
Contrastingly, PlayStation&#39;s Marvel&#39;s Spider-Man 2 and Nintendo&#39;s Super Mario Bros. Wonder released in October, breaking sales records and further contributing to Xbox&#39;s comparative decline.
&quot;The sheer absence of available console stock last year does skew these figures quite a bit,&quot;&nbsp;GI.biz head of games B2B Chris Dring <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-series-x-and-s-sales-have-collapsed-in-europe">told</a> IGN.&nbsp;&quot;And it&rsquo;s worth noting that Eurozone countries have never been Xbox&rsquo;s strongest territories. They revealed back in February they only hold 20% of the market versus PlayStation&rsquo;s 80%.&quot;
Ding added: &quot;The reality is the console has very little momentum, which is such a crucial element when it comes to how successful a generation is or isn&rsquo;t for a platform holder.&quot;
Despite Microsoft&#39;s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>), granting ownership of franchises like Call of Duty, Diablo, Halo, World of Warcraft, and The Elder Scrolls, Xbox&#39;s console sales haven&#39;t seen a notable boost. The absence of impactful exclusives has been a recurring point of criticism. While Starfield gained rapid popularity with 10 million players within weeks, it failed to significantly uplift console sales.
Moreover, the integration of games directly into Game Pass, unlike Sony&#39;s staggered releases on PC, might be limiting Xbox&#39;s hardware sales despite Game Pass being deemed a favorable deal for gamers.
In response to this decline, Microsoft plans a more frequent release of first-party games starting in 2024. The company might pivot its focus away from consoles to emphasize PC and mobile gaming, especially with the acquisition of mobile gaming giant King from Activision Blizzard.
Leaked documents hint at mid-gen refreshes for Xbox Series X and S in 2024.
However, a complete resurgence for Xbox in the console market might hinge on the launch of its next-generation console in 2028, despite the optimistic prospects following the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/11/35876965/xbox-black-friday-bonanza-microsoft-rolls-out-major-discounts-on-consoles-top-games">&nbsp;Xbox Black Friday Bonanza: Microsoft Rolls Out Major Discounts On Consoles, Top Games</a>
Image credits:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/baronefirenze">Barone Firenze</a>&nbsp;on Shutterstock.

Xbox Sales Plummet In Europe As PlayStation 5 Dominates: What's The Impact Of Exclusive Titles?

Benzinga looked at the heat <a href="https://whalewisdom.com/report/heat_map/3">map</a> for &#8220;increased&#8221; interest from 13F filers during the third-quarter this year. Here are the top five stocks that garnered the maximum interest from the 13F filing community this past quarter:
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Western Digital Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WDC#NASDAQ">WDC</a>)</h2>
Western Digital is known for designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing hard disk drives, NAND flash-based storage devices, solid-state drives and enterprise storage platforms. Its products are commonly sold under the following brands: Western Digital, G-Technology, SanDisk and WD.
Western Digital&#8217;s premier partners include Advanced Micro Devices Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Oracle Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), SAP SE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAP#NYSE">SAP</a>) and VMware Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VMW#NYSE">VMW</a>).
WDC stock commands a market cap of $14.92 billion and is up 46.48% year-to-date.
Check out:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35646469/massive-insider-trade-at-western-digital">Massive Insider Trade At Western Digital</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options/23/11/35571071/check-out-what-whales-are-doing-with-wdc">Check Out What Whales Are Doing With WDC</a></li>
</ul>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>)</h2>
This Taiwan-based semiconductor behemoth designs, manufactures and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices used in electronics and other industries, including healthcare and communications. All leading leading fabless&nbsp;semiconductor companies&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), AMD, Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), ARM Holdings PLC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>), Broadcom, Marvell Technology Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>), MediaTek Inc (OTCPK: MDTKF), and Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) are key customers of TSM.
TSM stock commands a market cap of $473.63 billion and is up 46.48% year-to-date.
Check out:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/23/11/35721072/taiwan-semiconductor-manufacturing-co-clocked-a-34-8-topline-growth-in-october-mom-to-nt-243-23b">Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Clocked a&nbsp;34.8%&nbsp;Topline Growth in October MoM to NT$243.23B</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/23/11/35667569/tsmc-expansion-in-japan-gets-financial-lift-with-2t-government-fund">TSMC Expansion in Japan Gets Financial Lift with ¥2T Government Fund</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-sellers/23/11/35648533/looking-into-taiwan-semiconductors-recent-short-interest">Looking Into Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s Recent Short Interest</a></li>
</ul>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Silicon Motion Technology Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SIMO#NASDAQ">SIMO</a>)</h2>
Hong Kong-based semiconductor company Silicon Motion Technology is the global&nbsp;leader in developing NAND flash controllers for SSDs and other solid state storage devices. Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) and Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) are among Silicon Motion&#8217;s biggest customers.
SIMO stock commands a market cap of $14.92 billion and is up 33.11% year-to-date.
Check out:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/23/11/35552810/silicon-motion-technology-q3-2023-adj-eps-0-63-beats-0-61-estimate-sales-172-33m-beat-165-70m-estim">Silicon Motion Technology Q3 2023 Adj EPS $0.63 Beats $0.61 Estimate, Sales $172.33M Beat $165.70M Estimate</a></li>
</ul>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NXP Semiconductors NV (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NXPI#NASDAQ">NXPI</a>)</h2>
Netherland-based NXP semiconductors serves&nbsp;the automotive, communication infrastructure, industrial and Internet of Things (IoT) and&nbsp;mobile sectors. Apple, Bosch and Samsung are among its biggest customers.
NXPI stock commands a market cap of $51.76 billion and is up 29.51% year-to-date.
Check out:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35685891/morgan-stanley-maintains-equal-weight-on-nxp-semiconductors-lowers-price-target-to-214">Morgan Stanley Maintains Equal-Weight on NXP Semiconductors, Lowers Price Target to $214</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/23/11/35681531/nxp-semiconductors-to-bear-the-brunt-of-continued-weakness-in-china-analyst-caution">NXP Semiconductors To Bear The Brunt Of Continued Weakness In China, Analyst Cautions On Slowing Auto Orders</a></li>
</ul>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kyndryl Holdings Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KD#NYSE">KD</a>)</h2>
Kyndryl is a provider of IT infrastructure services. The company designs,&nbsp;builds, manages and modernizes mission-critical technology systems. The company spun off from International Business Machines Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) in 2021 and has more than 500 customers globally. The company forged strategic alliances with some of the biggest technology companies including Microsoft and Dow Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOW#NYSE">DOW</a>).
KD stock commands a market cap of $4.16 billion and is up 56.56% year-to-date.
Check out:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/23/11/35705761/susquehanna-maintains-neutral-rating-for-kyndryl-hldgs-heres-what-you-need-to-know">Susquehanna Maintains Neutral Rating for Kyndryl Hldgs: Here&#8217;s What You Need To Know</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/23/11/35662128/kyndryl-hldgs-q2-adj-0-05-beats-0-63-estimate-sales-4-07b-beat-3-95b-estimate">Kyndryl Hldgs Q2 Adj $(0.05) Beats $(0.63) Estimate, Sales $4.07B Beat $3.95B Estimate</a> Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/23/11/35846742/why-warren-buffett-ray-dalios-hedge-funds-are-selling-top-ranking-dividend-king">Warren Buffett, Ray Dalio&#8217;s Hedge Funds Are Selling Top-Ranking Dividend King</a></li>
</ul>

Markets

AAPL

AVGO

INTC

MDTKF

MRVL

NVDA

NXPI

ORCL

QCOM

SIMO

Top 5 Tech Stocks See Increased Interest From Institutional Investors

The latest 13F filings for the third quarter reveal significant moves by prominent hedge funds, including notable buys and sells <a href="http://benzinga.com/general/hedge-funds">in their portfolios.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Berkshire Hathaway</h2>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/23/11/35797715/buffetts-berkshire-trimmed-chevron-stake-while-cashing-out-of-gm-and-this-covid-stock-heres-how-">Berkshire&#8217;s biggest holding</a> remains Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>). Other key portfolio holdings include Bank of America Corp.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), American Express Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>), Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) and Chevron Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>).
For the third quarter this year, Berkshire Hathaway&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) top buys included Liberty Media Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LSXMA#NASDAQ">LSXMA</a>) and Sirius XM Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SIRI#NASDAQ">SIRI</a>), the firm&#8217;s top sells were Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATVI#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>) and General Motors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>).<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/bac" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ray Dalio&#8217;s Bridgewater Associates</h2>
Bridgewater Associates increased stakes in major consumer brands. The hedge fund has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/hedge-funds/23/11/35816921/ray-dalios-bridgewater-bets-big-on-retail-with-stakes-in-coca-cola-costco-and-walmart-among-t">increased its stake</a> in consumer stocks such as Procter &amp; Gamble Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>), Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), Costco Wholesale Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NYSE">COST</a>), PepsiCo Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NYSE">PEP</a>), Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>), McDonald's Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) and CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>).
Bridgewater Associates&#8217; top buys over the third quarter were Schlumberger Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLB#NYSE">SLB</a>) and Broadcom Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>). Their top sells were Johnson &amp; Johnson Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) and Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VWO#NYSE">VWO</a>).
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/11/35823918/blackrock-eyes-ether-etf-sparks-crypto-market-surge-investor-optimism">BlackRock Eyes Ether ETF, Sparks Crypto Market Surge, Investor Optimism</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">David Einhorn&#8217;s Greenlight Capital</h2>
Meanwhile, David Einhorn of Greenlight Capital is investing in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/hedge-funds/23/11/35829617/david-einhorns-portfolio-is-prepared-for-higher-oil-prices-that-could-likely-cause-a-recessio">safe-haven gold</a> via SPDR Gold ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>), and stocks from the material and energy sectors. Material sector stocks and ETFs such as Green Brick Partners Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GRBK#NYSE">GRBK</a>), Teck Resources Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TECK#NYSE">TECK</a>) and Graphic Packaging Holding Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPK#NYSE">GPK</a>) feature among his top holdings. Energy stocks such as CONSOL Energy Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CEIX#NYSE">CEIX</a>) and Southwestern Energy Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SWN#NYSE">SWN</a>) also found a place among Einhorn&#8217;s top holdings in Q3 2023.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Michael Burry&#8217;s Scion Asset Management</h2>
Michael Burry of the "Big Short" fame and Scion Asset Management founder, recently placed his bets <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/23/11/35792520/michael-burrys-latest-monster-gamble-big-short-investor-bets-47m-against-2023s-high-flying-sector">against the semiconductor</a> space. Via a strategy involving the purchase of put options, the hedge fund billionaire placed a $47 million wager against the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>). These puts are now Scion&#8217;s No. 1 holding.
The asset manager&#8217;s second-biggest holding is a similar bet against Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKNG#NASDAQ">BKNG</a>) to the tune of $7.7 million.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bill Ackman&#8217;s Pershing Square Capital</h2>
Bill Ackman&#8216;s consumer stocks-leaning portfolio bought more of Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Hilton Worldwide Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HLT#NYSE">HLT</a>) and ETFMG Real Estate Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HHH#NYSE">HHH</a>). The company sold some of its Lowes Companies, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOW#NYSE">LOW</a>) holding.
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/23/11/35832924/espn-bet-launches-in-17-states-offers-200-in-bonus-bets-could-competition-spell-tro">ESPN Bet Launches In 17 States, Offers $200 In Bonus Bets: Could Competition Spell Trouble For DraftKings?</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ceix" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>
Photo: Shutterstock

Hedge Funds

BKNG

CEIX

COST

GOOG

GOOGL

GRBK

LLYVA

LLYVK

LSXMA

SIRI

iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

TECK

Buffett, Dalio, Einhorn, Ackman: The Masters Of Wall Street Shuffle Their Stock Decks In Q3

A lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of Arkansas on Oct. 30 targeted major video game companies, including Microsoft Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ea#NASDAQ">EA</a>), Activision Blizzard Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>), Ubisoft Entertainment SA (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ubsff#OTC">UBSFF</a>)&nbsp;and Epic Games, for allegedly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/05/32537531/lawsuit-targets-nintendos-mario-kart-tour-microtransactions-as-immoral-and-deceptive">enabling video game addiction.</a>
The complaint, brought by an Arkansas mother on behalf of her child, accused&nbsp;these companies of engaging in a &quot;concerted effort to get consumers addicted&quot; to their games to maximize profits, Insider Gaming<a href="https://insider-gaming.com/microsoft-and-epic-games-named-in-lawsuit-for-causing-video-game-addiction/"> reported.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/03/31534627/when-innocent-play-turns-dangerous-the-uk-nhs-treats-child-gaming-addiction-that-can-lead-to-viole">When Innocent Play Turns Dangerous: The UK NHS Treats Child Gaming Addiction That Can Lead To Violence Against Parents</a>
The 13-year-old child, identified as G.D., played&nbsp;games for 12 to 14 hours daily, with Fortnite, Rainbow Six: Siege, Battlefield&nbsp;and Call of Duty being among the titles. He&nbsp;spent approximately $3,000 on in-game transactions and downloadable content, excluding console costs and subscription fees.
The lawsuit lists 14 counts of action, including negligence for failing to warn users of games&#39; addictive nature, fraudulent misrepresentation, and violation of the Deceptive Trade Practice Act.
The plaintiff seeks damages for G.D.&#39;s injuries, economic loss for the parents, statutory and punitive damages&nbsp;and legal fees, with the specific amounts to be determined in court.
The 129-page complaint delved&nbsp;into various monetization schemes, such as loot boxes, pay-to-win transactions, and &quot;rubber banding,&quot;&nbsp;where the game&#39;s difficulty is adjusted based on players&#39; willingness to make in-game purchases.
It also highlighted&nbsp;16 patents affecting minors and their in-game spending, including customizing messaging campaigns based on player behavior, modifying multiplayer match difficulty to encourage microtransaction purchases and notifying players that achievements won&#39;t unlock unless they purchase the full game.
The lawsuit discussed&nbsp;how these companies target &quot;whales&quot;&nbsp;and how cloud gaming expands their predatory activities by providing greater access to their games, ultimately leading to what is described as &quot;a generation of gaming addicts.&quot;
The World Health Organization recognized &quot;gaming disorder&quot;&nbsp;as an official illness in 2019, although it refrained&nbsp;from using the term &quot;addiction.&quot;&nbsp;
The case will proceed in court, with potential consequences for the video game industry and its practices regarding microtransactions and monetization strategies.
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/22/12/30047324/no-eating-no-sleeping-is-a-hit-video-game-too-addictive-for-children-class-action-lawsuit-m">&nbsp;No Eating, No Sleeping: Is A Hit Video Game Too Addictive For Children? Class Action Lawsuit Moves Forward</a>
Image credits:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/Stock-Asso">Stock-Asso</a>&nbsp;on Shutterstock.

UBSFF

Video Game Addiction Lawsuit Involves Microsoft, EA, Activision, Ubisoft, Epic Games: Were The Companies Allegedly Targeting Certain Gamers?

Activision Blizzard Inc&#39;s (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>) recent release, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, had a <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35149226/modern-warfare-3-beta-cheating-worries-escalate-among-call-of-duty-fans">tumultuous development process</a>.
The game was rushed to meet Activision&#39;s annual sales targets, Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-09/cod-modern-warfare-3-faces-bad-reviews-after-rushed-development">reports</a>. Developers were pushed to their limits, often working overtime, including nights and weekends.
Gamers and critics were already complaining about the latest entry in the Call of Duty franchise, due to the seemingly incomplete single-player campaign.
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/09/34827051/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-iii-gets-lit-smoking-weed-is-now-a-killer-move">&nbsp;&#39;Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare III&#39; Gets Lit - Smoking Weed Is Now A Killer Move</a>
&quot;Call of Duty: Vanguard,&quot; the previous game, was reportedly made under a similarly constrained development cycle.
Staff members at Sledgehammer once again had to work nights and weekends in order to finish &quot;Modern Warfare III.&quot; According to Bloomberg, they &quot;felt betrayed&quot; by the company because they were promised they wouldn&rsquo;t have to go through another shortened timeline.
Originally, the game was presented as an expansion to Modern Warfare II, focusing on missions set in Mexico.
In the summer of 2022, Activision executives abruptly redirected the project to become a full-fledged sequel centered on the Modern Warfare II antagonist, Vladimir Makarov.
This decision was prompted by the need to fill a gap left by a delay in Treyarch&#39;s next Call of Duty title. The move was seen as a way to maintain the franchise&#39;s annual release schedule.
Activision denied the allegations, with Sledgehammer Games studio head Aaron Halon describing the sequel as a &quot;new type of direct sequel.&quot;
However, over a dozen current and former Call of Duty developers contradicted this statement, asserting that the initial plan was for an expansion.
The Call of Duty series has consistently generated massive profits for Activision but has faced criticism for the toll it takes on its developers.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/11/35541685/ps5-slim-bundle-offers-modern-warfare-3-at-no-extra-cost">PS5 Slim Bundle Offers Modern Warfare 3 At No Extra Cost</a>
Image credits:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/Iurii+Stepanov">Iurii Stepanov</a>&nbsp;on Shutterstock.

Developers Rushed 'Call Of Duty' Sequel Release To Meet ATVI Sales Targets: Report

During Take-Two Interactive Software Inc&#39;s (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ttwo#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) earnings call, CEO Strauss Zelnick addressed concerns about a potential strike by SAG-AFTRA video game actors impacting the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/11/35681154/take-two-interactives-stock-soars-on-heels-of-rockstars-gta-6-trailer-announcement">upcoming Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6 release</a>.
Negotiations will turn out &quot;just fine,&quot; Zelnick predicts, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/take-two-ceo-says-gta-6-is-completely-protected-from-delays-if-voice-actors-strike">according</a> to IGN &quot;We&#39;re optimistic. We value all of our talent greatly. We value excellent labor relations, and we&#39;re looking forward to reaching an agreement that serves everyone well.&quot;
Take-Two is &quot;completely protected&quot; in case the negotiations, which are expected to resume next week, do not result in a favorable agreement, he added.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/05/32297206/is-gta-6-on-track-to-become-the-most-expensive-video-game-ever-produced">Is GTA 6 On Track To Become The Most Expensive Video Game Ever Produced?</a>
A potential strike by SAG-AFTRA video game actors could impact major gaming companies, including Take-Two, Activision Blizzard Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>), Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ea#NASDAQ">EA</a>), Sony Group Corp.&#39;s (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sony#NYSE">SONY</a>) Insomniac, and Warner Bros. Discovery Inc&#39;s (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wbd#NASDAQ">WBD</a>) WB Games.
Negotiations with the union involve concerns such as protections against artificial intelligence (AI) replacement, pay increases to match inflation, and mandatory breaks and set medics for on-camera performers.
Zelnick&#39;s confidence that a strike wouldn&#39;t affect GTA 6 hints that voice performances may already be recorded and that the game could be nearing completion.
The long-anticipated sequel to GTA 5 is expected to release next year, with the first trailer scheduled for early December. Take-Two&#39;s financial outlook further suggests a potential release date in the coming year.
<h3>Financials And Strategic Positioning</h3>
Cost-cutting measures implemented earlier in the year exceeded targets, Zelnick noted. The company now feels good about its current structure.
&quot;We&#39;ve already gotten through the right-sizing we felt we needed to do, and we expect to be in growth mode going forward,&quot; he said, citing the company&#39;s financial performance and total net bookings of $1.44 billion in the last quarter.
&quot;Grand Theft Auto 5&quot; and &quot;Red Dead Redemption 2&quot; continue to be strong performers.
In addition, the anticipation for GTA 6 is a key factor in the company&#39;s positive outlook, with Take-Two teasing a &quot;highly anticipated year&quot; in fiscal 2025.
Zelnick acknowledged the industry-wide layoffs but explained that Take-Two anticipated the post-pandemic demand shift and is well-positioned with its current headcount.
&quot;I do think people got a little fat and happy during the pandemic. I think there was a perception on the part of many that the music would never stop. That wasn&#39;t our perception,&quot; he added.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/10/35400581/dont-kid-yourself-former-playstation-ceo-sounds-alarm-on-video-game-industry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&#39;Don&#39;t Kid Yourself&#39;: Former PlayStation CEO Sounds Alarm On Video Game Industry</a>
Image credits:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/Sergei_Elagin">Sergei Elagin</a>&nbsp;on Shutterstock.

TTWO

GTA 6 In The Clear? Take-Two CEO Optimistic About SAG-AFTRA Negotiations, Layoffs

Blizzard Entertainment boss Mike Ybarra thinks that being <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35240972/microsofts-gaming-powerhouse-grows-activision-blizzard-bought-for-69-billion">acquired</a> by Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) will allow it to be more independent and serve players "better than we ever have."
What Happened: Ybarra expressed optimism for the studio's future autonomy following its acquisition by Xbox, speaking at the BlizzCon 2023 event.
The comments were made in light of the $69 billion deal where Microsoft took ownership of the iconic gaming studio and its popular franchises.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35618269/apples-iphone-15-has-retained-over-70-of-its-value-since-launch-while-googles-pixel-8-has-retained-j">Apple's iPhone 15 Has Retained Over 70% Of Its Value Since Launch While Google's Pixel 8 Has Retained Just 36%: Report</a>
Ybarra, who has been with Blizzard since 2019, believes the merger with Microsoft will usher in a new era for the studio, underscored by greater creative freedom and an enhanced ability to serve players, he<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/6/23949086/blizzard-president-mike-ybarra-new-era-xbox-microsoft-blizzcon-2023"> told</a> The Verge in an interview.
"That's what I really mean when I talk about a new era of possibilities, of empowerment, of serving players even better than we ever have," Ybarra said.
During last week&#8217;s BlizzCon opening ceremony, Ybarra and Xbox head Phil Spencer discussed the bright future of Blizzard post-acquisition. Spencer, after meeting with the Warcraft studio&#8217;s team, shared a vision of nurturing Blizzard&#8217;s unique essence while empowering the team in an environment of trust and collaboration.
Additionally, Spencer, while addressing the utilization of Activision Blizzard, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATVI#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>) extensive game library, indicated support for revisiting classic titles but clarified Xbox would not mandate it. This suggests a hands-off approach, allowing the studio to explore its catalog according to its creative direction.
Why It Matters: The integration of Blizzard into the Xbox ecosystem marks a significant transition for the gaming studio known for titles like Warcraft and Overwatch.
Ybarra referred to this next chapter as a &#8220;new era&#8221; for the company, underlining his optimism without the overbearing influence of its new parent company. He also has over two decades of experience working for Microsoft, so this is not alien territory to him either.
Ybarra has also worked for Spencer for eight years before joining Blizzard in 2019, so he has direct experience with the Xbox chief that he can lean on.
Photo via Shutterstock
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech">following this link</a>.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35635397/epic-games-alleges-google-employed-bribe-and-block-tactics-to-quash-competition">Epic Games Alleges Google Employed &#8216;Bribe And Block&#8217; Tactics To Quash Competition</a>

Blizzard Chief Thinks Microsoft Will Allow It To Be More Independent And Serve Players 'Better Than We Ever Have'

Activision Blizzard Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>) has announced the first expansion for Diablo IV, titled &quot;Vessel of Hatred,&quot; during<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/09/34285432/diablo-4s-annual-expansion-strategy-what-gamers-can-expect"> Blizzcon 2023.</a>
This expansion is set to release in late 2024 and will introduce a new character class and a return to the jungle-covered region of Nahantu, first seen in Diablo II, Kotaku reported.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35171171/no-call-of-duty-on-game-pass-this-year-but-diablo-iv-may-arrive-in-2024">No Call Of Duty On Game Pass This Year, But Diablo IV May Arrive In 2024</a>
The expansion&#39;s story will revolve around the fate of the Prime Evil antagonist, Mephisto, and the demon&#39;s plans for Sanctuary after the events of Diablo IV.
One of the significant highlights of this expansion is the addition of a brand-new character class to the game, one that has not been featured in any previous Diablo installment.
Although Blizzard did not provide specific details about this class during the announcement, recent data mining from October hinted at a class named &quot;Spiritborn.&quot;
This class is described as a nature-based warrior who wields a glaive and has the potential to be a hybrid between a druid and a barbarian. However, it&#39;s important to note that data mining information may not always be entirely accurate.
As more information becomes available, fans can expect additional details about this highly anticipated expansion as its late 2024 release date approaches.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/06/32841197/unleashing-hell-diablo-iv-surpasses-666m-mark-smashing-sales-records">Unleashing Hell: &#39;Diablo IV&#39; Surpasses $666M Mark, Smashing Sales Records</a>
Image credits:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/Ascannio">Ascannio</a>&nbsp;on Shutterstock.

Diablo IV Expansion In 2024: Is There A New Class On The Horizon?

The latest installment of the Call of Duty franchise, &quot;Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III,&quot; has raised concerns due to its massive file size and a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35149226/modern-warfare-3-beta-cheating-worries-escalate-among-call-of-duty-fans">cumbersome download manager.</a>
On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the game occupies over 200GB of storage, with the new Call of Duty HQ download manager alone taking up around 50GB, Kotaku<a href="https://kotaku.com/call-duty-modern-warfare-3-mwiii-filesize-ps5-xbox-1850987455"> reported</a>.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/09/34827051/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-iii-gets-lit-smoking-weed-is-now-a-killer-move">&#39;Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare III&#39; Gets Lit: Smoking Weed Is Now A Killer Move</a>
This is not a new issue for Call of Duty games, as their digital footprints have been growing in recent years. In 2020, &quot;Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War&quot; consumed a staggering 255GB on the PS5 after all content packs were installed.
Activision Blizzard Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>) attempted to explain the file-size increase, attributing it to the inclusion of various content like open-world Zombies, support for item carry forward from &quot;Modern Warfare II,&quot; and map files for &quot;Call of Duty: Warzone.&quot;
While this justifies the size to some extent, it doesn&#39;t explain&nbsp;why players cannot download the single-player campaign separately without dealing with a convoluted 50GB launcher.
The launcher, already used by &quot;Modern Warfare II&quot; players, has been criticized for its complexity, making it difficult for casual players to install the campaign or navigate the available content.
Moreover, with future content updates, including remastered &quot;Modern Warfare II&quot;&nbsp;maps, the game&#39;s size is likely to increase further.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/11/35541685/ps5-slim-bundle-offers-modern-warfare-3-at-no-extra-cost">PS5 Slim Bundle Offers Modern Warfare 3 At No Extra Cost</a>
Image: Activision Blizzard via Steam.

Why The Latest Call Of Duty Game File Size Is Raising Eyebrows

Sony Group Corp (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sony#NYSE">SONY</a>) is releasing&nbsp;a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35200265/sony-reveals-ps5-slim-enhanced-storage-mixed-reactions-and-price-debate">PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition</a> - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III bundle, coinciding with the launch of Modern Warfare 3 on Nov.&nbsp;10.
Valued at $499, this bundle essentially grants players the game, which originally came with a $70 price tag, free of charge when purchasing the PS5 Slim. This information is based on reports from Call of Duty news site, CharlieIntel.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35468600/playstation-5-fully-stocked-for-the-holidays-aims-for-record-sales-says-sony-executive">PlayStation 5 Fully Stocked For The Holidays, Aims For Record Sales, Says Sony Executive</a>
While Activision Blizzard Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>) has previously bundled Call of Duty with consoles, this marks a significant first for the new PS5 model.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, developed by Sledgehammer Games, marked&nbsp;the 20th installment in the Call of Duty series and continued&nbsp;the rebooted Modern Warfare sub-series, following 2022&#39;s Modern Warfare II.
In addition, there are rumors of a PS5 Slim bundle with Spider-Man 2 for $560, sparking anticipation among gamers.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/10/35330766/sony-banks-on-spider-man-2-to-boost-ps5-sales-as-microsofts-power-play-shifts-industry-dynamics">Sony Banks on Spider-Man 2 to Boost PS5 Sales as Microsoft&#39;s Power Play Shifts Industry Dynamics</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Per new Call of Duty ads, the PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III console bundle will be $499.
This is basically a new PS5 Slim with MW3 for free, since the PS5 Slim is $499 on its own.
Available November 10. <a href="https://t.co/wKguHk3IQP">pic.twitter.com/wKguHk3IQP</a>
&mdash; CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/charlieINTEL/status/1719383017104327058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
Photo: Activision Blizzard via Steam.

PS5 Slim Bundle Offers Modern Warfare 3 At No Extra Cost

Microsoft Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) is undergoing a significant reorganization within its Xbox gaming and marketing leadership, following its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35239617/microsofts-69b-activision-blizzard-acquisition-gets-green-light-from-uk-antitrust-regulator">recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc (NASDAQ: </a><a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>).
&quot;ZeniMax will continue to operate as a limited integration entity led by Jamie Leder, president and CEO, reporting to Matt [Booty],&quot; Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said in an internal memo, as <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/26/23933049/microsoft-reorg-xbox-marketing-ai-leadership-changes">reported</a> by The Verge.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35418655/starfield-ignites-xbox-game-pass-success-as-microsoft-charts-13-revenue-growth" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Starfield Ignites Xbox Game Pass Success As Microsoft Charts 13% Revenue Growth</a>
The restructuring aims to enhance collaboration, streamline operations&nbsp;and prepare for the future of Xbox.
Matt Booty was promoted to president of Game Content and Studios, expanding his responsibilities to include ZeniMax and Bethesda, focusing on better collaboration between teams and avoiding issues seen with games like Redfall.
Redfall, developed by Arkane Austin, attempted to blend elements of Stephen King horror, immersive sims&nbsp;and loot mechanics but received criticism for being unpolished and incomplete.
Promised updates, including a 60fps mode and patches, were delivered six months post-launch. Spencer acknowledged the game&#39;s shortcomings and expressed accountability.
Sarah Bond was named Xbox president, overseeing both hardware and software platforms for Xbox. Her role is critical for shaping the future of Xbox, which may include a redesigned disc-less Xbox Series X in the near term and a next-gen hybrid console in 2028.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/10/35400581/dont-kid-yourself-former-playstation-ceo-sounds-alarm-on-video-game-industry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&#39;Don&#39;t Kid Yourself&#39;: Former PlayStation CEO Sounds Alarm On Video Game Industry</a>
Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/Benedek+Alpar">Benedek Alpar</a>&nbsp;on Shutterstock.

Microsoft Xbox Division's Major Restructuring: What You Need To Know

When Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) entered in a&nbsp;multibillion relationship with&nbsp;OpenAI, it made quite a wager that AI will change the way we work. With its latest quarterly results, that wager seems to be paying off already as the tech giant is rapidly infusing AI across its offerings and consequently, business processes with the result of increased&nbsp;productivity. When it reported its previous quarter, Microsoft dropped a bunch of well-known companies using its AI services, such as Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/abnb#NASDAQ">ABNB</a>) and IKEA, this time it shed light on how its new tools are being used. Unlike Alphabet (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/goog#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>)(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/googl#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>)-owned Google who reported a continued cloud slowdown, Microsoft ended its deceleration streak with Azure. But&nbsp;the latest results of both&nbsp;Google and Microsoft show that these tech titans made quite a&nbsp;comeback after what was a challenging year.
<h3>Fiscal First Quarter Highlights</h3>
For the quarter ended on September 30th, revenue grew almost 13% to YoY&nbsp;$50.12 billion. Due to&nbsp;a successful execution of initiatives to slowdown the growth of operating expenses, net income rose 27% YoY to&nbsp;$22.29 billion. Operating expenses&nbsp;grew at a slowest rate since 2016, at 1.3%.
Moreover,&nbsp;Azure cloud revenue growth&nbsp;rose 28%, accelerating from the previous quarter after&nbsp;two years of deceleration. On the other hand, its rival Google reported that Google Cloud&rsquo;s revenue slowed down from previous quarter&rsquo;s 28% to&nbsp;22.5%.&nbsp;Google Cloud miss even overshadowed Alphabet&rsquo;s better than expected earnings.&nbsp;The Intelligent Cloud division brought in revenue of&nbsp;$24.26 billion&nbsp;as it expanded&nbsp;19%.&nbsp;
The Productivity and Business Processes unit&nbsp;reported revenue rose&nbsp;13%&nbsp;YoY to&nbsp;$18.59 billion.&nbsp;More Personal Computing segment that houses&nbsp;Windows, Xbox, Bing and Surface&nbsp;brought in revenue of&nbsp;$13.67 billion, implying a 3% rise. Microsoft also ended a streak of five quarters of YoY declines in Windows license sales.&nbsp;
Microsoft reported it has 1 million paid Copilot users. It also noted strong demand for its cybersecurity offering, the Security Copilot. Its AI Copilot add-on will become widely available as of November 1st&nbsp;to summarize meetings and draft emails, at a monthly price of $30 in addition to its Office bundle.&nbsp;
The Teams communication app added 20 more million monthly users on top of the&nbsp;300 million&nbsp;Microsoft reported&nbsp;six months ago.
<h3>Microsoft Continues To Work On Fortifying Its &quot;Game&quot;</h3>
On October 13th, Microsoft finally completed its&nbsp;$68.7 billion acquisition&nbsp;of Activision Blizzard Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>).&nbsp;While its&nbsp;gaming hardware revenue declined, content,&nbsp;services&nbsp;and&nbsp;overall gaming revenues&nbsp;rose.&nbsp;Although Activision didn&rsquo;t make part of&nbsp;fiscal first-quarter results, it will be part of earnings for the&nbsp;undergoing&nbsp;quarter&nbsp;and is therefore integrated in the positive outlook. With&nbsp;Activision expected boost Xbox sales and the&nbsp;contribution of AI, revenue for the fiscal second quarter is expected to grow 15% and come in the range between $60.4 billion and $61.4 billion.
<h3>Latest Results Confirm A&nbsp;Tech Turnaround</h3>
With their latest results, Google and Microsoft showed that they made quite a comeback. All in all, Microsoft checked all the right boxes with the cloud, AI development and gaming, beginning the new fiscal year on a strong note.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as investing advice.

Earnings

ABNB

Microsoft's Earnings Report Ticked All The Right Boxes As It Continues To Fortify Its AI Leadership

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) CEO Satya Nadella confirmed that &quot;Starfield&quot; had a significant impact on the growth of<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/09/34872236/xbox-game-pass-price-hike-microsofts-phil-spencer-reveals-inevitable-increase"> Xbox Game Pass.</a>
When &quot;Starfield&quot; was launched, it resulted in the highest single-day increase in Game Pass subscribers ever recorded, <a href="https://insider-gaming.com/starfield-game-pass-subscribers/">according</a> to Insider Gaming.
Subscription services have been gaining increasing popularity, and Game Pass is no exception. Microsoft&#39;s commitment to adding day-one titles to Game Pass has continued to impress gamers worldwide, making the service a remarkable value for their money.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35337166/starfield-dominates-september-us-game-sales-outshines-mortal-kombat-1">Starfield Dominates September US Game Sales, Outshines Mortal Kombat 1</a>
Notably, Xbox is currently experiencing a substantial upswing, with a recent financial report indicating a 13% quarter-on-quarter revenue growth. The success of &quot;Xbox Gaming&quot; in the first quarter was particularly noteworthy, even though hardware sales saw a 7% decline.
The cause of this dip remains unclear, but leaked Microsoft documents hint at upcoming console refreshes. The company is planning mid-generation updates for Xbox Series X and Series S next year, with a next-gen Xbox slated for 2028.
Microsoft&#39;s acquisition of &quot;Call of Duty&quot; maker Activision Blizzard Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>), while not detailed in the financial report, marks a significant milestone. The company intends to bring a substantial catalog of Activision Blizzard games to Xbox Game Pass in the near future, enhancing the platform&#39;s gaming offerings.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35171171/no-call-of-duty-on-game-pass-this-year-but-diablo-iv-may-arrive-in-2024">No Call Of Duty On Game Pass This Year, But Diablo IV May Arrive In 2024</a>
Image credits:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/miglagoa">Miguel Lagoa</a>&nbsp;on Shutterstock.

Starfield Ignites Xbox Game Pass Success As Microsoft Charts 13% Revenue Growth

Activision Blizzard Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atvi#NASDAQ">ATVI</a>) has once again taken the step of disabling trading in Diablo 4 in response to a new item duplication <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35356619/worst-fifa-glitch-ever-trickster-bug-plagues-ea-sports-fc-24-gamers-are-not-happy">exploit that players have been using.</a>
<a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/blizzard-disables-diablo-4-trading-again-threatens-to-ban-anyone-who-uses-item-duplication-exploits">According</a> to IGN, the announcement was made on the Blizzard forum by community manager filthierich, who reassured players that the development team is actively working on a solution, but until the issue is resolved, trading will remain temporarily suspended.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/04/31795868/explore-the-depths-of-diablo-iv-battle-pass-requires-80-hours-story-updates-every-3-months">Explore The Depths Of Diablo IV: Battle Pass Requires 80 Hours, Story Updates Every 3 Months</a>
Moreover, a strong message was conveyed to those involved in gold and item duplication exploits: &quot;Any account that engages in gold and item duplication exploits will be actioned in accordance with our End User License Agreement. We thank you for reporting this exploit to us and your patience.&quot;
This isn&#39;t the first time such measures have been taken. Back in August, Blizzard suspended trading in response to a similar exploit, threatening those who used it with bans.
It&#39;s worth noting that Diablo 4 lacks an in-game auction house, forcing players to resort to external platforms such as Discord for trading.
The integrity of this informal market was disrupted by those who exploited the game&#39;s vulnerabilities, utilizing them for significant gold transactions. The in-game gold is essential for gear upgrades and item enchantment rerolls.
Blizzard recently launched Season of Blood for Diablo 4, which received a generally positive reception despite the trading issues.
Blizzard now operates under Microsoft Corporation&#39;s (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msft#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) ownership, leading to speculations about the potential revival of older franchises. However, it&#39;s important to note that Activision Blizzard games won&#39;t be available on Game Pass until 2024.
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/10/35171171/no-call-of-duty-on-game-pass-this-year-but-diablo-iv-may-arrive-in-2024">&nbsp;No Call Of Duty On Game Pass This Year, But Diablo IV May Arrive In 2024</a>
Image credits: Shutterstock.

Diablo 4 Faces Trading Shutdown Over Exploits: Blizzard's Warning

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
The work-from-home (<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wfh-stock-quote/">WFH</a>) phenomenon has faded tremendously, as many companies, large and small, are ordering their employees to spend at least a few days per week in the office. For example, JPMorgan (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/jpm-stock-quote/">JPM</a>), Apple (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/:aapl-stock-quote/">AAPL</a>) and video game maker Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/atvi-stock-quote/">ATVI</a>) are among the huge companies ending or greatly curtailing WFH privileges. As a result, many companies that benefited from the WFH trend are taking sizeable hits to their top and bottom lines. Although the increase in interest rates is certainly the main reason the demand for single-family homes has dropped tremendously, I believe the demise of the WFH trend has also played a sizeable role in causing the demand for such houses to decline. After all, the situation in which many workers from high-tax states could live anywhere in the country and still keep their jobs is over. I believe the latter situation, in turn, has caused the demand for houses in many low-tax states to drop a great deal. Finally, the demand for many types of computer hardware and software previously used by employees working from home has declined. Here are three work-from-home stocks to sell. 



<h2>Zillow (Z)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/zillow_z1600b-300x169.jpg" alt="The Zillow logo displayed on a web browser and magnified by a magnifying glass"><div>Source: II.studio / Shutterstock.com</div></div>


Zillow (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/z-stock-quote/">Z</a>) provides advertising to real estate agents and originates mortgages. In October 2023, the company itself<a href="https://www.realsimple.com/zillow-home-design-trends-2024-8384030"> reported worker interest</a> in &ldquo;work-from-home zones&rdquo; like a &ldquo;cloffice&rdquo; (a combination between a closet and an office) or a Zoom room sunk significantly.



Not coincidentally, I believe, Zillow&rsquo;s operating income <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/Z/income-statement">in the 12 months</a> that ended in September 2023 came in at -$227 million, down from -$69 million in all of 2022 and $259 million in all of 2021.



Also noteworthy is that the firm&rsquo;s residential revenue sunk to $362 million in the third quarter from $372 million during the same period a year earlier. 



Although the company will be helped somewhat by a likely decline in interest rates in 2024, lower prices and the continued demise of the WFH trend will, I believe, combine to push Z stock down this year. Consequently, I view it as one of the top work-from-home stocks to sell. 



<h2>Apple (AAPL)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_1446630212-300x169.png" alt="Close-up of Apple (AAPL) retail store Logo in Honolulu at the Ala Moana Center. Advertising the latest generation of the ipad, iphones, and ipods with a Retina display."><div>Source: Eric Broder Van Dyke / Shutterstock.com</div></div>


Apple benefited in multiple ways from the WFH trend. People who spend much more time at home tend to be more focused on software, including Apple TV, Apple Music and Cloud services &mdash; the company&rsquo;s Services sector. In the second quarter of 2021, for example, the tech giant&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/how-covid-affects-apple-aapl-5198334#:~:text=Tech%20giants%20like%20Apple%20actually,came%20in%20its%20content%20divisions.">revenue from Services</a> soared 33% versus the same period a year earlier. Conversely, in the quarter that ended last September, Apple&rsquo;s Services revenue climbed 8.2% year-over-year.



WFH also boosted Apple&rsquo;s hardware sales, as employees bought many more devices to use from home. In the quarter ending in <a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/pdfs/FY21_Q4_Consolidated_Financial_Statements.pdf">September 2021,</a> its revenue from iPads came in at $8.3 billion. In the quarter that ended in <a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/pdfs/fy2023-q4/FY23_Q4_Consolidated_Financial_Statements.pdf">September 2023,</a> the device only generated $6.4 billion in sales. Meanwhile, its Mac revenue dropped from $9.1 billion to $7.6 billion. 



With the WFH trend further eroding, so will Apple&rsquo;s top and bottom lines, along with AAPL stock. 



<h2>Zoom Video (ZM)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/zoom_zm_1600-300x169.jpg" alt="A woman sitting at a desk waves at a large number of people on the videoconferencing software Zoom (ZM)."><div>Source: Girts Ragelis / Shutterstock.com</div></div>


With the WFH trend winding down, videoconferencing provider Zoom Video (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/zm-stock-quote/">ZM</a>) has found growth hard to come by. For example, in the third quarter of last year, its top line <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/article/4659427-zoom-video-communications-minimal-growth-left-normalization-here?hasComeFromMpArticle=false">only increased 3%</a> versus the same period a year earlier.



That makes sense, since, as WFH winds down, companies are utilizing more face-to-face meetings and fewer Zoom sessions. 



Moreover, Microsoft&rsquo;s (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/msft-stock-quote/">MSFT</a>) Teams software <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/article/4659374-zoom-video-why-i-maintain-my-sell-rating?hasComeFromMpArticle=false">reportedly caught up to</a> Zoom&rsquo;s offerings in terms of functionality, leaving Zoom vulnerable to market share losses. 



On the date of publication, Larry Ramer did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines.</a>
<div>Larry Ramer has conducted research and written articles on U.S. stocks for 15 years. He has been employed by The Fly and Israel&rsquo;s largest business newspaper, Globes. Larry began writing columns for InvestorPlace in 2015. Among his highly successful, contrarian picks have been PLUG, XOM and solar stocks. You can reach him on Stocktwits at @larryramer.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
		<ul><li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/07/venture-capitalist-predicts-this-chatgpt-announcement-will-shock-the-world/?cid=MKT744191&amp;eid=MKT766413">ChatGPT IPO Could Shock the World, Make This Move Before the Announcement</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/07/elon-musks-project-omega-stuns-silicon-valley-insiders/?cid=MKT738510&amp;eid=MKT766411">Musk&rsquo;s &ldquo;Project Omega&rdquo; May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here&rsquo;s How to Get In.</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/05/secret-income-blueprint-of-the-one-percent/?cid=MKT730394&amp;eid=MKT766529">The Rich Use This Income Secret (NOT Dividends) Far More Than Regular Investors</a>
					</li>
									</ul><div>
			<div></div>
						<div></div>
					</div>
	
The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/back-to-the-office-3-stocks-losing-ground-as-companies-recall-remote-workers/">Back to the Office? 3 Stocks Losing Ground as Companies Recall Remote Workers.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

Back to the Office? 3 Stocks Losing Ground as Companies Recall Remote Workers.

Software behemoth Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) now leads as the most valuable stock in the world with a market cap of $3.08 trillion. Less than six mont...

Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT): The Long-Term Bull Case Has Been Reaffirmed

What's In Your Wallet? How To Profit From Capital One's $35.3 Billion Acquisition Of Discover

The technology sector is not closely associated with dividend payouts. Instead, the Technology sector is more closely connected with growth stocks. This article will discuss three tech stocks that combine growth and dividends.

3 Tech Stocks Growing Dividends At A High Rate

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
In entertainment, video games have taken the lead, enchanting younger audiences. That makes it especially attractive to investors to find top gaming stocks to buy.



With around <a href="https://explodingtopics.com/blog/number-of-gamers">3.09 billion gamers worldwide</a>, a figure projected to swell to 3.32 billion by 2024, the implications for gaming stocks are immense. This surge in player base is fueling the global gaming market, which expected to reach a staggering <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/11/22/2784730/0/en/Global-Gaming-Market-Size-Share-to-Surpass-682-Billion-by-2030-Vantage-Market-Research.html#:~:text=by%20203...-,Global%20Gaming%20Market%20Size%20%26%20Share%20to%20Surpass%20%24682,by%">$682 billion by 2030</a>, at a 13.6% CAGR from 2023 to 2030.



Furthermore, the U.S. gaming industry is booming <a href="https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-gaming-market">due to mobile gaming&rsquo;s expansion and fresh console tech</a>. The introduction of 5G networks nationwide is set to supercharge this trend, overcoming previous mobile gaming limitations due to low bandwidth and latency. With that said, three gaming stocks stand out amidst a highly competitive market, capturing investor interest and setting the pace for the industry&rsquo;s future.



<h2>Microsoft (MSFT)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/msft1600-1-300x169.png" alt="Microsoft logo close up. Microsoft (MSFT) Flagship Store Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, NYC."><div>Source: The Art of Pics / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/msft-stock-quote/">MSFT</a>) recently made significant advancements in the gaming industry, aiming to broaden its influence. With its <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/13/23791235/microsoft-activision-blizzard-acquisition-complete-finalized">strategic acquisition</a> of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/atvi-stock-quote/">ATVI</a>), MSFT catapults into the position of the world&rsquo;s third-largest gaming company, significantly expanding its empire. This move strengthens Microsoft&rsquo;s mobile, PC, console and cloud gaming presence while setting the stage for its emerging meta-verse initiatives.



Moreover, the anticipation for Microsoft&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/19/23880111/microsoft-xbox-series-x-new-design-refresh">innovative disc-less Xbox console</a>, alongside the <a href="https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2023/01/05/ces-2023-partners-preview-new-windows-11-gaming-pcs/">unveiling of advanced Windows 11 gaming PCs</a> by MSFT and its partners, showcases the firm&rsquo;s drive to pioneer a new era in gaming technology.



Financially, MSFT witnessed a <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MSFT/momentum/performance">remarkable surge of 56.53%</a> in its shares over the past year and reported <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/4060277-microsoft-gaap-eps-of-2_93-beats-0_16-revenue-of-62_02b-beats-890m">revenue of a whopping $62.02 billion</a>, a 17.7% year-over-year (YOY) increase. Earnings-per-share (<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/eps-stock-quote/">EPS</a>) also reached $2.93, outpacing forecasts by 16 cents. <a href="https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/msft/forecast">TipRanks</a> analysts demonstrate further optimism, assigning MSFT a &lsquo;strong buy&rsquo; rating with an upside potential of 14.7%.



<h2>Electronic Arts (EA)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ea1600c-300x169.jpg" alt="EA Stock Will Carry a Great Holiday Season into 2020"><div>Source: g0d4ather / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ea-stock-quote/">EA</a>), a pioneer in the gaming industry, continues to dominate with its iconic sports titles like FIFA and Madden, has enjoyed a commendable <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/EA/momentum/performance">20% stock increase over the past year</a>. EA&rsquo;s engagement with the eSports community, through events like the <a href="https://bleedingcool.com/games/ea-sports-wrc-reveals-winner-of-the-knockout-trophy-23/">EA Sports WRC Knockout Trophy &rsquo;23</a> and the Apex Legends Global Series, continues bolstering its global reach.



The launch of the latest iteration of its hugely popular soccer video game, EA SPORTS FC 24, continues to underscore EA&rsquo;s strength in the sports gaming sector, with over <a href="https://venturebeat.com/games/ea-sports-fc-24-launch-14-5-million-accounts-fifa-rebrand/">14.5 million active accounts</a> in just the first month. Financially, EA shines, with <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/4060290-electronic-arts-gaap-eps-of-107-beats-by-019-bookings-of-237b-misses-by-30m">EPS hitting $1.07</a>, surpassing estimates by 17 cents, and revenue growing 1.02% YOY. These impressive financials, backed by a &lsquo;moderate buy&rsquo; rating from <a href="https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/ea/forecast">TipRanks</a> analysts and anticipated upside potential of 11.78%, highlight EA&rsquo;s promising future.



<h2>Nintendo (NTDOY)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="165" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Nintendo-Switch-Online-NTDOY-MSN-300x165.jpg" alt=""><div>Source: NIntendo</div></div>Nintendo (OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ntdoy-stock-quote/">NTDOY</a>) has consistently captured gamers&rsquo; imaginations, with its stock <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NTDOY/momentum/performance">soaring 49.8% in the past year</a>. With this rise, speculation intensifies around <a href="https://www.polygon.com/nintendo/23899504/nintendo-switch-2-release-date-power-name-games">Nintendo&rsquo;s next-gen system</a>, potentially named the Switch 2. Targeted for a late 2024 release, the new and improved console is expected to revolutionize the gaming world again.



Moreover, Nintendo&rsquo;s strategic partnerships and diverse game lineup further strengthen the Switch platform. <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2024/xbox-will-bring-former-exclusive-games-grounded-and-pentiment-to-nintendo-switch/">Partnering with Microsoft to introduce Xbox-exclusive games</a> such as &lsquo;Grounded&rsquo; and &lsquo;Pentiment&rsquo; to the Switch showcases Nintendo&rsquo;s innovative approach. Additionally, the recent <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/nintendo-direct/02-21-2024/">Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase</a> highlighted the resurgence of its beloved games of the past, which are poised to be major money makers.



Financially, Nintendo reported a remarkable <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NTDOY/earnings">$4.05 billion in revenue</a>, surpassing estimates by $161.04 million. Its <a href="https://variety.com/2024/gaming/games/nintendo-earnings-switch-sales-1235899361/">projection to sell 15.5 million Switch units</a> by the end of March is a testament to its robust market presence. <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NTDOY/ratings/sell-side-ratings">Wall Street</a> analysts also assign Nintendo a &lsquo;strong buy&rsquo; rating with an anticipated 129.46% upside potential, making it an attractive choice for investors.



On the date of publication, Muslim Farooque did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.&nbsp;The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines</a>.
<div>Muslim Farooque is a keen investor and an optimist at heart. A life-long gamer and tech enthusiast, he has a particular affinity for analyzing technology stocks. Muslim holds a bachelor&rsquo;s of science degree in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
		<ul><li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/10/no-1-ai-investment-might-be-this-company-youve-never-heard-of/?cid=MKT764787&amp;eid=MKT771245">The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You&rsquo;ve Never Heard Of</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/07/elon-musks-project-omega-stuns-silicon-valley-insiders/?cid=MKT738510&amp;eid=MKT771236">Musk&rsquo;s &ldquo;Project Omega&rdquo; May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here&rsquo;s How to Get In.</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2021/01/one-percenter-issues-urgent-warning/?cid=MKT499868&amp;eid=MKT793997">It doesn&rsquo;t matter if you have $500 or $5 million. Do this now.</a>
					</li>
									</ul><div>
			<div></div>
						<div></div>
					</div>
	
The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/the-top-3-gaming-stocks-to-buy-in-march-2024/">The Top 3 Gaming Stocks to Buy in March 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

The Top 3 Gaming Stocks to Buy in March 2024

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
In entertainment, video games have taken the lead, enchanting younger audiences. That makes it especially attractive to investors to find top gaming stocks to buy.



With around <a href="https://explodingtopics.com/blog/number-of-gamers">3.09 billion gamers worldwide</a>, a figure projected to swell to 3.32 billion by 2024, the implications for gaming stocks are immense. This surge in player base is fueling the global gaming market, which expected to reach a staggering <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/11/22/2784730/0/en/Global-Gaming-Market-Size-Share-to-Surpass-682-Billion-by-2030-Vantage-Market-Research.html#:~:text=by%20203...-,Global%20Gaming%20Market%20Size%20%26%20Share%20to%20Surpass%20%24682,by%">$682 billion by 2030</a>, at a 13.6% CAGR from 2023 to 2030.



Furthermore, the U.S. gaming industry is booming <a href="https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-gaming-market">due to mobile gaming&rsquo;s expansion and fresh console tech</a>. The introduction of 5G networks nationwide is set to supercharge this trend, overcoming previous mobile gaming limitations due to low bandwidth and latency. With that said, three gaming stocks stand out amidst a highly competitive market, capturing investor interest and setting the pace for the industry&rsquo;s future.



<h2>Microsoft (MSFT)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/msft1600-1-300x169.png" alt="Microsoft logo close up. Microsoft (MSFT) Flagship Store Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, NYC."><div>Source: The Art of Pics / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/msft-stock-quote/">MSFT</a>) recently made significant advancements in the gaming industry, aiming to broaden its influence. With its <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/13/23791235/microsoft-activision-blizzard-acquisition-complete-finalized">strategic acquisition</a> of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/atvi-stock-quote/">ATVI</a>), MSFT catapults into the position of the world&rsquo;s third-largest gaming company, significantly expanding its empire. This move strengthens Microsoft&rsquo;s mobile, PC, console and cloud gaming presence while setting the stage for its emerging meta-verse initiatives.



Moreover, the anticipation for Microsoft&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/19/23880111/microsoft-xbox-series-x-new-design-refresh">innovative disc-less Xbox console</a>, alongside the <a href="https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2023/01/05/ces-2023-partners-preview-new-windows-11-gaming-pcs/">unveiling of advanced Windows 11 gaming PCs</a> by MSFT and its partners, showcases the firm&rsquo;s drive to pioneer a new era in gaming technology.



Financially, MSFT witnessed a <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MSFT/momentum/performance">remarkable surge of 56.53%</a> in its shares over the past year and reported <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/4060277-microsoft-gaap-eps-of-2_93-beats-0_16-revenue-of-62_02b-beats-890m">revenue of a whopping $62.02 billion</a>, a 17.7% year-over-year (YOY) increase. Earnings-per-share (<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/eps-stock-quote/">EPS</a>) also reached $2.93, outpacing forecasts by 16 cents. <a href="https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/msft/forecast">TipRanks</a> analysts demonstrate further optimism, assigning MSFT a &lsquo;strong buy&rsquo; rating with an upside potential of 14.7%.



<h2>Electronic Arts (EA)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ea1600c-300x169.jpg" alt="EA Stock Will Carry a Great Holiday Season into 2020"><div>Source: g0d4ather / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ea-stock-quote/">EA</a>), a pioneer in the gaming industry, continues to dominate with its iconic sports titles like FIFA and Madden, has enjoyed a commendable <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/EA/momentum/performance">20% stock increase over the past year</a>. EA&rsquo;s engagement with the eSports community, through events like the <a href="https://bleedingcool.com/games/ea-sports-wrc-reveals-winner-of-the-knockout-trophy-23/">EA Sports WRC Knockout Trophy &rsquo;23</a> and the Apex Legends Global Series, continues bolstering its global reach.



The launch of the latest iteration of its hugely popular soccer video game, EA SPORTS FC 24, continues to underscore EA&rsquo;s strength in the sports gaming sector, with over <a href="https://venturebeat.com/games/ea-sports-fc-24-launch-14-5-million-accounts-fifa-rebrand/">14.5 million active accounts</a> in just the first month. Financially, EA shines, with <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/4060290-electronic-arts-gaap-eps-of-107-beats-by-019-bookings-of-237b-misses-by-30m">EPS hitting $1.07</a>, surpassing estimates by 17 cents, and revenue growing 1.02% YOY. These impressive financials, backed by a &lsquo;moderate buy&rsquo; rating from <a href="https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/ea/forecast">TipRanks</a> analysts and anticipated upside potential of 11.78%, highlight EA&rsquo;s promising future.



<h2>Nintendo (NTDOY)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="165" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Nintendo-Switch-Online-NTDOY-MSN-300x165.jpg" alt=""><div>Source: NIntendo</div></div>Nintendo (OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ntdoy-stock-quote/">NTDOY</a>) has consistently captured gamers&rsquo; imaginations, with its stock <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NTDOY/momentum/performance">soaring 49.8% in the past year</a>. With this rise, speculation intensifies around <a href="https://www.polygon.com/nintendo/23899504/nintendo-switch-2-release-date-power-name-games">Nintendo&rsquo;s next-gen system</a>, potentially named the Switch 2. Targeted for a late 2024 release, the new and improved console is expected to revolutionize the gaming world again.



Moreover, Nintendo&rsquo;s strategic partnerships and diverse game lineup further strengthen the Switch platform. <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2024/xbox-will-bring-former-exclusive-games-grounded-and-pentiment-to-nintendo-switch/">Partnering with Microsoft to introduce Xbox-exclusive games</a> such as &lsquo;Grounded&rsquo; and &lsquo;Pentiment&rsquo; to the Switch showcases Nintendo&rsquo;s innovative approach. Additionally, the recent <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/nintendo-direct/02-21-2024/">Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase</a> highlighted the resurgence of its beloved games of the past, which are poised to be major money makers.



Financially, Nintendo reported a remarkable <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NTDOY/earnings">$4.05 billion in revenue</a>, surpassing estimates by $161.04 million. Its <a href="https://variety.com/2024/gaming/games/nintendo-earnings-switch-sales-1235899361/">projection to sell 15.5 million Switch units</a> by the end of March is a testament to its robust market presence. <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NTDOY/ratings/sell-side-ratings">Wall Street</a> analysts also assign Nintendo a &lsquo;strong buy&rsquo; rating with an anticipated 129.46% upside potential, making it an attractive choice for investors.



On the date of publication, Muslim Farooque did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.&nbsp;The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines</a>.
<div>Muslim Farooque is a keen investor and an optimist at heart. A life-long gamer and tech enthusiast, he has a particular affinity for analyzing technology stocks. Muslim holds a bachelor&rsquo;s of science degree in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
		<ul><li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/10/no-1-ai-investment-might-be-this-company-youve-never-heard-of/?cid=MKT764787&amp;eid=MKT793992">The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You&rsquo;ve Never Heard Of</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/02/wall-street-legend-issues-urgent-ai-code-red/?cid=MKT781156&amp;eid=MKT793990">&ldquo;America&rsquo;s Top Trader&rdquo; Issues A.I. Code Red: Act Now or Miss Out</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2021/01/one-percenter-issues-urgent-warning/?cid=MKT499868&amp;eid=MKT793999">It doesn&rsquo;t matter if you have $500 or $5 million. Do this now.</a>
					</li>
									</ul><div>
			<div></div>
						<div></div>
					</div>
	
The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/the-top-3-gaming-stocks-to-buy-in-march-2024/">The Top 3 Gaming Stocks to Buy in March 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
Gaming has often flown under the radar in the entertainment space, but it continues to command a massive and growing presence. In fact, the most financially successful entertainment property in history is actually a game called Grand Theft Auto V. With that game alone selling 175 million copies globally, it shows the tremendous financial potential within the gaming space. Therefore, investing in strong-buy <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/technology/video-games/">video game stocks</a> can be incredibly lucrative.



Moreover, the gaming industry continues to flourish globally, driven by mobile gaming and growth in new console technology. Additionally, the rollout of 5G networks will further accelerate this trend by addressing the challenges of low bandwidth and high latency, which previously impacted mobile gaming. That said, here are three strong buy video gaming stocks worth betting on now.



<h2>Strong-Buy Gaming Stocks: Microsoft (MSFT)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/shutterstock_698745022-compressor-300x169.jpg" alt="Image of corporate building with Microsoft logo above the entrance."><div>Source: NYCStock / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Microsoft&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/msft-stock-quote/">MSFT</a>) has become a mainstay on the top-performing lists across nearly every major tech vertical. Gaming is no different, with it operating a multifaceted strategy to expand its position in the niche. Its strategy involves inclusivity, cross-platform play, and accessibility through subscription services like the Xbox Game Pass. Recent developments have involved acquiring top video gaming giants such as&nbsp;Activision Blizzard&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/atvi-stock-quote/" target="_blank">ATVI</a>), propelling it as the third-largest gaming business globally.



Its inroads in the gaming space have paid many dividends, with the company&rsquo;s gaming sales soaring from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/963263/microsoft-annual-gaming-revenue/">$9.05 billion to $15.46 billion</a> from 2017 to 2023. This represents a massive increase of over 70%, reflecting its gaming division&rsquo;s strong expansion and the industry&rsquo;s overall growth. As we advance, with MSFT&rsquo;s investments in AI and other complementary technologies, its gaming division will continue to be a force to be reckoned with.



<h2>Electronic Arts (EA)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ea1600f-1-300x169.jpg" alt="Electronic Arts logo on a wall"><div>Source: Rick Neves / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Electronic Arts&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ea-stock-quote/">EA</a>) presents an enduring bull case in the video gaming space, housing popular franchises, including FIFA, Madden NFL, and Apex Legends. Over the years, EA has effectively embraced the evolving market trends in its niche to secure a huge chunk of the global video game market.



Furthermore, its diversified games lineup has effectively ensured healthy top-and-bottom-line growth expansion over the years. Moreover, its swift response to the battle royale trend with Apex Legends shows its ability to adapt and spread its tentacles in a burgeoning new segment. Also, the shift to digital distribution has been lucrative for EA, enhancing its profit margins through its robust direct-to-consumer sales. EA boasts stellar profitability metrics, with <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/EA/profitability">more than 20% key margins</a>. Moreover, its free cash flow margin is a remarkable 25%, 208% higher than the sector median. Hence, despite its challenges, its powerful track record of navigating the gaming landscape points to a remarkably bright horizon ahead.



<h2>Roblox (RBLX)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rblx1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Roblox Stock IPO"><div>Source: Miguel Lagoa / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Roblox&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/rblx-stock-quote/">RBLX</a>) is a top metaverse gaming platform that effectively marries diverse gaming experiences with a vibrant social community. Over the years, the platform has exploded in popularity by empowering its growing user base with unique tools to craft personalized worlds while rewarding them with real-world value with in-game currency.



The pandemic took Roblox&rsquo;s top-and-bottom-line to a whole new level, but navigating the post-pandemic economic maze wasn&rsquo;t that simple. However, recent results point to an emphatic comeback, with it posting double-digit year-over-year (YOY) growth in the past six consecutive quarters, coupled with strong analyst beats.



Following another solid showing in its fourth quarter (Q4), the company expects sales to grow <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/4063791-roblox-jumps-amid-bookings-surge-strong-outlook-through-2027">at least 20% annually through 2027</a>. With a strong outlook and robust operating results of late, Tiprank&rsquo;s analysts estimate an incredible 32% upside from current price levels.



On the date of publication, Muslim Farooque did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines</a>.
<div>Muslim Farooque is a keen investor and an optimist at heart. A life-long gamer and tech enthusiast, he has a particular affinity for analyzing technology stocks. Muslim holds a bachelor&rsquo;s of science degree in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
		<ul><li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/10/no-1-ai-investment-might-be-this-company-youve-never-heard-of/?cid=MKT764787&amp;eid=MKT771245">The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You&rsquo;ve Never Heard Of</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/07/elon-musks-project-omega-stuns-silicon-valley-insiders/?cid=MKT738510&amp;eid=MKT771236">Musk&rsquo;s &ldquo;Project Omega&rdquo; May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here&rsquo;s How to Get In.</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2021/01/one-percenter-issues-urgent-warning/?cid=MKT499868&amp;eid=MKT793997">It doesn&rsquo;t matter if you have $500 or $5 million. Do this now.</a>
					</li>
									</ul><div>
			<div></div>
						<div></div>
					</div>
	
The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/3-strong-buy-gaming-stocks-to-add-to-your-q2-must-watch-list/">3 Strong Buy Gaming Stocks to Add to Your Q2 Must-Watch List</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.