gamesradar "Xbox business never been more healthy" According to Phil Spencer

[UltraMega]

Quote

Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard King in October, 2023, and since then, around 2,500 people have been laid off from the company's gaming division. Despite this, Xbox boss Phil Spencer says "the Xbox business has never been more healthy".
 

In an interview with Bloomberg published yesterday, November 12, 2024, Spencer cites growth in cloud gaming and console usage for why he thinks Xbox is doing well at the moment. "The business is performing right now, and I think that means a more healthy future for hardware and the games we build," he says.
 

The most recent Xbox layoffs were in September, shortly after which it was announced Microsoft shareholders were set to get an increase in their dividend payout starting this month – 10% extra, netting 83 cents per share rather than 75 cents. CEO Satya Nadella is also getting a 62% increase to his compensation for his role.
 

"I feel pretty good about where this industry is going," Spencer says. "To reach new players, we need to be creative and adaptive of new business models, new devices, new ways of access. We’re not going to grow the market with $1,000 consoles."

After cutting 2,500 jobs in under one year, Phil Spencer says he feels good about the industry and that "the Xbox business has never been more healthy" | GamesRadar+

 

With MSFS2024 and Stalker 2 about to launch on game pass, and Black Ops 6 having just launched, it's an interesting time to take a look at how well Xbox is doing. On Steam's Top Selling list Microsoft games make up 5 out of the ten top selling games. Perhaps Xbox is doing well at the moment. 

 

[SamsTechStuff]

I do like dividends but I don't like waves of layoffs. Not sure the first actually requires the other to be honest.

 

Blizzard seemingly does appear to be doing a lot with its IP and that is definitely something having 5 games in the to 10. 

 

500B in annual revenue by 2030, that's the goal:

 

https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/06/28/microsoft-stock-double-2030-satya-nadella-predict/

[Slaughtahouse]

"Never been more healthy" wouldn't be the first words that come to my mind. 

• Massive layoffs and organizational shifts
• Unclear long term strategy, especially to grow their market in Asia
• Late to market for mobile / hybrid device (they're just prototyping now)
• Poor hardware sales (I'm fairly certain the 360 outpaces the Series X|S and that is a 19 year old console in a significantly smaller market).
• Major existing IPs underperforming (Halo, Forza etc.)
• Employees going on strike https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/13/24295556/video-game-developer-strike-zenimax-microsoft

I have faith that these changes now will build a better, brighter Microsoft. Especially after closing the ABK acquisition, since that will be their safety net. CoD, Diablo, Candy Crush, WoW etc. will keep cash flowing. 

[SamsTechStuff]

12 hours ago, Slaughtahouse said:

"Never been more healthy" wouldn't be the first words that come to my mind. 

• Massive layoffs and organizational shifts
• Unclear long term strategy, especially to grow their market in Asia
• Late to market for mobile / hybrid device (they're just prototyping now)
• Poor hardware sales (I'm fairly certain the 360 outpaces the Series X|S and that is a 19 year old console in a significantly smaller market).
• Major existing IPs underperforming (Halo, Forza etc.)
• Employees going on strike https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/13/24295556/video-game-developer-strike-zenimax-microsoft

I have faith that these changes now will build a better, brighter Microsoft. Especially after closing the ABK acquisition, since that will be their safety net. CoD, Diablo, Candy Crush, WoW etc. will keep cash flowing. 

I suspect when you eliminate costs, for a time, they will enjoy increased free cash flow which many investors want to see.  I'm always vaguely interested in the bigger Blizzard IP, seems that they have been working to win our dollars.

Edited Tuesday at 13:14 by SamsTechStuff

[UltraMega]

I think Stalker 2 is going to deliver. I haven't been this excited for a game in a while.  

 

4K:

 

 

 

"I didn't ask for this"

 

https://open.spotify.com/track/0lrCqVZRUsryeaFxiR5YX5?si=ce2cd07ad15840e8

 

 

 

 

 

Both out in the next 48 hours. 

Edited Tuesday at 09:09 by UltraMega

[SamsTechStuff]

Oh wow, nice. I have never played STALKER or the MSFS games, the trailers look good though. 

 

I watched a YouTube video but cannot remember the name of the channel where the host was talking about those 'middle-ground' type of game devs and how they are disappearing, gobbled up or closed down. It was a good video, if I can find it I'll add here. It's eye opening when I read that some AAA games cost 200-400 million dollars and I think, "maybe I'll buy it when its $20-30".

Edited Tuesday at 22:51 by SamsTechStuff

[Sir Beregond]

I don't like that Microsoft is buying up everyone. At the same time probably keeping the lights on for some places by doing so. Weird market.

[UltraMega]

20 hours ago, Sir Beregond said:

I don't like that Microsoft is buying up everyone. At the same time probably keeping the lights on for some places by doing so. Weird market.

Just to clarify, Microsoft doesn't own the studio making Stalker 2, they just have a timed exclusiveity deal. Not that you were saying it was a Microsoft owned studio but I think there is some general confusion for some. 

 

 

Msfs2024 was a total mess yesterday. Couldn't play until real late at night when the servers weren't overloaded.

 

Hoping Stalker 2 will have a smoother launch!

 

Launch Trailer:

 

 

Edited 13 hours ago by UltraMega

[Sir Beregond]

10 hours ago, UltraMega said:

Just to clarify, Microsoft doesn't own the studio making Stalker 2, they just have a timed exclusiveity deal. Not that you were saying it was a Microsoft owned studio but I think there is some general confusion for some. 

 

 

Msfs2024 was a total mess yesterday. Couldn't play until real late at night when the servers weren't overloaded.

 

Hoping Stalker 2 will have a smoother launch!

 

Launch Trailer:

 

 

Ah, yeah did not mean that specifically for STALKER. Was more speaking in general how Microsoft has been buying up game studios over the past several years.