‘Grand Theft Auto V’ Dominates The PC Market

Considering that the game has already shipped more than 45 million units, including its re-release on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One last year, Grand Theft Auto V has become a phenomenon in the video game industry – and it’s just getting started.

Yesterday, Rockstar Games released the popular third-person open-world action game for PC, creating a new benchmark for the title that not only includes the most spectacular visual performance to date (running up to 60 frames per second with the right hardware), but also including a video editor, allowing users to create custom clips that they can share with the community. It’s bound to be a big sales hit for the publisher, and, in its first day alone, it’s made huge waves on Steam.

GamesIndustry International reports that the game has already set a new record for concurrent users on Valve’s popular PC gaming service. It’s managed to bring in just over 300,000 players on its release day alone, eclipsing the previous record held by Bethesda’s role-playing adventure Skyrim a few years ago, which drew 280,000 players in a single time period.

This is still small potatoes compared to Valve’s first party releases, including DOTA 2, which, at one point, managed to bring in 800,000 players. However, it still sets a new standard for third-party companies, and indicates that Rockstar should have no trouble selling millions of copies of its popular game, adding to its already immense total.

GTA V has managed to generate $1 billion in revenue faster than any other entertainment product in history, becoming the best-selling game of all time for both the U.K. and U.S. markets. The PC release could estimate at least another ten million units sold – and maybe more, depending on how many features Rockstar adds to both the main game and the Grand Theft Auto Online component in the months ahead.

To get an idea of what kind of changes are included in the PC version – and catch a glimpse of the new video editor in action – check out the video below.

 

China Becomes The Market Leader For iOS Apps

For years, the United States has been one of the leading countries on the mobile downloads front, with a number of premium and free-to-play games to choose from, along with a number of popular apps. However, new numbers from data-reporting site App Annie indicate that we’re seeing a changing of the guard, and China now leads the list of top countries for iOS-based downloads.

GamesIndustry International reports on the latest data from App Annie that shows with the launch of the iPhone 6 devices overseas, China has found the strength to push past the United States in terms of having the most iOS apps downloaded. Though the U.S. remains close behind in second place, this shows a vital “changing of the guard” when it comes to popular apps, indicating that China is a force to be reckoned with. The United States, though, is still the top country for iOS app revenue, with Japan in second place and China in third place.

This is also big news for Apple, as it gives iOS presence in China, where the Android has been the dominant mobile platform for the past few years. With a successful marketing campaign for the new iPhone devices, the company has managed to create a niche in the mobile market that will keep growing over the next few months – or even years.

The China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association have released some numbers as well, indicating that national game revenues have managed to reach a whopping $18.5 billion for 2014, a 40 percent increase over the previous year. SuperData had its own numbers to provide as well, indicating that the U.S. mobile gaming market sits at $3.2 billion. However, China isn’t too far behind that, as it’s close behind with just $200 million less.

China’s strength in downloads of apps has yet to be fully reflected in app revenue, but if Apple continues to sell strongly in China we may see the revenue side catch up to the number of downloads. It’s certainly an important market that everyone should be watching..

The Force Is With ‘Star Wars’ Celebration

This weekend, Star Wars fans from around the world will gather in Anaheim, California for the yearly Star Wars Celebration event, which celebrates all the lore surrounding the popular science fiction series. Whether fans are into comic books, video games, or the movies themselves, there’s something for everyone at this weekend’s event. However, a couple of key factors should make this year’s Celebration even bigger than ever before.

Of course, one of those factors is the first new Star Wars movie in ten years, The Force Awakens, which shies away from the “new” trilogy of the series in favor of nostalgia. The film will feature characters from the original set of Star Wars movies, including Harrison Ford’s Han Solo and Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker. There are new characters being introduced as well, and the film will be helmed by J.J. Abrams, the same man who provided a fresh twist to the Star Trek universe years ago.

Force Awakens will have an enormous presence at the event, with an opening presentation set to kick off tomorrow morning with plenty of surprises, including the possibility of the new trailer that will appear in front of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron in just a couple of weeks. Abrams will be in attendance, along with many stars from the film.

The presence of the sequel alone is likely to drive up attendance numbers for this year’s Celebration more than ever, but it’s not the only reason to check out the event. Other activities will draw people in, including the debut of the 3D version of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, which never made it to theaters; the debut of season two of Disney’s wildly popular animated series Star Wars Rebels; and Electronic Arts’ gameplay debut for its forthcoming first-person shooter Star Wars Battlefront, which is expected to be one of this year’s big sellers.

On top of that, even those that aren’t going to the event will be able to see most of it happen, as StarWars.com has teamed up with Verizon to live-stream over 30 hours of content from the event, including the opening presentation and other panels, featuring special guests from the series’ past and present. Those that want to learn more about the live-streaming panel can do so on the official page.

Other surprises could happen at the event as well, and it shows that the Force is just as strong with Star Wars as it’s ever been – even when the initial film came out in 1977.

Netflix Gained 4.9 Million Subscribers In Q1 Of 2015

by Jessica Klein

Netflix came out with its earnings report for the first quarter of 2015, and it turns out that the streaming giant has gained even more new members this year than it expected.

Instead of the 4.1 million new members forecasted for Q1 of 2015, Netflix got a record total of 4.9 million new subscribers during the quarter. Of those new members, 2.3 million came from within the US, while 2.6 came from international Netflix territories. Some of the international increase likely came from Netflix becoming available in Australia and New Zealand this past quarter, even though that took place towards the end of March.

Also helping the company’s cause, Netflix ended up spending less on content than it had projected, allowing the US contribution margin to reach 31.7 percent instead of about 30 percent. In the future, Netflix said that it will likely spend even less as it continues to expand globally, as more territories will be watching the same, original content, thus helping to absorb the cost. So as to continue this worldwide expansion, Netflix will allocate some of its U.S. marketing budget to use for international marketing costs in the next quarter.

Keep reading…

This article was originally posted on VideoInk and is reposted on [a]listdaily via a partnership with the news publication, which is the online video industry’s go-to source for breaking news, features, and industry analysis. Follow VideoInk on Twitter @VideoInkNews, or subscribe via thevideoink.com for the latest news and stories, delivered right to your inbox.

Now Hiring This Week: April 15

[a]listdaily is your source for the hottest job openings for senior management and marketing in games, entertainment and social media. Check here every Wednesday for the latest openings.

For last week’s [a]list jobs postings, click here. Have a position you’d like to place with us Email us at pr@ayzenberg.com.

Early Reactions To Apple Watch Are Here

The Apple Watch is just a few days away from making its debut on the market, ushering in a new age of wearable tech for the company. But does that mean it’s likely to be embraced by the public

While it will no doubt be a sales hit upon launch, some early reviews for the device have provided a mixed bag in response, with positive feedback mixed in with some “dark spots”.

VentureBeat has compiled a number of reviews for the device from tech-based journalists, and while we won’t repost them all here, we will recap some of the highlights – and lowlights – from said reviews.

First off, Joshua Topolski of Bloomberg Business was quick to talk about how the public will easily want the device, even though it has its setbacks. “I’m in a meeting with 14 people, in mid-sentence, when I feel a tap-tap-tap on my wrist…A version of this happens dozens of times throughout the day – for messages, emails, activity achievements, tweets and so much more. Wait a second. Isn’t the promise of the Apple Watch to help me stay in the moment, focused on the people around me and undisturbed by the mesmerizing void of my iPhone So why do I suddenly feel so distracted,” he wrote.

The Verge‘s Nilay Patel was quick to note the Apple Watch’s appeal as a mainstream product, but also complained about its speed. “The Apple Watch, as I reviewed it for the past week and a half, is kind of slow,” he said. “There’s no getting around it, no way to talk about all of its interface ideas and obvious potential and hints of genius without noting that sometimes it stutters loading notifications.”

The New York Times tech writer Farhad Manjoo admits he “fell hard” for the device in terms of its features, but isn’t really for “tech novices.” “There’s a good chance it will not work perfectly for most consumers right out of the box, because it is best after you fiddle with various software settings to personalize use,” he said.

In addition, says Manjoo, some apps just didn’t work. “The Uber app didn’t load for me, the Twitter app is confusing and the app for Starwood Hotels mysteriously deleted itself and then hung up on loading when I reinstalled it.”

Other criticisms went a little deeper, like Patel noting that both hands are needed to operate the watch – which takes away from its practical use altogether. “You simply can’t one-hand the Apple Watch…because it’s a tiny screen with a tiny control wheel strapped to your wrist, you have to use both hands to use it, and you have to actually look at it to make sure you’re hitting the right parts of the screen.”

Then Topolsky noted that its use as a watch is in question. “I’ve found the experience somewhat inferior to that with a conventional wristwatch, due to one small issue,” he said. “The Apple Watch activates its screen only when it thinks you’re looking at it…Think about the way people normally look at their watches, then make it twice as aggressive.”

Other complaints with reviews include it not being a very good communications device, isn’t necessarily fashionable (including the limited edition gold model for $10,000) and can be incredibly hard to navigate with a small interface. One critic, the Wall Street Journal‘s Joanna Stern, even noted that waiting for an improved model is the best way to go. “The body is bound to get thinner; the edges could stand to be less rounded. It isn’t just the aesthetics either. Soon, we won’t have to charge the battery every night, the software won’t ever get stutter and those health sensors will get even more accurate. When was the last time Apple didn’t improve first-gen hardware’s performance while making it sleeker ”

More criticisms can be found here, but it’ll be interesting to see how the public reacts when the device goes on sale on April 24th.

Over 150 Million Americans Play Video Games

Now more than ever, video games are a highly popular medium in the United States — and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has the numbers to back it up.

The company recently reported that over 150 million Americans play video games, according to a research study titled 2015 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry. In addition, other stats were also revealed, including the following:

  • 42 percent of Americans play video games regularly, or at least three hours per week
  • 56 percent of the most frequent gamers play with others
  • 54 percent play in multiplayer mode weekly
  • More than half of the most frequent game players say that video games help them connect with friends
  • About half indicate that video games enable them to spend time with family
  • 60 percent of parents whose children are gamers play computer and video games with them at least once a week
  • More than three-quarters of parents say they play with their children because it is fun for the entire family and an opportunity to socialize
  • 88 percent of parents whose children play games believe the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings for gamers are either very or somewhat helpful when it comes to choosing games for kids
  • The average game player is 35 years old
  • The most frequent female game player is, on average, 43 years old
  • Women 18 years-or-older represent a significantly greater portion of the game-playing population than boys 18 years old or younger
  • On average, gamers have been playing for 13 years
  • Consumers spent more than $22.41 billion on game content, hardware and accessories in 2014
  • Four out of five American households have some form of device to play video games on

These stats indicate quite a shift in the industry more towards an older demographic, although some players seem to be taking part mainly because they kids are, and it’s easy to make a connection through their favorite games.

“Video games provide a social setting where family and friends come together to connect, learn and have fun,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA. “The sheer number of people who regularly enjoy entertainment software and share those experiences with others underscores how video games have become ingrained in our culture.”

Gallagher was also quite to note the effectiveness of the ratings board, in terms of providing parents with details on certain content with games. “The ESRB is the gold standard for systems that for provide parents with guidance that allows them to make informed decisions,” he said.

More details are available in the full report here.

3D Mobile Ads Gaining Momentum

Looking at a mobile display at an ad is one thing, but being immersed into an ad experience is another – and that’s an idea that some brands are considering as its technology expands.

A report from Adweek states that marketers are looking to virtual reality when it comes to creating a new ad experience for mobile devices. With the right presentation to go hand-in-hand with the technology, there’s no question that 3-D based advertising could make an impact – and draw in an audience that wants something deeper than the usual mobile ad.

“The mobile industry has kind of shifted to virtual reality – that’s what’s getting all the buzz,” said Jeremy Sigel, director of mobile for North America at Essence. “3D mobile ads are the gateway to virtual reality.”

Whiskey creator Jameson recently tried its hand at the format, posting a new video on its Instagram page that appears to be a shot glass (filled with Jameson) being slid over to someone in full 3D, with the glass staying in focus as it slides off the screen.

Ford recently gave it a shot as well, teaming up with Team Detroit and Amobee on a new campaign where users can swipe a finger across their mobile screen to get a full-on view of its latest vehicle, the 2014 F-150. The video is below, and it’s already seen a strong response, with purchase consideration up 40 percent and brand favorability increasing 20 percent.

Crackle’s James Smith On Being The Best Of Both Worlds In TV And Digital

by Jessica Klein

With Crackle’s new “always on” approach, the network has started to see itself as beyond a TV alternative and more like a TV network in itself. Per the initiative, the Sony Pictures Entertainment digital network will begin streaming programming on its website from the moment you click to it. Like a television, there will always be something playing when you “switch it on,” which you can watch while scrolling through the network’s other viewing options. This seems to bring together the best of both worlds in terms of TV and internet viewing, but it also begs a few questions.

First, does this mark the next, logical step in digital video entertainment What does this mean for advertisers and viewers

We caught up with James Smith, the head of digital sales at PlayStation and Crackle, after the Crackle Upfront to take a stab at these questions. From the way he refers to Crackle as being “on TV,” you can see what the studio thinks about the future of the video content environment.

Keep reading…

This article was originally posted on VideoInk and is reposted on [a]listdaily via a partnership with the news publication, which is the online video industry’s go-to source for breaking news, features, and industry analysis. Follow VideoInk on Twitter @VideoInkNews, or subscribe via thevideoink.com for the latest news and stories, delivered right to your inbox.

 

Newzoo/Overwolf March 2015 PC Game Rankings

Having fought hard to claim Rank 2 in the February 2015 Top 20 Core PC Games Rankings Minecraft (Mojang) the title defended its ascension into March 2015, with League of Legends (Riot) and World of Tanks (Wargaming) holding Rank 1 and Rank 3 respectively. It’s looking more and more likely that League of Legends will continue to claim Rank 1 well into April 2015, which would make it officially the King of the Top 20 Core PC Games Rankings for over a year.

As we move further down the list we see DotA 2 (Valve) fall one place to Rank 8 with Arma 3(Bohemia Interactive) taking Rank 7. With the release of the “BlackRock Mountain” expansion we see Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft (Blizzard) move up 1 place (as predicted in February 2015) to Rank 9. After rising an impressive 7 spots to Rank 9 in February 2015, Diablo III (Blizzard) has only declined by 1 place to Rank 10, a slight decline not entirely unexpected after the hype of its new content season had begun to wear off.

Perhaps most impressive of all is indie darling Robocraft (Freejam Games), who having moved up 1 place to Rank 15, has now maintained a place in to the Top 20 Core PC Games Rankings for 5 months.

Blizzard’s MOBA makes its Rankings Debut
Heroes of the Storm (Blizzard) is a new entry on our Rankings, achieving Rank 19 in March 2015. The title entered closed beta on the 13th January 2015 and by the end of February 2015 had over 9 million players signed up to play. As a MOBA with less of an emphasis on individual skill and more “casual /team friendly” the title has received a mixed reaction from the eSports community. While many argue the title’s friendly approach to the casual crowd erodes the competitive spirit underpinning MOBA’s, others see the title as making MOBA’s more accessible to the general gaming community. Time will tell if the title has what it takes to go against the likes of DotA 2 and League of Legends in the Top 20 Rankings but the outlook is good given the fact it’s achieved this rank whilst still in the Beta stage. Joining Heroes of the Storm as a Rankings newcomer was PayDay 2 (505 Games) which came in at Rank 18 in March 2015.

Smite Instability
In December 2014 Smite rose an impressive 11 places to Rank 7 on our Core PC Rankings, dethroning DotA 2 in the process. It’s World Championship prize pool ($2.5 Million) became the second largest in eSports history. All seemed bright until the January 2015 data revealed Smite fell 5 places to Rank 12, its previous rise seemingly fueled solely by the interest generated by their World Championships. Last month Smite appeared to have stabilized, rising 1 place to Rank 11, but unfortunately our newest data reveals this wasn’t to be the case.

Eerily repeating it’s January 2015 decline Smite has again fallen 5 places to Rank 16 in our March 2015 Top 20 Core PC Games Rankings. This is a rather disappointing result for Hi Rez especially when you consider that it held it’s official one year launch anniversary  {link no longer active} during March. It remains to be seen if Smite can once again shoot up the rankings in the coming months but the road ahead is difficult, especially when compared to the overall Rankings stability of the established MOBA titles like DotA 2 and League of Legends, as well as the newest contender on the block: Heroes of the Storm.

MMO Roundup
Star Wars: The Old Republic (EA) moved up 2 places to Rank 12, a healthy sign given the fact it fell 3 places just last month. World of Warcraft (Blizzard) and Guild Wars 2 (NCSoft) remained stable at Rank 5 and Rank 6 respectively, unchanged from February 2015. As we reported in detail last month ArcheAge’s (Trion Worlds) rough treatment at the hands of the community continues into March 2015 with the title falling another 3 places to land at Rank 20. While there might be some positive changes in the next month, May 2015 could mark the disappearance of ArcheAge from the Top 20 altogether.

About Overwolf
Overwolf is a customizable in-game overlay platform that has been installed in over 8 million PCs. This community of hardcore PC gamers are consistently making their own apps within the Overwolf platform and sharing them. Why Because it’s super simple and it enhances the gameplay experience of anyone’s favorite title in a personal way. From in-game chat systems to customized controls, streaming or video capture, Overwolf allows users to implement their own visions into these games and do so in a timely manner.

About Newzoo
Newzoo is the leading global market research firm focused purely on the games market. The company provides its clients with a mix of primary consumer research, transactional data and financial analysis across all continents, screens and business models. It is also known for actively sharing a variety of insights by means of free trend reports, infographics, blogposts and monthly rankings. Newzoo’s clients include Tencent, SEGA, Logitech, Wizards of the Coast, Nvidia, Microsoft, EA, Coca-Cola and Visa/PlaySpan.