Core Insights - NACON showcased 9 upcoming games and accessories during the 8th Bigben Week held in Paris from May 19, 2025, providing an exclusive preview to journalists and international partners [3][4][5]. Game Previews - "Hell is Us," an action-adventure game by Rogue Factor, will be released on September 4, 2025, for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, featuring a unique design philosophy that emphasizes player exploration without maps or quest markers [5]. - "Robocop: Rogue City - Unfinished Business," a standalone sequel to the 2023 title, is set to launch on July 17, 2025, allowing players to experience new gameplay elements and play as Alex Murphy for the first time [6]. - "Edge of Memories," a JRPG developed by Midgar Studio, will be available in autumn 2025 on multiple platforms, featuring a dynamic combat system and collaboration with renowned artists [7]. - "Architect Life," NACON's first architectural simulation game, will be released on June 19, 2025, allowing players to design and build homes in both career and free modes [9]. - The new editions of "Tour de France 2025" and "Pro Cycling Manager 25," both adopting Unreal Engine 5, will be available on June 5, 2025, introducing new features like a sponsor system and refueling mechanics [10]. Sim Racing Innovations - NACON's Racing Division unveiled new accessories for sim racing, including a hybrid gearbox and load cell handbrake, enhancing the REVOSIM ecosystem [12][14]. - Two new sim racing titles were announced: "Endurance Motorsport Series," focusing on team strategy and race management, and "RENNSPORT," designed for e-sports with realistic driving physics, both set for release in autumn and September 2025, respectively [15][16]. Accessories and Product Launches - NACON celebrated 10 years of gaming accessories, showcasing flagship models that highlight the brand's expertise [17]. - The "Revolution X Unlimited," a high-end wireless controller, was released on April 23, 2025, designed for precision and comfort for action game enthusiasts [18]. - New colorful versions of the RIG gaming headsets were introduced, expanding the product line with unique designs [19]. - Anticipating the Nintendo Switch 2, NACON presented protective accessories to ensure console safety upon release [20]. Company Overview - NACON, part of the BIGBEN group, was established in 2019, focusing on optimizing expertise in the video game market with 16 development studios and a strong emphasis on innovation and competitive advantages [22].

Core Points - After over four years of legal disputes, Epic Games' Fortnite has returned to Apple's U.S. App Store, following a court decision favoring Epic [1][2] - The conflict originated from Epic's desire to implement direct payments from players, avoiding Apple's 30% commission on purchases [1][3] - The court's injunction prevents Apple from rejecting apps like Fortnite based on the inclusion of external purchase links, which could significantly impact the digital marketplace by allowing publishers to bypass traditional revenue cuts [3] Company Impact - Epic Games successfully reinstated Fortnite on the App Store, indicating a potential shift in the app distribution landscape [2][3] - Apple's initial resistance to comply with the court's decision suggests ongoing tensions between the two companies, which may affect future app approvals and policies [2][3] Industry Ramifications - The resolution of this dispute may set a precedent for other developers seeking to avoid high commission fees imposed by digital storefronts, potentially reshaping revenue models across the industry [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Schall Law Firm is investigating claims against Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. for potential violations of securities laws related to misleading statements and failure to disclose important information to investors [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation centers on whether Take-Two issued false or misleading statements or failed to disclose relevant information to investors [2]. - Take-Two's Rockstar Games announced a delay for the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI, moving the release date from fall 2025 to May 26, 2026 [2]. - Following the announcement of the delay, Take-Two's shares dropped by over 6.6% on the same day [2].

Group 1 - Electrolit is collaborating with Activision for the release of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4, featuring in-game integrations such as branded billboards and exclusive skater gear [1][2] - A retail sweepstakes will run from May 19, 2025, to August 31, 2025, allowing gamers to unlock exclusive items and win real-life merchandise [2][3] - The sweepstakes includes 50 grand prize winners receiving an Electrolit skateboard and a digital download code for the game, along with 75 secondary prizes and 5,000 instant winners [3] Group 2 - Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a remake that combines classic content with new features, including cross-platform online multiplayer for up to eight players [4] - The game is set to launch on July 11, 2025, and is available for pre-order on multiple platforms including Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch [5] - Electrolit is a premium hydration beverage known for its electrolyte formulation, available in various retail and online channels across the U.S. [10]

Core Insights - NACON has signed an agreement with Eden Games to publish and distribute Gear.Club Unlimited 3, the fifth installment in the franchise, set to release in Q4 2025 on current-generation consoles and PC [2][5] - The new game enhances NACON's racing ecosystem, which includes popular titles like Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown and WRC Generations, along with its Revosim™ line of Direct Drive peripherals [3] - Gear.Club Unlimited 3 features various game modes, including an all-new Highway Mode that challenges players' reflexes in high-speed traffic scenarios [4] Company Overview - NACON, part of the BIGBEN group, was established in 2019 and consists of 16 development studios, focusing on game publishing and premium gaming peripherals [6] - The company aims to leverage its 40 years of experience in the gaming industry to create unique opportunities for innovation and competitive advantages [6] Development Studio Profile - Eden Games, based in Lyon, France, is known for its expertise in realistic racing games, having developed iconic titles such as V-Rally and Test Drive Unlimited [7] - Founded in 1998, Eden Games combines passion, technological innovation, and high graphic standards to deliver premium gaming experiences across various platforms [7]

May 2025 Eric Sheridan Goldman, Sachs & Co. +1 917 343-8683 eric.sheridan@gs.com The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Framing the Industry Trends at the Intersection of Gaming, Media & Monetization (RBLX Deep Dive) US Internet & Interactive Entertainment Coverage Universe Julia Fein-Ashley Goldman, Sachs & Co. +1 212 902-5070 julia.fein-ashley@gs.com Goldman Sachs does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict o ...

Core Viewpoint - Nintendo has confirmed that it will not adopt the "keycard" model for its first-party games on the upcoming Switch 2, maintaining traditional physical game cartridges to ensure players can experience games without additional downloads [1][3]. Group 1: Nintendo's Strategy - Nintendo's official response indicates a commitment to traditional physical game cartridges for first-party titles, ensuring a seamless gaming experience for players [1][3]. - Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, emphasized that physical game cartridges remain a crucial part of the company's business model [4]. - The upcoming Switch 2 games, such as "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," will integrate original games with upgrade packs on a single dedicated cartridge, eliminating the need for download codes [4]. Group 2: Third-Party Game Distribution - Third-party developers may adopt different distribution methods, with some games like "Street Fighter 6" using the keycard model, while others like "Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition" will continue to use traditional full-data cartridges [4][5]. - Nintendo has reportedly provided third-party developers with three distribution formats: pure digital, 64GB capacity physical cartridges, and keycards, with the higher cost of 64GB cartridges leading some smaller developers to opt for keycards [4]. Group 3: Game Ecosystem Clarity - Several confirmed first-party Switch 2 upgrade games will utilize the integrated cartridge format, contributing to a clearer gaming ecosystem as more details emerge [5].

Apple and Epic Games are reportedly sparring over Apple’s denial of Epic Games’ resubmission to place its game Fortnite in the App Store.Epic Games said Friday that its resubmission was denied by Apple, while Apple responded that it did not remove the game from alternative distribution marketplaces, CNBC reported Friday (May 16).The Fortnite account said in a post on X: “Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Unio ...

Core Viewpoint - Take-Two Interactive Software reported mixed fiscal fourth-quarter results, leading to a decline in share price despite some positive analyst ratings and guidance for future performance [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company declared net bookings of $1.582 billion, exceeding consensus estimates of $1.550 billion and reaching the high end of its guidance [2]. - Recurrent consumer spending grew by 14% year-on-year, contributing 77% of total net bookings [7]. - NBA 2K25 sold nearly 10 million units, reflecting a 7% year-on-year increase [6]. Analyst Ratings and Guidance - Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $253 to $269, noting the solid performance across various segments [2]. - Raymond James analyst Andrew Marok reiterated an Outperform rating and increased the price target from $240 to $250, highlighting strong results and positive fan reception for major titles [4]. - Benchmark analyst Mike Hickey reaffirmed a Buy rating with a price target of $250, citing broad-based performance across core franchises and mobile [6]. Future Outlook - Management guided for net bookings of $5.9 billion to $6 billion and earnings of $2.45 to $2.70 per share for fiscal 2026, which was below expectations due to the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI's launch to May 26, 2026 [3]. - Fiscal 2026 is expected to have a solid release slate, with positive responses to major titles like Mafia and Borderlands 4, which should support bookings momentum [5].

“Fortnite” maker Epic Games said Friday that Apple has blocked its latest attempt to bring back the popular video game in the US version of its App Store.The Fortnite app is also unavailable Apple devices in the European Union, despite previously being downloadable there through the Epic Games store. Epic pinned the download failures in Europe on Apple as well.“Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union,” Epic G ...