Freeberg, what are your thoughts on the gaming industry versus social media versus traditional media. >> One way to answer that question is to think about how people spend their time. Do you spend more minutes on social media or on traditional media or playing games.And how is that trending. But importantly, which of those will acrue more benefit and as a result drive more hours spent from AI. One way to think about this thesis is that AI is going to ultimately acrue to video game entertainment far more tha ...

Core Viewpoint - Google's Play Store is undergoing significant changes following the Supreme Court's denial of its request to block a lower court ruling that mandates the opening of its app ecosystem to competitors and allows developers to use alternative payment systems [1][10]. Group 1: Legal Context - The legal battle originates from a 2020 lawsuit filed by Epic Games against Google, claiming that Google's practices constitute an illegal monopoly over Android app downloads and in-app payments [3][4]. - A California jury ruled in favor of Epic Games in December 2023, determining that Google's Play Store policies violated antitrust laws, leading to a court order for Google to allow competing app stores and alternative billing systems for three years [4][5]. Group 2: Implications for Developers and Users - The Supreme Court's ruling means that Android users will soon be able to access apps directly from developers outside the Play Store, with pricing set by the developers [2][10]. - Developers will have the ability to direct users to cheaper payment options outside of Google's billing system, potentially lowering costs for consumers [2][10]. Group 3: Related Industry Developments - Apple is facing similar legal challenges from Epic Games, resulting in comparable remedies, including the allowance of links to external payment systems, which have already been implemented [11].

The emergency order is the latest turn in a longstanding legal dispute between the tech giant and the creator of the popular game Fortnite. ...

Google lost a US Supreme Court bid to pause major changes to its Google Play app store in an antitrust case filed by Fortnite-maker Epic Games https://t.co/1zB0yTxr7n ...

The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Monday to halt key parts of a judge's order requiring Alphabet's Google to make major changes to its app store Play, as the company prepares to appeal a decision in a lawsuit brought by "Fortnite" maker Epic Games. ...

The race to succeed Disney CEO Bob Iger is now down to two final candidates, according to a report, which cited sources as saying that the growing consensus both within the House of Mouse and among industry observers points to the head of the theme parks division emerging on top.Josh D’Amaro, who currently holds the title of chairman of Disney Experiences, has been out front in recent months — attending movie premieres, speaking at investor conferences and holding court with company employees, Bloomberg New ...

Fortnite maker Epic Games said that Apple's new installation workflow, implemented in iOS 18.6, has had a positive impact on its user growth, with a 60% https://t.co/HNIfNV1qIw ...

Core Viewpoint - Electronic Arts (EA) has agreed to a $55 billion buyout, marking the largest acquisition of a public company to date, with a purchase price of $210 per share, which is nearly 25% higher than its pre-announcement stock value [1] Company Overview - EA has a long history of creating popular game titles such as "The Sims" and "Madden NFL," but has faced challenges in recent years, leading to significant operational struggles [2] - The company has seen a contraction in its business, resulting in workforce reductions, studio closures, and game cancellations, particularly after a major drop in stock value following a cut in annual bookings guidance [3] Industry Context - The gaming industry experienced a boom during the pandemic, but this growth has not sustained as consumer behavior shifted back to outdoor activities [3] - The dominance of free-to-play games like "Fortnite" poses a challenge for EA, which traditionally relies on higher-priced console titles [4] Financial Implications - The buyout could generate renewed investor interest in gaming companies, as evidenced by a rise in shares of EA and other gaming firms like Take-Two and Roblox following the announcement [4] - EA's revenue is heavily reliant on live-service games, which account for three-quarters of its income, suggesting a potential shift towards more mobile and streaming-friendly game formats post-acquisition [6] Regulatory Considerations - The acquisition will require regulatory approval, with potential scrutiny regarding national security due to the involvement of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, which has been increasing its investments in the gaming sector [4]

Fortnite is an online video gaming platform released in 2017. It has seven distinct game mode versions: Fortnite Battle Royale, Lego Fortnite, Fortnite: Save the World, Fortnite Creative, Fortnite Festival, and Fortnite Ballistic. They share the same general gameplay and game engine. In Dec 2024, the platform released Ballistic, a new first-person Fortnite experience. Fortnite Ballistic is a round-based 5v5 competitive game mode where strategy, tactical teamwork, and individual prowess are essential for vic ...

Let's turn back to our top story this morning, the deal, the biggest leveraged buyout on record. Let's discuss it. Bloomberg Tech co-host Caroline Hyde Caroline, it's punchy, $55 billion for a videogame maker and not even got Battlefield six out yet.This is what they're betting on, future success. Look, this is a company that is all about IP. This is what the CEO is trying to tell its workforce already.He sent out a note to employees, but this is about their strength, not only in shooter games such as Battl ...