A report by Juniper Research estimates that the videogame market on PC and mobile will grow to earn $132 billion in total revenues by 2021. CNBC reported that according to the research, the growth in the industry is being driven largely by mobile gaming and the ‘free to play’ (F2P) model. The F2P revenue model allows users to download and play the game for free, while the company charges for different items within the game and pushes advertisements. Piers Harding-Rolls, Director and Head of Games Research at IHS Technology, explained according to CNBC, PC and console-based digital sales have made much smaller contributions to the growth of the market compared to the mobile games app. Versus Systems, Inc. (OTC: VRSSF), Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA), Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).
Even though the PC market is not as robust, the PC platform for video games is still crucial to the industry and shows signs of a potential recovery. Ted Pollak, Senior Game Industry Analyst for JPR said, “Global consumers continue to embrace the PC platform for video games due to multiple factors. The desktop ergonomic is popular because the display distance offers increased detail when using HD and UHD monitors. Additionally, there is superior control with mouse and keyboard control interfaces. This has been validated with eSports overwhelmingly being played on PCs.”
Versus Systems, Inc. (OTCQB: VRSSF) is also listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘VS’. Just earlier today the company announced breaking news that it has partnered with 704Games, and will integrate the Versus prizing platform into 704’s full slate of NASCAR Heat games. 704Games and Versus are currently integrating Versus System’s prizing and promotions platform into 704’s NASCAR Heat Mobile – a technical integration that provides players with opportunities for both in-game prizes and real-world rewards. NASCAR Heat Mobile is currently available on Android and iOS and has a four-and-a-half star rating in the iOS app store.
Matthew Pierce, CEO of Versus Systems said, “We are honoured to be working with 704Games on their well-known and well-respected NASCAR Heat franchise. This integration allows Versus to reach a larger audience while also helping make 704’s games even more engaging. The Versus platform integrates prizes from the thousands of brands that love both racing and gaming right into the player experience.”
Versus Systems, Inc. has developed a proprietary in-game conditional prizing and promotions engine that enables players to win real prizes from brands that they care about while playing their favorite games on PC, console, and mobile. Versus allows game developers and publishers to provide in-game prizing for all of the world’s 2.6 billion gamers – making games more fun, and more engaging. Versus’ prizing includes gear, apparel, tickets, energy drinks, and downloadable content from brands like Tier 1, Han Cholo, Rockstar Energy Drink and others. Learn more at https://www.versussystems.com .
Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) is the world’s most successful standalone interactive entertainment company. The company’s portfolio includes some of the biggest franchises in all of entertainment, developed by the incredibly talented teams at Activision Publishing, Blizzard Entertainment, King Digital Entertainment, Activision Blizzard Studios, Major League Gaming, and its independent studios, including Toys for Bob, Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games and Treyarch. Recently, the company announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Bungie and Activision Publishing, Inc. delivered the world-renowned, first-person action game, Destiny 2, to players across the globe on September 6 on PlayStation®4 systems with additional, timed exclusive content, and Xbox One. The original Destiny became the biggest new console video game franchise launch in history, and Destiny 2 surpassed the original’s records for engagement and digital sales in launch week.
GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), the world’s largest video game retailer, offers the best selection of new and pre-owned video gaming consoles, accessories and video game titles, in both physical and digital formats. GameStop also offers fans a wide variety of pop vinyl toys, collectibles, board games and more. Recently, the company announced that it is offering up to $400 cash when customers trade-in their current generation smartphones. Through its trade-in program, the retailer is digging deep into its money vaults to offer top-dollar on a variety of unused, new or pre-owned smartphones and other consumer electronics.
Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers. EA has more than 300 million registered players around the world. Recently, the company launched EA SPORTS™ NHL® 18, delivering an authentic, fun and fast-paced hockey experience where the ice is a playground. Featuring new Creative Attack controls, an all-new Defensive Skill Stick, Creative A.I. and a brand-new 3-on-3 gameplay experience, NHL® 18 captures the skill and creativity displayed by today’s young superstars.
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO) is a leading developer, publisher and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. The Company develops and publishes products principally through its two wholly-owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K. Recently, 2K announced that NBA® 2K18, the next iteration of the top-selling and top-rated NBA video game simulation series, is now available for purchase at retail and online vendors worldwide. One of the most dominant entertainment franchises of the past decade, NBA 2K18 is reinventing sports gaming yet again with the introduction of the Neighborhood, the first live world inside NBA 2K18.
