ESSENTIAL FACTS About the Video Game Industry TABLE of CONTENTS
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Cultural Imaginations of Piracy in Video Games
FORUM FOR INTER-AMERICAN RESEARCH (FIAR) VOL. 11.2 (SEP. 2018) 30-43 ISSN: 1867-1519 © forum for inter-american research “In a world without gold, we might have been heroes!” Cultural Imaginations of Piracy in Video Games EUGEN PFISTER (HOCHSCHULE DER KÜNSTE BERN) Abstract From its beginning, colonialism had to be legitimized in Western Europe through cultural and political narratives and imagery, for example in early modern travel reports and engravings. Images and tales of the exotic Caribbean, of beautiful but dangerous „natives“, of unbelievable fortunes and adventures inspired numerous generations of young men to leave for the „new worlds“ and those left behind to support the project. An interesting figure in this set of imaginations in North- Western Europe was the “pirate”: poems, plays, novels and illustrations of dashing young rogues, helping their nation to claim their rightful share of the „Seven Seas“ achieved major successes in France, Britain the Netherlands and beyond. These images – regardless of how far they might have been from their historical inspiration – were immensely successful and are still an integral and popular part of our narrative repertoire: from novels to movies to video games. It is important to note that the “story” was – from the 18th century onwards –almost always the same: a young (often aristocratic) man, unfairly convicted for a crime he didn’t commit became an hors-la-loi against his will but still adhered to his own strict code of conduct and honour. By rescuing a city/ colony/princess he redeemed himself and could be reintegrated into society. Here lies the morale of the story: these imaginations functioned also as acts of political communication, teaching “social discipline”. -
OPERATIONAL EBIT INCREASED 217% to SEK 396 MILLION
THQ NORDIC AB (PUBL) REG NO.: 556582-6558 EXTENDED FINANCIAL YEAR REPORT • 1 JAN 2018 – 31 MAR 2019 OPERATIONAL EBIT INCREASED 217% to SEK 396 MILLION JANUARY–MARCH 2019 JANUARY 2018–MARCH 2019, 15 MONTHS (Compared to January–March 2018) (Compared to full year 2017) > Net sales increased 158% to SEK 1,630.5 m > Net sales increased to SEK 5,754.1 m (507.5). (632.9). > EBITDA increased to SEK 1,592.6 m (272.6), > EBITDA increased 174% to SEK 618.6 m (225.9), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 28%. corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 38%. > Operational EBIT increased to SEK 897.1 m > Operational EBIT increased 217% to SEK 395.9 m (202.3) corresponding to an Operational EBIT (124.9) corresponding to an Operational EBIT margin of 16%. margin of 24%. > Cash flow from operating activities amounted > Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 1,356.4 m (179.1). to SEK 777.2 m (699.8). > Earnings per share was SEK 4.68 (1.88). > Earnings per share was SEK 1.10 (1.02). > As of 31 March 2019, cash and cash equivalents were SEK 2,929.1 m. Available cash including credit facilities was SEK 4,521.1 m. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS, Jan-Mar Jan-Mar Jan 2018- Jan-Dec GROUP 2019 2018 Mar 2019 2017 Net sales, SEK m 1,630.5 632.9 5,754.1 507.5 EBITDA, SEK m 618.6 225.9 1,592.6 272.6 Operational EBIT, SEK m 395.9 124.9 897.1 202.3 EBIT, SEK m 172.0 107.3 574.6 188.2 Profit after tax , SEK m 103.0 81.1 396.8 139.2 Cash flow from operating activities, SEK m 777.2 699.8 1,356.4 179.1 Sales growth, % 158 673 1,034 68 EBITDA margin, % 38 36 28 54 Operational EBIT margin, % 24 20 16 40 Throughout this report, the extended financial year 1 January 2018 – 31 March 2019 is compared with the financial year 1 January – 31 December 2017. -
THQ Nordic AB (Publ) Acquires Koch Media
THQ Nordic AB (publ) acquires Koch Media Investor Presentation February 14, 2018 Acquisition rationale AAA intellectual property rights Saints Row and Dead Island Long-term exclusive licence within Games for “Metro” based on books by Dmitry Glukhovsky 4 AAA titles in production including announced Metro Exodus and Dead Island 2 2 AAA studios Deep Silver Volition (Champaign, IL) and Deep Silver Dambuster Studios (Nottingham, UK) #1 Publishing partner in Europe for 50+ companies Complementary business models and entrepreneurial cultural fit Potential revenue synergy and strong platform for further acquisitions EPS accretive acquisition to THQ Nordic shareholders 2 Creating a European player of great scale Internal development studios1 7 3 10 External development studios1 18 8 26 Number of IPs1 91 15 106 Announced 12 5 17 Development projects1 Unannounced 24 9 33 Headcount (internal and external)1 462 1,181 1,643 Net sales 2017 9m, Apr-Dec SEK 426m SEK 2,548m SEK 2,933m2 Adj. EBIT 2017 9m, Apr-Dec SEK 156m SEK 296m3 SEK 505m2,3 1) December 31, 2017. 2) Pro forma. 3) Adjusted for write-downs of SEK 552m. Source: Koch Media, THQ Nordic 3 High level transaction structure THQ Nordic AB (publ) Koch Media Holding GmbH, seller (Sweden) (Germany) Purchase price EUR 91.5m 100% 100% SALEM einhundertste Koch Media GmbH, Operations Holding GmbH operative company (Austria) 100% (Austria) Pre-transaction Transaction Transaction information . Purchase price of EUR 91.5m – EUR 66m in cash paid at closing – EUR 16m in cash paid no later than August 14, 2018 – EUR 9.5m in shares paid no later than June 15, 2018 . -
Pegi Annual Report
PEGI ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT INTRODUCTION 2 CHAPTER 1 The PEGI system and how it functions 4 AGE CATEGORIES 5 CONTENT DESCRIPTORS 6 THE PEGI OK LABEL 7 PARENTAL CONTROL SYSTEMS IN GAMING CONSOLES 7 STEPS OF THE RATING PROCESS 9 ARCHIVE LIBRARY 9 CHAPTER 2 The PEGI Organisation 12 THE PEGI STRUCTURE 12 PEGI S.A. 12 BOARDS AND COMMITTEES 12 THE PEGI CONGRESS 12 PEGI MANAGEMENT BOARD 12 PEGI COUNCIL 12 PEGI EXPERTS GROUP 13 COMPLAINTS BOARD 13 COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE 14 THE FOUNDER: ISFE 17 THE PEGI ADMINISTRATOR: NICAM 18 THE PEGI ADMINISTRATOR: VSC 20 PEGI IN THE UK - A CASE STUDY? 21 PEGI CODERS 22 CHAPTER 3 The PEGI Online system 24 CHAPTER 4 PEGI Communication tools and activities 28 Introduction 28 Website 28 Promotional materials 29 Activities per country 29 ANNEX 1 PEGI Code of Conduct 34 ANNEX 2 PEGI Online Safety Code (POSC) 38 ANNEX 3 The PEGI Signatories 44 ANNEX 4 PEGI Assessment Form 50 ANNEX 5 PEGI Complaints 58 1 INTRODUCTION Dear reader, We all know how quickly technology moves on. Yesterday’s marvel is tomorrow’s museum piece. The same applies to games, although it is not just the core game technology that continues to develop at breakneck speed. The human machine interfaces we use to interact with games are becoming more sophisticated and at the same time, easier to use. The Wii Balance Board™ and the MotionPlus™, Microsoft’s Project Natal and Sony’s PlayStation® Eye are all reinventing how we interact with games, and in turn this is playing part in a greater shift. -
THQ Nordic Acquires Coffee Stain
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL OR WOULD REQUIRE REGISTRATION OR ANY OTHER MEASURES. Press release Karlstad (Sweden), November 14, 2018 THQ Nordic acquires Coffee Stain THQ Nordic AB today has entered into agreement to acquire Coffee Stain Holding AB including 100 percent of its subsidiary Coffee Stain Publishing AB. Coffee Stain is a leading game developer and publisher with a growing footprint in the Nordics. The acquisition includes Intellectual property rights to Satisfactory, Goat Simulator, Sanctum and publishing rights to Deep Rock Galactic. The initial cash consideration is equivalent to SEK 317 million on a cash and debt free basis, plus additional earn-out considerations subject to fulfilment of agreed milestones. THQ Nordic estimates Coffee Stain will have net sales in the range of SEK 200-250 million and EBT in the range of SEK 100-150 million in the next financial year. "We are creating a complementary digital native pillar to THQ Nordic. Coffee Stain is a passionate and highly competent team creating and publishing great games. After some years without major releases the pipeline of new game releases such as Satisfactory and Deep Rock Galactic look strong. I look forward to work together with Anton Westbergh and his team in the future" says Lars Wingefors, CEO THQ Nordic. The transaction in brief • THQ Nordic AB ("THQ Nordic" or the "Company") acquires 100 percent of the shares in both Coffee Stain Holding AB ("CSH") and Coffee Stain Publishing AB ("CSP") (CSH and CSP jointly referred to as "Coffee Stain"). -
Tropico4 Manual.Pdf
Contents Important Health Warning About Playing Video Games Photosensitive Seizures A very small percentage of people may experience a seizure when exposed to certain Installation & Activation ...................................................................................... 2 visual images, including flashing lights or patterns that may appear in video games. Even people who have no history of seizures or epilepsy may have an undiagnosed Getting Started ....................................................................................................... 3 condition that can cause these “photosensitive epileptic seizures” while watching video games. Tropico 4: Gold Edition ......................................................................................... 4 These seizures may have a variety of symptoms, including lightheadedness, altered Game Modes ............................................................................................................ 5 vision, eye or face twitching, jerking or shaking of arms or legs, disorientation, confusion, or momentary loss of awareness. Seizures may also cause loss of Starting a Mission .................................................................................................. 7 consciousness or convulsions that can lead to injury from falling down or striking nearby objects. Interface .................................................................................................................. 11 Immediately stop playing and consult a doctor if you experience any of -
THQ Nordic (THQNO.ST)
COMPANY ANALYSIS 1 March 2018 Summary THQ Nordic (THQNO.ST) List: Power-up! Market Cap: 11,190 MSEK The company had an immense release schedule with loads of Industry: Gaming new content during the quarter. The reported numbers beat CEO: Lars Wingefors Chairman: Kicki Wallje-Lund our estimates. Even though that THQ Nordic produced a record quarter, the thing stole the spotlight was the announcement of the acquisition of Koch Media; we get into OMXS 30 THQ Nordic detail about the acquired company in this research update. 160 The acquisition is a prime example of THQ Nordic’s 140 acquisition strategy. We believe that the market is yet to fully 120 100 grasp the underlying value and cash flow generating 80 capabilities of THQ Nordic’s growing IP portfolio, which was 60 enhanced significantly by the acquirement. 40 20 We raised our Base-case valuation to 140 SEK per share 0 28-Feb 29-May 27-Aug 25-Nov 23-Feb based on a Back-Of-The-Envelope assessment on the same day as the acquisition. Following a more in-depth analysis, we increase our fair value estimate further to 168 SEK per share. We argue that the new addition to the Group was acquired at a low price and that the long-term possibilities following the purchase are vast. Redeye Rating (0 – 10 points) Management Ownership Profit outlook Profitability Financial strength 8.0 points 9.0 points 7.0 points 6.0 points 8.0 points Key Financials 2016 2017 2018E 2019E 2020E Share information Revenue, MSEK 302 508 3,666 3,909 4,300 Share price (SEK) 141.0 Growth 42% 68% 622% 7% 10% Number of shares (m) 79.4 EBITDA 132 273 929 1,009 1,212 Market Cap (MSEK) 11,190 EBITDA margin 44% 54% 25% 26% 28% Net cash (MSEK) 255 EBIT 95 188 616 696 849 Free float (%) 50 % EBIT margin 31% 37% 17% 18% 20% Daily turnover (’000) 60 Pre-tax earnings 93 182 616 696 849 Net earnings 72 139 480 543 662 Net margin 24% 27% 13% 14% 15% Analysts: Kristoffer Lindstrom 2016 2017 2018E 2019E 2020E [email protected] Dividend/Share 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.50 2016 2017 2018E 2019E 2020E EPS adj. -
GAMING GLOBAL a Report for British Council Nick Webber and Paul Long with Assistance from Oliver Williams and Jerome Turner
GAMING GLOBAL A report for British Council Nick Webber and Paul Long with assistance from Oliver Williams and Jerome Turner I Executive Summary The Gaming Global report explores the games environment in: five EU countries, • Finland • France • Germany • Poland • UK three non-EU countries, • Brazil • Russia • Republic of Korea and one non-European region. • East Asia It takes a culturally-focused approach, offers examples of innovative work, and makes the case for British Council’s engagement with the games sector, both as an entertainment and leisure sector, and as a culturally-productive contributor to the arts. What does the international landscape for gaming look like? In economic terms, the international video games market was worth approximately $75.5 billion in 2013, and will grow to almost $103 billion by 2017. In the UK video games are the most valuable purchased entertainment market, outstripping cinema, recorded music and DVDs. UK developers make a significant contribution in many formats and spaces, as do developers across the EU. Beyond the EU, there are established industries in a number of countries (notably Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand) who access international markets, with new entrants such as China and Brazil moving in that direction. Video games are almost always categorised as part of the creative economy, situating them within the scope of investment and promotion by a number of governments. Many countries draw on UK models of policy, although different countries take games either more or less seriously in terms of their cultural significance. The games industry tends to receive innovation funding, with money available through focused programmes. -
19/20 Full Year Report Reg No
APRIL 2019 – MARCH 2020 EMBRACER GROUP AB (PUBL) 19/20 FULL YEAR REPORT REG NO. 556582-6558 OPERATIONAL EBIT INCREASED 35% TO SEK 1,033 M FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR FOURTH QUARTER, JANUARY–MARCH 2020 (COMPARED TO JANUARY–MARCH 2019) > Net sales were SEK 1,339.1 million (1,630.5). Net sales of the Games business area decreased to SEK 903.5 million (1,034.9). Net sales of Partner Publishing/Film business area decreased to SEK 435.6 million (595.6), mainly due to the covid-19 pandemic closing of retail outlets towards the end of the quarter. > EBITDA amounted to SEK 495.2 million (618.6), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 37%. > Operational EBIT amounted to SEK 286.0 million (395.9) corresponding to an Operational EBIT margin of 21%. > Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital amounted to SEK 384.6 million (527.1). > Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 765.7 million (777.2). > Earnings per share was SEK 0.42 (0.37). > Adjusted earnings per share was SEK 0.97 (1.00). FULL YEAR, APRIL 2019–MARCH 2020 (COMPARED TO APRIL 2018–MARCH 2019) > Net sales increased 3% to SEK 5,249.4 million (5,121.2). Net sales of the Games business area grew 31% to SEK 3,196.5 million (2,447.1), whereas the Partner Publishing/Film business area decreased to SEK 2,052.9 million (2,674,1). > EBITDA increased 33% to SEK 1,821.3 million (1,366.7), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 35%. -
THQ Nordic Acquires the German Game Developer and Publisher Handygames
Press release Karlstad, Sweden, July 9, 2018 THQ Nordic acquires the German game developer and publisher HandyGames THQ Nordic GmbH today announced the acquisition of the game developer and publisher HandyGames, headquartered in Giebelstadt, Germany. THQ Nordic GmbH is acquiring 100% of the shares for a total cash consideration of 1 million euro. In addition, the parties have agreed a potential performance based earnout of up to 1.5 million euro. Founded in 2000, HandyGames has released more than 150 games on a multitude of platforms, utilizing a wide range of technologies. Current game development is focused on iOS, Android, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive, tablet computers, Android TV, Wearables as well as digital-only releases on next generation consoles. The company currently has about 50 employees. HandyGames will continue operating as a developer and publisher for value-priced projects under the management of THQ Nordic GmbH in Vienna. For more information about HandyGames, please visit https://www.handy-games.com/en/ For additional information, please contact: Lars Wingefors, Group CEO Tel: +46 708 471 978 E-mail: [email protected] About THQ Nordic THQ Nordic acquires, develops and publishes PC and console games for the global games market. The company is a major player within game and partner publishing with an extensive catalogue of over 100 owned franchises, such as Saints Row, Dead Island, Homefront, Darksiders, Metro (exclusive license), Titan Quest, MX vs ATV, Red Faction, Delta Force, Destroy All Humans, ELEX, Biomutant, Jagged Alliance, SpellForce, The Guild amongst others. THQ Nordic has a global publishing reach within marketing, sales and distribution, both online and offline. -
Remaster Edition Features
Deceived by the forces of evil into prematurely bringing about the end of the world, War – the first Horseman of the Apocalypse – stands accused of breaking the sacred law by inciting a war between Heaven and Hell. In the slaughter that ensued, the demonic forces defeated the heavenly hosts and laid claim to the Earth. Brought before the sacred Charred Council, War is indicted for his crimes and stripped of his powers. Dishonored and facing his own death, War is given the opportunity to return to Earth to search for the truth and punish those responsible. Hunted by a vengeful group of Angels, War must take on the forces of Hell, forge uneasy alliances with the very demons he hunts, and journey across the ravaged remains of the Earth on his quest for vengeance and vindication. Remaster Edition Features • PS4, Xbox One and Wii U versions of Darksiders (Wrath of War) • Native 1080p rendering resolution • Doubled all the texture resolutions • Rendering improvements and rework • Better shadow rendering quality • Post processing effects Apocalyptic Power – Unleash the wrath of War, combining brutal attacks and supernatural abilities to decimate all who stand in your way • 60 FPS in moment to moment gameplay (PS4, Xbox One, PC, 30 for WiiU) Extreme Arsenal – Wield a devastating arsenal of angelic, demonic and Earthly weapons; and blaze a trail of destruction atop Ruin, War’s fiery phantom steed Epic Quest – Battle across the wastelands and demon-infested dungeons of the decimated Earth in your quest for vengeance and redemption Character Progression – Uncover powerful ancient relics, upgrade your weapons, unlock new abilities, and customize your gameplay style Battle Heaven and Hell – Battle against all who stand in your way - from war-weary angelic forces to Hell’s hideous demon hordes © 2016 by Nordic Games Licensing AB, Sweden. -
THQ Nordic Completes the Acquisition Warhorse Studios
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, WITHIN OR TO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL OR WOULD REQUIRE REGISTRATION OR ANY OTHER MEASURES. Press release Karlstad (Sweden), 13 February 2019 THQ Nordic completes the acquisition Warhorse Studios THQ Nordic AB's indirectly wholly owned subsidiary Koch Media GmbH has today entered into an agreement to acquire Warhorse Studios s.r.o., which was announced earlier today through a press release, for a purchase price amounting to MEUR 33.2 on a cash and debt free basis. All conditions for the transaction have now been fulfilled and the transaction is thereby completed. The Purchase of MEUR 42.8, corresPonding to MEUR 33.2 on a cash and debt free basis has today been Paid through a cast Payment of MEUR 40.4 to the sellers and 142,870 B shares, corresPonding to a value of MEUR 2.4, have been issued, subscribed for and allotted to the sellers. Warhorse Studios will be consolidated into THQ Nordic’s financial as of 13 February 2019. For further information on the transaction, reference is made to the Press release announced earlier today. Advisers Ernst & Young AB is providing transaction suPPort and Baker McKenzie is acting as legal counsel to THQ Nordic in connection with the transaction. For additional information, please contact: Lars Wingefors, GrouP CEO Tel: +46 708 47 19 78 E-mail: [email protected] About THQ Nordic THQ Nordic acquires, develoPs and Publishes PC and console games for the global games market.