Credit: Shutterstock photoElectronic Arts'EA much anticipated Madden NFL 19 has struck the right chords with the players from the very beginning. Launched on Aug 10, the game had a strong opening weekend.
EA has sold more than 130 million units since of the release of the franchise. The company cited strong weekend sales of the latest title as the key catalyst. Madden NFL 19 is available on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
The latest title promises smoothest gameplay in the history of the franchise, driven by the introduction of Real Player Motion (RPM) technology.
Moreover, the new game offers a number of features like Franchise mode enhancements and Madden Ultimate Team. Moreover, the title has a story mode that follows the lives of Devin Wade and Colt Cruise in Longshot: Homecoming.
Mobile-Installed Base Increases
EA also announced that Madden NFL Overdrive will be launched on Aug 15. Mobile Madden NFL installed base have climbed to almost 73 million, which is expected to further increase post the new game launch.
Mobile games have been a major growth driver for EA. In the last reported quarter, mobile games revenues (20.3% of revenues) jumped 37% year over year to $231 million.
Electronic Arts Inc. Revenue (TTM)
Electronic Arts Inc. Revenue (TTM) | Electronic Arts Inc. Quote
EA launched FIFA Mobile in China during the quarter and reached #1 spot on the top downloads chart for iOS in China. Engagement level was also strong on the WeChat platform.
Mobile revenues are expected to benefit from the launch of Madden NFL Overdrive and robust performance of FIFA Mobile.
Portfolio Strength to Drive Top Line
EA's solid slate of new releases - FIFA 19 in late September and Battlefield V in October - presents significant growth opportunities.
However, intensifying competition from the likes of Activision Blizzard ATVI , Take-Two Interactive TTWO and Zynga ZNGA is expected to hurt market share expansion.
Activision's Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is also set to launch this October. The inclusion of a battle royale (BR) game mode called Blackout can be a game changer. Take-Two's Red Dead Redemption 2 is also set to release in the same month.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
