Market Wire: December 12, 2022

This market analysis from December 12, 2022, provides a comprehensive overview of significant developments within the global video game industry, focusing on regulatory challenges, financial performance, and platform policy shifts. The primary objective is to synthesize major news stories and market data to inform industry professionals about the evolving landscape of free-to-play (F2P) and premium gaming.

Key findings include the Federal Trade Commission’s legal action to block Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, driven by concerns over competitive suppression and platform exclusivity. In the mobile sector, PUBG Mobile reached a reported $9 billion in lifetime consumer spending, though the analysis questions the accuracy of these figures when compared against official financial disclosures from Krafton. Meanwhile, the premium market saw Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 emerge as a top-selling title in the United States for November 2022, while Elden Ring continued to achieve significant commercial success, despite the director’s stated intent to avoid over-analyzing the title's performance to maintain creative integrity.

The report also highlights a major shift in platform policy, as Apple expanded its App Store pricing options from 200 to 700 distinct price points, allowing for a range between $0.29 and $10,000. This change, which requires pre-approval for high-value transactions, stems from a 2021 class-action settlement with developers. The analysis relies on industry data from sources such as data.ai and the NPD Group, providing a snapshot of the market’s performance during late 2022. The content serves as a critical review of industry reporting, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between gross and net revenue metrics when evaluating the financial health of major gaming franchises.