Japan

The briefing addressed key financial and operational questions for GREE’s first quarter of FY2020. A decline in sales was attributed to a reactive drop following anniversary events for major titles in the previous quarter and strategic title transfers aimed at improving profitability. Management projected operating income of roughly ¥0.5 billion for the second quarter, with strong expectations for core titles but a continued decline in browser game revenue; advertising spend was to increase on high‑potential games. Overseas distribution of SINoALICE remains uncertain in China due to regulatory approval, while other regions rely on local partners and progress is ongoing. Global release strategy now allows simultaneous launches in Japan and abroad, with timing set on a case‑by‑case basis after partner consultation. Challenges for AFTERLOST – Shoumetsu Toshi include attracting new fans while retaining existing ones, despite extensive fan‑targeted measures. Cost‑cutting through title transfers is viewed as a means to improve profitability, with plans to broaden the title lineup. Earnings contribution from REALITY depends on internal factors such as lifetime value enhancement and external 5G infrastructure development; the focus is on steady content portfolio expansion and platform functionality rather than rapid growth before full infrastructure deployment.

The briefing focused on GREE’s financial outlook, investment performance, and strategic initiatives across its entertainment and advertising segments. Management projected operating income for the third quarter of FY2020 to range between ¥0.5 billion and just under ¥1.0 billion, reflecting confidence in continued strong results. The rise in ordinary and net income during the second quarter was attributed to gains from listed companies and venture‑capital investments, with expectations of further upside in portfolio securities.

Marketing efforts for the game “Another Eden” were highlighted, noting a doubling of overseas users through an IP collaboration with Persona 5 and enhanced digital advertising operations. In the Advertising and Media business, earnings trends were described as solid, with a target of achieving profitability within FY2020. The Live Entertainment division emphasized ongoing enhancements to the REALITY virtual live‑distribution platform, with monthly investments in development and an undecided schedule for large‑scale promotions.

Regarding the broader VTuber market, management characterized it as both a talent‑based business and a live‑streaming distribution service, observing growth from both angles. The anticipated impact of 5G technology was cited as a catalyst for further expansion in the sector. Overall, the briefing underscored GREE’s focus on diversified revenue streams, strategic investment in emerging platforms, and a proactive marketing approach to sustain growth across its core business segments.

The briefing clarified the reasons behind the quarter‑over‑quarter decline in sales and operating income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Core revenue streams from Game and Live Entertainment remained robust, while the Advertising and Media segment suffered sales drops linked to COVID‑19 disruptions. Operating income fell further due to lower sales and increased fixed costs, notably one‑time expenses such as divestitures of unprofitable units, office consolidation and relocation costs, and remote‑office support to curb virus spread. The Game business itself experienced only limited impact despite delays in anime broadcasts featuring third‑party intellectual property.

Looking ahead, the company projects full‑year fiscal 2021 operating income to stay within a range of approximately ¥0.5 billion to just under ¥1.0 billion per quarter, with a stronger first‑quarter outlook of over ¥1 billion driven by the successful global launch of SINoALICE. For the Advertising and Media division, profitability is expected to improve through restructuring initiatives and a revised business plan tailored to the pandemic context, with an aim to achieve profitability within fiscal 2021. The analysis covers Japan‑based operations across gaming, live entertainment, and advertising/media segments during the 2020–2021 fiscal period.

The briefing outlines GREE’s strategic outlook for the remainder of FY2021 and beyond, focusing on its core Game business, profitability trajectory, investment income sustainability, and short‑term financial expectations. GREE anticipates a medium‑to‑long‑term sales uptrend driven by the release of new game titles in FY2022 and subsequent years, while simultaneously strengthening operational capabilities for existing titles. Profitability is expected to broaden through the creation of more profitable business structures and favorable contractual terms, aligned with a strategy centered on Game engine development, intellectual property acquisition, and global expansion.

Investment income derives primarily from gains on venture‑capital partnerships in Japan and overseas, as well as the consolidation of previously unconsolidated subsidiary STRIVE Inc. The company notes that short‑term returns may fluctuate due to diversified investment portfolios, but medium‑to‑long‑term sustainability is projected. Planned allocation of these gains targets reinvestment in core businesses and shareholder returns.

Financially, GREE projects operating income for the fourth quarter of FY2021 at approximately ¥1.0 billion, reflecting confidence in its current revenue streams and cost management. The briefing covers Japan’s domestic market with implications for global expansion, covering the period up to FY2021 and projecting into FY2022. Methodological details are limited, but the focus remains on strategic investment, operational efficiency, and incremental revenue growth.

The briefing clarified that the quarter‑over‑quarter drop in sales and operating income for FY2021 Q2 stemmed mainly from a slowdown in coin consumption of the mobile title SINoALICE after its strong global launch, coupled with seasonal weakness in other flagship games. Management projected operating income for Q3 FY2021 at approximately ¥1.0 billion, driven largely by a new app‑game launch.

The impact of the COVID‑19 stay‑at‑home trend was deemed limited; while overall playtime rose in some segments, companywide earnings were not materially affected. Distribution of app games in China was described as meeting expectations, though profit sharing with local partners reduces the net contribution relative to in‑house titles, leaving no significant effect on consolidated earnings.

Real‑time communication services under the REALITY brand have experienced sustained growth since the spring state of emergency, and management anticipates continued expansion comparable to that seen in social networking platforms offering real‑time interactions.

Capital allocation plans emphasize reinvestment into business growth and maintaining adequate liquidity. Dividend policy targets a consolidated payout ratio of at least 20 % with a dividend‑on‑equity (DOE) ratio around 2 %. Share repurchases may be undertaken as circumstances allow. The briefing covered domestic and international markets, focusing on mobile gaming and online communication services over the 2021 fiscal year.

The briefing clarifies GREE’s operational status and financial outlook for FY2022 third quarter, focusing on game releases, overseas distribution, user acquisition, and investment performance. Heaven Burns Red is positioned as a long‑term growth engine; the company plans to add content and implement creative training cycles, leveraging experience from titles like Another Eden. Echoes of Mana, launched April 27, 2022, has already met key performance indicators and will receive ongoing promotional support. Simultaneous global releases of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: ISEKAI Memories and Echoes of Mana have performed strongly overseas, prompting consideration of further international launches for other titles.

User acquisition and engagement for the mobile title REALITY have improved through sustained promotional activities in Japan and abroad, with notable success in North America via targeted events and functional enhancements. Financially, the company experienced a cumulative loss for the third quarter; this is attributed to a decline in the Investment and Incubation Business relative to FY2021, despite steady growth in Internet and Entertainment operations driven by new hit titles. The Investment segment’s volatility over short periods is noted as a contributing factor.

Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, GREE projects operating income in the Internet and Entertainment Business between ¥2.5 billion and just under ¥3.0 billion, assuming continued strong sales of Heaven Burns Red and stable market trends for new releases. The outlook remains contingent on title performance dynamics.

The briefing focused on GREE’s financial performance and strategic initiatives for FY2022, highlighting the strong contribution of new titles such as Heaven Burns Red and anniversary events to quarter‑over‑quarter earnings growth. The company attributed this success to a “release blitz” strategy launched in FY2017, which has since strengthened marketing, game quality through an engine‑centric approach, and content volume at launch. These measures have enabled the company to exceed fan expectations, generate significant social media buzz, and deliver high‑quality 3D rendering.

Investment in the Metaverse Business is progressing as planned, with a ¥10 billion allocation over two to three years and the business reaching breakeven. GREE intends to continue expanding its global user base and sales through further investment. The DX Business is being restructured to integrate marketing support services, creating a data‑driven platform that offers comprehensive digital transformation solutions to corporate clients. Meanwhile, the Manga Business is introduced as part of a broader media diversification strategy aimed at leveraging first‑party IP across games, anime, and manga to broaden user engagement channels.

The Investment and Incubation Business is expected to provide stable medium‑to‑long‑term earnings, with a target return on investment of 10 % or higher. For FY2023 Q1, operating income in the Internet and Entertainment segment is projected at ¥1.0–¥1.5 billion, reflecting a decline from the strong performance of new titles and anniversary events in FY2022 while anticipating continued system‑strengthening investments.

The briefing outlines GREE’s strategic outlook and performance expectations for FY2023, focusing on its core gaming, metaverse, and investment activities. The company reports a stable user base for the flagship title “Heaven Burns Red,” anticipating steady earnings while continuing to develop new content. Other major titles are expected to experience a typical first‑quarter slowdown after a fourth‑quarter peak, with the company preparing anniversary events and content releases to sustain engagement through late 2022 and beyond.

GREE plans to replicate the success of “Heaven Burns Red” by applying lessons learned in development and operations to future titles, emphasizing expressive design and multifaceted marketing know‑how. In the metaverse segment, profitability has reached breakeven; the firm is expanding its user base for REALITY and reinvesting profits into promotional activities to support further growth.

The investment and incubation arm faces a cautious outlook for FY2023, with potential quarterly losses if exit distributions remain low despite some expected payouts. For the Internet and Entertainment Business, operating income for Q2 FY2023 is projected between ¥1.0 billion and ¥1.5 billion, reflecting moderate growth expectations amid market uncertainties.

Overall, GREE’s strategy centers on leveraging proven game development expertise, expanding metaverse user engagement, and managing investment risks while targeting modest income growth in its entertainment portfolio.

The briefing outlines GREE’s performance and strategic outlook for the second quarter of FY2023, focusing on its Internet and Entertainment Business. Sales in the Game and Anime segment remained steady for “Heaven Burns Red,” though revenue tapered after the half‑year anniversary promotion; growth continued in Metaverse and Commerce & DX divisions. The company anticipates a one‑year anniversary event for the Japanese version of Heaven Burns Red and imminent releases in Korean and traditional Chinese, with pre‑registrations already generating significant buzz at local game shows. The Anime Business is positioned to secure and diversify intellectual property, enabling in‑house development of game‑to‑anime adaptations that can enhance user engagement and revenue.

Metaverse operations, branded as REALITY, have surpassed the break‑even point and achieved profitability. Over the past six months, overseas sales grew markedly, with North America leading after Japan, followed by Indonesia and Thailand. User demographics skew female and Generation Z, with a strong preference for private communication features. Monetization streams—live‑stream gifting, avatar sales, and in‑game purchases—are expanding consistently across regions.

Advertising spend is expected to rise in the third quarter, driven by anniversary events and new language releases for Heaven Burns Red, as well as intensified promotion of REALITY. Operating income projections for the Internet and Entertainment Business in Q3 FY2023 range from ¥1.0 billion to ¥1.5 billion, contingent on the performance of the Korean and Chinese versions.

The Investment and Incubation Business remains cautious, with potential short‑term losses anticipated due to market conditions. However, diversified investment timing and targets are projected to stabilize contributions over the medium‑to‑long term.

The briefing clarifies GREE’s financial outlook and strategic positioning for FY2023, focusing on the third quarter results. It reports that overseas releases of “Heaven Burns Red” have begun to generate sales consistent with market size, though a precise forecast remains unavailable due to the short time frame. In the Internet and Entertainment segment, operating income for Q4 is projected at approximately ¥1.5 billion, reflecting a decline from the Japanese version’s anniversary event contributions but offset by overseas expansion.

The company highlights its metaverse platform, REALITY, as a key growth driver. REALITY boasts over 10 million global users, with daily engagement rates that surpass many competitors, and has achieved steady monetization through avatar sales and livestreaming. GREE plans to enhance the platform with generative AI, enabling user‑generated 3D content such as avatars and world elements, mirroring approaches seen in other metaverse services.

For the Investment and Incubation Business, Q4 operating income is expected to reach roughly ¥0.5 billion, largely supported by dividend receipts from corporate venture capital funds. Overall, the briefing underscores GREE’s focus on expanding overseas markets, monetizing its metaverse ecosystem, and leveraging AI to sustain growth across its entertainment and investment portfolios.

The briefing outlines GREE’s strategic direction for FY2023‑FY2026, emphasizing a diversified portfolio beyond core gaming. In the fourth quarter, the company began categorizing its development pipeline into in‑house, regional expansion, joint development, and licensing, noting increased collaboration prospects with major IP holders such as Heaven Burns Red. Release dates remain undisclosed for FY2024 titles, reflecting a focus on quality over speed.

GREE views the smartphone game market as increasingly less profitable due to larger development scales, prompting a shift toward higher‑margin ventures. Within the Metaverse Business segment, Platform and B2B sub‑segments have achieved profitability; profits are being reinvested into the VTuber and Web3 businesses. The company aims for all four Metaverse sub‑segments to be profitable by FY2026, contributing significantly to group earnings.

Synergies between the VTuber and Platform businesses are currently indirect, driven by international talent recruitment for REALITY. Future cross‑promotions are anticipated once both units mature.

Financial outlooks indicate a consolidated operating income of approximately ¥1.0 billion for Q1 FY2024, with a full‑year target of ¥4.0–5.0 billion for FY2024, excluding new game or anime contributions and investment income. For FY2026, the company projects similar operating income levels while targeting a 10 % return from its Investment Business and aiming for half of non‑investment earnings to derive from non‑game, non‑anime sources. This reflects a medium‑term strategy of expanding stable revenue streams beyond traditional gaming.