video games

5 Key Things to Watch In the Stock Market This Week

Among the events that will move the stock market this week -- big changes for a smartphone pioneer in trouble, and a big debut for a video streaming service trying to keep its momentum. Here's your quick guide to the days ahead on Wall Street.

Atari U.S. Files for Chapter 11 to Separate from French Parent Company

Video game maker Atari's U.S. operations have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in an effort to separate from their French parent company, which is filing a similar motion separately in France. Atari says the move is necessary to secure investments it needs to grow in mobile and downloadable video games.

Does Sandy Hook Shooting Spell Game Over for Violent Video Game Stocks?

Last week was rough for owners of video game stocks. A bill was introduced in Congress that directs federal agencies to study the influence of violent video games on children. Gamemakers obviously weren't too happy about that: Intense combat games have proven to be the battered industry's biggest hits lately.

Microsoft Xbox 360 Schools Nintendo Wii U in the Sales Game

Nintendo has sold 400,000 Wii U consoles since the system's Nov. 18 launch, plus another 300,000 original Wii units last week. But Microsoft is still the gaming king: Its Xbox 360 outsold both systems combined, moving 750,000 consoles during the Black Friday holiday weekend.

Why Electronic Arts Will Never Be Great Again

This should be a good time for Electronic Arts: Madden NFL 13 and The Simpsons: Tapped Out are selling well, FIFA 13 and Battlefield 3 are expected to be big winners, and digital revenue is up 40%. But the outlook for the video game developer and publisher is actually problematic.

Can Madden NFL 13 Save the Video Game Industry?

It's time to begin tossing around the virtual pigskin again. Electronic Arts' Madden NFL 13 hit stores on Tuesday. In an industry that has suffered three years of brutal declines, its a rare cause for a celebration -- and the industry doesn't want you to forget it.

It May Be "Game Over" For GameStop Soon

GameStop is coming off another disappointing quarter. Sales plunged 11% to $1.55 billion, well short of the $1.61 billion that Wall Street was expecting. Same-store sales fell by a problematic 9.3%.

3 Ways the Video Game Business Could Bounce Back

Folks aren't buying video games the way they used to -- and that's a problem for the industry. But if the big players are willing to consider some outrageous strategies, they can buy themselves some bonus lives.

What to Watch This Week: The Games Are Afoot

Let's go over some items that will help shape the week ahead for Wall Street: The Hunger Games will give theaters a much needed boost; FuelBand may do the same for Nike; video game sellers hunger for hits; and Tiffany and Oracle will give us clues about the recovery.

Why Zynga Will Never Be Great Again

Zynga is the undisputed king of social gaming for Facebook and smartphones, and its stock price gives it a market cap nearly as big as video game leader Activision Blizzard. But at less than 5 years old, has the bulldog already jumped the shark?

Zynga's $10 Billion IPO Game: Should You Play?

If you're not familiar with Zynga, the undisputed champ of social gaming, odds are that you're not a fixture on Facebook or into smartphone app gaming. This month, it rolls the dice on a big public offering. Are you game?

Why Activision Blizzard Will Never Be Great Again

Yes, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 posted a new sales record last week. But Activision Blizzard just can't keep a hold on fickle gamers. Guitar Hero hit a high note, then went silent, and now World of Warcraft is losing population fast.

Savings Experiment: Video Games

Any legit gamer knows that the billion dollar gaming industry has to compete for your business. There are stores and websites that specialize in trading, discount and rentals, as well as plenty of free online games and downloadable titles. When certain games are released, they may be nearly impossible to buy cheap. Still, you may be able to beat the industry at their own game.

Why GameStop Will Never Be Great Again

For many years, GameStop has had a business model that couldn't fail: Sell the hottest new gaming gear, take used games and equipment in trade, keep knowledgeable staff, and don't overpay on rent. But that model is starting collapse, and soon, it may be "Game Over" for GameStop.

Analysts: Santa's Bag Will Be Filled With Bargains

Consumers can expect a holiday shopping season heavy on promotional offers as stores offer sweet bargains on all manner of products amid a still-sluggish economy -- good news for buyers of tablet computers, smartphones and video games, all predicted to be big gift items this year.

Why Nintendo Will Never Be Great Again

Once upon a time, Nintendo was king of the video game consoles, but that day is long gone. Shares of Nintendo hit a five-year low this summer, wiping away any gains from the Wii era, and it took a steep operating loss to boot last quarter. Here's why there are no bonus lives in its future.

Supreme Court Ruling Is Big Win for Video Game Industry

In a 7-2 ruling, the Supreme Court Monday granted the video game industry some serious leeway, striking down California's ban on the sale of violent video games to minors. Here's more on what it means for the industry.

Summer Spendin': Who Wins When School's Out?

Summer vacation has hardly begun, and the chorus of "buy me, buy me" is already at full volume in homes across the country. And parents can only say no to so many of those requests. So which companies are gong to benefit from the school break? DailyFinance has a few ideas.

Nintendo Slashes Wii Price by 25%

Nintendo is making a major push to clear out its Wii inventory as it gears up to unveil its successor to the gaming system next month. The company will cut prices on the Wii video game console to $149.99 from $199.99, and bundle four of its more popular games as a $19.99 set.