Level Up or Game Over: Analyzing the Health of the Video Game Market After EA Deal
In the latest episode of “MediaTalk,” host Mike Reynolds and S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Neil Barbour discuss the implications of Electronic Arts' $57 billion going-private deal. Notably, while the multiples on this deal rival those of Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard in 2021, the industry is in a very different phase of growth. The conversation also looks at the current M&A landscape, delving into why the the anticipated wave of consolidation failed to materialize after Microsoft's Activision Blizzard deal. Will regulatory hurdles and a cautious market environment continue to stifle potential deals? The health of the video game market raises further questions. With Microsoft reporting a rise in content revenue from previously Xbox-exclusive titles now available on PlayStation, can this momentum be sustained? How will Nintendo navigate software sales following its Switch 2 hardware launch? And what factors are driving Roblox's impressive user engagement, especially around titles such as Steal a Brainrot and Grow a Garden? This episode prompts listeners to consider the future of the gaming industry and the potential paths for major players, asking what strategies companies should adopt to stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic market. More S&P Global content: Video game industry sheds jobs to protect margins MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 22 - Gaming Outlook Complicated by GTA Delay, Metaverse Momentum Featured experts: Neil Barbour, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Credits: Host/Author: Mike Reynolds Producer/Editor: Sarah James www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
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Sunday Nights and Streaming Rights: 'Tuned In' to New Sports Deals
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Michael Johnson recently returned from Front Office Sports' "Tuned In" conference in Manhattan, where media and league executives talked about the rapidly evolving landscape of sports media. One of the key highlights was the MLB's new rights agreements, which have not been formally announced. They are expected to include NBC securing Sunday night games, ESPN handling local rights, and Netflix stepping in for the Home Run Derby. This diversification of platforms underscores the strategic pivot towards streaming services, aiming to capture a wider audience and cater to changing viewer preferences. The NBA is also making strides, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discussing potential expansions into Europe, supported by heavyweights like JP Morgan and the Raine Group. This not only signifies the NBA's global ambitions but also highlights the importance of regulatory navigation and infrastructure development in international markets. Amazon's entry into the Masters golf tournament further illustrates the growing influence of streaming giants in traditional sports broadcasting. With their robust sports portfolio, Amazon is positioning itself as a formidable player, potentially eyeing future marquee events like the Super Bowl. These developments are complemented by NBC's ambitious plans to provide 50 weeks of live Sunday night sports annually. Such initiatives reflect the increasing importance of sports in the broadcasting realm, as networks strive to maintain relevance and viewer engagement in a competitive market. More S&P Global content: The Business of Sports Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market Featured experts: Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Credits: Host/Author: Mike Reynolds Producer/Editor: Sarah James www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
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Broadband Battles and AI Agendas: Inside the Latest Media and Tech Regulatory Trends
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by S&P Global Market Intelligence tech policy reporter Stefan Modrich to discuss the evolving regulatory landscape for tech and media companies during the second Trump administration. The episode explores AI regulation, BEAD funding and broadcast mergers. The discussion highlights the increasing complexity of AI legislation across the United States, with over 1,300 bills introduced at the state level that address AI's role in various sectors, including healthcare and election security. As companies and consumers navigate this regulatory patchwork, concerns about AI-generated content in political campaigns remain a hot topic. The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, aiming to provide over $42 billion for high-speed broadband deployment, faces scrutiny as the Trump administration revamps funding criteria. The conversation touches on the political dynamics that could influence how these funds are allocated, with some states potentially needing to choose between AI regulation and BEAD funding. In the broadcast sector, M&A stands to reshape the landscape. Nexstar's $6.2 billion bid to acquire TEGNA is under the spotlight, shining a light on both the FCC's deregulatory stance and the changing ways in which Americans are consuming news. More S&P Global content: GenAI funding hits record in 2024 boosted by infrastructure interest Featured experts: Stefan Modrich, tech policy reporter for S&P Global Market Intelligence Credits: Host/Author: Mike Reynolds Producer/Editor: Sarah James www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
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Superheroes to Streaming: Why the Summer Box Office Missed $4 Billion Mark
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by two in-house movie experts — Wade Holden and Mac Mathews — to explore how the reduced theatrical window has reshaped audience behavior and summer box office outcomes. Traditionally, films enjoyed a 90-day exclusive run in theaters; but post-pandemic, this has been shortened to an average of less than seven weeks. This shift allows studios to capitalize on positive word-of-mouth quickly and reduce advertising costs by transitioning films to streaming platforms sooner. However, it also means that films need to make a significant impact in a shorter timeframe to be deemed successful. Despite these challenges, certain films managed to outperform expectations. "Lilo and Stitch" and "How to Train Your Dragon" were notable successes, drawing in family audiences with their nostalgic appeal and quality storytelling. On the other hand, Pixar's "Elio" was a box office disappointment, failing to capture the audience's imagination. Meanwhile, movies based on video games scored big, with "Minecraft" exceeding expectations and contributing to a strong spring box office. This trend of video game adaptations performing well is something studios are eager to leverage, as evidenced by Warner Bros. moving the release of the new "Mortal Kombat" movie to next spring to capitalize on audience interest. Despite some successes, the summer box office was also affected by superhero fatigue. Films in this genre, which once reliably hit the $1 billion mark, are now performing in the $500 million–$600 million range worldwide. Titles like "Fantastic Four" did not meet expectations, suggesting a potential oversaturation or a shift in audience preferences. More than ever, this summer proved it is a new world for studios and theater owners. And this fall promises to be more of the same as some of the most highly anticipated movies have the shortest theatrical windows. More S&P Global content: A Box Office Season of Sequels, Side Quests and 'Sinners' Featured experts: Wade Holden, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Mac Mathews, associate director of Editorial, Design and Publishing at S&P Global Credits: Host/Author: Mike Reynolds Producer/Editor: Sarah James www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
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Exploring the NFL's Game-Changing Media Playbook As 2025/26 Season Starts
While live sports media rights have been moving to streaming platforms for years, the 2025/26 season marks a pivotal shift in how NFL fans can access content. For the first time, every game will be available through one streaming platform or another following the launches of ESPN's enhanced direct-to-consumer app and Fox One. Coupled with existing streaming services like Paramount+, Netflix and Amazon Prime, US football fans will undoubtedly be watching more games on more platforms than ever before. Ahead of the kick off of the 2025/26 season, "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by a trio of S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts to discuss how traditional broadcasters like NBC, CBS, and Fox are adapting to this new media environment. While network owners have previously expressed concerns about fragmentation, they now appear to be leaning in to multiplatform audiences and ad sales. Even on the linear side, the numbers remain strong, with "Sunday Night Football" on NBC maintaining its reign as the top-rated series for 14 consecutive years. Local broadcast stations remain important partners for building in-market support for NFL teams. With this in mind, the panel discusses potential shifts in media rights post-2029, with the possibility of more games moving to streaming platforms as existing deals expire. More S&P Global content: The Business of Sports Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market Featured experts: Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan. Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan. Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Credits: Host/Author: Mike Reynolds Producer/Editor: Sarah James www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
S&P Global Market Intelligence analysts and reporters take a deep dive into issues facing the evolving media landscape. Tune in for interviews with industry insiders and analysts as well as brief outlooks for the TMT sector.
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