In The News
GameStop is slashing costs to try and offset declining console sales, Engadget’s Jon Fingas writes. “The video game store’s Q1 profits fell to $6.8 million, just a quarter of what they were a year earlier, based on a steep 35 percent drop in new hardware sales,” he writes. “It also unveiled a string of cost-cutting measures to stay afloat, including scrapping the company’s share dividend.”
Get your Xbox body wash! The new line is available in Australia “at supermarkets and pharmacies next month,” PC Gamer’s Shaun Prescott reports. “Its a partnership with Lynx, famed antipodean scent wheelhouse, better known as Axe in the US.”
EA donated $1 million dollars to “three not-for-profit organizations fighting for inclusion in games and against online bullying,” Variety’s Emily Gera writes.
Sports Direct is moving to buy GAME, GI.biz’s Christopher Dring writes. “The acquisition today sees its share increase to 38.49%, which means Sports Direct is required to make a cash offer for the rest of the business. The firm is offering 30 pence per share. The offer values the shares at £51.88 million … The firm already owned 29.9% of the business and a had share in the firm’s Belong sub-brand of esports areas.”
The Institute of Play is shutting down by the “end of the summer,” GI.biz’s Rebekah Valentine reports. “The institute shared the news via a letter to friends and supporters on its website, stating that the process of closing the organization was beginning already.”
Netflix is making an animated series based off the Jurassic World franchise, Game Informer’s Joseph Stanichar reports.
Tiny Royale is live on Snapchat via Zynga, VentureBeat’s Dean Takahashi reports. “It’ll be part of Snap Games, the messaging app’s new multiplayer gaming platform, and it’s the latest in the messaging industry’s attempt to cash in on the riches and engagement associated with games.”
Lucid Sight and CBS are partnering “to introduce Star Trek starships into the digital universe of its space-based game CSC later this year,” Takahashi writes.
Interviews: Jeff Vogel (VentureBeat), Sony’s Jim Ryan (CNET).
Extra Esports News:
FaZe Clan H1ghSky’s Twitch account “has been removed as speculation continues to mount regarding his real age,” Dexerto’s Matt Porter writes. FaZe Clan “claimed he was 13, making him eligible to compete in Fortnite Battle Royale tournaments and stream on Twitch … The player’s age first came under scrutiny following the news that Turner ‘Tfue’ Tenney was suing FaZe.” The lawsuit claimed H1ghSky was actually 11 when he signed with the organization.
Partnerships:
BITKRAFT Esports Ventures and Roundhill Investments are partnering, TEO’s Andrew Hayward reports. They will “create an esports-centric exchange-traded fund (ETF), which tracks a variety of industry-related companies for its investors.”
Esports Stadium Arlington and Abacus3 are partnering, TEO’s Laura Byrne reports. “The partnership will see Abacus3 market the naming rights and sponsorship packages for ESA.”
Happy birthday Nikita “Palantimos” Grinkevich!