bookings Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

iState: A Russian Government Messenger?

On June 10, the Russian State Duma approved the establishment of a national messenger to be pre-installed on all newly sold smart devices starting September 1. This app will include a digital ID system and aims to streamline access to government services, identity verification, contract signing, and banking transactions. The initiative is inspired by China's WeChat but raises concerns about surveillance and data storage by the Russian government. The specific application for the national messenger has not yet been finalized, with Max, developed by VKontakte, being a leading candidate. Legal expert Sarkis Darbinyan doubts that Max will attract WhatsApp's user base and predicts it will be limited to domestic use without end-to-end encryption. Despite these issues, State Duma IT Committee head Sergei Boyarsky believes that existing messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram will continue to operate if they comply with Russian laws.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Net bookings up 6% at Take-Two for 2024/25

Take-Two Interactive reported a six percent increase in net bookings for the fiscal year ending March 2025, generating .65 billion, with 80 percent from recurrent consumer spending, which increased by seven percent. GAAP net revenue rose by five percent to .63 billion. CEO Strauss Zelnick projected net bookings for Fiscal 2026 to be between .9 billion and .0 billion and highlighted the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, scheduled for May 26, 2026. Grand Theft Auto 5 has shipped 215 million copies, and recurrent consumer spending related to the franchise increased by five percent.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Ubisoft reports massive dips in revenue and bookings for 2024/25

Ubisoft reported a revenue of €1.9 billion for the fiscal year ending March 2025, a 17.5% decrease from the previous year. Net bookings fell by 20.5% to €1.84 billion, while net bookings from the back catalogue dropped 13.5% to €1.3 billion. Despite these declines, the company generated positive free cash flow and completed its initial cost savings program ahead of schedule, with plans for an additional €100 million in savings over the next two years. The launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows was highlighted as a significant event for the company.

AppWizard

March 16, 2025

New messaging app hopes to get travellers to fill idle time on flights by talking to others

Wingle is a mobile application that enables passengers to communicate with each other during flights without needing an internet connection, utilizing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The app allows users to send messages and book airport lounge services, and it was launched in Europe in July 2024, with a global rollout planned for January 2025. It has attracted over 20,000 active users, primarily from Europe. Users create profiles that include personal information and a personality diagram, and conversations are temporary, disappearing after the flight. Wingle generates revenue through commissions from booking services, and its reception has been mixed, with some users appreciating the opportunity for social interaction, while others express concerns about privacy and potential misuse.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

Ubisoft revenue halved year-on-year for Q3

Ubisoft reported a 47.5% decline in revenue for the three months ending in December, totaling €318.1 million, down from €606.4 million the previous year. Net bookings fell by 51.8% to €301.8 million. The back catalogue generated €268 million, making up 88% of total net bookings, but also saw a year-on-year decline. CEO Yves Guillemot expressed optimism about the upcoming launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 20, highlighting early positive previews. Ubisoft is implementing cost reduction initiatives and expects to exceed its cost reduction objectives by the end of FY25, with plans to continue into FY26. A formal review of Ubisoft's strategic options is underway to maximize asset value for stakeholders.

AppWizard

February 7, 2025

Take-Two net bookings up 3% for Q3

Take-Two Interactive reported a three percent rise in net bookings for the quarter ending December 2024, totaling .37 billion, with 79 percent from recurrent consumer spending, which increased by nine percent year-on-year. Net revenue slightly decreased by 0.7 percent to .36 billion. CEO Strauss Zelnick projected full financial year net bookings between .55 billion and .65 billion, anticipating significant releases such as Grand Theft Auto 6, Mafia: The Old Country, and Borderlands 4 in fiscal year 2025/26. The company's performance was bolstered by strong sales of NBA 2K, which helped offset declines in mobile franchises, and a strategic shift in expense timing. The guidance for Fiscal 2025 net bookings remains between .55 billion and .65 billion.

AppWizard

February 5, 2025

Revenue and bookings dip at EA for Q3

Electronic Arts reported a year-on-year decline in revenue and net bookings for the quarter ending December 2024. The company generated .88 billion in revenue, a three percent decrease compared to the previous year, while net bookings fell six percent to .22 billion. CEO Andrew Wilson expressed disappointment over the financial outcomes, citing underwhelming performances from key titles like EA Sports FC 25 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. He acknowledged that the results did not meet the company's aspirations.

AppWizard

February 5, 2025

EA reverses course on Apex Legends sequel

Electronic Arts (EA) plans a significant update for Apex Legends, potentially called 'Apex 2.0', as hinted by CEO Andrew Wilson during an investor discussion. This announcement follows a decline in net bookings for the game, which has over 200 million players since its 2019 launch. Wilson emphasized the company's commitment to enhancing player experience and indicated that the update will likely occur after the launch of Battlefield Labs, expected before April 2026. The game is set to transition to a more modern engine, moving away from the current modified version of Valve's Source engine, and aims to improve server tick rates. EA also plans to expand the Apex franchise to support both competitive players and new communities.

AppWizard

December 18, 2024

Great News, Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue Will Be In Plano Longer

The world premiere of Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, an immersive quest inspired by the game, took place in October in Plano. The experience, originally ending on January 5, 2025, has been extended to January 20, 2025. It spans a 20,000-square-foot space where attendees can explore biomes, construct structures, and interact with game mobs. Participants use an Orb of Interaction for enhanced engagement, and the experience concludes at a Trading Post where they can collect mementos and receive a code for an exclusive in-game cape. No prior Minecraft knowledge is required. Ticket prices vary, with general admission available and group packages for larger parties. The event is located at 2712 N Central Expressway in Plano, near DART’s Parker Road station.

AppWizard

November 11, 2024

How Do Californians Use Messaging Apps

Messaging apps are essential for personal and professional communication in California. WhatsApp, with 2.7 billion global users, is popular for its free messaging, voice, and video calling, especially among immigrants due to its end-to-end encryption. Telegram has 950 million monthly active users and is favored for its security features, large group chats, and file-sharing capabilities; it is also used by online casino gamers for anonymous gaming and integrated bots. iMessage, with 1.3 billion global users, is preferred by Apple users for its seamless integration and security features. Facebook Messenger has over 1 billion users and is widely used for casual conversations and customer service, aided by automated chatbots and payment functionalities. Signal, with over 40 million monthly active users, is chosen for its strong privacy features, appealing to journalists and activists.