entertainment strategy Archives

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Minecraft Expands Experiences Ahead of Licensing Expo

Minecraft has over 200 global partners across various sectors, including apparel, food, collectibles, and creative play, as it approaches Licensing Expo 2026. Recent collaborations include an apparel line with Cool Shirtz, a partnership with Adidas, and a global fashion collection with OppoSuits. New product categories include Actimel products in Europe, Sticki Rolls, STEM-focused activity kits from Horizon Group USA, and a plush collaboration with Ty. The brand is expanding into location-based entertainment with the upcoming Minecraft Experience: Moonlight Trail and a themed land, Minecraft World, set to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027. A sequel to A Minecraft Movie is in development with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, along with a new animated series for Netflix. Minecraft will be present at Licensing Expo at booth No. J98-J103.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Microsoft Stops Selling Movies, TV Shows Across All Digital Platforms

Microsoft Corp. has exited the transactional video-on-demand (TVOD) sector after nearly two decades. Users will still have access to their owned digital content on Windows and Xbox devices. The company launched the “Zune Video Marketplace” in 2006, which evolved into Xbox Video in 2012 and was rebranded as the Microsoft Movies & TV Store in 2015. The platform generated approximately billion in revenue through 2024. This decision follows the departure of Dametra Johnson-Marletti, who was a key figure in Microsoft's digital gaming sales division.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

12 years after Xbox One’s ‘all-in-one’ vision, Microsoft will no longer sell films or TV shows

Microsoft has announced the cessation of sales for digital films and television shows on its Xbox and PC platforms, effective July 18. No refunds will be issued for previously purchased content, but customers can still redownload their existing shows and movies through the Movies & TV app. The company no longer offers new entertainment content for purchase on Microsoft.com, Microsoft Store on Windows, and the Microsoft Store on Xbox. This decision marks a departure from its previous strategy of positioning the Xbox One as a multimedia hub. Microsoft is encouraging users to explore third-party streaming services available on the Microsoft Store. Additionally, Microsoft recently announced layoffs affecting over 9,000 employees, and there have been cancellations of several gaming projects and changes in leadership at various studios.