On today's podcast episode, we discuss why gaming is a digital advertising hotbed, how consumers are embracing shoppable media, and what happens now that the ride-sharing industry has bounced back. Tune in to the discussion with our forecasting writer Ethan Cramer-Flood.
Audio
| Jan 22, 2024
Microsoft’s attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard in what could essentially create a video game monopoly has many, including the Federal Trade Commission, keeping a close eye on the gaming industry. The $68.7 billion acquisition would give Microsoft a leadership position with franchises like Call of Duty, Candy Crush Saga, World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch.
Article
| Dec 13, 2022
Doctors use entertainment as education: Video games keep physicians’ skills sharp long past medical school.
Article
| Jan 31, 2023
On today's episode, we discuss the out-of-home (OOH) ad recovery, the influence of digital billboards, and how OOH can drive consumers to take action. "In Other News," we talk about YouTube TV letting folks watch four channels on one screen simultaneously and whether Netflix could soon be a destination for gamers. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Ross Benes.
Audio
| Sep 12, 2022
On today's episode, we discuss the details of Netflix's advertising push, which video streaming service has the most impressive content strategy, and how many Americans still have cable. "In Other News," we talk about what to make of Netflix's plans to launch its own video game studio and which is the dark-horse video streaming platform. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Ross Benes.
Audio
| Oct 3, 2022
Expensive headsets aside, Apple already has the necessary developer, app, gaming, fitness, and streaming video ecosystems to build its next big thing.
Article
| Apr 20, 2023
The gaming industry’s response: “The purchase of in-game currencies is a well-established practice and well understood by players,” Video Games Europe, a group representing major video games in the region, said in a statement.
Article
| Sep 12, 2024
Chick-fil-A announced its upcoming Play app, which will feature a slew of video, audio, and gaming content geared toward families with young children. An animated series on the app will feature Chick-fil-A’s cow mascot. Some brands and retailers have even launched their own production companies.
Report
| Nov 25, 2024
It also includes amusement and recreation, box office, film, music, OTT video platforms, sporting events and ticketing, and video games (excluding video game hardware). Retail includes mail orders/catalogs, restaurants/fast food, drugstores, retail stores, cosmetics stores, and merchants of apparel, home furnishings/textiles, toys, pet food/supplies, appliances, jewelry, and general merchandise.
Report
| Sep 23, 2024
On today's episode, we discuss the appeal of Prime Video with ads, why we might see more honest and transparent advertising, the inevitability of face computers, Netflix's chances of becoming a significant gaming hub, how the average retirement age is changing and more. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Ross Benes, Blake Droesch, and Max Willens.
Audio
| Feb 2, 2024
The marketplace pushes forward Epic Games’ developer-friendly policies in a complicated but profitable game-creation market.
Article
| Sep 17, 2024
UK regulators block Microsoft’s attempt to consolidate a gaming behemoth, sending Activision Blizzard stock spiraling. Microsoft faces a tough antitrust fight.
Article
| Apr 27, 2023
Sightline Payments will work with Visa to power its Play+ cards, which can help digitize the cash-heavy casino and gaming sector.
Article
| Feb 6, 2023
The average US adult spends just over an hour playing video games per day, according to our estimates. Such a sizable share of attention offers a prime opportunity for brands to advertise in games—especially since traditional barriers to brand advertising have been lowered. Big changes have opened opportunities for brands across platforms.
Article
| Jun 8, 2023
US adults will spend 10.6% of their mobile time playing games this year, per our forecast. But we expect just 3.9% of US mobile ad spend will go to the category in 2023.
Article
| Jun 21, 2023
On today's podcast episode, we discuss why regulators changed their mind on approving the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal, how the gaming industry will react, and what the deal means for advertisers. "In Other News," we talk about how much of political ad spending has gone digital and how Google is tightening the reins on bulk email senders. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Daniel Konstantinovic and Gadjo Sevilla.
Audio
| Oct 19, 2023
From gaming to streaming video and podcasts
Article
| Apr 6, 2023
On today's podcast episode, we discuss the details and regulatory headaches surrounding Microsoft’s attempts to acquire the video game company Activision Blizzard. "In Other News," we talk about how Meta is allowing EU users to turn off their algorithms, and YouTube’s current issues around violating children’s privacy through tracking-based advertising on "made-for-kids" content. Tune in to the discussion with our guest host Bill Fisher and analysts Daniel Konstantinovic and Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf.
Audio
| Sep 1, 2023
On today's episode, we discuss why Spotify is cautiously optimistic, the potential of video podcasts, and whether TikTok Music could be the next big podcast app. "In Other News," we talk about why people buy smart speakers and how crucial gaming is for Netflix's future. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Daniel Konstantinovic and senior account director Michael Civins.
Audio
| Aug 8, 2022
On today's episode, we discuss whether anyone can help Twitter regardless of who owns it, why physical stores could be the next major media channel, how companies are marketing around this year's World Cup, the significance of Google closing its gaming offering Stadia, how to sell a moment, an explanation of how digital grocery buyers are changing, how far an electric vehicle can go on one charge, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our director of forecasting Oscar Orozco and analysts Ross Benes and Blake Droesch.
Audio
| Oct 13, 2022
On today's episode, we discuss whether watching TV with other people ruins the potential of targeted connected TV (CTV) ads, who's winning the CTV advertising race, and how CTV stacks up against traditional TV ad spending. "In Other News," we talk about Netflix's road map for video games and what to make of its 1 million user milestone for its ad tier. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Paul Verna.
Audio
| Apr 7, 2023
At what point does a branded video game become advertising to children? The recent streak of partnerships between brands like Walmart and Spotify with Roblox are finding success but raising concerns.
Article
| Sep 27, 2022
Last week, YouTube announced excluded themes at Brand Safety Summit, providing a way for advertisers to keep their ads from showing up next to news, gaming, health, or political content by checking a box. The updates should help brands looking to avoid unsavory contexts when serving ads, though this relies on YouTube’s ability to classify these categories correctly.
Article
| Nov 9, 2023
On today's podcast episode, we discuss the speed of AI adoption, what to make of ChatGPT's engagement lull, and how Nvidia is shaping AI's future. "In Other News," we talk about how Roblox's AI assistant could transform gaming and how Amazon is using its neural network to improve the NFL's game-watching experience. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Jacob Bourne and Gadjo Sevilla.
Audio
| Sep 21, 2023
In July, 2,500 Hollywood performers began striking over AI's role in replacing voice and motion-capture jobs in gaming, fearing AI will replicate performances without consent or fair compensation. Our take: AI isn’t here to take your job, but someone who has mastered the tech might. There’s no “none of the above” option here; practitioners need to get comfortable with AI.
Article
| Oct 23, 2024