Categories Analysis, Technology, U.S. Markets News

Activision Blizzard: Maybe Diablo Immortal is not that bad

Activision Blizzard (ATVI) has had a tough week. The company faced severe backlash from the gaming community after unveiling its new Diablo: Immortal mobile game at BlizzCon last Friday. Gamers had huge expectations, with some even hoping that the Diablo 4 was on its way, and the new launch came as a rude shock to them.

Needless to say, Blizzard was bombarded with criticism in the form of sarcasm, YouTube dislikes and negative comments on gaming platforms. Activision’s partnership with Chinese game developer NetEase (NTES) even sparked claims that Immortal was the clone of an older NetEase game.

But is the Diablo: Immortal really that bad? Some experts think, maybe not. Mobile games generate good revenue for Activision and it makes sense for the company to take this route. Although diehard PC fans might not be convinced, the simplified experience and cost-efficiency that comes with Diablo: Immortal could bring in significant profits for the company.

The partnership with NetEase provides opportunities for expansion in China which is also an advantage for Activision. Experts also believe that franchises come with their own value and these do not diminish with the launch of one product. The company can make up for their losses with future offerings.

In other words, Diablo: Immortal might need some time to prove its potential, and once the dust settles, fans might realize it was not that bad an idea after all.

Earnings Preview: Will Overwatch shine for Activision Blizzard in Q3?

Activision’s stock is slowly picking up after being hit by the controversy and falling to its lowest level since January earlier this week. The company is scheduled to report third-quarter 2018 earnings results on Thursday and investors will be looking forward to updates on the performance of its various franchises. Activision’s shares were up 1.6% as of 2:20 pm ET.

 

Follow our Google News edition to get the latest stock market, earnings and financial news at your fingertips.

Most Popular

United Parcel Service (UPS) seems on track to regain lost strength

Cargo giant United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE: UPS) ended fiscal 2023 on a weak note, reporting lower revenues and profit for the fourth quarter. The company experienced a slowdown post-pandemic

IPO Alert: What to look for when Boundless Bio goes public

Boundless Bio is preparing to debut on the Nasdaq stock market this week, and become the latest addition to the list of biotech firms that have launched IPOs this year.

Nike (NKE) bets on innovation and partnerships to return to high growth

Sneaker giant Nike, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) has been going through a rough patch for some time, with sales coming under pressure from weak demand and rising competition. Post-pandemic, the company

Add Comment
Loading...
Cancel
Viewing Highlight
Loading...
Highlight
Close
Top