CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077 for Switch 2 saw about 75% of buyers opting for the full physical cartridge in its launch month, highlighting the continued importance of physical releases for Nintendo audiences, despite strong digital sales and chart success.
Microsoft has abruptly stopped selling and renting movies and TV shows through its Movies & TV app on Windows and Xbox, after nearly two decades, without providing an explanation. Customers who purchased content can still access it, but refunds are not offered. The move marks a significant change in Microsoft's digital entertainment offerings, which began with the Zune platform in 2006.
Death Stranding 2's physical sales in the UK dropped 66% compared to its predecessor, reflecting a broader shift towards digital game sales, which now constitute a small fraction of the market; digital availability and changing consumer habits are likely factors, with more data needed for a full analysis.
Capcom's FY24 results show that PC now accounts for 60% of its digital game sales, surpassing consoles with 28.2 million units sold, driven by digital market growth and global expansion strategies, especially in emerging markets.
GameStop's earnings in the fourth quarter of 2023 saw an 80% decline compared to the previous year, with digital downloads impacting physical sales. Analysts predict a further decline unless store traffic can be increased. The company has also laid off an unspecified number of employees, reducing full-time staff to 8,000 and part-time staff to 13,000-18,000. GameStop's CEO has not commented on the news, and the company has not held an earnings call to discuss the situation. This adds to the company's struggles, including failed forays into cryptocurrency and NFTs, store closures, employee departures, and the resignation of its chief financial officer.
Domino's Pizza reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, with strong growth in carry-out and delivery transactions driving positive transaction growth. The company's partnership with Uber Eats is expected to bring even more growth in 2024. However, overseas expansion faces headwinds due to a global economic slowdown and negative sentiment for Western brands, particularly in countries like France. Despite international challenges, Domino's is focusing on leveraging its tech dominance and digital sales to drive continued momentum in the US market.
UK retailer GAME is reportedly ending its physical trade-ins next month, possibly due to the rise in digital game sales. Despite this, physical Nintendo Switch games remain popular, with many passionate fans and collectors still buying and holding onto them. The article also asks readers about their own habits of trading in physical Switch games.
McDonald's plans to expand its restaurant count to 50,000 by 2027, marking the fastest growth in its history. The company aims to boost its active loyalty user base to 250 million and increase annual systemwide sales to $45 billion by 2027. McDonald's will invest in digital, delivery, and drive-throughs, including partnering with Google Cloud to enhance operations and customer experience. The company also plans to update its burger lineup and expand its chicken business. Last quarter, McDonald's saw high-single-digit sales growth in its international markets and agreed to buy back Carlyle's minority ownership stake in its China business.
A survey conducted by the ESA reveals that among children aged 10 to 17, 29% want in-game currency, 22% want physical games, and 39% prefer subscriptions for video game-related gifts this holiday season. The shift towards digital content and subscriptions reflects the popularity of live-service games like Fortnite and Minecraft, which offer free updates and optional paid content. While these findings may not accurately represent the overall gaming market, they indicate a growing trend away from physical media.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has dropped out of the US "top 20 best-selling games" chart for the first time in 78 months, ending its record-breaking streak. While Nintendo could still make a return to the top 20 with digital sales, the game's absence may be temporary as the holiday season approaches and a new bundle is announced. Super Mario Bros. Wonder remains in second place for the month of October.
McDonald's beat earnings estimates for the third quarter, with higher menu prices boosting sales growth. Global systemwide sales increased 11%, while global same-store sales jumped 8.8%. Revenue rose 14% year-over-year to $6.69 billion, and adjusted earnings per share increased by 19%. The company attributed its success to higher menu prices, new marketing campaigns, and growing digital and delivery orders. McDonald's also reported that systemwide digital sales accounted for 40% of total sales, totaling $9 billion across its six biggest markets.
Taco Bell is introducing breakfast tacos to its menu for the first time, starting October 12. Priced at $1.49 each, the tacos feature eggs and cheese, with the option to add bacon, sausage, or potato. Taco Bell has been focusing on promoting its breakfast menu to compete with other fast food chains, and breakfast sales have increased by 9% since the campaign featuring comedian Pete Davidson aired. However, breakfast sales still lag behind competitors like McDonald's. In addition, Taco Bell is bringing back its Taco Lover's Pass subscription program for two days, offering customers a free taco with the purchase of a $10 pass. The promotion aims to increase customer spending and provide data for targeted marketing.
McDonald's plans to eliminate self-service soda machines at its U.S. restaurants by 2032, aiming to create consistency for customers and crew members across its offerings. The decision may be influenced by changes in consumer behavior during the pandemic, with an increase in digital and online delivery sales. McDonald's digital sales accounted for almost 40% of systemwide sales in Q2 2023, contributing to a rise in revenue and net income.
McDonald's plans to eliminate self-serve soda machines at its US restaurants by 2032, as consumer behavior has shifted towards drive-thru and delivery services, reducing the need for dining rooms. The company aims to create a consistent experience for customers and crew across its chain, which now sees 40% of its total sales from digital orders. McDonald's is also exploring smaller or no dining rooms in its future restaurant designs and has teased a new small-format location called "CosMc's." Other chains like Chipotle, Taco Bell, and Starbucks are also experimenting with redesigning their establishments.
Taco Bell and other fast food chains under Yum! Brands, Inc. are considering a transition to 100% digital sales, with customers increasingly ordering through apps, websites, or in-store kiosks. The company is already testing the use of artificial intelligence for drive-thru orders, and digital sales in the U.S. have seen a nearly 35% year-over-year increase. The timeline for achieving this goal is currently unclear.