OpenAI is set to gain $50 billion by reducing its revenue share with Microsoft and other partners, indicating a strategic shift in its business model and partnerships.
Apple is leveraging its dominant position in the podcasting world by offering top placements in the Apple Podcasts feed to shows that participate in its subscription program, which allows creators to monetize bonus content. While some podcasters have been selected for top slots without participating in the revenue share, Apple has been actively encouraging shows to join the subscription service and offering more features to those who opt in.
Twitch is expanding its premium revenue share program, introducing a new 60/40 revenue split tier called the "Plus Program" with lower qualification requirements, open to both Affiliates and Partners. The company is also lifting the $100,000 annual cap on 70/30 splits for qualifying partners and adjusting Prime Gaming subscription payouts. These changes aim to address feedback from streamers and provide more transparent and accessible monetization opportunities, amidst competition from other platforms.
Google is making two changes to its AdSense program, moving from per-click to per-impression payments and adjusting the revenue share structure. The move to per-impression payments aims to provide consistency and transparency for publishers across Google's products and third-party platforms. The revenue share structure will be split into separate rates for the buy-side and sell-side, with publishers receiving 80% of the revenue after fees. These changes will take effect in early 2024 and are not expected to impact publishers' earnings.
Xbox corporate vice president Sarah Bond testified in court that Activision CEO Bobby Kotick demanded a greater share of Call of Duty sales in order to bring the game to Xbox Series X/S, leading to an 80-20 revenue split deal. Microsoft accepted the demands to ensure Call of Duty was available on Xbox Series X/S at launch. Sony Interactive Entertainment has also expressed concerns about the proposed $69 billion acquisition of Activision by Microsoft, with SIE boss Jim Ryan stating that the company would withhold details about its next console from Activision if the deal goes through.
During the first day of testimony at Xbox's Activision Blizzard trial, Xbox VP Sarah Bond claimed that Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick demanded a greater revenue share to put Call of Duty on Microsoft's platforms. Bond said Xbox decided to meet Activision Blizzard's demands, characterizing the negotiations as "lively." Bond also talked about Call of Duty's marketing agreements, which resulted in "very clear limits" on what Xbox could say about the series.
Twitch is launching Partner Plus, a program that will pay streamers a 70% share on net subscription revenue, with Twitch keeping the other 30%. To qualify, Twitch Partners must maintain a sub count of at least 350 recurring paid subscriptions for three consecutive months. Streamers in the program will receive the 70/30 revenue share on net subscription revenue for 12 months up to $100,000. The program will launch on Oct. 1, 2023, and streamers who meet the qualification criteria will be automatically enrolled.