News and Analysis

Change of Focus for THQ?

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THQ is exiting Kid's titles and focusing more on adult-focused content.  This also makes me wonder what the true fate of the WH40K MMO is.

This of course makes sense – THQ seems to be seeking direction, and this focuses them on a given market.  We can debate if it's the right or wrong one for the times, but it IS a focus.

Though if you're working there or thinking of it, be aware this is a time of change, and right now some folks are probably expecting pink slips . . .

– Steven Savage

 

Yes, Apple Did Well

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In case you didn't hear Apple's financial/sales/everything numbers indicate insane levels of success.

This smart analysis notes that this is, essentially, their "Post-PC" quarter – and it's an era that's quickly coming.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Duh.
  • We are entering a post-PC era, and it's not just tablets and phones – it's game consoles and smart TVs and the like.  Apple led the charge.
  • If we're in a post-PC era, developers need to change their career strategies.  Since we are . . . 
  • Much as Corporate IT is dying, so is the traditional PC market.  In a way, they're the same.

– Steven Savage

Miscellaneous Publishing News 1/24/2012

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A few notes from the publishing sphere

Marvel launches all-ages comics for Avengers and Ultimate Spider Man. What's interesting here is that Avengers takes the viewpoint of fan-fave Agent Coulson, so it's also clear they know adults will buy these.

TAKEAWAY: Makes sense, this is part of Marvel's broadening their brand (under Disney). However it may indicate future conflict as Marvel evaluates markets (or tries to have it all).

Apple's new iBook publishing raises sone antitrust concerns. It doesn't seem intentional, but there's some off-putting possibilities of their EULA (if only poor phrasing).

TAKEAWAY: Watch this to see what's happening – and what Amazon does.

JManga is having a translation contest. Interesting, the winner gets some copies and prize points. Fun contest or an experiment with outsourcing/crowdsourcing/fansourcing?

TAKEAWAY: Stay curious.

– Steven Savage