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Electronic Arts Expands Portfolio With the Release of NHL 19

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Electronic Arts (EA - Free Report) recently released NHL 19 on PlayStation4 (PS4) and Xbox One.

NHL 19 features a “unified progression hub”, World of Chel, which has four game modes - EA SPORTS Hockey League (EASHL), NHL THREES Drop-In along with two new game modes NHL ONES and Pro-Am. Notably, first-time users can play on Outdoor Rinks throughout the four game modes.

As users progress through the game, they earn points and are presented with a Hockey Bag that allows them to personalize their virtual character and game with over 900 customizable items, thereby driving engagement.

Additionally, EA has introduced its cutting-edge technology, Real Player Motion (RPM) to NHL 19, which is already seen in games like FIFA 18 and UFC 3. The technology enables users to experience real life gaming and most responsive gameplay ever in the franchise’s history.
 
Moreover, users can now form teams and play with and against 200 hockey Legends to be part of the ultimate gaming experience.

Electronic Arts Inc. Revenue (TTM)

Electronic Arts Inc. Revenue (TTM) | Electronic Arts Inc. Quote

Popular Franchises Drive Revenues

EA’s popularity is primarily driven by its well-known franchises like FIFA, Madden NFL, NBA Live, NHL and UFC along with Battlefield, Titanfall and Star Wars.

FIFA 19, which is set to release on Sep 28 on PS4, Xbox One, Origin for PC and Nintendo Switch systems, won the best sports award at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2018.

Additionally, the game is expected to boost player engagement levels with its solid content that includes the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga Santander, Serie A TIM and the Chinese Super League.

FIFA is an important growth driver for EA, given the franchise’s impressive sales track record. The FIFA franchise overall has sold more than 260 million copies worldwide to date. FIFA 18 sold more than 24 million copies in a time span of 11 months.

Moreover, the company also recently released NBA LIVE 19, which boasts exciting game modes, features and customization levels to simulate a real game experience.

With new releases that feature exciting content and new technology, EA is expected to push its users to further engage with its games, thereby driving revenues.

However, competitors like Activision and Take Two (TTWO - Free Report) that are also successful in bring engaging content and features to their games pose concerns for EA.

Competition Intensifies

Release of Take Two Interactive’s Red Dead Redemption 2 and Activision’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 before EA’s highly anticipated game, Battlefield V on Nov 20, might give them an edge.

The delay may also impact EA’s fiscal 2019 results, which is evident from EA’s reduced net bookings expectation from $5.55 billion to $5.2 billion.

Activision is also making its content easily available to its users by striking deals with the likes of Amazon (AMZN - Free Report) , Disney and Twitter.

Nevertheless, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company with its award-winning portfolio of games, exciting content and new releases appears well poised for growth going forward.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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