Today, EA released its financial results forQ2 of Fiscal Year 2020today, and it seems that the publisher is doing quite well. The company’s net bookings are up 8% year over year and the number of unique players inFIFAandMadden’sUltimate Team modes, as well asThe Sims 4, have seen notable increases in that period. Most notably,Apex Legendshas amassed over 70 million players, which is up from a50 million figureprovided in March. As a result, EA plans on “doubling down on live services combined with our core franchises.”
That quote comes from EA COO and CFO Blake Jorgensen, who is showing optimism towards that style of game. “The strong results this quarter illustrate the power of our live services and our core franchises. Strength in Ultimate Team,The Sims 4andFIFAOnline drove live services performance above our expectations. Looking ahead, we are doubling down on live services combined with our core franchises. We’re investing in games that people play for longer and engage with much more deeply. This focus will continue to drive growth and profitability for the company through the remainder of this year and beyond,” he said.
EA doubling down on this kind of game comes at a time where some live service titles seem to be struggling.Ghost Recon Breakpointrecently underperformed, and even the performance of EA’s ownAnthemwas not discussed in this report. That being said,Apex Legendsand EA’s other successful live service franchises seem to only be increasing in their profitability, so the publisher does not plan on moving away from this style of game.
Outside ofEA Sportsgames, the most recent live service game to come out of the publisher isPlants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville, which came out this month. Interestingly, EA’s big November releases,Need for Speed: HeatandStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, don’t seem to be as reliant on live services, even if it seems like those kinds of games will remain a major portion of EA’s game lineup for the foreseeable future.
