EA's Puzzle Game for Windows 8
Electronic Arts’ (EA) PopCap Games recently released the popular puzzle game, Bejewled LIVE, for Microsoft’s (MSFT) Windows 8. Priced at $4.99, Bejeweled LIVE is available in the Windows store.
The latest version of the puzzle game comprises three modes namely Classic Bejeweled, Diamond Mine and Butterflies. All the modes feature different gameplay that includes special Flame gems, Star gems, Hypercubes and Supernova gems and winner get new Bejeweled badges. The game also provides a ”Hint” button for in-game tips to advance in a certain level.
The Bejeweled franchise has proved to be immensely successful for PopCap and has received rave reviews based on its simplicity and innovative gameplay. The franchise’s other offerings such as Bejeweled 3, Bejeweled HD and Bejeweled Twist have garnered rave review from metacritic for different platforms. The games are available in Xbox 360, Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Apple’s (AAPL) iOS.
Thus, going by the past performance of the franchise, the new game should perform well that will likely add to EA’s top line. The addition of PopCap Games has expanded EA’s reach in the mobile and social gaming segment. Apart from Bejeweled, PopCap Games boasts other popular titles such as Plants vs Zombies and Zuma and are being played on different platforms.
Additionally, we believe that EA’s high-quality titles and a robust product pipeline along with increasing online exposure and traction in the social and mobile gaming market will boost its top-line growth over the long term.
However, we remain cautious on EA due to sluggish consumer spending on packaged video games, dismal video game sales and increasing competition from Activision (ATVI).
Currently, EA has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
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