The world’s largest software maker, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), in collaboration with Turn 10 Studios and Ford (F), released the game Forza Motorsport 6. The game was launched exclusively for Xbox One, just like its predecessor Forza 5, at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. The game-play will be released at E3 in June.
The alliance will feature the new Ford GT ultra-high performance super-car on the cover of Forza Motorsport 6. Moreover, Ford’s performance vehicle lineup, including Shelby GT350 Mustang and the F-150 Raptor will also appear in the game for racing, thereby offering car lovers and gamers a virtual yet realistic experience even before they are launched in the real world.
Forza Motorsport, developed by game developer Turn 10 Studios, is the most famous and top-selling car racing series on Xbox. It has been the top-rated racing series in the past 10 years by Metacritic. It offers exceptional visuals with the industry’s leading simulation engine, thereby providing users a virtual experienceof their dream cars.
Forza Motorsport 6 is said to offer most technically advanced racing simulation todate, which will further enhance user experience and is likely to attract new users.
Forza Motorsport 5 and Forza Horizon 2 arealso available for Xbox One.
Xbox One is Microsoft’s latest game consoles launched in Nov 2013. It has had a relatively weak start, falling behind Sony’s (SNE) competing platform PS4. But subsequent and price cuts and other inducements ultimately led to stronger sales of the console and also effectively challenged PlayStation 4 (PS4) sales. Sales more than tripled in the U.S. According to the company, more than 10 million Xbox One consoles have been sold to retailers.
The price cut provided the much-needed impetus to sales. With the latest game being exclusively available for Xbox One, sales of the console are expected to increase further and provide a competitive edge against PS4.
The Xbox One is not only threatened by the PS4 but is also up against competition from social games. The emergence of mobile platforms such as smartphones and tablets from Apple (AAPL) and Samsung remain headwinds for video game hardware sales. Video game publishers are now inclined to make games that are compatible with these devices. Only time will tell whether Xbox One growth rates are sustainable.
Microsoft has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Adobe Systems Inc. (ADBE) is a better-ranked stock in the technology space with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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