User Feature: Gamers With Suits: An introduction & industry overview

Gamers With Suits: An introduction & industry overview

On 02/28/2013 at 10:21 PM by ActivisionStoleMy360

So I thought I would start a blog series (as best I can) dealing with the industry I love and combining that with the knowledge I posses. Perhaps a basic introduction or reintroduction (seeing as this is a new site) is in order. My name is Matt, I have been gaming since about the mid to late 80's (i'm old i know), I am also an accountant and financial expert! I am your friendly neighboord gamer Master Accountant and CPA (or for those non-US folks, its the equivilant of a chartered accountant).

When I look at the gaming industry, I see it in two different lights. Of course there is the creativity that is the design and story of the game, all of the art and work that goes into creating the masterpiece that we end up playing (or garbage depending on your view). I also follow the industry closely in terms of the business decisions and what other financial experts are saying about the big 2 (EA & Activision). While that may not seam to be that interesting up front, sometimes those thoughts on the industry and those numbers next to their stock tickers can tell you whether they are cutting corners on purpose or are in legitimate trouble!

And of course the next logical question is, "why do we care." While you may or may not, what the rest of the investors are saying is imporant in how the industry reacts. If financial world feels that the companies are not up to snuf, you will hear about it! MSNBC actually follows game developers closely because it is an up and coming area of big money! So I believe it is important for us, not only to follow the latest and greatest games, but also the business side of things! It will allow us to peer inside the "corporate overlords" minds to try to understand what they are doing, and whether these features we like or dislike, are being looked at by other financial experts as somthing they believe to be effective or ineffective at generating revenues as well as customer retention and reaction!

Anywho, I hope you all find it interesting, I will do my best to make these analysis, but during March and part of April I can't say for sure if I can keep up! I will make my best effort!

Your friendly neighborhood gamer with a suit!

Super Step Contributing Writer

02/28/2013 at 10:33 PM

Hey, I have no problem with discussing the fiscal side of things. Though I was a liberal arts guy in college myself (I have considered going back to get an MBA), frankly I think some people that bash companies for not making sequels to poor-selling games etc. are being a bit childish and unrealistic... but that's a blog in itself.

The last thing I needed our family CPA for was telling me Assistant Hall Directors don't need to file taxes, now it's exactly how much my freelance job will be taxed at the end of the year, given that it's not taken out until then, and my rate isn't always the same.

Very interested to read a fresh take on things, look forward to it.

ActivisionStoleMy360

02/28/2013 at 10:39 PM

Great! Though while there are CPA's that do taxes, the credential itself is more related to financial reporting and understanding of US GAAP. I am currently working through my Chartered Market Technician, as well as Chartered Financial Analyst. Most of my specialization revolves around that.

I spend a lot of time looking through financial statement, and oddly enough gaming one lol! I did my masters final project going through Activision's financial statements :p

02/28/2013 at 10:45 PM

That... explains a lot, actually (going through Activision statements for Master's) lol.

And yeah, our CPA does taxes. I've never actualy spoken with him that I know of, my dad usually relays the message to me.

Beerfan

02/28/2013 at 10:54 PM

Interesting. I am also a bit of a geezer. I also happen to be a CPA (and have a degree in finance). Unfortunately, I specialize in tax which means I am currently working 70 hours a week. Fun!

03/01/2013 at 06:47 AM

only 70? I mean I am doing HUD audits AND taxes and I think I am up to arond 90-110 :p

03/01/2013 at 06:24 PM

Damn, I would have to change firms. I generally max at around 75 hours. Fortunately, I work for a firm that is very fair.

thederpmaster

02/28/2013 at 11:24 PM

I can't wait to read future iterations of this. I love looking at the fiscal side of the industry as well as the creative side. Both are fascinating!

Justin Matkowski Staff Alumnus

02/28/2013 at 11:47 PM

This is an awesome idea! I'm looking forward to getting an "inside look" on the fiscal fine points of the gaming industry, especially how all the economic craziness is shifting the industry and influencing the ebb and flow of things.

Given that I am mostly right-side of the brain type person, I am always interested to see how people who think differently process and present information & opinions, especially those on the other end of the right brain, left brain spectrum. Looking forward to these man!

Surfcaster

03/01/2013 at 10:12 AM

My fiancee is a CMA, which I think with all the amalgamation going on makes her a CGA now or something? I actually work for in finance for the big telecom in our province. I don't work the numbers though, I'm a programmer, lol.

I'll be cool to see your analysis on the gaming industry!

PixlBit