Take-Two Interactive Stock (NASDAQ: TTWO)

Dernières nouvelles pour Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ:TTWO) Stock

Take-Two Interactive

Found in 1993, Take-Two consists of three wholly owned labels, Rockstar Games, 2K, and Zynga. The firm is one of the world's largest independent video game publishers on consoles, PCs, smartphones, and tablets. Take-Two's franchise portfolio is headlined by Grand Theft Auto and contains other well-known titles such as NBA 2K, Civilization, Borderlands, Bioshock, and Xcom. Zynga mobile titles include Farmville, Empires & Puzzles, and CSR Racing.

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. - Common Stock

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc

The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock&#39;s price. Do they really matter, though?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let&#39;s see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ttwo#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>).
Take-Two currently has an average brokerage recommendation&nbsp;of 1.32, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 25 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.32 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 25 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 20 are Strong Buy and two are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 80% and 8% of all recommendations.
<h2>Brokerage Recommendation Trends for TTWO</h2>
<img alt="Broker Rating Breakdown Chart for TTWO" class="chart" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/yesopchart/brokerage_bar/TTWO_10012024.png" style="width:100%" title="" /> 
While the ABR calls for buying Take-Two, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every &quot;Strong Sell&quot; recommendation, brokerage firms assign five &quot;Strong Buy&quot; recommendations.
In other words, their interests aren&#39;t always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock&#39;s price movement.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock&#39;s price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
<h2>ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks Rank</h2>
Although both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1-5, they are different measures altogether.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.
<h2>Is TTWO a Good Investment?</h2>
In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Take-Two, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 6.7% over the past month to $2.53.
Analysts&#39; growing optimism over the company&#39;s earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to soar in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for Take-Two.
Therefore, the Buy-equivalent ABR for Take-Two may serve as a useful guide for investors.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2343976/is-it-worth-investing-in-take-two-ttwo-based-on-wall-street-s-bullish-views?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-fundamental_analysis|average_broker_rating-2343976">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

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TTWO

Is It Worth Investing in Take-Two Based on Wall Street's Bullish Views?

Ubisoft Updates Financial Targets For FY2024-25; Assassin's Creed Shadows Set For February 14, 2025 Release; Q2 FY2024-25 Net Bookings Expected Around €350-€370M

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Communication Services sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>META</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$565.00</td>
<td>$25.4K</td>
<td>369</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GOOG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$39.6K</td>
<td>13.1K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ASTS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$70.5K</td>
<td>267</td>
<td>506</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TMUS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$29.2K</td>
<td>923</td>
<td>373</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CHTR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$30.1K</td>
<td>86</td>
<td>366</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RDDT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$27.7K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>152</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TTWO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$49.5K</td>
<td>2.9K</td>
<td>67</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DIS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/18/26</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$63.7K</td>
<td>525</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NFLX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$440.00</td>
<td>$26.2K</td>
<td>175</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• For META (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, is expiring today. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $565.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.4K, with a price of $253.0 per contract. There were 369 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3318 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For GOOG (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 28 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $170.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $39.6K, with a price of $198.0 per contract. There were 13155 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1727 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ASTS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASTS#NASDAQ">ASTS</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 847 day(s) on January 15, 2027. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $45.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $70.5K, with a price of $1410.0 per contract. There were 267 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 506 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding TMUS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 28 day(s) on October 18, 2024. Parties traded 75 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 21 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.2K, with a price of $390.0 per contract. There were 923 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 373 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CHTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHTR#NASDAQ">CHTR</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 182 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 58 contract(s) at a $240.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 14 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.1K, with a price of $520.0 per contract. There were 86 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 366 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For RDDT (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, is expiring today. Parties traded 50 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.7K, with a price of $555.0 per contract. There were 1674 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 152 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TTWO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 119 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 63 contract(s) at a $155.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $49.5K, with a price of $786.0 per contract. There were 2964 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 67 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For DIS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 819 day(s) on December 18, 2026. This event was a transfer of 25 contract(s) at a $80.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $63.7K, with a price of $2550.0 per contract. There were 525 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 25 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For NFLX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, is expiring today. Parties traded 1 contract(s) at a $440.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.2K, with a price of $26200.0 per contract. There were 175 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

ASTS

CHTR

GOOG

NFLX

RDDT

TMUS

9 Communication Services Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

In the latest trading session, Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ttwo#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) closed at $153.65, marking a +0.21% move from the previous day. This change lagged the S&amp;P 500&#39;s 1.7% gain on the day. Elsewhere, the Dow gained 1.26%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq added 2.51%.
Shares of the publisher of &quot;Grand Theft Auto&quot; and other video games witnessed a loss of 4.21% over the previous month, trailing the performance of the Consumer Discretionary sector with its gain of 2.85% and the S&amp;P 500&#39;s gain of 1.27%.
Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of Take-Two Interactive in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company is expected to report EPS of $0.42, down 65.85% from the prior-year quarter. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $1.45 billion, up 0.34% from the prior-year quarter.
In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $2.53 per share and a revenue of $5.61 billion, indicating changes of +0.8% and +5.28%, respectively, from the former year.
Any recent changes to analyst estimates for Take-Two Interactive should also be noted by investors. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts&#39; confidence in the company&#39;s business performance and profit potential.
Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. To take advantage of this, we&#39;ve established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.
The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 6.76% higher. Right now, Take-Two Interactive possesses a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
Digging into valuation, Take-Two Interactive currently has a Forward P/E ratio of 60.68. For comparison, its industry has an average Forward P/E of 15.85, which means Take-Two Interactive is trading at a premium to the group.
One should further note that TTWO currently holds a PEG ratio of 1.87. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company&#39;s expected earnings growth rate into account. The Toys - Games - Hobbies industry currently had an average PEG ratio of 1.27 as of yesterday&#39;s close.
The Toys - Games - Hobbies industry is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 209, positioning it in the bottom 18% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2338814/here-s-why-take-two-interactive-ttwo-gained-but-lagged-the-market-today?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-tale_of_the_tape|yseop_template_6v1-2338814">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Tech

Here's Why Take-Two Interactive Gained But Lagged the Market Today

As the gaming world eagerly awaits Rockstar Games' next big move, the burning question on everyone's mind is: &#8220;Will Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) make its anticipated 2025 release window, or could it be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/02/37215819/just-in-time-for-gta-6-sony-will-likely-launch-ps5-pro-in-2024-analysts-predict">delayed into 2026?&#8221; </a>
While official answers remain elusive, former Rockstar Games technical director Obbe Vermeij weighed in, offering some speculative insight that gamers and industry analysts are closely examining.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40779329/grand-theft-auto-6-licensing-dispute-martyn-ware-slams-rockstars-extremely-low-7-500-offer">Grand Theft Auto 6 Licensing Dispute: Martyn Ware Slams Rockstar&#8217;s &#8216;Extremely Low&#8217; $7,500 Offer</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">GTA 6&#8217;s Possible Delay?</h1>
Vermeij tweeted about the potential fate of GTA 6&#8217;s release window, IGN <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/will-gta-6-be-delayed-to-2026-one-ex-rockstar-dev-says-the-studio-probably-wont-be-able-to-make-that-call-until-may-2025">reported.</a>
Although he clarified he has no insider information, he pointed to past delays at Rockstar, particularly GTA 4, as a precedent.
GTA 4 was originally slated for release in October 2007. In August 2007, it was announced there would be a delay and the release would be in 2008. 
&#8220;The decision to delay GTA 4 was made four months or so before the original release date,&#8221; Vermeij explained. "Any further and it&#8217;s hard to make the call. Rockstar is probably not in a position to determine whether they will hit 2025 until May-ish."
If Rockstar were to follow a similar decision-making timeline for GTA 6, a decision on delaying the game could come as late as mid-2025, about four months before its expected fall release. This would mean that players won't know if GTA 6 will make the 2025 window until sometime around May of that year.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Rockstar&#8217;s Philosophy: Quality Over Speed</h1>
For a game as monumental as GTA 6, delays wouldn't come as a surprise, especially given Rockstar's reputation for releasing polished, high-quality titles. 
Vermeij reiterated Rockstar prioritizes making sure a game is completely ready before releasing it. He explained: &#8220;GTA 6 will sell for 10 plus years and there is no competition to worry about. They are not going to release the game until they&#8217;re 100% happy with it. No matter what it said in the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/12/36119465/gta-6-trailer-breaks-records-surpasses-108-million-views-in-less-than-48-hours-outshining-predeces"> trailer.</a>&#8220;
This philosophy aligns with the game studio's previous behavior, where the quality of their releases has been paramount. From the intricacies of Red Dead Redemption 2's open-world dynamics to the painstakingly detailed environments of the GTA series, Rockstar has always aimed to push the boundaries of what's possible in gaming.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Will Rockstar Stick To The 2025 Release Window?</h1>
Despite all the speculation, Rockstar and its parent company Take-Two Interactive Software Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) have held firm on the 2025 release window. In May 2024, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick told IGN: &#8220;We do feel highly confident that we&#8217;ll deliver GTA 6 in fall of 2025."
But,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/03/37919460/will-grand-theft-auto-6-get-pushed-to-2026-rockstar-in-office-mandate-could-delay-release"> internal conflicts over Rockstar&#8217;s return-to-office policy</a> have raised concerns about whether development could be slowed.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/05/38885362/gta-6-set-for-fall-2025-launch-take-two-ceo-reveals-announcement-will-be-consistent-with-marketing">GTA 6 Set For Fall 2025 Launch, Take-Two CEO Reveals: Announcement Will Be &#8216;Consistent&#8217; With Marketing Plan</a></li>
</ul>

Could GTA 6 Be Pushed To 2026? Insights From Former Rockstar Insider

According to investors and recent financial reports, the technology sector is experiencing broad weakness despite the buzz around artificial intelligence (AI). Many companies are still struggling with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40767784/nvidia-microsofts-ai-rally-hides-tech-sectors-underlying-weakness-warn-experts-ther" rel="noreferrer noopener">the recession that started in 2022</a>.
Gaming, Streaming Platform &amp; TV
Seven of the gaming industry&#8217;s biggest names—Epic Games, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EA#NASDAQ">EA</a>), Roblox Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBLX#NYSE">RBLX</a>), Microsoft Corp.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) Activision Blizzard, Mojang Studios,&nbsp;Tencent Holding Ltd. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCEHY#OTC">TCEHY</a>) Supercell, and UbiSoft Entertainment Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBSFF#OTC">UBSFF</a>) —are facing new accusations from the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) of deceiving players into <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40843191/epic-ea-ubisoft-face-accusations-of-deceit-over-in-game-purchases-eu-complaint-filed" rel="noreferrer noopener">overspending on&nbsp;in-game purchases</a>.
UbiSoft faces pressure from a minority shareholder to go private following the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40801168/ubisoft-is-mismanaged-shareholders-are-hostages-investor-demands-video-game-company-go-private-aft" rel="noreferrer noopener">release of&nbsp;Star Wars Outlaws</a>.
Martyn Ware, co-founder of the synth-pop band Heaven 17, has publicly rejected an offer from&nbsp;Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) Rockstar Games to license the group&#8217;s hit song &#8220;Temptation&#8221; in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40779329/grand-theft-auto-6-licensing-dispute-martyn-ware-slams-rockstars-extremely-low-7-500-offer" rel="noreferrer noopener">the upcoming&nbsp;Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6)</a>.
Netflix Inc&#8217;s&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>)&nbsp;mobile gaming catalog has surpassed 210 million downloads, marking a notable milestone in the streaming company&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40802898/netflix-games-hit-210m-downloads-which-game-took-the-no-1-spot" rel="noreferrer noopener">expansion into the&nbsp;gaming industry</a>.
Microsoft recent overhaul of Xbox Game Pass has brought significant changes to the subscription service, impacting how gamers access <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/40840369/microsofts-new-xbox-game-pass-tiers-which-games-will-you-lose" rel="noreferrer noopener">some of the industry&#8217;s&nbsp;anticipated titles</a>.
Pay-TV provider DirecTV lodged a complaint against Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>)&nbsp;with the&nbsp;Federal Communications Commission, accusing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40765624/disney-accused-of-bad-faith-negotiations-by-directv-in-fcc-complaint-ahead-of-trump-harris-" rel="noreferrer noopener">the mouse house of &#8220;bad faith&#8221; negotiations</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40808078/directv-and-disneys-couldnt-even-agree-on-bringing-abc-temporarily-back-for-the-trump-harris-debate" rel="noreferrer noopener">DirecTV And Disney&#8217;s Couldn&#8217;t Even Agree On Bringing ABC Temporarily Back For The Trump-Harris Debate</a>
Smartphones
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) introduced the&nbsp;iPhone 16&nbsp;series, which is &#8220;designed for Apple <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40780100/apple-intelligence-ready-iphone-16-with-faster-processor-dedicated-camera-button-announced-check-pri" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intelligence from the ground up,&#8221;</a>
The&nbsp;iPhone 16&nbsp;series will be powered by&nbsp;ARM&nbsp;Holdings&#8217; (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>) latest chip technology, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40766753/iphone-16-to-feature-arms-next-gen-ai-chip-technology-what-you-should-know-about-apples-move" rel="noreferrer noopener">designed to improve AI capabilities</a>.
Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40767418/iphone-16-series-production-data-unveiled-by-top-apple-analyst-9m-to-16m-units-shipments-for-august" rel="noreferrer noopener">iPhone 16 Series Production Data Unveiled By Top Apple Analyst: 9M To 16M Units Shipments For August And September Expected</a>
Apple&nbsp;has commenced the production of its newly launched iPhone 16 series in India, reflecting <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40826717/apples-iphone-production-move-to-india-signals-broader-tech-exodus-from-china-with-microsoft-and-ama" rel="noreferrer noopener">a broader trend among tech giants</a>.
Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 10, featuring <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40779019/apple-watch-series-10-announced-with-larger-display-thinner-design" rel="noreferrer noopener">a larger display and thinner design</a>. The company also announced the AirPods 4, with the price starting at $129, while the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40779374/apple-announces-airpods-4-with-wireless-charging-along-with-a-new-anc-variant-prices-start-at-129" rel="noreferrer noopener">AirPods 4 ANC is priced at $179</a>.
Apple is reportedly in discussions with&nbsp;Micron, Tata Group and other Indian chip manufacturers to procure <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40785446/apple-in-talks-with-micron-tata-group-to-secure-india-made-chips-for-locally-made-iphones" rel="noreferrer noopener">semiconductors for its locally-produced&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40785446/apple-in-talks-with-micron-tata-group-to-secure-india-made-chips-for-locally-made-iphones" rel="noreferrer noopener">iPhones</a>.
Chinese tech heavyweight&nbsp;Huawei Technologies&#8217;&nbsp;newest tri-fold smartphone, the&nbsp;Mate XT, attracted 1.3 million orders <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40765746/apples-iphone-16-launch-parade-on-monday-gets-rained-on-by-huawei-chinese-companys-tri-fold-phone-ge" rel="noreferrer noopener">within seven hours of opening reservations</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40765900/apple-watch-ultra-3-announcement-unlikely-at-mondays-glowtime-event-says-top-analyst-i-also-wouldnt" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Watch Ultra 3 Announcement Unlikely At Monday&#8217;s &#8216;Glowtime&#8217; Event, Says Top Analyst: &#8216;I Also Wouldn&#8217;t Rule Out…&#8217;</a>
Apple seems to have silently phased out its controversial FineWoven iPhone cases, as they are no longer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40809459/apple-quietly-phases-out-categorically-terrible-finewoven-iphone-cases-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">available on the company's website</a>.
Technology
Meta Platforms, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>),&nbsp;Snap&nbsp;Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNAP#NYSE">SNAP</a>), and&nbsp;ByteDance-owned&nbsp;TikTok have announced a joint initiative to combat&nbsp;the spread of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40846628/meta-snap-and-tiktok-come-together-to-combat-suicide-and-self-harm-content-online-will-share-signals" rel="noreferrer noopener">suicide and&nbsp;self-harm content online</a>.
In a strategic move to enhance its product offerings,&nbsp;Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) is reportedly contemplating the acquisition of certain <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40745239/apple-supplier-qualcomm-eyes-intel-units-to-bolster-product-line-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">segments of&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40745239/apple-supplier-qualcomm-eyes-intel-units-to-bolster-product-line-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel Corp. </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40745239/apple-supplier-qualcomm-eyes-intel-units-to-bolster-product-line-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>)</a>.
Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) rival&nbsp;Groq&nbsp;announced on Tuesday that it will deploy AI in Saudi Arabia in 2024, in partnership with&nbsp;Aramco Digital, at the ongoing Global <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40796193/groq-to-deploy-ai-in-saudi-arabia-with-aramco-aims-to-match-2023-microsoft-openai-capacity-by-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia</a>.
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) subsidiary&nbsp;Google&nbsp;underscored the importance of empowering users with fact-check tools amid the rising use of AI, at the third edition of the Global AI Summit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40788721/google-underscores-importance-of-empowering-users-with-fact-check-tools-amid-rising-use-of-ai" rel="noreferrer noopener">(GAIN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia</a>.
In response to a global IT outage triggered by a faulty software update,&nbsp;Microsoft has announced <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40791329" rel="noreferrer noopener">plans to host a cybersecurity summit</a>.
Microsoft has reportedly laid off 650 employees in its gaming division, months after the company laid off 1,900 employees following its&nbsp;$68.7 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40829756/microsoft-cuts-650-xbox-jobs-amid-restructuring-following-activision-blizzard-deal-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">billion acquisition&nbsp;of&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40829756/microsoft-cuts-650-xbox-jobs-amid-restructuring-following-activision-blizzard-deal-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Activision Blizzard</a>.
Samsung Electronics&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) instructed its global subsidiaries to decrease sales and marketing staff by around 15% <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40812318/samsung-to-reportedly-slash-global-workforce-by-up-to-30-in-certain-divisions-amid-intense-competiti" rel="noreferrer noopener">and administrative staff by up to 30%</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40826639/mark-zuckerberg-live-event-sold-out-stadium-meta-ceo-attracted-thousands-eager-to-hear-him-speak-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg Live Event Sold Out Stadium: Meta CEO Attracted Thousands Eager To Hear Him Speak On &#8216;The Next Decade Of Social, Technology, And AI&#8217;</a>
Elon Musk
Tesla&nbsp;and&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;has expressed his astonishment at&nbsp;YouTube&#8217;s&nbsp;decision to restrict teenagers&#8217;&nbsp;access <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40766389/elon-musk-expresses-disbelief-over-youtubes-restriction-on-fitness-videos-for-teens-globally-serious" rel="noreferrer noopener">to certain health and&nbsp;fitness videos</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40784773/elon-musk-liked-the-camera-on-iphone-15-but-iphone-16-doesnt-get-much-love-from-the-techno-king-here" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Liked The Camera On iPhone 15, But iPhone 16 Doesn&#8217;t Get Much Love From The Techno King: Here&#8217;s What He Said</a>
Musk revealed that Tesla's Dojo 2 supercomputer should be&nbsp;in volume production by the&nbsp;end of 2025. The tech mogul expressed confidence in Dojo's potential but noted that its true capabilities would only be known after the third <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40787336/elon-musk-reveals-timeline-for-teslas-dojo-supercomputer-upgrade-comparable-to-a-nvidia-b200-type-sy" rel="noreferrer noopener">major iteration, expected in late 2026</a>.
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI,&nbsp;the AI research lab,&nbsp;has launched a new model, ‘o1', which is the first in a series of "reasoning" models. This model can answer complex questions faster than a human. The company has also introduced a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/09/40842891/openai-unveils-o1-model-a-step-closer-to-human-like-ai-but-not-without-flaws" rel="noreferrer noopener">smaller, more affordable version, ‘o1-mini'</a>.
ChatGPT-parent&nbsp;OpenAI&nbsp;is reportedly in discussion to raise $6.5 billion in equity financing, which <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40825072/openais-valuation-could-skyrocket-to-150b-in-new-fundraising-positioning-it-among-the-worlds-most-va" rel="noreferrer noopener">could&nbsp;bring its valuation&nbsp;to $150 billion</a>.
OpenAI CEO&nbsp;Sam Altman faced backlash from&nbsp;ChatGPT&nbsp;subscribers after he responded to a user's<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40846309/sam-altman-wants-chatgpt-users-to-have-gratitude-for-magic-intelligence-in-the-sky-after-they-ask-ab" rel="noreferrer noopener"> question about&nbsp;new voice features</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40825968/bipartisan-coalition-of-42-state-ags-urges-congress-to-mandate-surgeon-general-warnings-on-social-me" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bipartisan Coalition Of 42 State AGs Urges Congress To Mandate Surgeon General Warnings On Social Media Apps Like TikTok, X, And Meta&#8217;s Instagram To Address Growing Mental Health Concerns</a>
Google's artificial intelligence model,&nbsp;PaLM2, has come under the radar of Europe's privacy watchdog over concerns <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40824870/google-ai-model-palm2-under-probe-for-data-regulations-breach-by-european-privacy-watchdog" rel="noreferrer noopener">related to the handling of personal data</a>.
Mark Cuban, the&nbsp;billionaire entrepreneur&nbsp;and&nbsp;part-owner of the&nbsp;Dallas Mavericks, has publicly praised&nbsp;Elon Musk&#8217;s AI chatbot,&nbsp;Grok, to Vice President&nbsp;Kamala Harris&#8217; immigration <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40767860/mark-cuban-praises-elon-musks-ai-chatbot-grok-for-answering-kamala-harris-pov-on-immigration-i-think" rel="noreferrer noopener">viewpoint, terming it as &#8220;accurate&#8221;</a>.

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Consumer Tech News (Sep 8-Sep 14): Gaming Industry Biggies Facing Accusations For Decieving Players, Apple Launches iPhone 16 & More

Netflix Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) mobile gaming catalog has surpassed 210 million downloads, marking a notable milestone in the streaming company's expansion into the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/gaming-industry">gaming industry. </a>
According to a <a href="https://mobilegamer.biz/lifetime-netflix-games-downloads-pass-210m-gta-san-andreas-hits-25m-says-appmagic/">report</a> from mobilegamer.biz, based on data from Appmagic, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas leads the platform, achieving 25.2 million lifetime downloads, making it the most popular game in Netflix&#8217;s lineup.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/01/36594962/netflix-games-download-surge-by-180-signaling-success-in-gaming-expansion">Netflix Games Download Surge by 180%, Signaling Success in Gaming Expansion</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rockstar Titles Lead The Pack</h3>
Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto franchise has performed strongly on Netflix, with San Andreas, Vice City, and GTA III collectively earning over 36 million downloads. 
San Andreas stands out with 25.2 million downloads, while Vice City and GTA III have achieved 7.8 million and 3.6 million downloads, respectively.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Variety In The Netflix Gaming Library</h3>
While Rockstar's GTA games top the charts, other titles in Netflix's gaming catalog have also gained traction. Annapurna's Storyteller has 15 million downloads, and Tilting Point's Spongebob: Get Cooking has reached 10.7 million downloads. 
Additional titles contributing to the platform's growth include Bloons TD 6 by Ninja Kiwi, which has hit 10 million downloads, and Too Hot to Handle by Nanobit, downloaded 8.98 million times. Football Manager 2024 Mobile by Sports Interactive is also a strong performer with 8.92 million downloads.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top Ten Netflix Games By Lifetime Downloads</h3>
<ol>
<li>GTA: San Andreas (Rockstar) – 25.2 million</li>
<li>Storyteller (Annapurna) – 15 million</li>
<li>Spongebob: Get Cooking (Tilting Point) – 10.7 million</li>
<li>Bloons TD 6 (Ninja Kiwi) – 10 million</li>
<li>Too Hot to Handle (Nanobit) – 8.98 million</li>
<li>Football Manager 2024 Mobile (Sports Interactive) – 8.92 million</li>
<li>GTA: Vice City (Rockstar) – 7.8 million</li>
<li>Asphalt Xtreme (Gameloft) – 6.2 million</li>
<li>Stranger Things: 1984 (Bonus XP) – 5.95 million</li>
<li>Farming Simulator 23 (Giants) – 5.8 million</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Monthly Performance: Recent Download Trends</h3>
Over the last month, GTA: San Andreas remained the top performer on Netflix's gaming platform, being the only title to exceed one million downloads during this period. 
Following closely were games like Too Hot to Handle 3 (848,000 downloads), Storyteller (696,000 downloads), Ludo King (620,000 downloads), and Netflix Stories (572,000 downloads).
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/07/39920465/netflix-to-launch-over-80-games-promises-new-releases-monthly">Netflix To Launch Over 80 Games, Promises New Releases Monthly</a></li>
</ul>
Image credits: Shutterstock.

Netflix Games Hit 210M Downloads: Which Game Took The No. 1 Spot?

Martyn Ware, co-founder of the synth-pop band Heaven 17, has publicly rejected an offer from Take-Two Interactive Software Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) Rockstar Games to license the group's hit song &#8220;Temptation&#8221; in the upcoming <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/gta-6">Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). </a>
Ware voiced his frustrations on social media, describing the fee offered as "extremely low" and accusing Rockstar of undervaluing the contribution that the track could make to the game's much-anticipated soundtrack.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/05/39076138/you-wont-believe-the-best-gaming-soundtrack-ever-rolling-stones-top-25-revealed">You Won&#8217;t Believe The Best Gaming Soundtrack Ever: Rolling Stone&#8217;s Top 25 Revealed</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Offer And Ware's Response</h3>
Rockstar's offer of $7,500 for the use of &#8220;Temptation&#8221; was not only a one-time buyout, but it also came with no future royalties, according to Ware.
"I was recently contacted by my publishers on behalf of Rockstar Games re the possibility of using Temptation on the new Grand Theft Auto 6," Ware tweeted. "Naturally excited about the immense wealth that was about to head my way, I scrolled to the bottom of the email re the offer…&#8221;
He continued: "IT WAS $7500 &#8211; for a buyout of any future royalties from the game &#8211; forever… To put this in context, Grand Theft Auto 6 grossed, wait for it… $8.6 BILLION. Ah, but think of the exposure… Go f&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A; yourself."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Impact Of Music In Grand Theft Auto</h3>
Rockstar is known for its expansive and carefully curated soundtracks, which have become a defining feature of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. 
With its in-game radio stations playing a wide variety of licensed tracks, the music in GTA games has often been celebrated for adding depth to the overall gameplay experience. 
Although Ware referenced a figure of $8.6 billion in potential revenue for GTA 6, this figure is speculative as the game has not yet been released. However, it's clear that expectations are high for the next installment in the franchise. 
GTA 5 has sold over 200 million copies and generated billions in revenue, making it one of the best-selling games of all time.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/02/37344456/another-rapper-confirms-appearance-in-gta-6-ima-be-on-there-dont-even-trip">Another Rapper Confirms Appearance In GTA 6: &#8216;Ima Be On There, Don&#8217;t Even Trip&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image credits: Shutterstock.

Entertainment

Grand Theft Auto 6 Licensing Dispute: Martyn Ware Slams Rockstar's 'Extremely Low' $7,500 Offer

<a href="https://x.com/jasonschreier/status/1833152426989191400" title="https://x.com/jasonschreier/status/1833152426989191400">https://x.com/jasonschreier/status/1833152426989191400</a>

Bloomberg Reporter Jason Schreier Posts On X "The internet (and my DMs) blew up this weekend over a rumor that GTA VI is delayed. Good news is that six Rockstar employees all told me they have not heard of any delay. Bad news: it's a big, ambitious game and could very well slip! Too much time left to say anything definitive"

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>META</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/06/24</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$36.7K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
<td>10.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GOOGL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/13/24</td>
<td>$157.50</td>
<td>$34.3K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>5.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SIRI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$3.00</td>
<td>$43.8K</td>
<td>3.2K</td>
<td>4.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RBLX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/06/24</td>
<td>$42.50</td>
<td>$25.2K</td>
<td>414</td>
<td>4.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ASTS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/13/24</td>
<td>$29.50</td>
<td>$78.3K</td>
<td>147</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMCSA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$42.50</td>
<td>$87.5K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PARA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
<td>$111.1K</td>
<td>19.9K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TTWO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/13/24</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$46.8K</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
<td>$44.2K</td>
<td>13.5K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DIS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/04/24</td>
<td>$93.00</td>
<td>$25.2K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>364</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• For META (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, is expiring today. Parties traded 210 contract(s) at a $500.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 23 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $36.7K, with a price of $175.0 per contract. There were 4526 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10302 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For GOOGL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 7 day(s) on September 13, 2024. This event was a transfer of 637 contract(s) at a $157.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 30 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.3K, with a price of $54.0 per contract. There were 1110 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5307 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding SIRI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SIRI#NASDAQ">SIRI</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 105 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 1900 contract(s) at a $3.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 23 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $43.8K, with a price of $23.0 per contract. There were 3298 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4351 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For RBLX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBLX#NYSE">RBLX</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, is expiring today. Parties traded 260 contract(s) at a $42.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 23 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.2K, with a price of $97.0 per contract. There were 414 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4117 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ASTS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASTS#NASDAQ">ASTS</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on September 13, 2024. Parties traded 364 contract(s) at a $29.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 35 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $78.3K, with a price of $215.0 per contract. There were 147 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3701 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CMCSA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 42 day(s) on October 18, 2024. Parties traded 2500 contract(s) at a $42.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $87.5K, with a price of $35.0 per contract. There were 4484 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2555 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PARA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NASDAQ">PARA</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 133 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 1950 contract(s) at a $10.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $111.1K, with a price of $57.0 per contract. There were 19919 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2015 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TTWO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 7 day(s) on September 13, 2024. This event was a transfer of 1800 contract(s) at a $165.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $46.8K, with a price of $26.0 per contract. There were 37 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1818 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding VZ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 42 day(s) on October 18, 2024. Parties traded 1300 contract(s) at a $43.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $44.2K, with a price of $34.0 per contract. There were 13592 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1441 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For DIS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 28 day(s) on October 4, 2024. This event was a transfer of 300 contract(s) at a $93.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.2K, with a price of $84.0 per contract. There were 1041 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 364 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

CMCSA

GOOGL

PARA

SIRI

10 Communication Services Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

Stifel analyst Drew Crum maintains Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $175 to $191.

Price Target

Stifel Maintains Buy on Take-Two Interactive, Raises Price Target to $191

Redburn Atlantic analyst Hamilton Faber initiates coverage on Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) with a Buy rating and announces Price Target of $194.

Initiation

Redburn Atlantic Initiates Coverage On Take-Two Interactive with Buy Rating, Announces Price Target of $194

Electronic Arts Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EA#NASDAQ">EA</a>) EA Sports College Football 25 made a striking debut in July, clinching the No. 1 spot on Newzoo&#8217;s overall revenue charts across key markets including the U.S., UK, Germany, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming">France, Spain, and Italy. </a>
This latest installment not only emerged as the best-selling sports game of the month but also secured the top position on both PlayStation and Xbox platforms, GamesIndustry.biz <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ea-sports-college-football-25-tops-revenue-charts-for-july-newzoo-charts">reported.</a>
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40586031/nba-2k25s-top-10-player-ratings-revealed-who-made-the-cut"> NBA 2K25&#8217;s Top 10 Player Ratings Revealed: Who Made The Cut?</a>
The success of EA Sports College Football 25 is noteworthy given its long-awaited return. Its strong performance in revenue is complemented by its solid showing in player engagement, ranking No. 17 for monthly active users.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New Releases And Rankings</h3>
July also saw notable new entries. Nexon Co Ltd&#8216;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEXOF#OTC">NEXOF</a>) The First Descendant made a significant impact by debuting at No. 5 on the revenue charts. The game attracted 10 million players within a week of its July 2 release, and it ranked No. 13 in terms of monthly active users. 
Additionally, Nintendo ADR&#8216;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) World Champions: NES Edition appeared at No. 17 in revenue, while it topped the charts on the Switch. Luigi's Mansion 3 also experienced a boost, climbing 29 spots on the Switch revenue charts following a price reduction.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top Performers Remain Strong</h3>
Established titles continued to perform well. Fortnite, while dropping to No. 2 in revenue, remained the top game by active users. EA Sports FC 24, Microsoft Corp.&#8217;s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, 3, and Warzone 2.0, and Take-Two Interactive Software Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) Grand Theft Auto 5 also maintained strong positions, reflecting their ongoing popularity.
Top 20 Games by Revenue (July 2024):
<ol>
<li>EA Sports College Football 25</li>
<li>Fortnite</li>
<li>EA Sports FC 24</li>
<li>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, 3, and Warzone 2.0</li>
<li>The First Descendant</li>
<li>Elden Ring</li>
<li>Grand Theft Auto 5</li>
<li>Valorant</li>
<li>NBA 2K24</li>
<li>Roblox</li>
<li>The Sims 4</li>
<li>Minecraft</li>
<li>League of Legends</li>
<li>World of Warcraft</li>
<li>Tom Clancy&#8217;s Rainbow Six: Siege</li>
<li>Destiny 2</li>
<li>Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition</li>
<li>Overwatch 1 and 2</li>
<li>Apex Legends</li>
<li>Dead by Daylight</li>
</ol>
Top 20 Games by Monthly Active Users (July 2024):
<ol>
<li>Fortnite</li>
<li>Minecraft</li>
<li>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, 3, and Warzone 2.0</li>
<li>Roblox</li>
<li>Grand Theft Auto 5</li>
<li>EA Sports FC 24</li>
<li>Rocket League</li>
<li>Tom Clancy&#8217;s Rainbow Six: Siege</li>
<li>Valorant</li>
<li>Elden Ring</li>
<li>Overwatch 1 and 2</li>
<li>The Sims 4</li>
<li>The First Descendant</li>
<li>Apex Legends</li>
<li>Destiny 2</li>
<li>NBA 2K24</li>
<li>EA Sports College Football 25</li>
<li>League of Legends</li>
<li>XDefiant</li>
<li>Madden NFL 24</li>
</ol>
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40514954/video-game-spending-jumps-10-in-july-2024-2025-growth-potential-is-significant-report">Video Game Spending Jumps 10% In July 2024, &#8216;2025 Growth Potential Is Significant&#8217;: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using Dall-E.

NEXOF

NTDOY

July's Top Revenue Game Was A Comeback For The Ages — Think College Football

Take-Two Interactive&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) NBA 2K has revealed the official top 10 player ratings for NBA 2K25, the updated version of the video game <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/nba-2k25-top-100-player-ratings-announced">released</a> by the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/nba">National Basketball Association (NBA).</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A Battle of the Titans</h1>
The top three spots in NBA 2K25 are a showcase of international talent, with all three players tied at a 97 overall rating. Leading the charge is reigning MVP Nikola Jokić:
<ol>
<li>Nikola Jokić &#8211; Denver Nuggets (97 overall)</li>
<li>Luka Dončić &#8211; Dallas Mavericks (97 overall)</li>
<li>Giannis Antetokounmpo &#8211; Milwaukee Bucks (97 overall)</li>
</ol>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40514954/video-game-spending-jumps-10-in-july-2024-2025-growth-potential-is-significant-report">Video Game Spending Jumps 10% In July 2024, &#8216;2025 Growth Potential Is Significant&#8217;: Report</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Veterans and Rising Stars</h1>
Moving down the list, familiar faces continue to hold their ground, with a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars:
<ol start="4">
<li>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander &#8211; Oklahoma City Thunder (96 overall)</li>
<li>Joel Embiid &#8211; Philadelphia 76ers (96 overall)</li>
<li>LeBron James &#8211; Los Angeles Lakers (95 overall)</li>
<li>Stephen Curry &#8211; Golden State Warriors (95 overall)</li>
<li>Jayson Tatum &#8211; Boston Celtics (95 overall)</li>
</ol>
James and Curry, both of whom have defined the NBA for over a decade, maintain strong positions with 95 overall ratings, proving that age is just a number.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Rounding Out the Top 10</h1>
The final spots in the top 10 feature a blend of scoring prowess and defensive strength:
<ol start="9">
<li>Kevin Durant &#8211; Phoenix Suns (94 overall)</li>
<li>Anthony Davis &#8211; Los Angeles Lakers (94 overall)</li>
</ol>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Just Missing the Cut</h1>
Not far behind are Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, all with 93 overall ratings.
2024 Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama also made a significant jump from an 84 overall in NBA 2K24 to a 91 in NBA 2K25, reflecting his rapid development and impact on the court.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">NBA 2K25 Editions and Release</h1>
NBA 2K25 will be available starting Sept. 6 on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series, Nintendo Switch and PC. This year's covers feature Jayson Tatum on the Standard Edition, WNBA champion A'ja Wilson on the WNBA and All-Star Editions, and NBA legend Vince Carter on the Hall of Fame Edition.
Read More:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40295357/ttwos-ceo-on-fifa-license-its-not-as-simple-as-it-seems-the-voice-actor-strikes-long-term-impact">TTWO&#8217;s CEO On FIFA License: &#8216;It&#8217;s Not As Simple&#8217; As It Seems; The Voice Actor Strike&#8217;s Long-Term Impact</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Courtesy of 2K Games via Steam.

Sports

NBA 2K25's Top 10 Player Ratings Revealed: Who Made The Cut?

California lawmakers are poised to vote on a&nbsp;bill regulating AI development despite significant <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/08/40484108/gavin-newsoms-california-wants-to-regulate-ai-but-its-facing-stiff-opposition-from-both-big-tech-as" rel="noreferrer noopener">opposition from major tech companies</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40469009/a-bar-of-pure-gold-is-now-worth-1-million-what-can-it-buy-you" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Bar Of Pure Gold Is Now Worth $1 Million: What Can It Buy You?</a>
Gaming
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) is expanding its Xbox Series S/X lineup &#8211; white discless Xbox Series X, special-edition 2TB &#8220;Galaxy Black&#8221; Xbox Series X, and 1TB Xbox Series S. All three models are set to launch in the U.S. on October 15, with other markets, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/08/40490994/microsoft-unveils-three-new-xbox-series-consoles-ahead-of-holiday-rush-everything-you-need-to-know" rel="noreferrer noopener">including Europe, to follow on October 29</a>.
Microsoft confirmed that subscribers to the Core and Standard tiers of the service might face extended wait times — up to 12 months or more — before gaining access to first-party titles previously&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40492071/xbox-game-pass-update-core-standard-tiers-face-up-to-12-month-wait-for-new-releases" rel="noreferrer noopener">available on the day of release</a>.
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) revealed Borderlands 4, the highly anticipated next installment in the iconic looter-shooter franchise, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40472835/take-two-interactive-software-shares-are-trading-higher-today-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">will be released in 2025</a>.
Ubisoft Entertainment&nbsp;SA (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBSFF#OTC">UBSFF</a>), known for blockbuster franchises like Assassin&#8217;s Creed and Tom Clancy&#8217;s series, dismissed 45 employees from its San Francisco studio and Red Storm <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40445836/ubisoft-cuts-45-more-jobs-in-latest-round-of-us-studio-layoffs" rel="noreferrer noopener">Entertainment in Cary, North Carolina</a>.
Square Enix Holdings Co&nbsp;Ltd (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQNXF#OTC">SQNXF</a>)&nbsp;has announced that Final Fantasy 16 will be available for PC starting September 17, 2024. This release comes after the game&#8217;s initial launch as a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40448062/square-enix-announces-final-fantasy-16-pc-release-date-and-pricing" rel="noreferrer noopener">PlayStation 5 exclusive in 2023</a>.
Minecraft Realms, the subscription-based service that allows players to create and join personal servers, has been experiencing significant connectivity issues since&nbsp;August 13, frustrating players who try to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40468142/minecraft-realms-crisis-why-your-server-might-be-offline" rel="noreferrer noopener">access their shared worlds</a>.
Technology
Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) internal organization chart has been leaked, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40479563/inside-googles-pixel-and-android-superunit-leaked-organization-chart-reveals-key-figures-in-charge-o" rel="noreferrer noopener">unveiling the key figures</a>&nbsp;in the newly merged&nbsp;Pixel,&nbsp;Android, and&nbsp;Google Chrome super unit.
Google-owned&nbsp;YouTube has launched a new AI assistant designed to aid users <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40506723/justin-bieber-eminem-drake-and-linus-tech-tips-had-their-youtube-accounts-hacked-the-streaming-giant" rel="noreferrer noopener">in recovering hacked accounts</a>.
CrowdStrike Holdings Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) president,&nbsp;Michael Sentonas, has&nbsp;criticized competitors like&nbsp;SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/S#NYSE">S</a>) and&nbsp;Trellix for allegedly exploiting global outage <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40498671/crowdstrike-president-strikes-back-against-competition-capitalizing-on-global-microsoft-windows-outa" rel="noreferrer noopener">situation&nbsp;to promote their products</a>.
Atari SA (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PONGF#OTC">PONGF</a>) has announced the upcoming release of the Atari 7800 Plus, a modern recreation of the original <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/08/40468981/atari-unveils-7800-plus-console-with-hdmi-retro-compatibility" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atari 7800&nbsp;console from the 1980s</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40482965/angel-investor-nikita-bier-once-displayed-a-giant-painting-of-tim-cook-overlooking-facebook-ceo-mark" rel="noreferrer noopener">Angel Investor Nikita Bier Once Displayed A Giant Painting Of Tim Cook Overlooking Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Desk — And The Latter Wasn&#8217;t Too Impressed</a>
Smartphones
The upcoming&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) iPhone 16 Pro lineup&nbsp;will reportedly feature a new color, &#8220;Desert Titanium,&#8221; in addition to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40434659/apple-iphone-16-pro-to-debut-desert-titanium-color-alongside-four-classic-options-industry-insider-r" rel="noreferrer noopener">existing four color options</a>.
According to a report by an industry insider, Apple expects to launch the highly anticipated&nbsp;iPhone 16 series<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40461257/apple-iphone-16-launch-date-reportedly-set-for-sept-10-heres-everything-we-know-about-cupertinos-upc" rel="noreferrer noopener"> at an event on September 10</a>.
Apple is preparing to launch its fourth&nbsp;iPhone&nbsp;assembly unit in India. The new plant, set up by&nbsp;Tata Electronics, is located in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, and is expected to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/08/40434381/apple-to-expand-indian-footprint-as-tata-sets-up-countrys-4th-iphone-assembly-plant-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">begin operations in November</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40432158/why-apple-is-plowing-billions-of-dollars-into-a-project-that-wont-have-a-payoff-near-term-gurman-wei" rel="noreferrer noopener">Why Apple Is Plowing Billions Of Dollars Into A Project That Won&#8217;t Have A Payoff Near Term: Gurman Weighs In</a>
Apple is set to bid farewell to its App Store head,&nbsp;Matt Fischer, who has been at the helm of&nbsp;the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40498151/apple-app-store-team-sees-major-shakeup-as-business-head-matt-fischer-heads-for-the-exit" rel="noreferrer noopener">App Store business since&nbsp;2010</a>.
Apple has reportedly delayed the mass production of its&nbsp;highly anticipated folding&nbsp;MacBook, according to&nbsp;Ming-Chi Kuo, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40502596/apple-delays-production-of-highly-anticipated-foldable-macbook-due-to-technical-issues-says-top-anal" rel="noreferrer noopener">a well-known analyst</a>.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Google and the&nbsp;Amazon-backed AI startup&nbsp;Anthropic, a rival to&nbsp;ChatGPT&#8217;s parent company OpenAI, is facing a class-action lawsuit filed by three authors, Andrea Bartz,&nbsp;Charles Graeber, and&nbsp;Kirk Wallace Johnson, alleging copyright infringement<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40477058/google-amazon-backed-openai-rival-anthropic-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-alleged-copyright-infrin" rel="noreferrer noopener"> in the training of its AI chatbot</a>.
ChatGPT-parent&nbsp;OpenAI announced a multi-year content partnership <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40477338/chatgpt-maker-openai-forges-content-partnership-with-vogue-and-new-yorker-publisher-cond-nast-amid-c" rel="noreferrer noopener">with media conglomerate&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40477338/chatgpt-maker-openai-forges-content-partnership-with-vogue-and-new-yorker-publisher-cond-nast-amid-c" rel="noreferrer noopener">Condé Nast</a>.
Amazon Web Services CEO&nbsp;Matt Garman reportedly hinted at the possibility of artificial intelligence taking over a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40478216/amazon-web-services-ceo-predicts-ai-could-soon-dominate-coding-being-a-developer-in-2025-may-be-diff" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant&nbsp;portion of coding tasks</a>.
Renowned tech reviewer&nbsp;Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD, recently commented on&nbsp;Procreate&#8217;s&nbsp;decision to reject generative AI integration, sparking a lively <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40462682/mkbhd-weighs-in-on-procreate-ceos-hate-generative-ai-stance-take-notes-adobe-but-wonder-if-they-ever" rel="noreferrer noopener">discussion on the future of digital art tools</a>.
Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40485895/trump-calls-elon-musk-a-fantastic-guy-while-talking-about-x-love-the-job-he-has-done-and-he-has-boug" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Calls Elon Musk A &#8216;Fantastic Guy&#8217; While Talking About X: &#8216;Love The Job He Has Done And He Has Bought A Certain Voice Back Into Play&#8217;</a>
Image Credits &#8211; Shutterstock

Media

CRWD

PONGF

SQNXF

California May Vote For AI Development Regulation, Mass Production Of Folding MacBook Delayed & More: Consumer Tech News (Aug 18-Aug 24)

The U.S. video game industry saw a notable 10% increase in spending this July compared to the same time last year, according to Circana's latest<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/07/39779849/gaming-industry-revenues-to-hit-307-billion-by-2027-analysis"> report. </a>
This resurgence was evident across all categories — hardware, content, and accessories — indicating a market bouncing back from previous declines.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40403494/gaming-industry-shows-signs-of-recovery-in-2024-report">Gaming Industry Shows Signs Of Recovery In 2024: Report</a>
<a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/circana-reports-10-uplift-in-us-game-spending-but-admits-this-will-continue-to-be-a-difficult-year">According </a>to GamesIndustry.biz, in July 2024, total video game sales reached $4.77 billion, a solid increase from the $4.35 billion reported in July 2023. 
Year-to-date figures also reflected positive momentum, with total sales reaching $32.09 billion, marking a 2% growth compared to the previous year. These figures show a revival in consumer engagement, likely driven by highly anticipated releases and the promise of new hardware on the horizon.
Among the top drivers of this upswing is Electronic Arts Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EA#NASDAQ">EA</a>) EA Sports College Football 25, which Circana identified as the best-selling game of the year, so far.
However, the industry's overall outlook for 2024 remains cautious. Mat Piscatella, video game industry advisor at Circana, pointed out: "This will continue to be a difficult year for video game manufacturers and publishers, as an overall spending decline, albeit in the low single-digits, is expected." 
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A New Gaming Era: 2025 and Beyond</h1>
Circana's Future of Video Games Report paints a more optimistic picture for 2025, predicting a significant rebound. This positive forecast hinges on the launch of Nintendo ADR's (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) next-generation hardware platform and the highly anticipated release of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) Grand Theft Auto 6, which Piscatella believes could become "the biggest entertainment launch in U.S. history."
Digital delivery continues to be a strong trend, with Circana projecting ongoing dominance in this area. The report notes that &#8220;forever&#8221; games like Fortnite and Roblox will continue to capture significant player time, potentially reshaping how new titles compete for attention.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Hardware Declines Offset By Emerging Trends</h1>
While video game hardware revenue is expected to decline this year due to lower average prices and fewer units sold, Circana highlights an interesting shift. 
More players are turning to easily accessible platforms such as PCs and mobile devices, helping to cushion the blow to traditional console sales. The report explicitly mentions Valve's Steam Deck as an &#8220;emerging and exciting area of video game hardware.&#8221; 
&#8220;The transition to the new normal in the video game market has not been painless,&#8221; Piscatella added. Still, he remains confident about the long-term prospects: "The long-term outlook remains optimistic, with 2025 in particular carrying significant growth potential."
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40142681/bestselling-games-of-june-2024-can-you-guess-why-elden-ring-is-1">Bestselling Games Of June 2024: Can You Guess Why Elden Ring Is #1?</a></li>
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This image was made using artificial intelligence.

Video Game Spending Jumps 10% In July 2024, '2025 Growth Potential Is Significant': Report

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SIRI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/13/24</td>
<td>$3.50</td>
<td>$80.0K</td>
<td>16.8K</td>
<td>26.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>META</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/23/24</td>
<td>$530.00</td>
<td>$56.2K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td>8.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DJT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/30/24</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$25.7K</td>
<td>742</td>
<td>4.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GOOGL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$161.2K</td>
<td>6.8K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PINS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$33.00</td>
<td>$32.7K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ASTS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$26.6K</td>
<td>409</td>
<td>508</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RDDT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$52.50</td>
<td>$68.9K</td>
<td>164</td>
<td>399</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LUMN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$7.00</td>
<td>$33.0K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TTWO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$49.0K</td>
<td>382</td>
<td>206</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TDS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$67.8K</td>
<td>102</td>
<td>115</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For SIRI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SIRI#NASDAQ">SIRI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 23 day(s) on September 13, 2024. This event was a transfer of 5000 contract(s) at a $3.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $80.0K, with a price of $16.0 per contract. There were 16839 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 26263 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For META (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 2 day(s) on August 23, 2024. This event was a transfer of 150 contract(s) at a $530.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $56.2K, with a price of $375.0 per contract. There were 1569 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 8940 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding DJT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 9 day(s) on August 30, 2024. Parties traded 148 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.7K, with a price of $172.0 per contract. There were 742 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4993 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding GOOGL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 212 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 250 contract(s) at a $150.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $161.2K, with a price of $645.0 per contract. There were 6829 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2291 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PINS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PINS#NYSE">PINS</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 86 day(s) on November 15, 2024. This event was a transfer of 130 contract(s) at a $33.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 11 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.7K, with a price of $253.0 per contract. There were 1987 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1332 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ASTS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASTS#NASDAQ">ASTS</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 37 day(s) on September 27, 2024. Parties traded 35 contract(s) at a $35.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.6K, with a price of $760.0 per contract. There were 409 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 508 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For RDDT (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 58 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $52.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $68.9K, with a price of $689.0 per contract. There were 164 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 399 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding LUMN (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUMN#NYSE">LUMN</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 239 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 150 contract(s) at a $7.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.0K, with a price of $220.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 300 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TTWO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 149 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $190.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $49.0K, with a price of $245.0 per contract. There were 382 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 206 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TDS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDS#NYSE">TDS</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 30 day(s) on September 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 115 contract(s) at a $15.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $67.8K, with a price of $590.0 per contract. There were 102 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 115 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

LUMN

PINS

10 Communication Services Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

WIIM

Take-Two Interactive shares are trading higher after Benchmark raised its price target on the stock from $200 to $210.

B of A Securities analyst Omar Dessouky maintains Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) with a Buy and maintains $185 price target.

B of A Securities Maintains Buy on Take-Two Interactive, Maintains $185 Price Target

Benchmark analyst Mike Hickey maintains Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $200 to $210.

Benchmark Maintains Buy on Take-Two Interactive, Raises Price Target to $210

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Analysts Offer Insights on Communication Services Companies: Alphabet Class A (GOOGL) and Take-Two (TTWO)

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ACHC

ADBE

ADPT

AFRM

AMAT

AMZN

APOS

AQST

ARIS

AVGO

BBIO

BILL

BMRN

CCCS

CHEF

COHR

CPAY

CVEO

DASH

DDOG

DLTR

DOCU

EPRT

ESPO

ESTC

EWTX

EXAS

FDMT

FERG

FIVE

FOXA

GDDY

GLOB

GRAB

GRABW

HUBS

IBKR

ILMN

INBX

INTA

KVUE

LBPH

LBTYA

LRCX

LWAY

MCHP

MKSI

MTCH

NAMS

NECB

NONOF

NWSA

OKLO

OKTA

ORIC

PCOR

PEGA

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PHVS

PLOW

PLTK

POWL

PSTG

RERE

ROIV

RPRX

SAIC

SBAC

SFTBY

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SKYW

SMAR

SOCL

SPXU

SPYG

TILE

TOST

TRVI

TSLA

TSMWF

UBER

UBSFY

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VEEV

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VKTX

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WDAY

Press Releases

Ball Over Everything: NBA® 2K25 Features NBA Champion Jayson Tatum, Two-Time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson, and Hall-of-Fame Legend Vince Carter as Cover Athletes

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. to Report First Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Results on Thursday, August 8, 2024

Zynga's Game of Thrones: Legends Now Available Worldwide with Launch Trailer Starring Kit Harington

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Reports Results for Fiscal First Quarter 2025

Borderlands® 4 Coming In 2025

Uncover the Origins of Organized Crime in Mafia: The Old Country, Coming in 2025

Sid Meier's Civilization® VII Launching Worldwide on February 11, 2025

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