Recent industry data reveals a sharp downturn in console hardware sales, while major film franchises undergo significant creative shifts. According to the latest report from Circana, video game console sales experienced a steep decline in May, with PlayStation 5 unit sales dropping 58% and Xbox Series hardware falling 12% compared to the same period last year. Simultaneously, the Five Nights at Freddy’s film franchise is moving forward with a new screenwriter, and Pixar has teased a new short film, Loving Dory.
Why Are Console Sales Slumping?
The gaming industry is currently facing a hardware slump driven largely by pricing. According to Circana’s monthly report, the PlayStation 5 reached its lowest unit sales volume since May 2000. The Xbox Series also had its worst May on record in terms of hardware unit sales.
According to Circana, the reasoning is put down to the large price spikes. Despite the hardware decline, software sales remain active, with 007 First Light securing the top spot in full-game dollar sales for the month of May.
Who Is Writing the Next ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ Movie?
The development of the Five Nights at Freddy’s film is moving forward with Gary Dauberman, known for his work on IT and The Nun, reportedly set as the writer. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project is at Atomic Monster and Universal.
While comments from actor Skeet Ulrich suggested that It Follows filmmaker David Robert Mitchell was up for the gig, that is not the case. Emma Tammi is expected to return as director, with game creator Scott Cawthon producing.
What Is New With Pixar and Sony Pictures?
In the animation sector, Pixar announced a new short film titled Loving Dory at the Annecy International Film Festival. The short features Ellen DeGeneres reprising her Finding Nemo role of Dory. Directed by Lou Hamou-Lhadj, the story follows Dory as she mistakes a plastic bag, which has lost its contents, as a sea creature near her and Nemo’s coral reef home.
Meanwhile, Sony Pictures has premiered a new featurette for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, one showcasing how the film honors some of the comic’s most famous covers. The footage includes some flashy footage of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man battling Michael Mando’s Scorpion. The film opens in cinemas on July 31st.
Key Takeaways
- Console Market: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series hardware units saw significant year-over-year declines in May due to pricing pressures.
- FNAF Sequel: Gary Dauberman has been reported as the writer for the Five Nights at Freddy’s film, with Emma Tammi expected to return to direct.
- Pixar Update: A new Dory-focused short, Loving Dory, is currently in the works with director Lou Hamou-Lhadj.
- Spider-Man Release: The new Spider-Man: Brand New Day film remains on track for its July 31 theatrical debut, featuring appearances by Tom Holland and Michael Mando.
Keep reading