Release – GameSquare Esports Inc. and Engine Gaming & Media, Inc. Enter Definitive Arrangement Agreement

Research, News, and Market Data on GAME

12/08/2022

Combination creates end to end digital media and technology platform connecting global brands with gaming and youth culture audiences

GameSquare Esports shareholders are expected to own approximately 60% of combined company, and Engine Gaming shareholders are expected to own approximately 40% of the combined company which will trade on the NASDAQ and TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol GAME

TORONTO, ON and NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 8, 2022 / GameSquare Esports Inc. (CSE:GSQ);(OTCQB:GMSQF);(FRA:29Q1) (“GameSquare”), a vertically integrated, international digital media and entertainment company focused on gaming and esports, and Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (“Engine Gaming” or “Engine”) (NASDAQ:GAME);(TSXV:GAME), a data-driven, gaming, media and influencer marketing platform company, today announced that they have entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the “Arrangement”) dated December 7, 2022to combine their businesses via an all share deal, whereby each common share of GameSquare (a “Gamesquare Share”) will be exchanged for 0.08262 Engine Gaming common shares (the “Engine Gaming Shares”).

Following the all-share transaction, former GameSquare Esports shareholders are expected to own approximately 60% of the combined entity, and current Engine Gaming shareholders are expected to own approximately 40% of the combined entity on a fully diluted basis, and it is intended that the Engine Gaming Shares will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market (the “Nasdaq”) and TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) under the symbol “GAME.” The combined entity will retain the “GameSquare” brand globally.

Justin Kenna is expected to lead the combined company as CEO and Lou Schwartz is expected to oversee the combined company’s technology platforms, as President. In addition, Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and John Goff, Chairman and Founder of Goff Capital, Inc. will continue to be the largest investors of the combined entity. Representatives of the Jones Family and of Goff Capital will continue to hold significant board representation of the new company.

The combined company integrates GameSquare’s award winning content, advertiser, and influencer businesses with Engine’s market leading data, analytics, advertising and marketing technology platforms. The transaction creates a market leading, end-to-end platform with reach across esports, sports, influencer, publisher, and advertising networks for brands to connect with the increasingly difficult to reach youth culture audiences. The combined company will provide global brands and advertisers with solutions that develop innovative strategies to connect to youth audiences.

“Today’s announcement is a transformative opportunity for our customers, team members, and shareholders, as we build what we believe will be one of the world’s largest and most influential gaming, esports, and media companies focused on youth culture,” said Justin Kenna, CEO of GameSquare. “The merger immediately expands our scale, which we expect will help us on an accelerated path to profitability in 2023, while creating an organization with a leading platform of end-to-end media, content, and technology assets. GameSquare and Engine Gaming have highly complementary core strengths, including broad product portfolios, and passionate team members committed to the gaming and esports markets. As a combined organization, we will have an enhanced platform and expanded resources, including essential data and analytic solutions, to serve a broader base of global customers and accelerate growth. I am excited by the significant opportunities we will have as a combined company to create substantial value for our shareholders.”

“We are thrilled to announce the merger with GameSquare,” commented Lou Schwartz, CEO of Engine Gaming. “Engine Gaming’s unique technology assets, including live streaming data, analytics, influencer marketing platform, and programmatic advertising solutions enhance and expand GameSquare’s capabilities in connecting brands with fans. As a full service, integrated company, we will be able to meet the needs of any brand sponsor through our SaaS revenue-based technology platforms. We believe the combined company will drive powerful growth and scale, while enabling an accelerated path to profitability.”

Tom Rogers, Executive Chairman of Engine Gaming added, “This merger is the successful culmination of our previously announced strategic alternatives process. We believe the merger between GameSquare and Engine provides strong potential return for shareholders, and allows Engine’s stockholders to participate in the value creation of the combined company. The transaction satisfies all the announced goals of the strategic process – greater scale, catalyzing growth, and significant cost and revenue synergies.

Transaction Highlights:

  • Significant financial profile. GameSquare and Engine Gaming, combined, have delivered $70+ million of trailing twelve-month revenue (unaudited), reflecting a nearly doubling of revenues over that same period.[1]
  • Enhanced financial predictability. The transaction is expected to improve the recurring and reoccurring revenue profile of the combined business. Management believes that a larger, predictable revenue profile from the entity’s agency, programmatic, SaaS, sponsorships, and league fees provide an improved financial foundation for accelerated growth.
  • Highly complementary businesses. Management believes that the businesses within Engine Gaming and GameSquare are highly complementary and expect significant opportunities for revenue synergies and acceleration of growth. The combination of creative digital agencies, an influencer marketing platform, innovative advertising solutions, leading programmatic businesses, an elite esports organization, audience intelligence technology, content production, and merchandise and consumer product design means that the new entity will have an unrivaled end-to-end suite of services for brands seeking to reach gaming and esports fans.
  • Global client base with limited cross over. Management believes the limited overlap of existing brands and clients will provide numerous opportunities for cross selling and optimization, to delivering more outstanding outcomes to our clients, including The Kraft Heinz Group, Tyson Foods, Jack in the Box, Converse, HyperX, Epic Games, Microsoft, the Dallas Cowboys, Riot Games, Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and many more.
  • Large audience in gaming and esports Management believes that the combination of GameSquare and Engine Gaming may result in an audience and reach as large as any gaming and esports company currently in the market. Specifically, GameSquare has an audience of 220 million and Engine has 130 million monthly followers within the advertising network.
  • Improved access to U.S. investors and capital. The combined entity intends to retain Nasdaq and TSXV dual listing under the ticker GAME. Management believes that access to the U.S. financial markets as a gaming and esports company with significant revenue scale could represent an opportunity for valuation rerating catalyst for the combined company.
  • Accelerated path to profitability. The combined entity is expected be on an accelerated path to profitability in 2023 as it benefits from significant operating leverage, outsized revenue growth, and meaningful cost synergies created by the new Company.
  • Experienced management and board of directors. The Company expects to greatly benefit from substantial experience of the post-Transaction management team and a strong board of directors. The leadership team will be composed of executives from GameSquare and Engine Gaming that will have deep managerial expertise supported by the talented staff and leaders throughout the two companies.

Additional Details regarding the Arrangement
Under the Arrangement, Engine Gaming will issue to GameSquare shareholders 0.08262 Engine Gaming Shares in exchange for each GameSquare Share held (the “Exchange Ratio”). Based on the number of outstanding GameSquare Shares as of the date of this press release, it is expected that Engine Gaming will issue an aggregate of approximately 25,409,372 Engine Gaming Shares to GameSquare shareholders. All warrants, stock options and restricted share units of GameSquare will be exchanged for replacement warrants, stock options and restricted share units of Engine Gaming on identical terms, as adjusted in accordance with the Exchange Ratio and the Consolidation (as defined below), if applicable.

The Arrangement is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2023. The completion of the Arrangement is subject to customary terms and conditions, including the following: approval of the Arrangement by Engine Gaming and GameSquare shareholders; court approval of the Arrangement; and, receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including acceptance by the TSXV.

Prior to closing of the Arrangement, Engine Gaming shall apply to list the post-closing Engine Gaming Shares on the Nasdaq and TSXV. There can be no assurances that Nasdaq or TSXV will accept such listing.

If required, in order to comply with policies of the Nasdaq, prior to or concurrently with closing of the Arrangement, Engine Gaming may consolidate the Engine Gaming Shares based on a consolidation ratio to be determined by Engine Gaming at such time (the “Consolidation”).

Engine Gaming and GameSquare are arm’s length.

Board Recommendations and Shareholder Approvals
The board of directors of each of Engine Gaming and GameSquare, after receiving financial and legal advice, have unanimously approved the Arrangement and recommend that their respective shareholders vote in favor of the Arrangement. Evans & Evans, Inc. has provided an opinion to the board of directors of GameSquare stating that, based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations, and qualifications set forth therein, the consideration to be received by the GameSquare Shareholders pursuant to the Arrangement is fair, from a financial point of view to the GameSquare Shareholders. Haywood Securities Inc. has provided an opinion to the board of directors of Engine Gaming stating that, based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations, and qualifications set forth therein, the Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view to the Engine Gaming Shareholders.

The Arrangement requires approval by at least 66.67% of the holders of the GameSquare Shares who vote at the meeting. It is expected that all proportionate voting shares of GameSquare shall be converted to GameSquare Shares prior to the meeting of the GameSquare Shareholders to approve the Arrangement.

Pursuant to the policies of the TSXV, the Arrangement requires approval of at least a majority of Engine Gaming Shareholders.

Board and Management
The board of directors of Engine Gaming following the Arrangement are anticipated to be comprised of Justin Kenna, Tom Walker, Travis Goff and Jerami Gorman, who are currently directors of GameSquare, as well as Tom Rogers who will be Executive Chairman of the Board, Lou Schwartz, and Stu Porter who are currently directors of Engine Gaming. These directors shall hold office until the first annual meeting of the shareholders of the Resulting Issuer following closing, or until their successors are duly appointed or elected.

The officers of the Resulting Issuer are anticipated to be Justin Kenna as Chief Executive Officer (currently Chief Executive Officer of GameSquare), Lou Schwartz as President ( currently Director, and Chief Executive Officer of Engine Gaming), Mike Munoz as Chief Financial Officer (currently Chief Financial Officer of Engine Gaming), Sean Horvath as Chief Revenue Officer (currently Chief Revenue Officer of GameSquare), Paolo DiPasquale as Chief Strategy Officer (currently Chief Strategy Officer of GameSquare), John Wilk as General Counsel (currently General Counsel of Engine Gaming), Matt Ehrens as Chief Technology Officer (currently Chief Technology Officer of Engine Gaming), and Jill Peters as Chief Media Officer (currently Chief Operations Officer of GameSquare).

About GameSquare Esports Inc.
GameSquare was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on December 13, 2018. GameSquare is a vertically integrated, international digital media and entertainment company enabling global brands to connect and interact with gaming and esports fans. GameSquare owns a portfolio of companies including Code Red Esports Ltd., an esports talent agency serving the UK, GCN, a digital media company focusing on the gaming and esports audience based in Los Angeles, USA., Cut+Sew (Zoned), a gaming and lifestyle marketing agency based in Los Angeles, USA, Complexity Gaming, a leading esports organization operating in the United States, Fourth Frame Studios, a multidisciplinary creative production studio, and Mission Supply, a merchandise and consumer products business. The Company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Year ended December 31, 2021*

Assets $30,209,519

Liabilities $7,839,020

Revenues $13,687,889

Gross Profit $4,437,258

Net Profit (losses) ($26,556,311)

*Denotes all values in Canadian dollars as at time of reporting (started reporting to USD in 2022)

About Engine Gaming and Media, Inc.
Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (NASDAQ:GAME);(TSXV:GAME) provides unparalleled live streaming data and social analytics, influencer relationship management and monetization, and programmatic advertising to support the world’s largest video gaming companies, brand marketers, ecommerce companies, media publishers and agencies to drive new streams of revenue. The company’s subsidiaries include Stream Hatchet, the global leader in gaming video distribution analytics; Sideqik, a social influencer marketing discovery, analytics, and activation platform; and Frankly Media, a digital publishing platform used to create, distribute, and monetize content across all digital channels. Engine Gaming generates revenue through a combination of software-as-a-service subscription fees, managed services, and programmatic advertising. For more information, please visit www.enginegaming.com.

Year ended August 31, 2022

Assets $42,694,808

Liabilities $26,808,217

Revenues $41,882,613

Net Profit (losses) ($14,478,598)

*GAME does not provide gross margins

Advisors
Oak Hills Securities, Inc. served as GameSquare’s exclusive financial advisor. Evans & Evans, Inc. is acting as financial advisor to GameSquare on the Arrangement and Haywood Securities Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Engine Gaming on the Arrangement. Polsinelli PC and Miller Thomson LLP are acting as counsel to GameSquare on the Arrangement and Fogler, Rubinoff LLP and Dorsey Whitney LLP are acting as counsel to Engine Gaming on the Arrangement.

Contact
GameSquare Esports Inc.

For further information, please contact Investor Relations for GameSquare Esports Inc.:
Paolo DiPasquale, Chief Strategy Officer
Phone: (216) 464-6400
Email: IR@gamesquare.com

Andrew Berger
Phone: (216) 464-6400
Email: IR@gamesquare.com

Engine Gaming and Media, Inc.

For further information, please contact Investor Relations for Engine Gaming & Media, Inc.:
Shannon Devine
MZ North America
Main: 203-741-8811
GAME@mzgroup.us

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements“) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the combined entity’s future performance and revenue; continued growth and profitability; the combined entity’s ability to execute its business plans; and the proposed use of net proceeds of the Offering. These forward-looking statements are provided only to provide information currently available to Engine Gaming and GameSquare and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, assurance or definitive statement of fact or probability. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions which include, but are not limited to: the combined entity being able to grow its business and being able to execute on its business plan, the combined entity being able to complete and successfully integrate acquisitions, the combined entity being able to recognize and capitalize on opportunities and the combined entity continuing to attract qualified personnel to supports its development requirements. These assumptions, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: Engine Gaming and GameSquare’s ability to complete the Arrangement; the combined entity’s ability to achieve its objectives, the combined entity’s successfully executing its growth strategy, the ability of the combined entity to obtain future financings or complete offerings on acceptable terms, failure to leverage the combined entity’s portfolio across entertainment and media platforms, dependence on the combined entity’s key personnel and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties including impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and any variants. These risk factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Engine Gaming and GameSquare which are discussed in each of Engine Gaming and GameSquare’s most recent MD&A. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Engine Gaming and GameSquare assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Completion of the Arrangement is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Arrangement cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Arrangement will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Engine Gaming and GameSquare should be considered highly speculative.

This press release is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States. The securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

[1] Financial statements of GameSquare and Engine Gaming are available for review on each company’s respective profile at www.sedar.com and summary financial results are provided below.

SOURCE: GameSquare Esports Inc.



View source version on accesswire.com:
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Engine Gaming and Media (GAME) – Is A Merger In Its Future?


Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (NASDAQ:GAME) (TSX-V:GAME) provides premium social sports and esports gaming experiences, as well as unparalleled data analytics, marketing, advertising, and intellectual property to support its owned and operated direct-to-consumer properties, while also providing these services to enable its clients and partners. The company’s subsidiaries include Stream Hatchet, the global leader in gaming video distribution analytics; Sideqik, a social influencer marketing discovery, analytics, and activation platform; WinView Games, a social predictive play-along gaming platform for viewers to play while watching live events; and Frankly Media, a digital publishing platform used to create, distribute and monetize content across all digital channels. Engine Media generates revenue through a combination of direct-to-consumer fees, streaming technology and data SaaS-based offerings, and programmatic advertising. For more information, please visit www.enginegaming.com.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Patrick McCann, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Q4 results. The company reported quarterly revenue of $11.5 million, ahead of our estimate of $9.5 million. An adj. EBITDA loss of $4.0 million was in line with our expectations, illustrated in Figure #1 Q4 Variance. Q4 punctuated a year in which the company’s Advertising and SaaS businesses grew 29% and 16%, respectively.

Strong advertising revenue. Advertising revenue grew 29% sequentially to $9 million in the quarter, on the back of strong CPMs and RPMs. Management noted that CPM and RPM growth was 30% in 2022. The Advertising revenue growth is particularly noteworthy given the challenging economic environment.  


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Release – Engine Gaming & Media, Inc. Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results

Research, News, and Market Data on GAME

11/29/2022

~ FY 2022 record revenue of $41.9 million, up from $33.3 million YoY, an increase of 26% ~

~ Fiscal fourth quarter revenues of $11.5 million, up 24% on a sequential basis compared to the fiscal third quarter of 2022 ~

~ FY 2022 net loss improved $26.2 million to $14.5 million YoY, compared to a net loss of $40.7 million ~

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2022 / Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (“Engine” or the “Company”; NASDAQ:GAME; TSX-V:GAME), a data-driven, gaming, media and influencer marketing platform company, today announced results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2022 ended August 31, 2022. All amounts are stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Financial Highlights:

  • Total revenue for the full year 2022 increased 25.6% to $41.9 million, compared to $33.3 million in the year prior.
  • For the fiscal fourth quarter of 2022, revenues were $11.5 million, up 24.4% on a sequential basis when compared to $9.2 million in the fiscal third quarter of 2022.
  • Growth in the Company’s Advertising business in which revenues increased 28.6% to $32.7 million for the full year 2022, compared to $25.4 million in the year prior.
  • Continued growth in the Company’s SaaS business of 15.9% for the full year 2022 to $9.2 million.
  • Significant improvement in Adjusted EBITDA, inclusive of discontinued operations of 23.3% sequentially.
  • For the full year net loss improved significantly to $14.5 million, an increase of $26.2 million, compared to a net loss of $40.7 million.

Management Commentary

“Both the fiscal fourth quarter and full year were highlighted by the top-line growth in our advertising business delivering revenue of $32.7 million for the full year, up 29% while generating $9.0 million during the fiscal fourth quarter, an increase of 29% sequentially. In addition, significant growth in our SaaS business contributed $9.2 million to full year 2022 revenues, an increase of 16%.” said Lou Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of Engine. “Our cost cutting initiatives are most evident in our Adjusted EBITDA inclusive of our discontinued operations of $(4.3) million, an improvement of 23% on a sequential basis. These cost cutting initiatives will become more evident in our fiscal first quarter 2023 as we work towards becoming cash flow breakeven on a run-rate basis in fiscal 2023.”

Tom Rogers, Executive Chairman of the Company added, “As previously announced, we commenced a process to explore and evaluate strategic options to enhance shareholder value. With a large number of small cap companies in similar situations to our own we feel there is a lot of opportunity to create greater scale and believe we have made a lot of progress on this initiative. We continue to narrow our focus and we are confident that our efforts will result in a significant opportunity for the company to deliver on our stated goals in initiating this process.”

Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results

Total revenue in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2022 was $11.5 million, an increase of 24.4% when compared to $9.2 million in the fiscal third quarter of 2022. Sequential growth from the third quarter was particularly apparent. The increase was primarily driven by a 29.2% sequential increase in Advertising revenue to $9.0 million from $7.0 million from the fiscal third quarter of 2022, as well as a 9.4% increase in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) revenue to $2.4 million sequentially from $2.2 million in the fiscal third quarter of 2022.

For the full year ended August 31, 2022, net loss improved significantly to $14.5 million, or $(0.93) per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $40.7 million, or $(3.43) per basic and diluted share, in the same year-ago period.

Including discontinued operations, Adjusted EBITDA improved 23.3% in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2022 to $(4.3) million when compared to $(5.7) million in the fiscal third quarter of 2022. For the full year ended August 31, 2022, Adjusted EBITDA was $(20.2) million, compared to $(18.5) million in the same year-ago period.

Exclusive of discontinued operations, Adjusted EBITDA was $(4.0) million for the fiscal fourth quarter, an improvement of 2.2% when compared to $(4.1) million in the fiscal third quarter. The fiscal fourth quarter of 2022 included approximately $400,000 of additional expense related to accounting charge estimates to certain financial assets and liabilities, with comparable charges not taken in prior periods noted above. Removing these charges from the fiscal fourth quarter of 2022, results in a 12% sequential improvement, better highlighting the initial progress the Company has made in our quarter over quarter improvement in Adjusted EBITDA. For the full year ended August 31, 2022, Adjusted EBITDA was $(16.1) million compared to $(11.6) million in the full year ended August 31, 2021.

At August 31, 2022, the Company had cash of $8.6 million.

Recent Operational Highlights:

  • Stream Hatchet signed contract extensions with Microsoft, Activision, and Ubisoft, while expanding its list of clients with the addition of Monumental Sports, PUBG, FIFA, Logitech, NVIDIA, and Octagon.
  • Sideqik added FoodPanda, Blizzard, Fanatics, and BenQ to its growing list of blue-chip companies levering their end-to-end suite of influencer marketing and social commerce technology. Renewals and extensions include Nike, Universal Music Group, Virgin Voyages, and Riot Games.
  • Frankly signed new contracts with Barret-Jackson, FilmFeed, Scioto Valley Guardian, and Aggregated Media.

FY Q4 and Full Year 2022 Earnings Conference Call

Management will host an investor conference call at 4:30 p.m. EDT (1:30 p.m. PDT) today, Tuesday, November 29, 2022, to discuss Engine Gaming and Media, Inc.’s fiscal fourth quarter 2022 financial results, provide a corporate update, and conclude with a Q&A from participants. To participate, please use the following information:

Date:Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Time:4:30 p.m. EDT (1:30 p.m. PDT)
Dial-in:1-877-407-0784
International Dial-in:1-201-689-8560
Conference Code:13733976
Webcast:GAME Conference Call

Please dial in at least 10 minutes before the start of the call to ensure timely participation.

Non-IFRS Measures

The Company reports earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and Adjusted EBITDA, which are not financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute to net income (loss) or any other financial measures of performance or liquidity calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA, adjusted to exclude certain non-cash charges and other items that we do not believe are reflective of our ongoing operating results. The Company utilizes Adjusted EBITDA internally for purposes of forecasting, determining compensation, and assessing the performance of our business, therefore, we believe this measure provides useful supplemental information that may assist investors in assessing an investment in the Company.

The following unaudited table presents the reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months and year ended August 31, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

Note (a) – Non-cash expense

The following unaudited table presents the reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA, inclusive of discontinued operations, for the three months and year ended August 31, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

Note (a) – Non-cash expense

This earnings release should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes that will be made available on Engine’s investor relations site on November 29, 2022 which can be found at https://ir.enginemediainc.com/.

About Engine Gaming and Media, Inc.

Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (NASDAQ:GAME)(TSXV:GAME) provides unparalleled live streaming data and social analytics, influencer relationship management and monetization, and programmatic advertising to support the world’s largest video gaming companies, brand marketers, ecommerce companies, media publishers and agencies to drive new streams of revenue. The company’s subsidiaries include Stream Hatchet, the global leader in gaming video distribution analytics; Sideqik, a social influencer marketing discovery, analytics, and activation platform; and Frankly Media, a digital publishing platform used to create, distribute, and monetize content across all digital channels. Engine generates revenue through a combination of software-as-a-service subscription fees, managed services, and programmatic advertising. For more information, please visit www.enginegaming.com.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Engine to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. In respect of the forward-looking information contained herein, Engine has provided such statements and information in reliance on certain assumptions that management believed to be reasonable at the time. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements stated herein to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained in this news release.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Engine does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Company Contact:
Lou Schwartz
647-725-7765

Investor Relations Contact:

Shannon Devine
MZ North America
Main: 203-741-8811
GAME@mzgroup.us

SOURCE: Engine Gaming & Media Holdings, Inc.

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Release – Motorsport Games Announces Completion Of Previously Announced 1-For-10 Reverse Stock Split

Research, News, and Market Data on MSGM

NOVEMBER 10, 2022

MIAMI, Nov. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As previously announced, Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) (“Motorsport Games” or the “Company”) confirmed today that the 1-for-10 reverse stock split of the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock became effective as of 12:01 a.m. EST on November 10, 2022 (the “Effective Time”).

Motorsport Games effected the reverse stock split by filing a charter amendment with the Delaware Secretary of State. The reverse stock split was previously approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and stockholders pursuant to Sections 228 and 242 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

The Company’s Class A common stock began trading on the NASDAQ on a split-adjusted basis when the market opened today, November 10, 2022, under a new CUSIP number, 62011B 201.

As a result of the reverse stock split, each 10 shares of the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time were automatically combined into 1 share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, respectively, subject to the elimination of fractional shares, as described below.

The same 1-for-10 reverse stock split ratio was used to effect the reverse stock split of both Motorsport Games Class A and Class B common stock, and accordingly, all stockholders were affected proportionately. The reverse stock split reduced the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock from approximately 11,673,587 shares of Class A common stock and 7,000,000 shares of Class B common stock to approximately 1,167,358 and 700,000 shares, respectively.

The number of shares of Class A common stock subject to the Company’s outstanding employee and director stock options, as well as the relevant exercise price per share, will be proportionately adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split. Accordingly, the approximately 821,962 outstanding stock options will be reduced to approximately 82,196 outstanding stock options. The number of shares authorized for issuance under the Company’s stock plan will also be reduced from 1,000,000 shares of Class A common stock to 100,000 shares of Class A common stock using the same 1-for-10 split ratio.

The Company has notified NASDAQ that the Company is not in compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules requiring minimum of 500,000 publicly held shares.

About Motorsport Games:

Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, is a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world. Combining innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers, Motorsport Games strives to make the joy of racing accessible to everyone. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), as well as the industry leading rFactor 2 and KartKraft simulations. rFactor 2 also serves as the official sim racing platform of Formula E, while also powering F1 Arcade through a partnership with Kindred Concepts. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. Motorsport Games is building a virtual racing ecosystem where each product drives excitement, every esports event is an adventure and every story inspires.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, unexpected developments with respect to the reverse stock split, including, without limitation, future decreases in the price of the Company’s Class A common stock whether due to, among other things, the announcement of the reverse stock split, the Company’s inability to make its Class A common stock more attractive to a broader range of institutional or other investors. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2022, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date.

Website and Social Media Disclosure:

Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (ir.motorsportgames.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media and blogs, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company and our products. It is possible that the information we post on our websites, social media and blogs could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the websites, social media channels and blogs, including the following (which list we will update from time to time on our investor relations website):

Websites Social Media
motorsportgames.com Twitter: @msportgames & @traxiongg
traxion.gg Instagram: msportgames & traxiongg
motorsport.com Facebook: Motorsport Games & traxiongg
  LinkedIn: Motorsport Games
  Twitch: traxiongg
  Reddit: traxiongg

The contents of these websites and social media channels are not part of, nor will they be incorporated by reference into, this press release.

Contacts:

Investors:

investors@motorsportgames.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97ac0d50-2611-4b90-a129-2a29f1d7fdb7

Release – Engine Gaming’s Stream Hatchet Releases Its Third Quarter 2022 Report, Highlighting Video Game Live Streaming Viewership Above Peak Pandemic Levels

Research, News, and Market Data on GAME

11/08/2022

Report offers unparalleled insights into audience consumption of gaming and esports content, which continues to attract the most difficult demographic for companies to access

Insights highlight unique, untapped media activation opportunities as engagement continues to increase within the industry

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2022 / Video gaming and esports live streaming analytics company, Stream Hatchet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (GAME) (“Engine” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:GAME)(TSXV:GAME), today announced that it has published its Video Game Streaming Trends Third Quarter 2022 Report. This essential read provides an in-depth study on the current state of the live streaming and video games industry, offering unparalleled insights into the performance of the industry, as well as top performing creators, games, releases and more. Importantly, these insights highlight the opportunity to tap into an audience increasingly hard to reach for brands.

The Stream Hatchet team works with a consortium of industry-leading analysts and business leaders to understand and report on key trends related to the impact of live streaming audiences on gaming creators, esports and the broader video games industry.

Key findings include:

  • Viewership is nearly double pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, esports viewership is up 40% year-over-year compared to Q3 2021 last year; the industry has seen consistent growth over the last 4 years.
  • Facebook Gaming lost meaningful marketing share in Q3 ‘22, dropping from 14% in Q3 ‘21 to 5%. Amazon-owned Twitch continues to increase its market share to 72%, holding a steady command of the streaming landscape, while YouTube Gaming grew modestly to 15%, reclaiming its second largest market share position.
  • VTubers (Virtual YouTubers), a term to describe virtual avatars that stream content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, continue to grow in live streaming now representing 50% of the top female streaming creators in Q3. The top 10 VTubers grew an average of 30% in Q3 2022 as compared to Q2 2022.
  • Gambling live streaming viewership on Twitch hit its peak in Q3 2022. Since, the platform announced a ban on streaming unlicensed gambling sites in the U.S. The ban went into effect in October, and Stream Hatchet will continue to monitor the impact into Q4 2022.

“The collection of this data is extremely valuable as it not only illustrates Stream Hatchet’s ability to provide market leading data across the video game and live-streaming landscape, but also offers marketers, researchers, and analyst actionable insights on how best to reach the 18- to 35-year-old demographic, which continues to be increasingly difficult to reach,” said Eduard Monstserrat, CEO at Stream Hatchet. “As brands strategize on how to connect with this hard-to-reach demographic, they are able to leverage our insights to better understand the top performing streamers and media properties. We power insightful, informed decisions leading to innovation and growth through the aggregation of dynamic, granular data.”

The Video Game Streaming Trends 2022 Third Quarter Report is free to download from: Q3 2022 Live Streaming Report (streamhatchet.com)

About Stream Hatchet
Stream Hatchet is the market leader in live-streaming viewership data analytics for the world’s leading video game streaming platforms. Stream Hatchet provides deep insights to leading brands, creator networks, esports leagues, game publishers, and other businesses measuring the impact of video game live streaming. Stream Hatchet is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Engine Gaming and Media.

About Engine Gaming and Media, Inc.
Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (NASDAQ:GAME) (TSXV:GAME) provides unparalleled live streaming data and social analytics, influencer relationship management and monetization, and programmatic advertising to support the world’s largest video gaming companies, brand marketers, ecommerce companies, media publishers and agencies to drive new streams of revenue. The company’s subsidiaries include Stream Hatchet, the global leader in gaming video distribution analytics; Sideqik, a social influencer marketing discovery, analytics, and activation platform; and Frankly Media, a digital publishing platform used to create, distribute, and monetize content across all digital channels. Engine generates revenue through a combination of software-as-a-service subscription fees, managed services, and programmatic advertising. For more information, please visit www.enginegaming.com.

Company Contact:
Lou Schwartz
647-725-7765

Stream Hatchet PR:
Amanda Brooks
Stream Hatchet
amanda@streamhatchet.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Shannon Devine
MZ North America
Main: 203-741-8811
GAME@mzgroup.us

SOURCE: Engine Gaming & Media Holdings, Inc.



View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/724500/Engine-Gamings-Stream-Hatchet-Releases-Its-Third-Quarter-2022-Report-Highlighting-Video-Game-Live-Streaming-Viewership-Above-Peak-Pandemic-Levels

Release – Engine Gaming & Media, Inc. Announces Timing of Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2022 and Fiscal Year 2022 Earnings Release and Conference Call

Research, News, and Market Data on GAME

11/07/2022

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 7, 2022 / Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (“Engine” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:GAME)(TSXV:GAME),a data-driven, gaming, media and influencer marketing platform company, today announced that it will issue a press release promptly after the market close on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, summarizing its financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2022 ended August 31, 2022. The Company will also host a conference call the same day at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its financial results in further detail. The call will conclude with Q&A from participants.

Date:Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Time:4:30 p.m. Eastern time
Dial-in:1-877-407-0784
International Dial-in:1-201-689-8560
Conference Code:13733976
Webcast:GAME Conference Call

Please dial in at least 10 minutes before the start of the call to ensure timely participation.

A playback of the call will be available through December 6, 2022, on Engine Gaming and Media, Inc.’s Investor Relations website at ir.enginemediainc.com

About Engine Gaming and Media, Inc.

Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (NASDAQ:GAME)(TSXV:GAME) provides unparalleled live streaming data and social analytics, influencer relationship management and monetization, and programmatic advertising to support the world’s largest video gaming companies, brand marketers, ecommerce companies, media publishers and agencies to drive new streams of revenue. The company’s subsidiaries include Stream Hatchet, the global leader in gaming video distribution analytics; Sideqik, a social influencer marketing discovery, analytics, and activation platform; and Frankly Media, a digital publishing platform used to create, distribute, and monetize content across all digital channels. Engine generates revenue through a combination of software-as-a-service subscription fees, managed services, and programmatic advertising. For more information, please visit www.enginegaming.com.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Engine to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. In respect of the forward-looking information contained herein, Engine has provided such statements and information in reliance on certain assumptions that management believed to be reasonable at the time. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements stated herein to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained in this news release.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Engine does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Company Contact:

Lou Schwartz
647-725-7765

Investor Relations Contact:

Shannon Devine
MZ North America
Main: 203-741-8811
GAME@mzgroup.us

SOURCE: Engine Gaming & Media Holdings, Inc.



View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/724422/Engine-Gaming-Media-Inc-Announces-Timing-of-Fiscal-Fourth-Quarter-2022-and-Fiscal-Year-2022-Earnings-Release-and-Conference-Call

Choices Presented to Voters on Ballots are Presented to Investors as Opportunities

Image Credit: Joe Shlabotnik (Flickr)

The Consequences of this Year’s Voting Should Create Opportunity for Investors

Once inconceivable in most voting districts throughout the U.S., ballots across the country this year will ask voters to decide on gambling measures, drug laws, and extra taxes based on defined demographics. While this is of interest to investors as it shows how trends are forming or continuing and can point to more potential for growth. Of the 130 ballot measures being decided upon on Tuesday, many will alter spending patterns and bolster industries.

What’s Being Decided Upon

Each year a number of states, including Maryland and Arkansas, are asking voters to decide upon legalizing recreational marijuana. Fully five states could move toward ending the use of involuntary prison labor. Nebraska and Nevada are asking voters if they should increase the minimum wage statewide. Gambling, firearms, and immigration are also the subject of state-level referendums.

A proposition in California would legalize online sports betting in that large potential market. Gaming companies, including DraftKings (DKNG) and FanDuel (DUEL) have poured nearly $160 million into the measure. It is not expected to pass, if it does, the news may cause a rally in these and other online gambling companies. Over $375 million has been spent by supporters and those against this measure.

Also being decided by California’s voters is a proposition that would raise taxes on personal incomes of $2 million or more. The revenue would be set aside to fund the state’s electric-vehicle production and help prevent wildfires. This is a very contentious measure that pit many from the same political party against each other.

In general environmental groups and companies perceived to benefit from a quicker evolving EV infrastructure support the “yes” campaign. Governor Newsom, and the California Teachers Association, a powerful state union, have joined business groups to oppose the measure, saying it would benefit a select number of large corporations as they transition to electric vehicles.

Recreational weed in Maryland? The pollsters seem to think it stands a good chance of passing. There are four other states (Arkansas, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota) where recreational cannabis is also on the ballot, those outcomes won’t be known until after the votes are counted.

To date, 19 states and the District of Columbia have legalized the adult recreational use of marijuana. Colorado could become the second state behind Oregon to legalize the personal use of psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms and other plant-based hallucinogens.

Massachusetts voters get to decide if they raise their income taxes by 4% if they have personal incomes of $1 million or more. This would leave the total rate for that bracket to 9%. Should this pass and bring in additional funds, they are earmarked for education and transportation.

Voters in five states will weigh whether to explicitly outlaw involuntary servitude as part of the punishment for a crime. Alabama, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennessee, and Vermont will all consider these questions on the topic; there is a growing movement to change the 13th Amendment so it no longer allows slavery as a form of criminal punishment. This could potentially benefit the industry in these states.

On immigration, Ohio voters are considering whether to ban all local governments from allowing noncitizens to vote. San Francisco and New York have passed laws allowing noncitizens to vote for local offices and ballot measures. These face legal challenges.

Elsewhere, ballot measures will ask voters whether to extend certain benefits to immigrants in the country illegally, including the ability to obtain a driver’s license in Massachusetts and pay in-state college tuition in Arizona.

Take Away

They say elections have consequences. As various states elect to adopt or deny changes in the running of their state, investors may be able to position themselves to benefit from trends, changes, and additional funds being made available.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Sources

https://www.wlwt.com/article/election-results-2022-ohio-kentucky-indiana-senate-governor/41781051

https://www.wsj.com/articles/midterm-elections-2022-results-ballot-measures-referenda-11667864143

https://www.wcvb.com/article/voter-information-massachusetts-election-2022-midterm/41890411

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/04/draftkings-shares-tumble-after-monthly-users-fall-short-of-estimates.html

Noble Capital Markets Media Sector Review – Q3 2022

INTERNET AND DIGITAL MEDIA COMMENTARY

The More Things Change…..

Internet and Digital Media stocks declined for the fourth consecutive quarter in a row. It wasn’t all bad, as two of Noble’s Internet and Digital Media Indices outperformed the broader market (which we define as the S&P 500).  Noble’s Ad Tech (+7%) and eSports & iGaming (+7%) Indices each finished up for the quarter, and significantly outperformed the S&P 500 Index in the process, which decreased by 5% in 3Q 2022.  These two sectors also materially outperformed Noble’s other Internet & Digital Media subsectors, including Noble’s Digital Media Index (-10%); Social Media Index (-15%) and MarTech Index (-16%).

Noble Indices are market cap weighted, and we attribute the relative strength of the Ad Tech Index to The Trade Desk (TTD), the Ad Tech sector’s largest market cap company, whose shares were up 42% during the quarter.  Other notable performers were Digital Media Solutions (DMS; +73%) which announced a deal to be taken private, and Zeta Global (ZETA; +46%), whose 2Q results significantly exceeded guidance.  Despite the relative strength of the sector, returns were not broad-based:  only 9 of the 23 stocks in the Ad Tech sector were up during the quarter.

The relative strength of Noble’s eSports and iGaming sector was also driven by the largest cap stocks in the sector. Shares of Draft Kings (DKNG) increased by 30% while shares of Flutter Entertainment (ISE:FLTR), the owner of FanDuel, increased by 17%.  Shares of sports betting stocks have been battered this year as investors have become skeptical of the time it might take for these companies to reach profitability amidst a backdrop of a slowing economy and consumer propensity to spend.

Year-to-date, FLTR shares are down 19% while DKNG shares are down 45%. Shares are down even more relative to their highs reached in 4Q 2020.  Like the Ad Tech sector, the eSports & iGaming sector’s relative strength was not broad-based:  only 4 of the 16 stocks in this sector were up during the third quarter, and all of stocks in the sector are down year-to-date.

The worst performing sector was the MarTech sector, which is also the least profitable sector, which likely explains the sector’s underperformance. Only 4 of the 24 companies we monitor in this sector generate positive EBITDA, and investors migrated away from unprofitable growth stocks towards more profitable companies or defensive sectors that might withstand a recession better.  Investors would clearly like to see companies in this sector accelerate their path to profitability, and most companies in the sector are responding accordingly.  To be fair, some of the companies that aren’t EBITDA positive do generate positive cash flow from operations, which is a quirk of SaaS software accounting.  Of the two dozen companies in this sector, the only stock that was up during the quarter was Harte-Hanks (HHS), whose shares increased by 68%.  HHS continues to generate improved operating results while lowering its debt and pension obligations. 

MarTech stocks have also been victims of their own success.  Earlier this year the group traded at average revenue and EBITDA multiples of 8.5x and 70.8x, respectively.  Today the same group trades at average revenue and EBITDA multiples of 4.5x and 30.1x, respectively.  Stocks like Shopify (SHOP), and Hubspot (HUBS) entered the year trading at 22.2x and 14.7x 2022E revenues, respectively, and now trade at 5.3x, and 7.7x, respectively.  Some of this appears to be a Covid-related hangover:  when Covid hit, retail companies needed to emphasize their online channels, and companies like Shopify benefited.  As consumers return to stores, growth has moderated.  Shopify aside, the broader message investors seem to be sending is that recurring revenues are great, but not if they are paired with EBITDA losses at a time when economy appears to be heading into a potential recession.

M&A Continues to Hold Up Well Despite Macro Headwinds  

Overall, we are impressed with the resiliency of the M&A marketplace in the Internet & Digital Media sectors.  Despite a background that includes public equity market volatility, Fed rate hikes, persistent inflation, contractionary monetary policy, and geopolitical conflict, the M&A marketplace has held up relatively well, all things considered.  Noble tracked 163 transactions in the third quarter of 2022 in the TMT sectors we follow, a 9% increase compared to the third quarter of 2021, when we tracked 150 deals, and 6% sequential slowdown compared to 2Q 2022, when we tracked 174 transactions.  Year-to-date, the number of M&A transactions is up 7% vs. the year ago period, with 516 announced transactions this year compared to 483 transactions announced through the end of last year’s third quarter. 

The real difference between 2022 and 2021 is the dollar value of transactions.  Total deal value in 3Q 2022 fell by 36% to $28.4 billion, down from $44.1 billion in 3Q 2021.  On a sequential basis, the $28.4 billion in deal value represents a 70% decrease from 2Q 2022 levels of $94.5 billion, nearly half of which reflects Elon Musk’s $46 billion offer to acquire Twitter (TWTR).   

In looking at the M&A trends in the chart on the previous page, the biggest change is not the number of deals, but primarily the number of mega-deals.  There was only one transaction in 3Q 2022 that was greater than $10 billion dollars: Adobe’s $19.4 billion acquisition of Figma, a collaborative all-in-one design platform.  This decline in larger deal activity suggests acquirers are becoming more cautious about making big bets in the current environment or it could also mean that arranging for financing to close on larger deals is becoming more challenging. No doubt the cost to incur debt to close on transactions today are higher than they were just a few months ago, which lowers the return on debt financed M&A transactions. Referencing the Twitter deal again, according to media reports, Apollo Global Management and Sixth Street Partners, which had agreed to provide financing for the Twitter deal when it was first announced in April, are no longer in talks with Elon Musk to provide financing.

From a deal volume perspective, the most active sectors we tracked were Marketing Tech (44 deals), Digital Content (43 deals) and Agency & Analytics (28 deals) and Information (25 deals).  From a deal value perspective, the largest transaction was Adobe’s nearly $20 billion acquisition of Figma, a collaborative design software company.  Other active sectors were Marketing Tech ($4.9 billion), Information ($1.1 billion, and Digital Content ($1.1B).

Video Game M&A Declines Precipitously

For the last several quarters we have noted how strong M&A activity was in the current quarter.  Perhaps the biggest surprise of the third quarter M&A analysis was the steep drop in M&A in North America in the video gaming sector.  Interest in the video gaming sector exploded at the onset of the pandemic as work form home edicts resulted in less commuting time and more time playing video games.  As the pandemic has subsided and consumers return to work, the sector has faced difficult comparions, and growth has been challenged. 

As shown in the chart below, over the last several quarters, the sector had averaged 21 deals per quarter and $18+ billion in deal value.  In the third quarter, there were only 11 announced transactions, and only one with a transaction price announced, resulting in just $3 million of deal value.  Perhaps there is some consolation in that the second largest transaction in 3Q 2022 was a gaming related transaction:  Unity Software’s agreement to buy IronSource Ltd, a lead generation platform for in-game advertising, for $4.4 billion.  

While we expect M&A transactions to moderate given the difficult economic backdrop and an increase in the cost of financing transactions, we expect M&A marketplace to remain resilient.  In our discussions with management teams in Internet & Digital Media sectors, we are struck by how many companies believe that industry consolidation is either beneficial or necessary.  Scale is widely seen as a panacea to potential slowing or declining revenue trends.

iGaming

The following is an excerpt from a recent note by Noble’s Media Equity Research Analyst Michael Kupinski

The past year has been tough on the iGaming industry. The Noble iGaming Index is down nearly 54% versus a negative 17% for the general market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index. In the latest quarter, the iGaming stocks seemed to have stabilized, up 2% versus a continued general market decline, down 5% for the general market. Interestingly, the iGaming sector was the best performing sector among the Entertainment and Esports sectors, which were up a modest 1% and down 38%, respectively. 

The shares of Codere Online (CDRO) could not fight the headwinds of the industry-wide selling pressure.  CDRO shares dropped 70% from its post de-SPACing in December 2021. The weakness in the shares has been in spite of the company executing on its growth strategy as planned and maintaining its fundamental pace to meet full-year guidance. In the latest quarter, the shares drifted lower (-4%) versus the industry which increased 2%. 

The poor performance of the iGaming industry in many respects is due to the developmental nature of the industry. Many of the companies included in the Noble iGaming index do not generate positive cash flow, with balance sheets supporting growth investment. Certainly, there will be a shake-out of players in the industry that do not have the financial capability to invest for growth, but we believe that Codere Online is one of the survivors. 

Although the company is not yet cash flow positive, its operations in Spain generated its highest quarterly cash flow since Q2 2020. Adj. EBITDA in Spain was $3.6 million, enough to offset 87% of the $4.1 million adj. EBITDA loss from the company’s operations in Mexico. Interestingly, the marketing restrictions in the country came with a silver lining of lower competition. This is because the restrictions make it harder for newer operators to establish their brands in the country. Additionally, the lower marketing costs contributed to the strong cash flow generation. Notably, management expects similar cash flow generation going forward for the Spanish operations. We view the situation in Spain favorably as the consistent cash flow profile will help fund the expansion in Latin America and have a mitigating impact on the company’s cash burn.

eSports

The Esports industry had a difficult year and a difficult quarter in terms of stock performance. The horrible stock performance does not reflect the overall industry trends. Video gaming is still on the rise. It is estimated that there are 2.7 billion gamers worldwide, expected to achieve an estimated 3.0 billion gamers in 2023, based on Newzoo’s numbers. The video game market is expected to reach $159.3 billion this year and grow to $200.0 billion in 2023. So, what about the Esports industry? Esports viewership was elevated during the Covid lockdowns, with viewership significantly higher.  Viewership trends are expected to increase even from the elevated 2020 levels to over 640 million viewers in 2025.  

TRADITIONAL MEDIA COMMENTARY

The following is an excerpt from a recent note by Noble’s Media Equity Research Analyst Michael Kupinski

Overview

Downward trends, but some bright spots

Traditional Media stocks have had tough sledding this year. All of Noble’s Traditional Media Indices have declined over the past 12 months and each have underperformed the general market. The downward spiral seemed to have moderated somewhat in the third quarter.

Notably, during the third quarter, many of the stocks had a very nice bounce before resuming a downward trend. At one point in the latest quarter, stocks were up as high as 30% from the second quarter end. It is important to note that only the Publishing stocks outperformed the general market in the latest quarter.

Broadcast Television

Will Political Carry The Quarter?

Noble’s TV Index dropped 10% in the third quarter, underperforming the broader market (-5%)   As we indicated in our previous quarterly report, we believe that there would be a trading opportunity in media stocks. The latest quarter stock performance indicated that. Many of the TV stocks had a strong performance from the end of the second quarter (June 30) to highs achieved in August. Many of the TV stocks increased a strong 25% on average. It is instructive to know that E.W. Scripps had the largest advance from June 30 lows, up 31% to highs achieved August 16. When the industry is in favor, the shares of E.W. Scripps tends to outperform its industry peers. The shares of Entravision (EVC) were the next best performing within the quarter, up 30%, before trading lower and ending down 12%.

TV stocks were challenged by macro-economic pressures such as inflation, the rising cost of borrowing, and a Fed determined to curb inflation by slowing the economy. In the end, interest rate increases by the Fed curbed enthusiasm for TV stocks and the Noble TV Index ended the third quarter down.

The average television company reported 11% revenue growth in the latest quarter. Most broadcasters were very optimistic about political advertising, with some raising forecasts to be near the levels of the Presidential election, a highwater mark. We would note that Entravision had the highest revenue performance in the quarter, up 24%, as the company continues to benefit from its transition toward faster growth digital advertising, which now accounts for over 80% of its total company revenues.

EBITDA margins were healthy, with the average margin for the industry at 25.5%. It is notable to mention that Entravision’s margins appear to be significantly below that of the industry at 10%. Its digital advertising business is a rep firm business, and, as such, the company reports revenues on a net basis and not gross revenues. While a rep firm business tends to be a lower margin business, the accounting treatment for rep revenues gives the appearance of very low margins. The company is in a strong cash flow and free cash flow position.

Most companies will be reporting third quarter financial results in the first two weeks in November. We believe that the third quarter will reflect an influx of political advertising, even though the lion share of the political advertising likely will fall in the fourth quarter. Consequently, we believe that the third quarter revenue growth will be better than the second quarter, showing some acceleration. With signs of weakening national advertising, and a likely weakening local advertising environment in some larger markets, broadcasters are looking forward toward Q4 political advertising as an offset. Many broadcasters indicated that political advertising may be at record levels in 2022, even higher than the Presidential election year of 2020. Political advertising, however, is not usually evenly spent across all markets. As such, there may be winners and some disappointment.

Investors are not encouraged to buy a Television broadcaster on the basis of the upcoming fourth quarter political advertising influx. There are broader issues at play, like cord cutting, slowing retransmission revenue growth, and the prospect for a weakening economy. We believe broadcasters with minimal emphasis on national advertising, a larger focus on small to medium size markets and local advertising, are best positioned to weather an economic downturn. We also like companies that do not have high debt leverage. In addition, we like diversified companies that can benefit from cord cutting, like E.W. Scripps, or have diversified revenue streams and large fast growing digital businesses, like Entravision. 

Broadcast Radio

Polishing its tarnished image

One of the epic fails of the radio industry has been Audacy (AUD), once one of the leadership companies in the industry.  AUD shares are down a staggering 95% from highs in March 2021. The poor stock performance reflects the poor revenue and cash flow performance and high debt levels at the company. Recently, the company announced that it plans to sell some of its prized assets, including its podcasting business, Cadence 13, in an effort to more aggressively pare down debt.

While Audacy struggles, there are emerging leaders in the industry, many that are not focused on its radio business.  The average radio revenue grew 8.9%. Companies that were at the top of the list of revenue growth had diversified revenue streams. Townsquare Media (TSQ) was the best performer, with Q2 revenue growth of 13.6%. We believe that Townsquare also benefits from significantly lower national advertising and concentration on less cyclical larger markets. Other diversified companies that performed better than the lower growth companies in the group were Salem Media and Beasley Broadcasting. Salem Media has diversified into content creation and digital media and Beasley recently accelerated its push into Digital Media. Separately, Beasley recently announced a station swap with Audacy, which will enhance its position in with its four existing stations in Las Vegas.

On the margin front, Townsquare Media also was among the leaders in the industry. Notably, Townsquare Media’s digital business carries margins similar to its radio businesses, near 30%. As such, its investments in Digital Media are not depressing its total company margins. Townsquare’s Q2 adj. EBITDA margins were 27%, well above that of the larger industry peers like iHeart (25%), Cumulus Media (19%), and Audacy (12%).

In looking forward toward the upcoming third quarter results, which will be released in coming weeks, we believe that the effects of rising inflation and weakening economy will start to show. Many of the larger broadcasters which focus on larger markets, have national network business, may disappoint. In addition, we believe that there will be spotty political advertising performances. In our view, the resulting potential weakness in the stocks may create an opportunity to more aggressively accumulate or establish positions.

Radio stocks largely mirrored the performance of the TV industry, falling 9% in the third quarter. Last quarter we pointed out that large industry players such as Audacy and iHeart had an outsized negative impact on the market cap-weighted index. This was due to the stocks being downgraded by a Wall Street firm on the basis of high leverage in a time of recession.

However, there are several broadcasters in the radio industry with improving leverage profiles. Furthermore, we believe that in a time when traditional radio companies are making a transition to more digitally based revenue sources, investors would do well to differentiate among them on that basis as well. In our view, certain companies are ahead of peers in the digital transformation and are better shielded from certain fundamental headwinds that have traditionally plagued radio broadcasters in prior recessions, such as Townsquare Media (TSQ), Salem Media (SALM), and Beasley Broadcasting (BBGI).

Publishing

Once a leader, now a laggard

It is hard to believe that Gannett was once a $90 stock and held a record for one of the longest strings of quarterly earnings gains in the S&P 500 Index. The shares are down 80% from year earlier highs to near $1.37. For some anti newspaper investors, this is a “told you so” moment. But, this view missed notable exceptions, like the New York Times, which seemed to transition more quickly toward digital revenues. There are publishers that are set apart from the weak trends at Gannett and are on a favorable trajectory toward a digital future. As such, we believe that investors should not throw the baby out with the bathwater or avoid the industry. There are gems here, which is discussed later in this report.

There were sizable differences in the financial performance of the companies in the publishing group.Q2 publishing revenue declined on average 1.5%. The notable exceptions to this performance was The New York Times, up 11.5%, News Corp, up 7.3%, and Lee Enterprises, down a modest 0.7%.  The improved performance into the ranks of the leaders in the industry is quite notable. Lee’s digital subscriptions currently lead the industry. The company has exceeded all of its peers in terms of digital subscription growth in the past 11 consecutive quarters. Furthermore, over 50% of its advertising is derived from digital. Currently, roughly 30% of the company total revenues are derived from digital, still short of the 55% at The New York Times, but closing the gap.

Not only is Lee performing well on the digital revenue front, it has industry leading margins. Lee’s Q2 EBITDA margins were 12%, in line with News Corp and second only to the New York Times at 17%. We believe that margins should improve over time as the company continues to migrate toward a higher digital margin business model. 

Noble’s Publishing Index, which decreased a modest 2% in the quarter, outperforming the S&P (-5%). The relatively favorable performance of the index was primarily due to its largest constituents, News Corp. and The New York Times, which rebounded from -30% and -39%, respectively in Q2, to -3% and +3%, respectively, in Q3. The average percentage change of the stocks in the industry was -16%, more in line with Traditional Media as a whole.  One of the poor performing stocks in the index for the quarter was Gannett (GCI) which declined 47%. It was recently reported that the company implemented austerity measures included unpaid leave and voluntary layoffs. In the case of Lee Enterprises, the shares were down a much more modest 7%, more in line with the general market.

 LEE shares trade at an average industry multiple of 5.8 times Enterprise Value to our 2023 adj. EBITDA estimate. Notably, the company is closing the gap with its Digital Media revenue contribution to that of New York Times, which is currently trading at an estimated 14.5 times EV to 2023 adj. EBITDA. We believe that the valuation gap with the New York Times should close as well. In recent Lee Enterprise news, a buyout specialist investor filed a 13D and indicated interest in taking the company private. While financial players continue to circle the wagons for Lee, we believe that investors should take note.

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View the PDF version for segment analysis, M&A activity, and more…

Noble Capital Markets Media Newsletter Q3 2022

This newsletter was prepared and provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc. For any questions and/or requests regarding this news letter, please contact Chris Ensley

DISCLAIMER

All statements or opinions contained herein that include the words “ we”,“ or “ are solely the responsibility of NOBLE Capital Markets, Inc and do not necessarily reflect statements or opinions expressed by any person or party affiliated with companies mentioned in this report Any opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice All information provided herein is based on public and non public information believed to be accurate and reliable, but is not necessarily complete and cannot be guaranteed No judgment is hereby expressed or should be implied as to the suitability of any security described herein for any specific investor or any specific investment portfolio The decision to undertake any investment regarding the security mentioned herein should be made by each reader of this publication based on their own appraisal of the implications and risks of such decision This publication is intended for information purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to buy/ sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy/sell any security mentioned in this report, nor shall there be any sale of the security herein in any state or domicile in which said offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or domicile This publication and all information, comments, statements or opinions contained or expressed herein are applicable only as of the date of this publication and subject to change without prior notice Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Please refer to the above PDF for a complete list of disclaimers pertaining to this newsletter

Release – Nascar Rivals is Available Today – The Officially Licensed Video Game of The 2022 Nascar Season From Motorsport Games

Research, News, and Market Data on MSGM

OCTOBER 14, 2022

MOTORSPORT GAMES’ LATEST INSTALLMENT OF THE NASCAR GAMING FRANCHISE COMBINES ASPECTS OF RACING RIVALRIES INTO A SINGLE USER EXPERIENCE

MIAMI, Oct. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) (“Motorsport Games”), a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, announced today the launch of NASCAR Rivals, exclusive for Nintendo Switch consoles. The officially licensed video game of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, this latest installment of the video game franchise combines the thrill of the NASCAR Cup Series with the intensity of motorsports rivalry to fans everywhere. NASCAR Rivals is available starting today across leading retailers and the Nintendo eShop for $49.99. A link to the trailer can be found here.

NASCAR Rivals brings the excitement of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season and playoffs to fans on the go with the Nintendo Switch’s easy, built-in mobility. The game’s variety of race modes provide players the ability to race and compete in different ways, emphasizing rivalry across the sport itself and among teams in the NASCAR Cup Series, drivers and the players, both locally and via multiplayer. All of the tracks, cars, drivers and teams from the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series regular season and playoffs are included. Modes available to play include ‘Race Now,’ ‘Career Mode,’ and an exciting ‘Challenges’ mode, which incorporates sequences based on real-life-on-track events to test players’ resilience and see if they have what it takes to navigate the selected scenarios.

“As we continue to build new ways to bring the NASCAR Cup Series to life, our goal with NASCAR Rivals was to highlight a pertinent component of all motorsports, the competition,” said Jay Pennell, Brand Manager, NASCAR, at Motorsport Games. “This latest offering not only lets fans challenge their own skills, but compete against their friends, other online players, and challenges within the sport itself. We’re excited for our fans to truly immerse themselves in what it means to be a NASCAR champion, while allowing them to embrace their inner rival wherever and whenever.”

The game’s numerous ‘Multiplayer’ functions offer players varying ways to challenge each other on the track. In ‘Split Screen’ mode, friends can race against each other locally using the Nintendo Switch Joy Cons. In ‘Online Multiplayer’ users will be able to compete against up to 15 other players anywhere in the world via Nintendo Switch Online. Additionally, newly-added creative elements in NASCAR Rivals give players the opportunity to create custom and unique schemes with an enhanced ‘Paint Booth,’ in addition to their driver avatars with a variety of appearances, sponsor logos and more to truly curate an experience around their own legacies in the game.

Motorsport Games developed NASCAR Rivals as an elevated experience for fans to fully embrace the intensity and thrill of NASCAR with the unlimited portability of the Nintendo Switch console. NASCAR Rivals gives gamers and fans alike the ability to pick up the NASCAR experience anywhere they desire to hone their skills and take on the competition one by one.

NASCAR Rivals is now available at all leading retailers and for download on the Nintendo eShop for $49.99.

For more information about the NASCAR Rivals, please visit www.nascarignition.com. To keep up with the latest Motorsport Games news, visit www.motorsportgames.com and follow on TwitterInstagram and Facebook.

About Motorsport Games:
Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, is a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world. Combining innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers, Motorsport Games strives to make the joy of racing accessible to everyone. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), as well as the industry leading rFactor 2 and KartKraft simulations. RFactor 2 also serves as the official sim racing platform of Formula E, while also powering Formula 1™ centers through a partnership with Kindred Concepts. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. Motorsport Games is building a virtual racing ecosystem where each product drives excitement, every esports event is an adventure and every story inspires.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the timing, participants and expected benefits of the NASCAR Rivals game and related products and updates. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: difficulties, delays in or unanticipated events that may impact the timing and expected benefits of the NASCAR Rivals game and/or related products and updates, such as due to unexpected release delays. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2022, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, Motorsport Games’ website or other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

Website and Social Media Disclosure:
Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (ir.motorsportgames.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media and blogs, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company and our products. It is possible that the information we post on our websites, social media and blogs could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the websites, social media channels and blogs, including the following (which list we will update from time to time on our investor relations website):

WebsitesSocial Media
motorsportgames.comTwitter: @msportgames & @traxiongg
traxion.ggInstagram: msportgames & traxiongg
motorsport.comFacebook: Motorsport Games & traxiongg
 LinkedIn: Motorsport Games
 Twitch: traxiongg
 Reddit: traxiongg

The contents of these websites and social media channels are not part of, nor will they be incorporated by reference into, this press release.

Press:
ASTRSK PR
motorsportgames@astrskpr.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/761862d2-d561-4b13-9948-58d851ecb573

Release – Engine Gaming and Media’s Sideqik Announces Partnership With Awin and Shareasale

Research, News, and Market Data on GAME

10/14/2022

Partnership allows Awin and ShareAsale’s 21,000 retailers to leverage a market proven influencer relationship management platform in Sideqik

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2022 / Sideqik (“Sideqik”), the end-to-end influencer marketing platform that enables brands to build scalable, repeatable and predictable revenue engines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (NASDAQ:GAME)(TSXV:GAME), today announced a partnership with Awin and ShareASale, the fastest-growing affiliate marketing platforms in North America.

Sideqik’s database of over 60 million influencers across the 10 most popular social networks will allow Awin’s 21,000 retailers to better identify relevant, brand-safe influencers, streamline relationship management and grow their sales and customer base, simultaneously leveraging Sideqik’s robust, AI-powered database, providing actionable insights and real time reporting throughout the whole influencer marketing lifecycle.

“Across the industry, there is a growing demand from consumer brands to execute more profitable, better measured influencer marketing campaigns,” said Joris Cretien, Partner Growth Director at Awin. “Awin and ShareASale’s integration with Sideqik allows our brands to identify and manage influencer partnerships, deploy spend at scale and report on the return – a critical element for smaller businesses with tighter budgets – all through Sideqik’s robust tool set.”

“Sideqik, Engine’s influencer relationship management platform, is gaining adoption as part of mainstream marketing strategies for companies of all sizes,” commented Lou Schwartz, CEO, Engine Gaming & Media. “Our partnership with Awin and ShareASale unlocks a substantial number of retailers looking to leverage a market proven platform with expertise in supporting both affiliate sales and expansion of consumers through social media channels. We are excited to support the growth and scaling of these businesses.”

About Sideqik

Sideqik is an influencer marketing platform that offers brands, CPG, direct marketers, and agencies tools to discover, connect and execute marketing campaigns with content creators. Sideqik’s end-to-end solutions offer marketers advanced capabilities to discover influencers with demographic and content filtering; connect and message influencers; share marketing collateral such as campaign briefs, photos, logos, videos; measure reach, sentiment, and engagement across all major social media platforms; and evaluate earned media value and ROI across the entire campaign.

For more information, please visit http://www.sideqik.com.

About the Awin Group

Awin is a marketing technology platform, providing an open marketplace for businesses to create any type of acquisition partnership. Together with ShareASale, the platforms’ 240,000+ partners – including traditional affiliates, global mass media houses, trusted micro-influencers and innovative fintech businesses – enable advertisers to generate more sales, expand customer reach and strengthen their brand. Retailers that migrate to the Awin Group from competitor platforms experience triple-digit affiliate program growth and a 63% uplift in revenue. In addition to leading the way with our reach, Awin and ShareASale’s award-winning technology and tools – including first-party tracking, multi-channel attribution and in-app tracking – ensure a program tracks all sales, making it optimally attractive for partners to want to promote.

For more information, please visit http://www.awin.com.

About Engine Gaming and Media, Inc.

Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (NASDAQ:GAME) (TSX-V:GAME) provides unparalleled live streaming data and social analytics, influencer relationship management and monetization, and programmatic advertising to support the world’s largest video gaming companies, brand marketers, ecommerce companies, media publishers and agencies to drive new streams of revenue. The company’s subsidiaries include Stream Hatchet, the global leader in gaming video distribution analytics; Sideqik, a social influencer marketing discovery, analytics, and activation platform; and Frankly Media, a digital publishing platform used to create, distribute, and monetize content across all digital channels. Engine generates revenue through a combination of software-as-a-service subscription fees, managed services, and programmatic advertising. For more information, please visit www.enginegaming.com.

Company Contact:
Lou Schwartz
647-725-7765

Investor Relations Contact:
Shannon Devine
MZ North America
Main: 203-741-8811
GAME@mzgroup.us

SOURCE: Engine Gaming & Media Inc.



View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/720428/Engine-Gaming-Medias-Sideqik-Announces-Partnership-with-Awin-and-ShareASale

Release – Engine Gaming’s, Frankly Media and Filmfeed Inc.’s Stash Tv Announce Partnership

Research, News, and Market Data on GAME

10/10/2022

~ Frankly initiates monetization of Filmfeed, Inc.’s Stash TV Digital Linear Channel with growing AI technology, audience insight solutions and performance tracking tools ~

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 10, 2022 / Frankly Media (“Frankly”), a digital publishing platform used to create, distribute and monetize content across all digital channels and wholly-owned subsidiary of Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (NASDAQ:GAME)(TSXV:GAME), today announced a partnership with Filmfeed, Inc.. The partnership enables Frankly to monetize their recently launched Stash TV video streaming content via their premium yield advertising services.

“Frankly’s Programmatic Advertising monetization services are proving to be extremely valuable to our distribution as we begin to leverage their revenue growing AI technology, audience insight solutions and performance tracking tools to better track and importantly, monetize our newly launched Stash TV CTV streaming content.” commented Nikolaas Top, Product Manager at Stash TV.

Frankly Media offers an integrated suite of gaming, news and entertainment solutions that help its customers modernize their digital ecosystem, maximize their audience reach and engagement, and fully monetize their display, audio and video content. Frankly’s fully integrated solution suite includes premium yield advertising solutions that include ad sales, ad operations, audience insights, revenue optimization AI and performance analytics, video streaming for Live, VOD and FAST Channels, Mobile Apps, OTT/CTV Apps, Website/CMS and Audience Engagement widgets.

“The Stash TV launch is yet another example of how Engine Gaming & Media fuels the growth and footprint of all types of media companies. We value all our partnerships and are extremely grateful to be partnering with Filmfeed, Inc.” offered Lou Schwartz, CEO, Engine Gaming & Media.

About Filmfeed, Inc.

Stash TV licenses their content exclusively from Filmhub, a dynamic disruptor in the film distribution space. Filmhub provides a digital ecosystem that enables top filmmakers to publish and monetize their strong and fresh films through over 100+ digital channels. Via Filmhub, Stash TV is able to instantly license, distribute, and stream thousands of titles without negotiating individual contracts with each title owner. Empowered by this partnership, they plan to scale their beta streaming channel to host 10k+ titles within the next year.

About Frankly Media

Frankly Media provides a complete suite of solutions that give publishers a unified workflow for creating, managing, publishing, and monetizing digital content to any device while maximizing audience value and revenue. Frankly delivers publishers and their audiences the solutions to meet the dynamic challenges of a multi-screen content distribution world.

Frankly’s comprehensive advertising services maximize ROI for our customers, including direct sales and programmatic ad support. With the release of our server-side ad insertion (SSAI) platform, Frankly is well-positioned to help video producers take full advantage of the growing market in addressable advertising.

Frankly’s technology products include a ground-breaking online video platform for Live, VOD, and Live-to-VOD workflows, a full-featured CMS with rich storytelling capabilities, and native apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku. The company is headquartered in New York, with offices in Atlanta. Frankly Media is a Subsidiary of Engine Media and Media, Inc.

About Engine Gaming and Media, Inc.

Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (NASDAQ:GAME) (TSX-V:GAME) provides unparalleled live streaming data and social analytics, influencer relationship management and monetization, and programmatic advertising to support the world’s largest video gaming companies, brand marketers, ecommerce companies, media publishers and agencies to drive new streams of revenue. The company’s subsidiaries include Stream Hatchet, the global leader in gaming video distribution analytics; Sideqik, a social influencer marketing discovery, analytics, and activation platform; and Frankly Media, a digital publishing platform used to create, distribute, and monetize content across all digital channels. Engine generates revenue through a combination of software-as-a-service subscription fees, managed services, and programmatic advertising. For more information, please visit www.enginegaming.com.

For more information, please contact:

Engine Gaming Investor Relations
Shannon Devine
MZ Group
Email: shannon.devine@mzgroup.us

SOURCE: Engine Gaming & Media Holdings, Inc.



View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/719481/Engine-Gamings-Frankly-Media-and-Filmfeed-Incs-Stash-TV-Announce-Partnership

Release – Motorsport Games Releases 2022 Season Expansion Update for Nascar 21: Ignition, Available Today

Research, News, and Market Data on MSGM

OCTOBER 6, 2022

THE CURRENT NASCAR TEAMS, DRIVERS AND CARS ARE SET TO BE PLAYABLE ACROSS IGNITION, NASCAR HEAT 5 AND NASCAR HEAT MOBILE

MIAMI, Oct. 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) (“Motorsport Games”), a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, announced today the official launch of the NASCAR 21: Ignition (“Ignition”) 2022 Season Expansion Update to reflect the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season. Updates to the title, available for free, will be seen across Race Now, Online Multiplayer and the Paint Booth and is available for download for Sony PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Series S and X and PC through the Steam store.

For current owners of Ignition, both Standard and Champion Editions will be able to download the update for free, while those who do not currently own the game can purchase Ignition at a reduced price point ($19.99 USD) and then receive the free install. Additionally, NASCAR 21: Ignition – Victory Edition is available, which will include the Season Pass 1 (2021 DLC content), 2022 Season Expansion and Season Pass 2 (2022 DLC content). A first look at the new features within the game can be seen in a trailer here.

“We are thrilled to add the 2022 Season Expansion Update into Ignition today so that our fans can enjoy the most up to date content for this historic season,” said Jay Pennell, Brand Manager, NASCAR at Motorsport Games. “The update comes at a great time as well, with the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs currently in full swing. Just as the Next Gen cars have added unique elements to the real-life grid, they will now add those same factors into the digital racing world for players. It was also imperative for us to be able to replicate the newest content across all of our titles, something that has been achieved and we cannot wait for players of Ignition, NASCAR Heat 5 and NASCAR Heat Mobile to all enjoy the 2022 content moving forward.”

The Ignition 2022 Season Expansion Update provides a number of refreshed features for the title, including a UI refresh, upgraded HUD, newly recorded broadcast introductions from Motor Racing Network’s On-Air Announcer, Alex Hayden and the current 2022 NASCAR Cup Series racetracks from both the regular season and playoffs. The 2022 lineup of drivers, teams and paint schemes have been directly pulled from the 2022 season, as well as all three Next Gen car models from Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota.

In addition to being available to owners of Ignition, the 2022 Season Expansion Update will be released on NASCAR Heat 5 and NASCAR Heat Mobile. Players will be able to purchase the 2022 Season Expansion Update on NASCAR Heat 5 for $12.34, starting October 21, 2022. The 2022 Season Expansion will arrive as a free update on NASCAR Heat Mobile, starting October 27, 2022. With these updates, NASCAR’s 2022 season will be reflected across all of Motorsport Games’ NASCAR properties. Players will be able to utilize the cars, drivers and teams from the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season in Race Now, Career Mode and Online Multiplayer in NASCAR Heat 5 as purchasable downloadable content, and as a free content update within NASCAR Heat Mobile.

For more information about the NASCAR 21: Ignition 2022 Season Update, please visit www.nascarignition.com. To keep up with the latest Motorsport Games news, visit www.motorsportgames.com and follow on TwitterInstagram and Facebook.

About Motorsport Games:
Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, is a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world. Combining innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers, Motorsport Games strives to make the joy of racing accessible to everyone. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), as well as the industry leading rFactor 2 and KartKraft simulations. rFactor 2 also serves as the official sim racing platform of Formula E, while also powering Formula 1™ centers through a partnership with Kindred Concepts. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. Motorsport Games is building a virtual racing ecosystem where each product drives excitement, every esports event is an adventure and every story inspires.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the timing, participants and expected benefits of NASCAR 21: Ignition 2022 Season Expansion Update and related products and updates. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: difficulties, delays in or unanticipated events that may impact the timing and expected benefits of the NASCAR 21: Ignition 2022 Season Expansion Update and/or related products and updates, such as due to unexpected release delays. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2022, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, Motorsport Games’ website or other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

Website and Social Media Disclosure:

Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (ir.motorsportgames.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media and blogs, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company and our products. It is possible that the information we post on our websites, social media and blogs could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the websites, social media channels and blogs, including the following (which list we will update from time to time on our investor relations website):

WebsitesSocial Media
motorsportgames.comTwitter: @msportgames & @traxiongg
traxion.ggInstagram: msportgames & traxiongg
motorsport.comFacebook: Motorsport Games & traxiongg
 LinkedIn: Motorsport Games
 Twitch: traxiongg
 Reddit: traxiongg

The contents of these websites and social media channels are not part of, nor will they be incorporated by reference into, this press release.

Press:
ASTRSK PR
motorsportgames@astrskpr

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3edcc00d-2883-4fcb-a839-6f1b1bb4c3d5.

Release – Engine Gaming and Media Announces Exploration of Strategic Alternatives

Research, News, and Market Data on GAME

10/06/2022

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2022 / Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (“Engine” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:GAME) (TSXV:GAME), a data-driven, gaming, media and influencer marketing platform company, today announced that it has commenced a process to explore and evaluate strategic options to enhance and preserve shareholder value.

“Maximizing shareholder value has always been our first priority,” stated, Lou Schwartz, Engine’s Chief Executive Officer, “and to that end, throughout 2022, Engine has been aggressively cutting costs and focusing its business lines and initiatives with the goal of accelerating our timeline to achieving profitability. In support of, and in parallel to this objective, we believe the commencement of our strategic process will be helpful in connecting with third parties who could be synergistic with our existing businesses or in providing new opportunities for the Company and its shareholders.”

Tom Rogers, Executive Chairman of the Company, added, “As I have indicated on our last couple of earnings calls, with a large number of small cap companies with distressed stock price situations similar to our own, we feel this is an environment full of opportunity for discussions with various parties to assess how mutual ambitions to create greater scale in a tough economy can be better realized.”

Potential strategic options to be explored or evaluated as part of this process may include, but are not limited to, merger, reverse merger, acquisition, other business combination, sale of assets, partnerships, joint ventures, licensing, or other strategic transactions involving Engine. The Company has not set a timetable for completion of this process and does not expect to disclose developments with respect to this process unless and until the evaluation of strategic alternatives has been completed or the Company’s Board of Directors has concluded disclosure is appropriate or legally required.

Engine has engaged KPMG Corporate Finance, Inc. and Haywood Securities, Inc. as the Company’s exclusive financial advisors to assist in this process.

About Engine Gaming and Media, Inc.

Engine Gaming and Media, Inc. (NASDAQ:GAME) (TSX-V:GAME) provides unparalleled live streaming data and social analytics, influencer relationship management and monetization, and programmatic advertising to support the world’s largest video gaming companies, brand marketers, ecommerce companies, media publishers and agencies to drive new streams of revenue. The Company’s subsidiaries include Stream Hatchet, the global leader in gaming video distribution analytics; Sideqik, a social influencer marketing discovery, analytics, and activation platform; and Frankly Media, a digital publishing platform used to create, distribute, and monetize content across all digital channels. Engine generates revenue through a combination of software-as-a-service subscription fees, managed services, and programmatic advertising. For more information, please visit www.enginegaming.com.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Engine to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. In respect of the forward-looking information contained herein, Engine has provided such statements and information in reliance on certain assumptions that management believed to be reasonable at the time. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements stated herein to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained in this news release.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Engine does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Investor Relations Contact:
Shannon Devine
MZ North America
Main: 203-741-8811
GAME@mzgroup.us

SOURCE: Engine Gaming & Media Inc.



View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/719250/Engine-Gaming-Media-Announces-Exploration-of-Strategic-Alternatives