Libsyn Directory

Episode 94: The State of California v Activision Blizzard (News Show)

Release Date: 07/24/2021

Episode 101: How to Destroy Your Studio’s Reputation With One Tweet (News Show)

Virtual Economy

On this week’s show: Tripwire Interactive CEO tanks his studio’s reputation with a single tweet before showing himself the door, Epic vs Apple is over (and Apple mostly won), Twitch sues hate raiders as it scrambles to do evidence it’s doing anything to stop harassment on its platform, Paradox employees speak out against toxicity, and more.

Episode 100: We Did Not Make an NFT of This Show (News Show)

Virtual Economy

It’s our 100th episode! Thank you to everyone who has listened and supported us! This week: The graded collectible game bubble, the scar of Cyberpunk 2077’s failed launch, China’s tightened youth gaming restrictions, and more.

Episode 99: Maybe Don’t Abuse Steam’s Refund System (News Show)

Virtual Economy

Steam’s refund policy is great… until people start abusing it and hurting small developers. Also: EA offers up accessibility patents for free, Apple does the bare minimum to ward off lawsuits, and Unity employees take a stand.

Bonus: #TwitchDoBetter with RekItRaven

Virtual Economy

Twitch is failing marginalized creators as instances of hate raids, harassment, and virulent toxicity have spiked on the platform. Content creator and #TwitchDoBetter originator RekItRaven joins us to discuss.

Episode 98: Fighting For the Little Guy… By Stealing Their Ideas (News Show)

Virtual Economy

Epic Games is under fire for wholesale copying Innersloth’s Among Us for a new Fortnite Mode. Also: the latest on Activision Blizzard, earnings updates (Starbreeze, Remedy, Paradox, Unity, Roblox, Embracer Group), NPD, and more.

Bonus: Raw Fury’s Future with Jonas Antonsson

Virtual Economy

Raw Fury has agreed to a majority acquisition by Swedish investment group Altor. We spoke with Raw Fury founder Jonas Antonsson about the publisher’s growth, its path to acquisition, and how funding will accelerate new projects.

Episode 97: What Goes Up… (Earnings Show)

Virtual Economy

The pandemic isn’t over, but as the world starts to reopen, gaming revenue starts to settle into a new normal. We discuss Take-Two, Nintendo, Sony, EA, Zynga, Sega, and Square Enix.

Episode 96: How Not to Fire 150 People (News Show)

Virtual Economy

Xsolla decided it would be a great idea to fire 150 people via email, publicly shame them, and then threaten its remaining staff. Also: the latest on Activision Blizzard, why indies aren’t immune from toxic environments, and more.

Episode 95: Activision Blizzard Leadership Has Failed (News Show)

Virtual Economy

Activision Blizzard leadership continues to fail in its response to the California DFEH lawsuit and its own employees. Ubisoft employees are renewing their demands for change and a seat at the table. Also: Microsoft and Capcom earnings.

Episode 94: The State of California v Activision Blizzard (News Show)

Virtual Economy

More Episodes

Activision Blizzard has perpetuated a culture of sexual harassment and pay discrimination for years, according to a lawsuit filed by the State of California. The company can’t seem to decide how to handle the suit with Blizzard and Activision Publishing leadership expressing shock and remorse while GOP corporate hires blast the suit and the state for standing up for non-male employees.

Content Warning: Sexual Harassment, Suicide from 55:00 to 01:42:00

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TIME STAMPS

[00:01:45] - Tech Talk: A Quick Update on SWOLED and Gabe Gear
[00:07:40] - SOC (Formerly CtW) Urges EA Shareholders to Vote “No” on Say-on-Pay
[00:13:15] - Niko Partners Report on the Global Esports Market
[00:22:57] - Investment Interlude
[00:39:20] - Quick Hits
[00:55:30] - Activision Blizzard’s Culture of Harassment, Toxicity, and Pay Inequality
[01:42:13] - IGDA Issues Call to Action Regarding NFTs and Blockchain
[01:45:03] - Ubisoft Q1 FY22 Earnings

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