Episode 153: The UK CMA Throws a Temper Tantrum Over the Activision Acquisition (News Show)
Release Date: 05/23/2023
Virtual Economy
The Embracer Group name is going away, splitting its mega-conglomerate into three in an attempt to move on from its destructive legacy. But with Lars Wingefors sticking around to lead the holding company, our expectations are tempered. Also: Meta loses billions more as it tries to become the Windows of MR and earnings season is here! You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:54] - Embracer Group Splits Into Three Pieces [00:32:32] - Meta MR Losses Mount [00:42:03] - Paradox Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:44:16] - Microsoft Q3 FY24 Earnings [00:49:10]...
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info_outline Episode 167: Did Microsoft Trigger the FTC’s Trap Card? (News Show)Virtual Economy
Microsoft’s layoffs have sent the FTC into a tizzy, adding fuel to the ongoing fire. Also: It’s earnings season, with EA, Microsoft, Capcom, Nintendo, Square Enix, Paradox, Take-Two, Sega, and Meta reporting. We also cover the latest in the layoff storm that continues to drown the industry and Disney’s $1.5B investment in Epic. This is episode is sponsored by Magic Mind, a supplement shot that includes ingredients to lower your stress, reduce fatigue, and boost your immune system. You can get 20% off your order of Magic Mind at using the code VirtualEconomy20. You can...
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It’s been less than one month, and the industry has already suffered more than 3,500 lost jobs. Also: The Circana report for December 2023 and the full year, a few investments, and a discussion about some challenging changes to the U.S. tax code. Oh, and a bit about that weird Palworld game. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:11:08] - Circana report on U.S. Video Game Spending for December and Full Year 2023 [00:27:19] - Investment Interlude [00:34:06] - Quick Hits [01:00:58] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT...
info_outline Episode 164: The Game Awards Needs to Change (Season Finale)Virtual Economy
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Embracer Group gorged itself during the pandemic when debt was cheap. Now, it’s scrambling to lay off hundreds of people to “win.” Also, Circana report for October, Epic wins against Google, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:04:03] - Embracer Group Q2 Earnings [00:20:32] - Starbreeze Q3 Earnings [00:24:59] - Epic wins in court against Google [00:27:27] - Circana U.S. Video Game Spending Report for October 2023 [00:33:18] - Investment Interlude [00:45:08] - Quick Hits [01:11:01] - Labor Report SOURCES ...
info_outlineOne day we’ll be free of the Microsoft/Activision deal, but that day is NOT today. Also: Nintendo, EA, Starbreeze, Square Enix, Capcom, and Take-Two Earnings, acquisitions, the Circana US Video Game Spending report for April 2023, more layoffs, and a Double FAFO.
Support Miranda Due, former Unity employee, who is looking for work. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise!
TIME STAMPS
- [00:00:48] - Nintendo Earnings FY23
- [00:08:06] - EA Earnings Q4 and FY23
- [00:16:47] - Starbreeze Q1 FY23 Earnings
- [00:21:39] - Square Enix FY23 Earnings
- [00:25:09] - Capcom FY23 Earnings
- [00:29:19] - Take-Two FY23 Earnings
- [00:43:08] - Investment Interlude
- [00:51:17] - Quick Hits
- [00:57:24] - Labor Report
- [01:04:56] - Circana Report on US Video Game Spending for April 2023
- [01:09:03] - Double FAFO
SOURCES
- Nintendo Full Year FY23 Earnings | Nintendo
- EA Q4 and Full Year FY23 Earnings | EA
- Starbreeze Q1 FY23 Earnings | Starbreeze
- Square Enix FY23 Earnings | Square Enix
- Capcom FY23 Earnings | Capcom
- Take-Two FY23 Earnings | Take-Two
- CD Projekt makes layoffs after rescoping its Witcher spin-off game | VGC
- Sony Studio PixelOpus, Best-Known for Concrete Genie, Is Shutting Down | IGN
- PlayStation-backed Deviation Games hit with layoffs | VGC
- Ubisoft Hit by More Layoffs in Customer Service and Elsewhere | IGN
- Report: Brace Yourself Games lays off half its staff | Game Developer
- Riot's $100 million gender discrimination settlement granted final approval | Game Developer
- Unity employee fired for sharing comments from executive suggesting employees rent in downtown SF to make RTO easier | Miranda Due (@MirandaDue) on Twitter
- Destiny 2 cheat maker refuses to show up for court and now owes Bungie $6.7 million | PCGamer
INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
- ANTICIPATED ACQUISITION BY MICROSOFT CORPORATION OF ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. | UK Competition and Markets Authority
- Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, subject to conditions | European Commission
- UK CMA Responds to EU Approval of Microsoft's Acquisition of Activision Blizzard | UK Competition and Markets Authority (@CMAgovUK) on Twitter
- Microsoft President Brad Smith on EU Decision | Brad Smith (@bradsmi) on Twitter
- Certain Affinity Announces Grand Opening of New Toronto Facility | Certain Affinity
- KEYWORDS STUDIOS EXTENDS US PRESENCE AND ADDS FURTHER AAA EXPERTISE TO ITS CREATE SERVICE LINE THROUGH THE ACQUISITION OF HARDSUIT | Keywords Studios
- Atari Closes the Acquisition of Nightdive Studios | Atari