Libsyn Directory

Episode 159: Unity Says, “Nice Game You’ve Got There… It’d be a Shame if Something Happened to It” (News Show)

Release Date: 09/20/2023

Episode 178: EA Sports College Football Saves the Month (News Show)

Virtual Economy

We had a hunch that EA Sports College Football was going to be big, and it seems to have single-handedly swung the U.S. video game spending report in a positive direction. Also: Lots of earnings, PS5 price hikes, some acquisitions, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:46] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for July 2024 [00:09:36] - Square Enix Q1 FY25 Earnings [00:16:53] - Nintendo Q1 FY25 Earnings [00:26:38] - Sony Q1 FY25 Earnings [00:36:43] - Remedy Q2 FY24 Earnings [00:44:59] - Sega Q1 FY25 Earnings [00:49:19] -...

Episode 177: The Last Good Reason for GameStop to Exist is Gone (News Show)

Virtual Economy

Amidst new allegations of insider training, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen has shuttered Game Informer magazine after 33 years. Also: Earnings time is here, more Bungie layoffs, Netherrealm layoffs, Circana report for June 2024, voice actors on strike, IGN parent Ziff Davis does Humble Games publishing and its partners dirty, and more. This 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 one time purchase of Magic Mind or up to 48% off your first subscription...

Episode 176: Microsoft Holds a Knife to the Golden Game Pass Goose’s Neck (News Show)

Virtual Economy

Microsoft is making sweeping changes to Game Pass, seemingly to avoid bleeding out on Call of Duty sales. Also: Circana report for May 2024, SAG-AFTRA updates, more Embracer and Paradox cuts, out of control EA executive pay in the face of layoffs, and more. This 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 one time purchase of Magic Mind or up to 48% off your first subscription at using the code VECONOMY20. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth...

Bonus Episode 10: A Conversation About Unionization with IATSE

Virtual Economy

With the video game industry in the midst of the worst labor crisis we've ever seen, collective action is crucial. We're joined by Chrissy Fellmeth, Kelly Larkin, and Andrew Buczacki to discuss how the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is supporting labor organization and unionization in the video game industry. Additionally, you can find a transcript of this interview . For more on IATSE, you can visit their , , and channels. Additionally, you can find more resources at and the .

Episode 175: Summer Game Fest Gets Closer to E3 Vibes (News Show)

Virtual Economy

E3 might be dead, but its spirit is clinging to life (even if just by sheer will of the industry and the JW Marriott lobby). We discuss the trends and big learnings from the showcases and a quick visit to SGF Play Days. Also: GameStop earnings, Circana report for April 2024, the latest labor report, and more. This 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 one time purchase of Magic Mind or up to 48% off your first subscription at using the code...

Episode 174: The World’s Oldest Console War is Over (News Show)

Virtual Economy

Atari has finally driven its mortal enemy, Intellivision, and heard the lamentations of its pixels. Also: So. Many. Earnings. We’re covering Sony, Square Enix, Ubisoft, Take-Two, and Embracer. Also, a number of new studios were founded as the labor winter trudges on. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:02:32] - Sony Q4 and full year FY23 Earnings [00:17:46] - Square Enix Q4 and full year FY24 Earnings [00:25:29] - Ubisoft Q4 and full year FY24 Earnings [00:31:04] - Take-Two Q4 and full year FY24 Earnings [00:42:40] - Embracer Group Q4...

Episode 173: Sony Didn’t Manage Democracy, Xbox Self-Immolates (News Show)

Virtual Economy

Sony dug a giant hole and dumped all the Helldivers 2 goodwill into the pit (while cutting off 177 countries). Microsoft lit itself on fire and burned player sentiment to the ground. Good times. Also: Take-Two layoffs target a BAFTA winner, Unity has a new CEO with a massive compensation package, the Circana report for March, and earnings, earnings, earnings. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:03:56] - Unity’s New CEO [00:13:42] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for March 2024 [00:25:08] - Investment Interlude...

Episode 172: Embracer Group Crumbles… And Friends (News Show)

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]...

Episode 171: Why Layoffs? Because Everyone Else is Doing It! (News Show)

Virtual Economy

Two months after Take-Two said it wasn’t planning layoffs it has… well… by now you know. Also, we’re trying something new and fun with this episode. Join us for a lively discussion about keeping the industry healthy and a deep dive into what the heck differentiates III from AA! You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:45] - Discussion Time! (How to build a healthier industry and just what does “indie” mean these days?” [00:23:49] - Investment Interlude [00:34:19] - Quick Hits [00:41:01] - Labor Report SOURCES ...

Episode 170: Embracer Group Fire Sale Burns Labor (News Show)

Virtual Economy

We’ve come full circle. Embracer Group just took a massive loss to get some much-needed cash in hopes of filling a seemingly bottomless hole of debt. Saber is gone. Zen is gone. 4A is gone. Gearbox is gone. Also, SAG-AFTRA may strike against video game companies, some new studios are popping up, but many others are still laying off and closing. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:00:30] - GDC and PAX East Recap [00:11:27] - Gaming Safety Coalition [00:14:53] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for February 2024 [00:29:57] -...

More Episodes

Unity couldn’t have made a bigger mess of its reputation in the game development community. Also: Microsoft’s big leak, GameStop earnings, Circana report for August, SAG-AFTRA fires a shot at video game publishers, and more.

You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise!

TIME STAMPS

[00:02:45] - PAX West
[00:25:15] - GameStop Earnings
[00:27:50] - Unity’s Foolish Moves
[00:51:32] - Investment Interlude
[01:18:59] - Quick Hits
[01:25:50] - Labor Report
[01:40:44] - Circana Report on U.S. Consumer Video Game Spending for August 2023
[01:44:43] - Listener Questions
[01:49:11] - FAFO

SOURCES

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