Episode 176: Microsoft Holds a Knife to the Golden Game Pass Goose’s Neck (News Show)
Release Date: 07/16/2024
Virtual Economy
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info_outline 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...
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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 .
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info_outlineMicrosoft 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 https://www.magicmind.com/VECONOMY20 using the code VECONOMY20.
You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise!
TIME STAMPS
- [00:01:13] - SAG-AFTRA Updates Independent Development Contracts
- [00:06:42] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for May 2024
- [00:13:33] - Microsoft Makes Big Changes to Game Pass
- [00:28:56] - Investment Interlude
- [00:44:06] - Quick Hits
- [00:47:48] - Labor Report
SOURCES
- Life By You is Cancelled | Paradox Forums
- Paradox Interactive to close down Paradox Tectonic | Paradox
- Former Paradox Dev comments on Life by You Cancelation | Willem Delventhal on LinkedIn
- Cities Skylines 2 - Console Development Status | Paradox Forums
- Pieces Interactive has Been Shuttered by Embracer Group | Pieces Interactive
- Embracer-owned Gothic, Risen and ELEX developer Piranha Bytes closes | Eurogamer
- Former Piranha Bytes devs form Pithead Studio | GamesIndustry
- Galvanic Games is Closing Down | Galvanic Games (@GalvanicGames) on Twitter
- GOODBYE, HEROES OF ARMANTIA AND KOJI VILLAGERS | Challengers Games
- Gameloft Toronto staff laid off after studio 'substantially' reduces production activity | Game Developer
- Perfect World cuts staff in multi-unit layoffs, reportedly suspends game projects | Game Developer
- Network N lays off eight from games marketing agency Project N | GamesIndustry
- Gamurs Group reportedly lays off unknown number of staff | GamesIndustry
- EA execs earned $60 million in 2024 despite layoffs and office closures | Game Developer
INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
- Capcom Makes Minimum Studios Co., Ltd. a Subsidiary Through Share Acquisition | Capcom
- Keywords Studios reaches £2.2bn acquisition agreement with Swedish investment company EQT | GamesIndustry
- Daybreak Games, Singularity 6 to Collaborate on Development of Palia | Daybreak Games
- Arc System Works opens European branch | Arc Systems Works EU (@ASW_Official_EU) on Twitter
- Dutch publisher Mystic Forge nets €2 million to help indies get to market | Game Developer
- Kwalee makes minority investment in Devolver Digital | GamesIndustry
- PULLUP Entertainment Announces its results for the 2023/24 financial year | Pullup
- Series Entertainment and Pixelberry | Pixelberry
- Stellar Blade developer Shift Up raises $320m in IPO | GamesIndustry