Virtual Economy
The business of video games can be complicated. In each episode of Virtual Economy, hosts and analysts Amanda Farough and Michael Futter break down the biggest business news in the video game industry.
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Episode 171: Why Layoffs? Because Everyone Else is Doing It! (News Show)
04/18/2024
Episode 171: Why Layoffs? Because Everyone Else is Doing It! (News Show)
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 INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 170: Embracer Group Fire Sale Burns Labor (News Show)
03/29/2024
Episode 170: Embracer Group Fire Sale Burns Labor (News Show)
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] - GameStop Q4 FY24 Earnings [00:33:03] - Investment Interlude [00:47:40] - Divestment Dinterlude [01:03:42] - Quick Hits [01:16:04] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 169: The AAA Video Game Industry is in Freefall (News Show)
03/03/2024
Episode 169: The AAA Video Game Industry is in Freefall (News Show)
Triple-A game development as we know it is unsustainable. It doesn't matter if a game succeeds or fails, the corporate machine is grinding developers up and spitting them out by the thousands. Things need to change. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase ! TIME STAMPS [00:01:29] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for January 2024 [00:07:04] - Investment Interlude [00:18:43] - Quick Hits [00:21:25] - Labor Report [00:43:33] - FAFO! SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 168: Switch 2 Switcharoo Could Thwart 2024 Recovery Hopes (News Show)
02/23/2024
Episode 168: Switch 2 Switcharoo Could Thwart 2024 Recovery Hopes (News Show)
The console market is going through major changes as hardware prices stay high and first party needs to pivot audience strategy. Nintendo may be struggling to find a break-even for its Switch successor, prompting a later release than we anticipated. Also: Embracer Group woes continue, Hasbro loses a ton. 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 support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:12] - Sony Earnings for Q3 FY24 [00:18:37] - Starbreeze Earnings for FY23 [00:26:13] - Embracer Group Earnings for Q3 FY24 [00:41:48] - Bandai Namco Earnings Notes for Q3 FY24 [00:43:48] - Hasbro Earnings Notes for FY23 [00:46:46] - Xbox Reveals Multiplatform Plans [00:49:10] - Epic Games Store Year in Review 2023 [00:52:22] - Investment Interlude [01:04:24] - Quick Hits [01:13:12] - Labor Report [01:22:11] - What Happens if the Switch 2 Doesn’t Come Out in 2024? [01:36:13] - Listener Questions SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 167: Did Microsoft Trigger the FTC’s Trap Card? (News Show)
02/14/2024
Episode 167: Did Microsoft Trigger the FTC’s Trap Card? (News Show)
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 support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:14] - EA Earnings [00:12:44] - Microsoft Earnings [00:22:59] - Capcom Earnings [00:28:23] - Nintendo Earnings [00:31:09] - Square Enix Earnings [00:37:45] - Paradox Earnings [00:42:38] - Take-Two Earnings [00:49:17] - SegaSammy Earnings [00:53:09] - Meta Earnings (Brief) [00:55:57] - Investment Interlude [01:12:13] - Quick Hits [01:19:36] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 166: We Were Wrong About Microsoft and Activision (News Show)
01/31/2024
Episode 166: We Were Wrong About Microsoft and Activision (News Show)
In the wake of 2020’s bombshell revelations about Activision’s miserable culture and history of defending sexual abusers, we hoped that Microsoft would be a better steward for the company’s 13,000 employees. With 1,900 laid off post-acquisition, we are disappointed and saddened at how wrong we were. 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 support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:09] - A word about Microsoft and Activision [00:07:07] - Apple kinda-but-not-really complies with European Commission rulings [00:19:03] - The Pokemon Company dragon is stirring, Palworld… [00:24:10] - Investment Interlude [00:30:32] - Quick Hits [00:33:48] - Labor Report [00:54:48] - Twitch Updates Payment Terms for Streamers SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 165: So… 2024, Huh? (News Show)
01/24/2024
Episode 165: So… 2024, Huh? (News Show)
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 INTERLUDE
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Episode 164: The Game Awards Needs to Change (Season Finale)
12/27/2023
Episode 164: The Game Awards Needs to Change (Season Finale)
It’s been a hard year, folks. As we say goodbye to 2023 and turn our attention to a (hopefully) brighter 2024, we’re recapping recent gaming events, November’s Circana report, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:02:17] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for November 2023 [00:09:11] - GameStop Earnings for Q3 2023 [00:13:28] - What’s Going on in China? [00:19:37] - Twitch: Closing Up Shop in S. Korea, Sexual Content Policy [00:25:10] - Investment Interlude [00:25:59] - Quick Hits [00:27:26] - Labor Report [00:35:45] - Our Feelings on Coverage of the Insomniac Hack (Discussion) [00:45:59] - PAX Unplugged (Discussion) [00:54:47] - The Game Awards (Discussion) [01:02:42] - Our Favorite Games This Year [01:13:48] - Listener Questions SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 163: Embracer Group Claims Layoffs are How “We Will Win” (News Show)
12/15/2023
Episode 163: Embracer Group Claims Layoffs are How “We Will Win” (News Show)
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 INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 162: The Stark Contrast Between Positive Earnings and Gruesome Layoffs (News Show)
11/15/2023
Episode 162: The Stark Contrast Between Positive Earnings and Gruesome Layoffs (News Show)
We’re in the thick of earnings season, and it’s hard to swallow positive financial news amid an avalanche of heartbreak labor stories. On this week’s show: Sony EA, Nintendo, Take-Two, Remedy, Sega, and Square Enix earnings. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:02:35] - Sony Earnings for Q2 FY2023 [00:08:50] - EA Earnings for Q2 FY2024 [00:17:00] - Nintendo Earnings for Q2 FY2024 [00:27:08] - Take-Two Earnings for Q2 FY2024 [00:29:00] - Remedy Earnings for Q3 FY2023 [00:31:02] - Sega Earnings for Q2 FY2024 [00:34:32] - Square Enix Earnings for Q2 FY2024 [00:39:25] - Remedy Update on Project Vanguard [00:42:57] - Investment Interlude [00:56:14] - Quick Hits [00:59:21] - Labor Report [01:14:05] - Listener Questions SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 161: Phil Spencer is Bobby Kotick’s Daddy Now (News Show)
10/30/2023
Episode 161: Phil Spencer is Bobby Kotick’s Daddy Now (News Show)
With Microsoft’s Activision acquisition closed, the Xbox leadership team has reorganized in some unexpected ways. Also: Microsoft and Capcom earnings, more layoffs, Paradox says goodbye to Harebrained Schemes, Unity boots John Riccitiello, and we have the latest Circana report on U.S. Game spending. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:02:49] - Circana report on U.S. Video Game Spending for September 2023 [00:17:47] - Unity gives John Riccitiello the boot [00:24:16] - Microsoft Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:36:51] - Capcom Q2 FY24 Earnings [00:42:31] - Investment Interlude [00:52:41] - Quick Hits [01:03:44] - Labor Report [01:12:25] - Let’s Talk about the GaaSacre [01:20:08] - Listener Questions SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 160: A Bad Year for Game Creators is a Bad Year for Games (News Show)
10/08/2023
Episode 160: A Bad Year for Game Creators is a Bad Year for Games (News Show)
The industry’s labor situation is reaching a boiling point, as Epic Games sacrifices employees on the altar of its fight against Apple and Google. Also: Unity has burnt its goodwill to the ground, voice actors prepare to strike, a leadership shake-up at PlayStation, and Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard now seems like a sure thing. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase ! TIME STAMPS [00:00:31] - The State of the Industry [00:09:05] - Unity Update - An Attempt to Save Face [00:28:57] - Bye bye, Jim Ryan [00:30:03] - Epic Implements IARC Ratings for Fortnite Creative & more Parental Controls [00:35:59] - Investment Interlude [00:41:50] - Quick Hits [00:50:18] - Labor Report [01:18:27] - Listener Questions SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Bonus Episode 9: The State of Indie Publishing with Z from Serenity Forge
10/01/2023
Bonus Episode 9: The State of Indie Publishing with Z from Serenity Forge
At PAX West, we spoke with Serenity Forge founder and CEO Z about the risks, challenges, and opportunities in the indie publishing world. With brutal macroeconomic headwinds and massive consolidation, the pressure is on for small publishers. Find out how Serenity Forge is weathering the storm.
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Episode 159: Unity Says, “Nice Game You’ve Got There… It’d be a Shame if Something Happened to It” (News Show)
09/20/2023
Episode 159: Unity Says, “Nice Game You’ve Got There… It’d be a Shame if Something Happened to It” (News Show)
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 and also purchase! 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 INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 158: Microsoft, Activision, and Ubisoft are a Thrupple Now (News Show)
08/26/2023
Episode 158: Microsoft, Activision, and Ubisoft are a Thrupple Now (News Show)
The Microsoft/Activision deal is still alive. And now, Ubisoft has been folded into the conversation with control of cloud streaming rights. Also: Earnings (Square Enix, Sony, Take-Two, Embracer Group), The July 2023 Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending, Xbox’s new moderation system, and a listener question about the Xtra Small Small. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase ! TIME STAMPS [00:01:36] - Square Enix Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:07:16] - Take-Two Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:14:51] - Sony Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:18:24] - Embracer Group Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:26:23] - Investment Interlude [00:41:24] - Quick Hits [00:46:17] - Labor Report [00:50:59] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for July 2023 [00:54:19] - Xbox’s New Moderation System [00:56:46] - Listener Question SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 157: The ESRB Is Getting Weird (News Show)
08/06/2023
Episode 157: The ESRB Is Getting Weird (News Show)
The Entertainment Software Ratings Board wants to use facial scanning to keep your kids from playing GTA and other adult-focused games. Also, it’s earnings season, with Microsoft, Capcom, Sega, and EA kicking us off. We also cover two more instances of the dreaded “payoffs for layoffs,” and a heap of listener questions! You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:1:55] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for June 2023 [00:13:20] - Microsoft Q4 FY23 Earnings [00:19:43] - Capcom Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:23:40] - Sega Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:29:51] - EA Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:31:28] - Nintendo Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:35:55] - Investment Interlude [00:45:39] - Quick Hits [00:56:30] - Labor Report [01:02:41] - The ESRB Wants to Use Facial Scanning for Age Gating [01:13:20] - Listener Questions SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 156: Xbox Live is Dead, Long Live Xbox Game Pass (News Show)
07/22/2023
Episode 156: Xbox Live is Dead, Long Live Xbox Game Pass (News Show)
The FTC is down for the count after losing in court and seeing an emergency injunction denied. We discuss where things go from here as the UK CMA stands alone. Also, a bunch of new studios were announced, Bungie wins a big victory against a toxic troll, and Xbox works to make it harder for harassers online. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:02:52] - Pathfinder Open Gaming License [00:09:39] - New Xbox Voice Reporting Feature [00:13:14] - Xbox Live is Dead, Here Comes Game Pass Core [00:19:14] - Investment Interlude [00:32:21] - Activision Blizzard FTC [00:45:54] - Quick Hits [00:48:19] - Labor Report [00:57:12] - FAFO x2 [01:06:59] - Listener Questions SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 155: FTC Cage Match (News Show)
07/03/2023
Episode 155: FTC Cage Match (News Show)
This week saw the long-awaited showdown between the FTC and Microsoft, as the U.S. Government seeks an injunction to prevent the Activision acquisition. Also; new studios opening amidst an otherwise grim labor report, the latest Circana U.S. spending report, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:17] - Circana U.S. Video Game Spending Report for May 2023 [00:19:41] - Twitch Partner Plus [00:27:05] - Investment Interlude (With a Big Conversation about the Microsoft/Activision FTC Hearing) [00:57:42] - Quick Hits [01:03:12] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 154: What Happens When a $2B Deal Evaporates Overnight? (News Show)
06/11/2023
Episode 154: What Happens When a $2B Deal Evaporates Overnight? (News Show)
On the eve of its earnings announcement, Embracer Group saw a nearly-signed $2B deal fall apart. We discuss the potential impact. Also: GameStop back in crisis, a huge number of layoffs, and the strange tale of Disco Elysium continues. Note: We discuss Cyberpunk 2077 and the Phantom Liberty DLC during this episode. While we were confused that Phantom Liberty was a no-show during Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest presentation, the game did make an appearance during the Xbox event. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:02:11] - Embracer Group Earnings for FY23 [00:10:02] - Sony Business Segment Meeting - New Data [00:21:25] - GameStop Earnings for Q1 2023 [00:29:11] - Investment Interlude [00:38:38] - Quick Hits [00:57:28] - Labor Report [01:19:48] - Microsoft Hit with $20M COPPA Violation Fine [01:23:51] - Apple’s Vision Pro and the $3,500 Price Tag SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 153: The UK CMA Throws a Temper Tantrum Over the Activision Acquisition (News Show)
05/23/2023
Episode 153: The UK CMA Throws a Temper Tantrum Over the Activision Acquisition (News Show)
One 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. , former Unity employee, who is looking for work. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! 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 INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 152: Sega’s Angry Birds Acquisition and Life After Microsoft/Activision (News Show)
05/05/2023
Episode 152: Sega’s Angry Birds Acquisition and Life After Microsoft/Activision (News Show)
After years of stumbling in the mobile space, Sega decided to throw $775M at the problem with the acquisition of Rovio. Also: Lots of layoffs, some acquisitions, a bunch of earnings, and the March Circana report on U.S. video game spending. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:06] - Epic v Apple… The End [00:04:03] - Microsoft Earnings for Q3 FY23 [00:14:21] - Sony Earnings for FY23 [00:18:13] - Remedy Earnings for Q1 FY23 [00:21:02] - Paradox Earnings for Q1 FY23 [00:23:14] - Sega Earnings for FY23 [00:26:32] - Investment Interlude [00:42:23] - Quick Hits [00:55:35] - Labor Report [01:03:59] - Circana U.S. Video Game Spending report for March 2023 [01:15:57] - FAFO SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Bonus Episode 8: The UK CMA Murdered the Microsoft/Activision Deal
04/26/2023
Bonus Episode 8: The UK CMA Murdered the Microsoft/Activision Deal
It's a very special, very weird episode from sunny Dubrovnik, Croatia! We're thrilled to have the one, the only ANDY PAN join us for a discussion about the UK Competition and Markets Authority's decision to deny Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard on the basis of the cloud gaming business. You can read the full decision : Microsoft / Activision deal prevented to protect innovation and choice in cloud gaming. For the full context, You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise!
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GDC 2023: I Fought the Law 2 - Legal Rumble in the Bay
04/23/2023
GDC 2023: I Fought the Law 2 - Legal Rumble in the Bay
At GDC 2023, we got the gang back together for another down-and-dirty legal issues conversation. We're grateful to Brandon Huffman, founder of Odin Law & Media, and Ryan Black, partner at DLA Piper, for joining us again this year. On the docket for this year: The Rise and Fall of Web3 at GDC (Good riddance!) The state of mergers and acquisitions in the industry and beyond The growing need for unionization and the current labor initiatives across the industry The future of non-compete clauses in the United States The emerging challenges with AI technologies Looking toward the future of legal issues, including the fate of Section 230 (Safe Harbor) in the United States You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise!
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Episode 151: E3 Can’t Claw Itself Out of the Grave (News Show)
04/05/2023
Episode 151: E3 Can’t Claw Itself Out of the Grave (News Show)
The new ReedPop-run E3 died before it could live… or was it… MURDERED?! (Spoiler: It was murdered.) Also: GameStop leans on cost cutting to finally turn a modest profit, Microsoft is one step closer to closing its Activision deal, established studios expand, while layoffs also run rampant. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:54] - E3 is DED! (Again!) [00:17:46] - Circana US Video Game Spending Report for February [00:25:14] - GameStop FY 2023 Earnings [00:29:43] - Investment Interlude [00:41:51] - Quick Hits [00:53:02] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 150: Square Enix Says No Flippin’ Thanks to its Web3 CEO (News Show)
03/17/2023
Episode 150: Square Enix Says No Flippin’ Thanks to its Web3 CEO (News Show)
Square Enix is having a time of it, as its Web3-loving CEO is leaving and Luminous Productions is no more. Also: Ubisoft and Activision messing up labor issues again, and the US is investigating extremism in online games. Also, Manda is going to talk to you about The Lord of the Rings, and Mike will do his best Gollum impression. Maybe. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:04] - Square Enix Needs to Sort Itself Out [00:05:41] - The US Government Wants to Know About Extremism in Online Games [00:09:21] - Epic Lays Out Its Plans for the Future of Epic Games Store [00:13:29] - Investment Interlude [00:17:04] - Quick Hits [00:33:06] - Labor Report [00:42:54] - FAFO! SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 149: The Great Games as a Service Massacre (News Show)
02/20/2023
Episode 149: The Great Games as a Service Massacre (News Show)
It’s been a bloody couple of weeks for service-based games, and we suspect the murderer is still on the loose. Also: IT’S EARNINGS SEASON, BAYBEEE! We’ve got a meaty plate of all your favorite cold cuts: EA, Capcom, Sony, Nintendo, Square Enix, Take-Two, Capcom, Sega, Embracer Group, Starbreeze, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:02:28] - Sony Q3 FY22 Earnings [00:06:22] - Nintendo Q3 FY23 Earnings [00:15:12] - Square Enix Q3 FY23 Earnings [00:17:14] - EA Q3 FY23 Earnings [00:26:18] - Take-Two Q3 FY23 Earnings [00:32:16] - Capcom Q3 FY23 Earnings [00:35:29] - Sega Q3 FY23 Earnings [00:36:17] - Embracer Group Q3 FY23 Earnings [00:40:29] - Starbreeze Q4 FY22 Earnings [00:44:04] - Investment Interlude [00:52:18] - Quick Hits [00:58:09] - Labor Report [01:03:38] - NPD Report on US Video Game Spending for January 2023 [01:10:42] - Mike remembers there’s a listener question (oops!) SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 148: Dungeons & Dragons, New Coke, and Other Terrible Mistakes (News Show)
01/30/2023
Episode 148: Dungeons & Dragons, New Coke, and Other Terrible Mistakes (News Show)
Wizards of the Coast squandered goodwill to find itself right back where it started. Also: Earnings season has begun, the GDC State of the Industry report shows developers put the smackdown on Web3, NPD for December shows a bit of lift, and (as we grimly expected) we’re in the layoff bad times. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:17] - Learnings for the GDC State of the Industry Report [00:26:42] - Wizards of the Coast Fizzles OGL Update [00:30:05] - Microsoft Q2 FY23 Earnings [00:41:33] - Investment Interlude [00:45:38] - Quick Hits [00:52:36] - Labor Report [00:57:05] - NPD for December 2022 SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 147: Ubisoft in Crisis (Season 4 Premiere)
01/17/2023
Episode 147: Ubisoft in Crisis (Season 4 Premiere)
We’re back for Season 4! Good thing we’re not on HBO Max, amirite? The ghosts of Ubisoft’s failure to care for its employees are now haunting its financial performance. Also: Let’s talk about D&D and Hasbro’s huge, shortsighted missteps with the OGL, Epic has been slapped with a fine over Fortnite, Zenimax QA workers unionize, while Activision Blizzard moves to make things hard for workers at recently acquired Proletariat. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:02:34] - Dungeons & Dragons Rolls a Critical Miss [00:23:13] - Ubisoft’s No Good, Very Bad Day [00:34:48] - A Pair of Fortnite Stories [00:48:47] - Investment Interlude [01:05:02] - Quick Hits [01:19:40] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 146: GameStop’s Still Hemorrhaging Money (News Show)
12/16/2022
Episode 146: GameStop’s Still Hemorrhaging Money (News Show)
It’s our season finale! GameStop has more than a little red on it, with losses continuing to mount on a crypto deal gone bust. Also: Microsoft makes nice with Nintendo (again) to pressure Sony, layoff continue to plague the industry, Zenimax QA workers on the path to unionization, and a fresh FAFO. Oh… and we have a tiny, little announcement. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are ours and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of our employer or the organizations with which we work. TIME STAMPS [00:00:30] - Some exciting news! [00:05:44] - Gamestop Q3 FY2023 Earnings [00:14:20] - NPD U.S. Video Game Spending Report for November 2022 [00:19:46] - Twitch’s new Shield Mode [00:22:51] - Investment Interlude [00:49:36] - Quick Hits [00:54:19] - Labor Report [01:14:26] - Listener Question [01:16:01] - FAFO SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Bonus Episode 7: What to do When Your Brand Isn’t Working for You Anymore
12/06/2022
Bonus Episode 7: What to do When Your Brand Isn’t Working for You Anymore
Brad Wildes, CEO of video game accessories maker PDP, joins us to discuss the company’s recent rebrand and the complicated process of reshaping your brand identity. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase !
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