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 200: Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show) - Part Two
11/11/2025
Episode 200: Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show) - Part Two
We’re joined by two special guests on this milestone episode. Please welcome Andy Pan (the only person who has previously co-hosted a show with us) and Greg Alderton, Virtual Economy’s lead moderator! With 14,000 people laid off, studios shuttered, and projects abandoned, Amazon seems ready to give up on most or all of its gaming dreams. Also: EA earnings ride off into the sunset, Capcom posts a strong quarter, Remedy’s in trouble, and Microsoft is inscrutable. Also: Sony responds to Tencent’s request to dismiss the Light of Moritram lawsuit, Circana report on U.S. video game spending for September 2025, and Microsoft is a little too cozy with the U.S. government. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:12] - Investment Interlude/Divestment Dinterlude [00:11:01] - Quick Hits [00:24:08] - Labor Report [01:06:11] - FAFO Award SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT
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Episode 200: Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show) - Part One
11/04/2025
Episode 200: Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show) - Part One
We’re joined by two special guests on this milestone episode. Please welcome Andy Pan (the only person who has previously co-hosted a show with us) and Greg Alderton, Virtual Economy’s lead moderator! With 14,000 people laid off, studios shuttered, and projects abandoned, Amazon seems ready to give up on most or all of its gaming dreams. Also: EA earnings ride off into the sunset, Capcom posts a strong quarter, Remedy’s in trouble, and Microsoft is inscrutable. Also: Sony responds to Tencent’s request to dismiss the Light of Moritram lawsuit, Circana report on U.S. video game spending for September 2025, and Microsoft is a little too cozy with the U.S. government. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:05:44] - Remembering Tomonobu Itagaki [00:10:32] - Episode 200 Celebration [00:34:14] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for September 2025 [00:56:18] - Sony Responds to Tencent’s Request to Dismiss Light of Moritram Lawsuit [01:06:57] - EA Earnings [01:17:51] - Capcom Earnings [01:27:49] - Remedy Earnings [01:43:45] - Microsoft Earnings [02:16:00] - Why Is Microsoft Allowing the U.S. Government to Use the Halo IP? SOURCES
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Episode 199: Game Pass Abdicates ‘Best Value in Gaming’ Throne (News Show)
10/13/2025
Episode 199: Game Pass Abdicates ‘Best Value in Gaming’ Throne (News Show)
With prices skyrocketing this generation, Microsoft has increased costs on Game Pass’ top tier while cutting offerings on others. We discuss the broader implications as price-sensitive players get boxed out. Also: Unity security alert sends devs scrambling, Tencent fires back at Sony’s Horizon: Zero Dawn lawsuit, and private equity rears its head once more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:40] - Game Pass Price Hike Hits Hard [00:29:53] - Unity Security Flaw Alert [00:32:53] - Tencent Hits back at Sony’s Horizon: Zero Dawn lawsuit [00:50:13] - Investment Interlude [00:57:46] - Quick Hits [01:01:19] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT
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Bonus Episode 12: EA Sells Its Soul (News Show)
09/29/2025
Bonus Episode 12: EA Sells Its Soul (News Show)
EA is going private in a $55 Billion deal. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, and Silver Lake will own the company after the deal closes in Q1 FY27. We discuss what that means, explained how leveraged buyouts work, and share our concerns for the future of EA’s workforce and identity. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase!
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Bonus Episode 11: The PAX West 2025 Roundup
09/22/2025
Bonus Episode 11: The PAX West 2025 Roundup
PAX West 2025 felt like home for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown ended. We recap our favorite games and tech from the show. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase!
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Episode 198: Bungie Jump (News Show)
09/11/2025
Episode 198: Bungie Jump (News Show)
Following the flagging performance of Destiny 2 and Marathon woes, Sony has jettisoned embattled Bungie studio head Pete Parsons. They’ve also announced significant hikes on PS5 prices. Also: Another Subnautica 2 lawsuit, a BioShock shakeup, and Frost Giant studio head Tim Morten leads with transparency and accountability. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:02:07] - PlayStation 5 Price Increases in the U.S. [00:05:25] - Unknown Worlds v Cleveland, McGuire, and Gill [00:14:33] - Circan Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for July 2025 [00:19:22] - Investment Interlude [00:26:45] - Quick Hits [00:34:09] - Labor Report [00:50:42] - FAFO SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT
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Episode 197: Krafton Tries to Sink Subnautica Suit (News Show)
08/19/2025
Episode 197: Krafton Tries to Sink Subnautica Suit (News Show)
Krafton’s response to the Unknown Worlds lawsuit hinges on one key element: the interpretation of the Equity Purchase Agreement. Also, lots of earnings, Roblox is under fire from the state of Louisiana, an update on the growing censorship of Steam and Itch.io, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:00:48] - Correction: Thunderful Share Price at Time of Atari Purchase [00:02:35] - Sony Q1 FY25 Earnings [00:05:24] - Paradox Q2 FY25 Earnings [00:07:26] - Take-Two Q1 FY26 Earnings [00:08:54] - Remedy Q2 FY25 Earnings [00:11:25] - Square Enix Q1 FY25 Earnings [00:16:06] - Sega Q1 FY26 Earnings [00:20:39] - Embracer Group Q1 FY25 [00:23:39] - Krafton Responds to Subnautica Lawsuit [00:30:06] - Roblox’s Content Moderation Failure Leads to Louisiana Lawsuit [00:45:13] - Valve Explains why PayPal is No Longer a Payment Option in Some Territories [00:50:30] - Quick Hits [00:56:25] - Labor Report SOURCES LABOR REPORT
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Episode 196: We Have Horizon: Zero Dawn at Home (News Show)
08/06/2025
Episode 196: We Have Horizon: Zero Dawn at Home (News Show)
INT. POSH HOTEL SUITE - DAY TENCENT: Hey, Sony. Can we make a Horizon game? SONY: Nah. We good. TENCENT: Oh okay. Bummer. <ONE YEAR LATER> SONY: WHAT THE F—- <fin> So yeah… Sony is suing Tencent for what it calls a “slavish clone” of Horizon: Zero Dawn. Bold move! Also: EA, Microsoft, Capcom earnings, an update on the Mastercard/Visa censorship of legal game content, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:00:30] - Some News From Us! [00:05:21] - An Update on the Conservative Assault on Steam and [00:15:34] - EA Q1 FY26 Earnings [00:20:25] - Microsoft Q4 FY25 Earnings [00:30:00] - Capcom Q1 FY26 Earnings [00:35:48] - Sony Sues Tencent Over Horizon: Zero Dawn Clone [00:41:59] - Investment Interlude [00:50:23] - Quick Hits [00:50:44] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT
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Episode 195: The Quarter Billion Dollar Subnautica Showdown (News Show)
07/26/2025
Episode 195: The Quarter Billion Dollar Subnautica Showdown (News Show)
In 2021, Krafton splashed huge cash on Subnautica dev Unknown Worlds. Now, the publisher may find out that buyer’s remorse isn’t a reason for violating a contract. Also… Ubisoft Earnings Circana Reports for May and June 2025 Sony takes a bite out of Bandai Namco On this episode, we discussed a serious attack on artist freedom being perpetrated by payment processors Mastercard and Visa. This attack is motivated by an Australian Christofacist group called Collective Shout that, among other things, does not believe adults should have bodily autonomy. If you would like your voice heard, here are some resources: Petitions Mastercard Phone (US): 1-800-627-8372 Phone (outside US): 1-636-722-7111 Visa Phone (US): 1-800-847-2911 Some important tips: Phone calls are more impactful than emails. Do not let support reps push you to email, where keywords can filter out your concerns. Keep support reps on calls as long as possible. This creates meaningful and measurable dips in call center productivity that management WILL notice. Call multiple times with the same case number. Call center KPIs include clearing tickets in as short a time and in one call. This is another metric that will grab leadership attention. The service impact should be sustained for at least a month says workforce management professional . You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:02:59] - Ubisoft Earnings [00:11:08] - Circana Reports on U.S. Video Game Spending for May and June 2025 [00:22:28] - Unknown Worlds v Krafton [00:35:10] - Mastercard and Visa are Ramping Up Their Censorship (Steam, ) [00:43:54] - Investment Interlude [00:48:01] - Quick Hits [00:50:25] - Bonus Investment Interlude [01:02:16] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT HELP OUR GREG WITH HIS MASTERS DISSERTATION! Our lead moderator and King of Game Showcases, Greg Alderton, is working on his masters dissertation. As part of that, he’s conducting research on cozy spaces in games. We’d be delighted if you’d help him by participating in the research phase. All you need to do is download a small file from Itch.io , take a few minutes to experience the two spaces included, and fill out a short form . Thank you for helping Greg!
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Episode 194: Xbox Gutted (News Show)
07/05/2025
Episode 194: Xbox Gutted (News Show)
Following strong financial performance in its gaming division, Microsoft is taking a machete to its work force and its future as a serious competitor. Is this the brand’s Red Ring of Death? Also, Bungie runs from Marathon, Warner Bros. goes all-in on safe IP, and the labor report hurts even more than usual. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:03:59] - Sony Games & Network Services Update [00:16:09] - Marathon Delayed Indefinitely [00:27:51] - Sony Brings Four Games Back to 177 Countries [00:30:18] - Cleer Arc 3 Gaming Review [00:37:52] - Investment Interlude [00:42:27] - Quick Hits [00:59:46] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT
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Episode 193: Switch 2’s Best Feature is Potential (News Show)
06/14/2025
Episode 193: Switch 2’s Best Feature is Potential (News Show)
With our Switch 2 in-hand, we’re ready to give you our early feelings about the console in this challenging market. Also: SO many earnings. Like… SO many. Nintendo, Sony, EA, Take-Two, Remedy, Embracer Group, Paradox, Square Enix, Capcom, and Sega. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:05:02] - Switch 2 Impressions [00:41:28] - Nintendo FY25 Earnings [00:47:16] - Sony FY24-25 Earnings [00:51:17] - EA Q4 and FY25 Earnings [00:56:43] - Take-Two Q4 and FY25 Earnings [01:04:24] - Remedy Q1 FY25 Earnings [01:07:57] - Embracer Group Q4 and FY25 Earnings [01:15:24] - Paradox Q1 FY25 Earnings [01:24:38] - Square Enix FY25 Earnings [01:29:49] - Capcom FY25 Earnings [01:35:56] - Sega FY25 Earnings SOURCES
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Episode 192: PAX East Takes A MAGFest Turn (News Show)
05/30/2025
Episode 192: PAX East Takes A MAGFest Turn (News Show)
PAX East isn’t the show it was 10 years ago. With most AAA developers staying away, indies take center stage. Also: Circana report for April 2025, GameStop sells off its Canadian holdings, Curve Games has a new owner, the SAG-AFTRA voice performer strike enters the endgame, and much more. We’ve also got a pair of great listener questions! You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:03:10] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for April 2025 [00:17:36] - PAX East Recap [00:52:48] - Investment Interlude [01:09:12] - Quick Hits [01:17:15] - Labor Report [01:34:37] - Listener Questions INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT
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Episode 191: Who Can Even Afford to Be a Gamer Anymore? (News Show)
05/02/2025
Episode 191: Who Can Even Afford to Be a Gamer Anymore? (News Show)
Microsoft is jacking prices on hardware, software, and peripherals. With costs going up while interest in Microsoft’s offerings declining, we have to wonder if Microsoft is applying pressure to push Game Pass. Also: Circana report on U.S. Video Game Spending for March 2025, Apple scores an own-goal and pisses off the Court, the tabletop industry is in freefall, and EA lays off another 300 to 400 people. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:1:31] - GTA 6 Delay [00:12:06] - Circana for March 2025 [00:17:43] - Devolver Digital Investor Presentation [00:24:36] - Microsoft Q3 FY25 [00:45:36] - Investment Interlude [00:56:59] - Quick Hits [01:06:42] - Labor Report [01:24:58] - FAFO SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT
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Episode 190: Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pricing Conundrum (News Show)
04/21/2025
Episode 190: Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pricing Conundrum (News Show)
The original Nintendo Switch launched at $300 USD. The Switch 2 price was absent from the huge Nintendo Direct, only to be quietly revealed at $450. As for game prices, Mario Kart World is a whopping $80. Costs are on the rise, and the latest tariffs have spiked the price of accessories. So… where do we go from here? Also… Ubisoft slices off its most profitable franchises, lots of layoffs, and a huge game publisher strike. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:02:53] - Nintendo Switch 2 and The Return of Paul Rudd, Gamer Dude [00:43:22] - Ubisoft Slices Off an Arm to Make a Tencent Deal [00:53:41] - Gamestop Q4 and Full Year Earnings [00:58:49] - Investment Interlude [01:01:36] - Quick Hits [01:14:37] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT
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Episode 189: WB’s David Zaslav is the Real Nemesis System (News Show)
03/25/2025
Episode 189: WB’s David Zaslav is the Real Nemesis System (News Show)
Warner Bros. continues to chip away at its infrastructure and consumer confidence with the closure of three more studios. Also: Circana reports for Jan and Feb, a recap of GDC and developers’ feelings about the industry, a curious period for investments, a new union looks to cover the entire industry, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:03:00] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for January 2025 [00:11:59] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for February 2025 [00:21:39] - GDC 2025 Recap [00:54:29] - Investment Interlude [01:14:23] - Quick Hits [01:22:11] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 188: We’re Getting Tired of Clowns in the C-Suite (News Show)
02/25/2025
Episode 188: We’re Getting Tired of Clowns in the C-Suite (News Show)
Despite mounting evidence that Games as a Service are struggling, executives continue to go back to that empty well. Also: A ton of earnings reports (Nintendo, EA, Paradox, Square Enix, Sega, Ubisoft, Remedy, Embracer Group, and Sony), the labor picture worsens, and Niantic may be exiting the gaming space. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:58] - Nintendo Q3 FY25 Earnings [00:16:07] - EA Q3 FY25 Earnings [00:30:18] - Paradox FY24 Earnings [00:34:40] - Take Two Q3 FY25 Earnings [00:36:46] - Square Enix Q3 FY25 Earnings [00:40:17] - Sega Q3 FY25 Earnings [00:42:52] - Ubisoft Q3 FY25 Earnings [00:44:49] - Remedy FY24 Earnings [00:47:15] - Embracer Group Q3 FY25 Earnings [00:50:18] - Sony Q3 FY25 Earnings [00:54:11] - Investment Interlude [01:01:38] - Quick Hits [01:05:18] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT
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Episode 187: When A Publisher Won’t Use the Word ‘Layoff’ (News Show)
02/04/2025
Episode 187: When A Publisher Won’t Use the Word ‘Layoff’ (News Show)
There are few things worse than yet another company laying people off… and EA has committed the sin of obfuscating job losses. Also: Earnings season is underway, the Circana report for December 2024 and the full year, a recap of the GDC State of the Industry report, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:00:49] - EA Takes a Tumble [00:12:58] - Microsoft Q2 FY25 Earnings [00:19:38] - Capcom Q3 FY25 Earnings [00:25:39] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for December 2024 and Full Year 2024 [00:35:25] - Learnings from the GDC State of the Industry Report [01:05:38] - Investment Interlude [01:14:06] - Quick Hits [01:25:21] - Labor Report [01:38:15] - Listener Questions [01:50:18] - FAFO SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT
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Episode 186: Unalive Service (Season Premiere - News Show)
01/20/2025
Episode 186: Unalive Service (Season Premiere - News Show)
The year has begun, and the industry is already off to an intense start. On this episode, we discuss the business decisions behind the Switch 2’s departure from “Weird Nintendo,” Ubisoft’s precarious position, the U.S. ruffling Tencent’s feathers, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s move to regulate premium game currency. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:03:27] - The Switch 2 has finally been announced [00:19:11] - The United States labels Tencent a military asset [00:22:16] - The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau turns its eye to premium game currency [00:26:15] - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission sets new precedent regarding sales of loot boxes [00:37:16] - Investment Interlude [00:48:47] - Quick Hits [00:54:39] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT
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Episode 185: Survive Through ‘25 (News Show)
12/27/2024
Episode 185: Survive Through ‘25 (News Show)
34,000. That’s how many jobs have been lost in our industry since the start of 2022. We recap the year, discuss PAX Unplugged and The Game Awards, and look ahead at what to expect in 2025. We did a deep dive on tabletop card game trends and the looming tariffs for all of our fellow tabletop gaming nerds, too! You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:05:17] - Reflecting on PAX Unplugged 2024 [00:27:44] - Our Time at the TGAs [00:32:54] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for November 2024 [00:39:23] - Gamestop Q3 FY24 Earnings [00:41:30] - Investment Interlude [00:47:21] - Quick Hits [00:55:50] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE LABOR REPORT
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Episode 184: Call of Duty Saves the Month… On PlayStation (News Show)
12/05/2024
Episode 184: Call of Duty Saves the Month… On PlayStation (News Show)
We now know that Microsoft wasn’t kidding when they said they had no intention of pulling Call of Duty from PlayStation. Whether the Game Pass Gambit pays off or not, Black Ops 6 is selling great on Sony’s console. Also: the rest of the Circana report on U.S. Video Game Spending for October, a pair of Mass Effect alums run into funding trouble, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:] - Ubisoft Shutters Three Studios and Ends XDefiant Development [00:] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for October 2024 [00:] - Investment Interlude [00:] - Quick Hits [00:] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 183: The Cold Embrace(r) (News Show)
11/20/2024
Episode 183: The Cold Embrace(r) (News Show)
Another bad quarter for Embracer could have ripple effects throughout the industry. Also: Sony, Nintendo, Sega, and Square Enix earnings, legal trouble for NetEase executives, a strike at Activision Blizzard, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:12] - Sony Q2 FY25 Earnings [00:08:11] - Nintendo H1 FY25 Earnings [00:23:09] - Sega H1 FY25 Earnings [00:27:17] - Square Enix H1 FY25 Earnings [00:31:18] - Embracer Group Q2 FY25 Earnings [00:34:27] - Investment Interlude [00:35:50] - Quick Hits [00:41:10] - Labor Report [00:46:22] - FAFO SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 182: We Carry On… Together (News Show)
11/08/2024
Episode 182: We Carry On… Together (News Show)
It’s earnings season, so we’re digging into the numbers to help us understand if “Survive until ‘25” is still realistic or if things are going to remain difficult through next year. Also: Circana report on U.S. video game spending for September 2024, a few bright investment items, and a labor report that still shows bumpy roads ahead. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! 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. TIME STAMPS [00:03:56] - Desert Bus for Hope [00:05:05] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for September 2024 [00:14:26] - EA Q2 FY 25 Earnings [00:27:11] - Microsoft Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:35:45] - Ubisoft Q2 FY25 Earnings [00:39:51] - Remedy Q3 FY24 Earnings [00:45:24] - Capcom Q2 FY25 Earnings [00:51:07] - Take-Two Q2 FY25 Earnings [00:58:35] - Video Game History Museum - Statement on DMCA 2024 Ruling [01:05:14] - Investment Interlude [01:12:06] - Quick Hits [01:14:54] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 181: Roblox Remains Icky as Heck (News Show)
10/23/2024
Episode 181: Roblox Remains Icky as Heck (News Show)
A scathing report from Hindenburg Research surfaces shocking realities about Roblox’s investor relations and massive failures to protect youth on the platform. Also: Circana Report U.S. video game spending for August 2024, Google is now required to make external app stores more viable, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! 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. TIME STAMPS [00:01:26] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for August 2024 [00:13:02] - Google Suffers Key Loss in Epic lawsuit [00:18:53] - Roblox Accused of Investor Malfeasance and Failing to Protect Kids [00:37:58] - Investment Interlude [00:47:58] - Quick Hits [01:06:01] - Labor Report [01:18:16] - Listener Question SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 180: Ubisoft in Freefall (News Show)
10/08/2024
Episode 180: Ubisoft in Freefall (News Show)
Ubisoft has been under fire since a failed hostile takeover attempt in 2018. Since then, a toxic culture of misogyny and harassment was revealed in 2020 leading to an exodus of talent and a string of underperforming releases. Now, a critical game delay, a board review of operations, and a looming strike in France have tanked the share price as the company is fending off an activist investor bent on forcing the company to eject the Guillemot family and take private equity to save the ailing publisher. Also: Another very bad time for labor, another story reveals a power struggle inside Annapurna, and Behaviour acquires a new studio just one week after shutting another down. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:00:35] - Ubisoft is Having Some Trouble [00:23:56] - What Happened Inside Annapurna Interactive [00:35:56] - Investment Interlude [00:44:28] - Quick Hits [00:57:28] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 179: The $700 PS5 Pro Is An Act of Desperation (News Show)
09/16/2024
Episode 179: The $700 PS5 Pro Is An Act of Desperation (News Show)
The PlayStation 5 Pro defies all logic, reaching deeper into diehards’ pockets in the worst economy we’ve seen in 15 years. We break down the challenging economics (while also admiring Mark Cerny’s ASMR-style presentation). Also: GameStop earnings tumble, more Microsoft layoffs, Unity reverses a terrible decision, and can AI companies just stop stealing our stuff? You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! 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. TIME STAMPS [00:01:43] - A Quick Chat about PAX West [00:11:27] - The PS5 Pro Defies Logic [00:25:43] - Concord’s Short-Lived Life [00:35:41] - Take This is in Danger of Closing [00:39:54] - OpenAI and Microsoft are Scraping Game Dev Work [00:45:11] - Unity’s Road to Redemption [00:51:30] - Gamestop Q2 FY25 Earnings [00:56:40] - Investment Interlude [01:09:55] - Quick Hits [01:14:45] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 178: EA Sports College Football Saves the Month (News Show)
08/30/2024
Episode 178: EA Sports College Football Saves the Month (News Show)
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] - Take-Two Q1 FY25 Earnings [00:57:16] - Embracer Group Q1 FY25 Earnings [01:02:14] - WB Eyes Games Division Sell-Off [01:11:39] - Investment Interlude [01:19:06] - Quick Hits [01:25:32] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 177: The Last Good Reason for GameStop to Exist is Gone (News Show)
08/07/2024
Episode 177: The Last Good Reason for GameStop to Exist is Gone (News Show)
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 at using the code VECONOMY20. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:01:47] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for June 2024 [00:11:02] - Ubisoft Q1 FY2025 Earnings [00:17:17] - Paradox Q2 FY2024 Earnings [00:20:55] - Capcom Q1 FY2024 Earnings [00:27:44] - Microsoft Q4 FY2024 Earnings [00:39:18] - EA Q1 FY2025 Earnings [00:49:38] - Investment Interlude [00:53:03] - Quick Hits [01:00:32] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 176: Microsoft Holds a Knife to the Golden Game Pass Goose’s Neck (News Show)
07/16/2024
Episode 176: Microsoft Holds a Knife to the Golden Game Pass Goose’s Neck (News Show)
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 via our and also purchase! 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 INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Bonus Episode 10: A Conversation About Unionization with IATSE
07/08/2024
Bonus Episode 10: A Conversation About Unionization with IATSE
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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Episode 175: Summer Game Fest Gets Closer to E3 Vibes (News Show)
06/19/2024
Episode 175: Summer Game Fest Gets Closer to E3 Vibes (News Show)
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 VECONOMY20. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our and also purchase! TIME STAMPS [00:00:46] - Summer Game Fest Analysis [00:56:01] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for April 2024 [01:01:38] - Gamestop Q1 FY24 Earnings [01:04:37] - Investment Interlude [01:07:00] - Quick Hits [01:26:45] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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