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.

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! /episode/index/show/virtualeconomy/id/37562140