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 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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Episode 174: The World’s Oldest Console War is Over (News Show)
05/28/2024
Episode 174: The World’s Oldest Console War is Over (News Show)
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 and full year FY24 Earnings [00:47:13] - Investment Interlude [00:59:33] - Quick Hits [01:04:26] - Labor Report [01:08:25] - FAFO SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE Note: The Suez Crisis actually took place in 1956, not in 1952. Now, I bet you're wondering why this note is here. GUESS YOU'LL HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW, FRIEND!
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Episode 173: Sony Didn’t Manage Democracy, Xbox Self-Immolates (News Show)
05/10/2024
Episode 173: Sony Didn’t Manage Democracy, Xbox Self-Immolates (News Show)
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 [00:33:51] - Quick Hits [00:40:46] - Labor Report [01:24:21] - Nintendo Q4 FY24 Earnings [01:26:54] - Remedy Q1 FY24 Earnings [01:29:51] - Capcom Q4 FY24 Earnings [01:35:38] - EA Q4 FY24 Earnings [01:42:44] - FAFO Awards (Razer, PlayStation) SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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Episode 172: Embracer Group Crumbles… And Friends (News Show)
04/28/2024
Episode 172: Embracer Group Crumbles… And Friends (News Show)
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] - Investment Interlude [00:53:08] - Quick Hits [01:01:27] - Labor Report SOURCES INVESTMENT INTERLUDE
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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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