Best Michael Futter and Amanda Farough Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 200: Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show) - Part Two 1:17:31

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5h ago1:17:31

1:17:31

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 e…

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Episode 200: Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show) - Part One 2:13:27

1d ago2:13:27

2:13:27

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 e…

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Episode 199: Game Pass Abdicates 'Best Value in Gaming' Throne (News Show) 1:14:37

29d ago1:14:37

1:14:37

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 o…

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Bonus Episode 12: EA Sells Its Soul (News Show) 37:16

2M ago37:16

37:16

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 Ec…

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Bonus Episode 11: The PAX West 2025 Roundup 1:06:04

2M ago1:06:04

1:06:04

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 Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise!

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Episode 198: Bungie Jump (News Show) 55:45

2M ago55:45

55:45

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 E…

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Episode 197: Krafton Tries to Sink Subnautica Suit (News Show) 1:05:34

3M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

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 Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtua…

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Episode 196: We Have Horizon: Zero Dawn at Home (News Show) 1:04:08

3M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

INT. POSH HOTEL SUITE - DAY TENCENT: Hey, Sony. Can we make a Horizon game? SONY: Nah. We good. TENCENT: Oh okay. Bummer. SONY: WHAT THE F—- 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…

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Episode 195: The Quarter Billion Dollar Subnautica Showdown (News Show) 1:21:43

3M ago1:21:43

1:21:43

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 p…

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Episode 194: Xbox Gutted (News Show) 1:50:57

4M ago1:50:57

1:50:57

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 …

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Episode 193: Switch 2's Best Feature is Potential (News Show) 1:46:35

5M ago1:46:35

1:46:35

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 Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise!…

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Episode 192: PAX East Takes A MAGFest Turn (News Show) 1:49:42

6M ago1:49:42

1:49:42

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 s…

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Episode 191: Who Can Even Afford to Be a Gamer Anymore? (News Show) 1:32:59

7M ago1:32:59

1:32:59

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…

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Episode 190: Nintendo's Switch 2 Pricing Conundrum (News Show) 1:38:27

7M ago1:38:27

1:38:27

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 mo…

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Episode 189: WB's David Zaslav is the Real Nemesis System (News Show) 1:41:41

8M ago1:41:41

1:41:41

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 gro…

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Episode 188: We're Getting Tired of Clowns in the C-Suite (News Show) 1:18:53

9M ago1:18:53

1:18:53

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 v…

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Episode 187: When A Publisher Won't Use the Word 'Layoff' (News Show) 1:55:29

10M ago1:55:29

1:55:29

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 Ko-Fi and also purchase …

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Episode 186: Unalive Service (Season Premiere - News Show) 1:09:01

10M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

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…

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Episode 185: Survive Through '25 (News Show) 1:05:08

11M ago1:05:08

1:05:08

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 growt…

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Episode 184: Call of Duty Saves the Month… On PlayStation (News Show) 51:48

12M ago51:48

51:48

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…

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Episode 183: The Cold Embrace(r) (News Show) 52:40

12M ago52:40

52:40

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 Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:01:12] - Sony…

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Episode 182: We Carry On… Together (News Show) 1:33:23

1y ago1:33:23

1:33:23

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 suppo…

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Episode 181: Roblox Remains Icky as Heck (News Show) 1:33:05

1y ago1:33:05

1:33:05

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 Ko-F…

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Episode 180: Ubisoft in Freefall (News Show) 1:25:57

1y ago1:25:57

1:25:57

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 …

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Episode 179: The $700 PS5 Pro Is An Act of Desperation (News Show) 1:35:00

1y ago1:35:00

1:35:00

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 ste…

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Episode 178: EA Sports College Football Saves the Month (News Show) 1:35:49

1y ago1:35:49

1:35:49

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 Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME S…

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Episode 177: The Last Good Reason for GameStop to Exist is Gone (News Show) 1:40:41

1+ y ago1:40:41

1:40:41

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 spo…

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Episode 176: Microsoft Holds a Knife to the Golden Game Pass Goose's Neck (News Show) 1:17:50

1+ y ago1:17:50

1:17:50

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 lowe…

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Bonus Episode 10: A Conversation About Unionization with IATSE 1:03:41

1+ y ago1:03:41

1:03:41

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…

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Episode 175: Summer Game Fest Gets Closer to E3 Vibes (News Show) 1:54:09

1+ y ago1:54:09

1:54:09

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…

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Episode 174: The World's Oldest Console War is Over (News Show) 1:15:59

1+ y ago1:15:59

1:15:59

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 Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual E…

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Episode 173: Sony Didn't Manage Democracy, Xbox Self-Immolates (News Show) 1:54:57

1+ y ago1:54:57

1:54:57

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…

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Episode 172: Embracer Group Crumbles… And Friends (News Show) 1:10:02

1+ y ago1:10:02

1:10:02

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 suppor…

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Episode 171: Why Layoffs? Because Everyone Else is Doing It! (News Show) 59:05

1+ y ago59:05

59:05

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 Ko-Fi and also purchas…

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Episode 170: Embracer Group Fire Sale Burns Labor (News Show) 1:42:12

1+ y ago1:42:12

1:42:12

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…

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Episode 169: The AAA Video Game Industry is in Freefall (News Show) 49:07

1+ y ago49:07

49:07

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 Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:01:29] - Circana…

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Episode 168: Switch 2 Switcharoo Could Thwart 2024 Recovery Hopes (News Show) 1:52:05

1+ y ago1:52:05

1:52:05

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, …

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Episode 167: Did Microsoft Trigger the FTC's Trap Card? (News Show) 1:41:22

2y ago1:41:22

1:41:22

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 s…

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Episode 166: We Were Wrong About Microsoft and Activision (News Show) 1:01:04

2y ago1:01:04

1:01:04

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 sup…

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Episode 165: So… 2024, Huh? (News Show) 1:35:50

2y ago1:35:50

1:35:50

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 Ko-Fi an…

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Episode 164: The Game Awards Needs to Change (Season Finale) 1:24:43

2y ago1:24:43

1:24:43

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 Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:02:17] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spe…

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Episode 163: Embracer Group Claims Layoffs are How "We Will Win" (News Show) 1:38:57

2y ago1:38:57

1:38:57

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 Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:04:03] - Embracer Group Q2 Earn…

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Episode 162: The Stark Contrast Between Positive Earnings and Gruesome Layoffs (News Show) 1:30:54

2y ago1:30:54

1:30:54

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 Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:02:35] …

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Episode 161: Phil Spencer is Bobby Kotick's Daddy Now (News Show) 1:35:14

2y ago1:35:14

1:35:14

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 …

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Episode 160: A Bad Year for Game Creators is a Bad Year for Games (News Show) 1:34:00

2y ago1:34:00

1:34:00

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 ca…

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Bonus Episode 9: The State of Indie Publishing with Z from Serenity Forge 31:44

2y ago31:44

31:44

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) 1:55:25

2y ago1:55:25

1:55:25

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 Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:02:45] …

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Episode 158: Microsoft, Activision, and Ubisoft are a Thrupple Now (News Show) 1:04:31

2y ago1:04:31

1:04:31

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…

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Episode 157: The ESRB Is Getting Weird (News Show) 1:29:58

2+ y ago1:29:58

1:29:58

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 Econ…

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Episode 156: Xbox Live is Dead, Long Live Xbox Game Pass (News Show) 1:35:05

2+ y ago1:35:05

1:35:05

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 …

Michael Futter And Amanda Farough Podcasts