Virtual Economy

Nov 20 2024 100 ep. 79 mins 73
Virtual Economy Podcast artwork

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 183: The Cold Embrace(r) (News Show)

Nov 20 2024 52 mins  
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 Q2 FY25 Earnings [00:08:11] -

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

Nov 08 2024 93 mins  
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 g

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

Oct 23 2024 93 mins  
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-Fi and also purchase Virtual E

Episode 180: Ubisoft in Freefall (News Show)

Oct 08 2024 85 mins  
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

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

Sep 16 2024 95 mins  
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 sup

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

Aug 30 2024 95 mins  
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 STAMPS [00:01:46] - Circana Repo

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

Aug 07 2024 100 mins  
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

Episode 176: Microsoft Holds a Knife to the Golden Game Pass Goose’s Neck (News Show)

Jul 16 2024 77 mins  
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

Bonus Episode 10: A Conversation About Unionization with IATSE

Jul 08 2024 63 mins  
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 int

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

Jun 19 2024 114 mins  
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