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Virtual Economy Podcast

@virtualeconcast.com
430 followers 7 following 79 posts

A podcast about the business of games... for the rest of us! Hosted by Mike Futter and Manda Farough. Available on all major podcasting platforms... and pocket sand.

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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 4h
Ex-Box (News Show): We’re breaking up with Xbox. It’s not us, it’s you. More layoffs, closed (and practically closed) studios, IP shuffling, and fawning execs that are trying to convince you that everything’s just ducky, when it’s really f… you get the point. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Virtual Economy - Episode 212 - Ex-Box (News Show)

A yellow coin with the letters V and E and the words Virtual Economy against a purple backdrop.
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 25/08/2026
***NEW VIRTUAL ECONOMY EPISODE!*** EA Sportswashing (News Show): EA is now a privately held company. Microsoft is making more bad decisions. And the number of console units being sold is dropping precipitously. All this and more! virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 211: EA Sportswashing (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 15/07/2026
An Industry in Peril with Mat Piscatella: With the video game industry’s infrastructure being torn down, we invited Circana Executive Dir. & Video Game Industry Advisor @matpiscatella.bsky.social to discuss the state of our medium and where we go from here. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
A Yellow Coin with the letters "VE" and "Virtual Economy" against a purple backdrop. The text says "Episode 210: Industry in Peril with Mat Piscatella"
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 08/07/2026
We've fixed the most recent episode (ep 209)! You can now listen to the entire thing without it getting cut off. (We did consider selling the rest as DLC, but who are we... Microsoft?) virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
virtualeconcast.com
Episode 209: No One is Coming to Save Us  (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 08/07/2026
NEW EPISODE! No One is Coming to Save Us (News Show) Since 2022, the industry has slid into chaos and disarray, with developers and players abandoned by platform holders and publishers. Now, we’ve reached a tipping point, and only we can rescue ourselves. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 209: No One Is Coming To Save Us
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 12/06/2026
GameStop is Neither Credible nor Attractive (News Show) Between Ryan Cohen’s clownery and new Xbox leadership’s 100-day death march, it’s another grim moment for the game industry. And it’s earnings time, so we get to talk about why profits don’t save jobs. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 08/05/2026
We know a number of you have been waiting for this one... GameStop is Too Fail to Big (News Show): Ryan Cohen was offered no trade-in value on his time as GameStop CEO, so he’s making a foolhardy play to purchase eBay. Also: Circana Report for March, Microsoft, EA, Remedy, Earnings, and more.
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 01/04/2026
Well... it would have if Mike wasn't a slacker butt. Epic Fail (News Show) With Epic laying off 1,000 people, the already chilly game industry job market is nearing absolute zero. Also: GDC recap, Circana Report, investments, divestments, and a heckin’ FAFO. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 206: Epic Fail (News Show)
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 08/03/2026
Episode 205: Amy Hood Draws Blood - Spencer and Bond Out (Earnings Show) After years of struggling to right the ship, Microsoft leadership appears to have shown Phil Spencer & Sarah Bond the door. Can you believe this was supposed to be a pure earnings episode? virtualeconcast.com/podcast/amy-...
Episode 205 - Amy Hood Draws Blood - Spencer and Bond Out (Earnings Show)
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 10/02/2026
Episode 204: Ubisoft’s Hail Mary (News Show) Ubisoft employees are prepared to strike over a recent return-to-office mandate and extreme cost-cutting. Also: Circana Report for December 2025, That’s No Moon at odds with former founder, and more. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 204 - Ubisoft's Hail Mary (News Show)
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 21/01/2026
We've got the first Virtual Economy episode of 2026 for you! The Last Gasp of Virtual Reality (Season 7 Premiere): 2026 is putting us through our paces right out of the gate. We’re hanging onto hope, but layoffs, consolidation, and PE loom over us like a shadow. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 203 - The last gasp of virtual reality (Season 7 premiere)
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 21/01/2026
We took our time with our annual trends look-back/look-ahead. 2025 was one of the most difficult years our industry has ever faced, with unfathomable pressure exerted on us from within and beyond. virtualeconcast.com/trends/2025-...
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2025’s Biggest Trends and Where We’re Heading in 2026 – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 22/12/2025
Episode 202: The Last Gasp of a Brutal Year (Season Finale) 2025 has continued the trend of layoffs, consolidation, and privatization. The gulf between AAA and everyone else is widening, as the AI bubble strains before an inevitable burst. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/ep-2...
Episode 202: The Last Gasp of a Brutal Year (Season Finale)

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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 10/12/2025
Episode 201 (News Show): No Matter Who Buys Warner Bros., We Lose Everyone wants a piece of Warner Bros., with Netflix and Paramount about to go to war. Also: more earnings, the latest Circana report, and new legal developments in two cases. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 201: No Matter Who Buys Warner Bros., We Lose (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 12/11/2025
The Second Part of Episode 200 (!!!) is LIVE! Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show) We're back with investments, quick hits, and a pretty gnarly labor report. Grab a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza and turn up the volume so you can hear over the crunch! virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 200 - Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show) - Part Two

Purple background, yellow circle with a pixel coin in the middle. The letters V  E sit over the coin with the words "virtual economy" below.
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 04/11/2025
Episode 200 is LIVE!!!! Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show) 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, it’s episode 200! We have guests Andy Pan and @gregoryalderton.bsky.social!
Episode 200 Part One - Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show)
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 14/10/2025
Game Pass Abdicates ‘Best Value in Gaming’ Throne (News Show) With prices skyrocketing this generation, Microsoft has increased the cost of Game Pass’ top tier while cutting offerings on others. We discuss the broader implications. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 199: Game Pass Abdicates 'Best Value in Gaming' Throne (News Show)
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 29/09/2025
A bonus episode is LIVE, as we discuss the $55B EA leveraged buyout. We explain how we got here, what a leveraged buyout is, and what questions labor should be asking. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/bonu...
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 29/09/2025
Special episode going live soon, as we discuss the EA deal.
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 22/09/2025
**NEW VIRTUAL ECONOMY EPISODE IS LIVE!** 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. Check it out here (virtualeconcast.com/podcast/pax-...) or any major pod app.
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 11/09/2025
A NEW EPISODE APPEARS! Bungie Jump (News Show): Sony has jettisoned embattled Bungie studio head Pete Parsons and raises PS5 prices. Also: Another Subnautica 2 lawsuit, a BioShock shakeup, and rare CEO transparency. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 19/08/2025
Krafton Tries to Sink Subnautica Suit (News Show): Krafton’s response to the Unknown Worlds lawsuit hinges on one key element: the Equity Purchase Agreement. Also, lots of earnings, Roblox under fire, a censorship update, and more. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Krafton Tries to Sink Subnautica Suit (News Show)
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 07/08/2025
**NEW EPISODE** We Have Horizon: Zero Dawn at Home (News Show): Tencent wanted to make a licensed Horizon game. Sony said no. Tencent said “ok” and winked. Now they’re being sued. Also: Earnings, a censorship update, and more. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 196 - We Have Horizon: Zero Dawn at Home
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 06/08/2025
Oh hey. We have a new handle here at the ol' Bsky!
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 26/07/2025
Episode 195: The Quarter Billion Dollar Subnautica Showdown (News Show) Krafton’s alleged buyer's remorse has triggered a $250 Million lawsuit. Also: Payment processor censorship of Steam and Itch, Circana reports, and more! virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 195: The Quarter Billion Dollar Subnautica Showdown (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 05/07/2025
**NEW EPISODE** 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, and more. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 194: Xbox Gutted
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 14/06/2025
NEW EPISODE IS LIVE! 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. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 193: Switch 2’s Best Feature is Potential (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 30/05/2025
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. But is it sustainable? Also: Circana for April 2025, EA's decision to close Cliffhanger, and more! virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 192: PAX Takes a MAGFest Turn (News Show). A coin with the letters V and E in the center against a purple background.
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 03/05/2025
NEW EPISODE OF VIRTUAL ECONOMY IS LIVE! Episode 191 - Who Can Even Afford to Be a Gamer Anymore? (News Show) Microsoft is jacking prices on hardware, software, and peripherals. This seems like a strongarm tactic to push Game Pass. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 191 - Who can even afford to be a gamer anymore?
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 21/04/2025
NEW EPISODE!! (finally) Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pricing Conundrum (News Show): The original Nintendo Switch launched at $299 USD. The Switch 2 price was quietly revealed at $449. With tariffs wreaking havoc, where do we go from here? virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 190: Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pricing Conundrum (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 25/03/2025
NEW EPISODE! 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. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 189: WB's David Zaslav is the Real Nemesis System (News Show). A yellow coin with the letters "VE" and the words Virtual Economy. It sits on a purple background.
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 26/02/2025
NEW EPISODE IS LIVE! Episode 188: We’re Getting Tired of Clowns in the C-Suite (News Show): Despite mounting evidence that GaaS is struggling, executives continue to go back to that empty well. Also: A ton of earnings reports, as the labor picture worsens. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 188: We’re Getting Tired of Clowns in the C-Suite (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 04/02/2025
A New Virtual Economy Ep is LIVE! When A Publisher Won’t Use the Word ‘Layoff’ (News Show) EA buries the lede on layoffs. Also: Earnings season begins, Circana report for December 2024, a recap of the GDC State of the Industry report, and more. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 187: When A Publisher Won’t Use the Word ‘Layoff’ (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 01/02/2025
We play A LOT of tabletop games, so we decided to round up some of our favorites that we played in 2024! Thanks to @restorationgames.bsky.social, Renegade Game Studios, and @wizkids.bsky.social for review copies for some of the entries on this list! virtualeconcast.com/feature/tabl...
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Tabletop Games We Loved in 2024 – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 20/01/2025
We're back to kick off Season 6! Unalive Service (Season Premiere - News Show): The year is already off to an intense start. On this episode: Switch 2 business analysis, Ubisoft’s precarious position, the U.S. ruffles Tencent, and Sony cancels two service games. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 186: Unalive Service (Season Premiere – News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 15/01/2025
Each year, @futterish.bsky.social and @writualmagic.bsky.social look back at the year's trends and look ahead at what's to come. We're delighted to share our latest in a tradition that's more than a decade old. virtualeconcast.com/trends/2024-...
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2024’s Biggest Trends and Where We’re Heading in 2025 – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 27/12/2024
Survive Through ‘25 (SEASON FINALE): Another season of Virtual Economy comes to a close. We recap the year, discuss PAX Unplugged and The Game Awards, and discuss what to expect in 2025. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 185: Survive Through ’25 (Season Finale) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 06/12/2024
**NEW EPISODE!** Call of Duty Saves the Month… On PlayStation (News Show): 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 and more. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 184: Call of Duty Saves the Month… On PlayStation (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 20/11/2024
Virtual Economy - 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, and trouble at NetEase. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 183: The Cold Embrace(r) (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 08/11/2024
** NEW EPISODE ** 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. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 182: We Carry On… Together (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 23/10/2024
**NEW EPISODE** Roblox Remains Icky as Heck (News Show): A scathing report from Hindenburg Research surfaces shocking realities about Roblox. Also: Circana Report for August 2024, sea change in mobile app distribution, and more. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode art for Episode 181: Roblox Remains Icky as Heck. Yellow and orange Virtual Economy coin logo on a purple background.
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 09/10/2024
**NEW EPISODE** Ubisoft in Freefall (News Show): Ubisoft has weathered storms (many of its own making), but things are looking dire. Also: More on the turmoil at Annapurna, a grim labor report, and a strange acquisition story. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/ubis...
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Episode 180: Ubisoft in Freefall (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 16/09/2024
The $700 PS5 Pro Is An Act of Desperation (News Show): The PlayStation 5 Pro has pundits scratching their heads. Also: GameStop earnings tumble, more Microsoft layoffs, and Unity reverses a terrible decision. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 179: The $700 PS5 Pro Is An Act of Desperation (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 30/08/2024
*NEW EPISODE!* 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’s making a huge impact. Also: Lots of earnings, PS5 price hikes, and more. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 178: EA Sports College Football Saves the Month (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 07/08/2024
The Last Good Reason for GameStop to Exist is Gone (News Show): After 33 years, GameStop has shuttered Game Informer. Also: Earnings time is here, more Bungie layoffs, Circana report for June 2024, voice actors on strike and more. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 177 - The Last Good Reason for GameStop to Exist is Gone
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 16/07/2024
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, and more. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 176: Microsoft Holds a Knife to the Golden Game Pass Goose’s Neck (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 08/07/2024
**NEW EPISODE** Bonus Episode 10: A Conversation About Unionization with IATSE We’re joined by Chrissy Fellmeth, Kelly Larkin, and Andrew Buczacki to discuss how IATSE is supporting labor organization and unionization in the video game industry. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/bonu...
virtualeconcast.com
Bonus Episode 10: A Conversation About Unionization with IATSE – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 19/06/2024
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). We discuss the trends and big learnings. Also: GameStop earnings, Circana report for April 2024, and more. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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Episode 175: Summer Game Fest Gets Closer to E3 Vibes (News Show) – Virtual Economy
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Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 28/05/2024
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. A number of new studios, and more. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 174 art. The World's Oldest Console War is Over
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