Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 4hEx-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... 051
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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 211: EA Sportswashing (News Show) – Virtual Economy 063
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 15/07/2026An 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... 3114
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 08/07/2026We'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.comEpisode 209: No One is Coming to Save Us (News Show) – Virtual Economy 021
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 08/07/2026NEW 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... 097
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 12/06/2026GameStop 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... 041
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 08/05/2026We 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.virtualeconcast.com 040
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 01/04/2026Well... 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... 110
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 08/03/2026Episode 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-... 030
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 10/02/2026Episode 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... 011
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 21/01/2026We'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... 030
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 21/01/2026We 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-...virtualeconcast.com2025’s Biggest Trends and Where We’re Heading in 2026 – Virtual Economy 140
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 22/12/2025Episode 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... 020
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 10/12/2025Episode 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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 201: No Matter Who Buys Warner Bros., We Lose (News Show) – Virtual Economy 021
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 12/11/2025The 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... 061
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 04/11/2025Episode 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! 151
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 14/10/2025Game 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... 030
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 29/09/2025A 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... 042
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 29/09/2025Special episode going live soon, as we discuss the EA deal. 041
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. 031
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 11/09/2025A 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... 053
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 19/08/2025Krafton 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... 030
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... 050
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 06/08/2025Oh hey. We have a new handle here at the ol' Bsky! 052
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 26/07/2025Episode 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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 195: The Quarter Billion Dollar Subnautica Showdown (News Show) – Virtual Economy 071
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... 020
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 14/06/2025NEW 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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 193: Switch 2’s Best Feature is Potential (News Show) – Virtual Economy 160
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 30/05/2025PAX 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... 042
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 03/05/2025NEW 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... 040
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 21/04/2025NEW 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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 190: Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pricing Conundrum (News Show) – Virtual Economy 010
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 25/03/2025NEW 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... 030
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 26/02/2025NEW 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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 188: We’re Getting Tired of Clowns in the C-Suite (News Show) – Virtual Economy 071
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 04/02/2025A 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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 187: When A Publisher Won’t Use the Word ‘Layoff’ (News Show) – Virtual Economy 041
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 01/02/2025We 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...virtualeconcast.comTabletop Games We Loved in 2024 – Virtual Economy 072
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 20/01/2025We'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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 186: Unalive Service (Season Premiere – News Show) – Virtual Economy 031
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 15/01/2025Each 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-...virtualeconcast.com2024’s Biggest Trends and Where We’re Heading in 2025 – Virtual Economy 064
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 27/12/2024Survive 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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 185: Survive Through ’25 (Season Finale) – Virtual Economy 130
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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 184: Call of Duty Saves the Month… On PlayStation (News Show) – Virtual Economy 050
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 20/11/2024Virtual 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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 183: The Cold Embrace(r) (News Show) – Virtual Economy 020
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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 182: We Carry On… Together (News Show) – Virtual Economy 031
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... 061
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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 180: Ubisoft in Freefall (News Show) – Virtual Economy 042
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 16/09/2024The $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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 179: The $700 PS5 Pro Is An Act of Desperation (News Show) – Virtual Economy 021
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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 178: EA Sports College Football Saves the Month (News Show) – Virtual Economy 020
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 07/08/2024The 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... 010
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 16/07/2024Episode 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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 176: Microsoft Holds a Knife to the Golden Game Pass Goose’s Neck (News Show) – Virtual Economy 010
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.comBonus Episode 10: A Conversation About Unionization with IATSE – Virtual Economy 110
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 19/06/2024Episode 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...virtualeconcast.comEpisode 175: Summer Game Fest Gets Closer to E3 Vibes (News Show) – Virtual Economy 010
Virtual Economy Podcast @virtualeconcast.com · 28/05/2024The 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... 041