The game industry is complex and, you know what, it’s also kind of daunting to learn if you don’t know where to start. Michael Futter and Amanda Farough take those complexities and make them far more accessible, even for folks that don’t work in games.
If you’re curious about the underpinnings of how video games get made, where the money comes from, and what it all means… we’ve got one heck of a podcast for you.
Recent Episodes
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Catch up on the most recent episodes of Virtual Economy here. We’ve also included sources and our show notes for easy reference.
Episode 72: The Last Temptation of “DeepF-ingValue” (News Show)
Keith Gill, better known as WallStreetBets’ “DeepF*ingValue” and “RoaringKitty”, testified before congress and has been sued by angry GameStonk investors. We also discuss Phil Harrison’s failed leadership and purposely...
Episode 71: Sure, revenue is great. But have you ever tried engagement? (Earnings Show)
In our second earnings show of the quarter, we’re breaking down Bandai Namco, Take-Two, Zynga, Sega Sammy, and Ubisoft. TIME STAMPS [00:01:07] - Bandai Namco [00:12:26] - Take-Two...
Episode 70: E3 Phone Home (News Show)
With the pandemic still hanging on, a new report corroborates and expands on news we broke in December: E3 is going digital (and it won’t be cheap). Also: EA...
Episode 69: How nice are the earnings? Pretty nice. (Earnings Show)
It’s financial reporting season again! We’re breaking down Square Enix, Activision Blizzard, Sony, Unity, EA, and Nintendo. The game industry has thrived during the pandemic, but can it last?...
Episode 68: Pour one out for Stadia (News Show)
With the news that Stadia’s first-party development is kaput, we discuss what may lie ahead for Google’s gaming aspirations. Also: WB’s Nemesis system patent, the Gearbox acquisition, Kowloon Nights’...
Episode 67: GameStonk… Well that escalated quickly (News Show)
It’s been one week since Reddit memefied GameStop’s stock. We break down what’s happened, how Wall Street is closing ranks, and why it all could hurt retirement investors. We...
The Hosts of Virtual Economy
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Michael Futter
Show Host & Research
He has since been freelancing for Polygon, Variety, GameDaily, and GamesBeat on timely business topics while also leveraging his experience to help independent developers with business strategy and pitching. Mike has also worked with AAA developers and publishers on pre-announcement strategy, messaging, and trade show presentation preparation. He has also completed a number of mock previews and reviews.

Amanda Farough
Show Host & Producer
These days, Amanda is the co-host of the Virtual Economy podcast, mama at Ready Player Mom (and part of the Radically Kind Gamers stream team) on Twitch, business & entertainment writer, and co-host on the Engaged Family Gaming podcast. Amanda also holds a seat on the board of directors at Hit Save! (a video game preservation nonprofit) as Director of Communications.
Latest Articles
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2020’s Biggest Trends … and Where They’re Heading in 2021
Each year, we take a moment to reflect on the trends that defined the past year and what we expect from the coming 12 months.
Raw Fury Pulls Back Curtain on Publishing Contracts
How do you know you’re getting a good deal from a publisher if you don’t know what a good deal looks like? Over the years, Raw Fury has built...