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 105: Corporations Are Not Your Friends (News Show)
This week, we’re talking about big corporations, performative allyship, and why they aren’t your friends. Yes, that social media account is funny and has a rainbow version of their...
Episode 104: So… We Heard You Like Money (News Show)
I know. We don’t call. We don’t write. Life has been a little bananas. BUT WE’RE BACK! We’re catching up with a bunch of investment news and quick hits...
Episode 103: Bobby Kotick Got Subpoenaed By The SEC… LET’S GOOOOOO! (News Show)
Activision Blizzard is pissing off all the wrong people, including government regulatory agencies. Also: Twitch covers its butt with the music industry, high fashion comes to Fortnite, and Apple...
Episode 102: Activision Blizzard Did a Labor No No… Again (News Show)
Activision Blizzard is the subject of employee-driven National Labor Relations Board charges of anti-worker activity. Also: An update on Paradox and its union survey of work conditions in Sweden,...
Episode 101: How to Destroy Your Studio’s Reputation With One Tweet (News Show)
On this week’s show: Tripwire Interactive CEO tanks his studio’s reputation with a single tweet before showing himself the door, Epic vs Apple is over (and Apple mostly won),...
Episode 100: We Did Not Make an NFT of This Show (News Show)
It’s our 100th episode! Thank you to everyone who has listened and supported us! This week: The graded collectible game bubble, the scar of Cyberpunk 2077’s failed launch, China’s...
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 a Take This ambassador for 2021) 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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What PAX Online Must Improve in its Second Year
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on nearly every industry. And while video game makers have largely benefitted from being the only entertainment medium perfectly suited for lockdown, adjacent...
Beyond Tom Nook: Reflecting on Animal Crossing One Year Later
A year after Animal Crossing: New Horizons' launch, we examine the cultural zeitgeist and business implications of the game's incredible successes.
Discord Wants to Tie the $10 Billion Knot, But Which Suitor is Best?
Reports indicate Discord is looking for a buyer. We look at the potential suitors and how those relationships might look.
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...