A NetEase exec has pulled no punches after the Chinese giant’s Blizzard relationship hits the skids. Also: NPD spending report for October 2022, Embracer group earnings and reorganization, more on Microsoft’s plans to acquire Activision, new studio announcements, and more!
After two years, it seems like new-generation console supply is starting to meet demand. We discuss in our coverage of the September NPD report. Also: the latest Activision Blizzard shenanigans (including two big Ls for the publisher), more on the Bayonetta 3 story, and more.
Bayonetta voice actor Helenna Taylor shared troubling details of her treatment during negotiations. We discuss voice acting rates and what the $4,000 offer means for SAG-AFTRA union members. Also: Microsoft and Sony continue their war in the UK over the Activision acquisition, more troubling layoffs for games media, and Meta acquires a trio of studios while announcing absurd pricing for its next headset.
E3 lives, Stadia dies, and Twitch continues to make bad moves that alienate its community. Also: Saudi Arabia and Tencent look to step up investments, and a beefy labor report.
Ubisoft leadership has all but given up on fixing the company’s culture as Tencent increases its ownership stake. Also: NPD for August 2022, GameStop bleeds, Square Enix reconsiders how it approaches studio ownership, 343 loses its leader, and Microsoft and Sony continue to butt heads in the UK over Activision acquisition.
Call of Duty is in a slump, and Activision is waiting out the clock until the acquisition having reportedly canceled a long in-development mobile World of Warcraft game. Also: Earnings, GameStop’s terrible NFT marketplace, Square Enix’s bananas comments about its former Western teams, and more.
GameStop and Unity are making ugly moves, drawing the ire of consumers and developers. Also: E3 returns as the ESA gives up on being an event organizer, a surprisingly meaty list of new investments, NPD for June 2022, another Activision studio moves to unionize, and a double FAFO!
GameStop revenues are up, but other indicators are looking ugly. Also, Microsoft takes steps toward supporting unions, Xbox cloud gaming evolves, EA tries to repair Pride damage and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth…
The game industry loves to trot out its support for Women’s History Month, but most companies are avoiding standing up for abortion rights. It’s time for developers and publishers to take a stand. Also: Paradox…
Square Enix bids farewell to its western CEO and studios, but Embracer is ready to hug ‘em tight. Also: Sony makes the new PS+ even more confusing, Activision shareholders sign-off on acquisition, and more.