The internet is in a frenzy over the report that Microsoft might be bringing some of its titles to other consoles. Let's take a beat and discuss what might be happening (and why things might not be as dire as console warriors would have you believe). virtualeconcast.com/analysis/micro…

Did Microsoft Trigger the FTC’s Trap Card? (News Show): Microsoft’s layoffs have sent the FTC into a tizzy, adding fuel to the ongoing fire. Also: A ton of earnings, miserable layoffs, and Disney invests in Epic. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/episod…

**NEW EPISODE!** Switch 2 Switcharoo Could Thwart 2024 Recovery Hopes (News Show): The console market is going through major changes as hardware prices stay high and first party needs to pivot audience strategy. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/switch…

The AAA Video Game Industry is in Freefall (News Show): Triple-A game development as we know it is unsustainable. It doesn't matter if a game succeeds or fails, the corporate machine is grinding developers up by the thousands. Things need to change. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/episod…

**NEW EPISODE** Embracer Group Fire Sale Burns Labor (News Show): Embracer Group just took a massive losses for much-needed cash to fill a seemingly bottomless hole of debt. Saber is gone. Zen is gone. 4A is gone. And now Gearbox is gone. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/episod…

Why Layoffs? Because Everyone Else is Doing It! (News Show): Two months after T2 said it wasn’t planning layoffs it has… well… you know. Also, join us for community-inspired discussions about keeping the industry healthy and what separates III from AA! virtualeconcast.com/podcast/episod…

Embracer Group Crumbles… And Friends (News Show): The Embracer Group name is going away, splitting its mega-conglomerate into three in an attempt to move on from its destructive legacy. Also: Earnings season is here! virtualeconcast.com/podcast/episod…

Sony Didn’t Manage Democracy, Xbox Self-Immolates (News Show): Sony dug a hole and dumped all the Helldivers 2 goodwill into the pit (while cutting off 177 countries). Microsoft lit itself on fire and burned player sentiment to the ground. Good times. virtualeconcast.com/podcast/episod…

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/episod…

Today in unhinged ish from our amazing Discord community... (You, too, can be unhinged with us. DM for a Discord invite!)

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/episod…

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/episod…

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/episod…

*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/episod…

Mike wrote a lengthy feature about the state of the video game industry for GamesIndustry. Check it out!

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/episod…

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/episod…

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