Episode 145: NetEase Thinks Activision is a Big Jerk (News Show)

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! You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:01:26] - NPD US Video Game Spending Report for October 2022 [00:09:11] - Embracer Group Q2 FY 2023 Earnings [00:21:09] - Investment Interlude (Now in Activision Jerk Flavor!) [00:39:31] - Quick Hits [00:54:58] - Labor Report SOURCES NPD Report on US Video Game Spending for October 2022 | Mat Piscatella (@MatPiscatella) on Twitter EMBRACER GROUP PUBLISHES INTERIM REPORT Q2 | Embracer Group Bethesda Responds to Mick Gordon Allegations | Bethesda (@Bethesda) on Twitter Microsoft to Adopt New Sexual Harassment Policies After Gates, Misconduct Audit | Bloomberg (Paywall) INVESTMENT INTERLUDE The Banished Vault | Nic Tringali on Medium European Commission responds as staff member says COD will stay on "my PlayStation" | Eurogamer Microsoft’s Xbox chief settles the Call of Duty PlayStation debate once and for all | The Verge Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase Suspending Game Services in China | Activision In candid email, Blizzard head details suspension of game sales in China | Washington Post BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT AND NETEASE SEVERING TIES | Niko Partners Sweden’s Behold Ventures raises $25.9M to invest in Nordic gaming startups | GamesBeat Senior Executive behind global beloved franchises, such as THE WALKING DEAD, THE BOYS, INVINCIBLE and many others, announces ASTRID ENTERTAINMENT | GamesPress We Are Methodical | Methodical Games Ex-Wargaming and Valve devs form Eschatology Entertainment, raise $4 million in funding | Game Developer NetEase Executive Responds to Falling Out with Blizzard | Simon Zhu on LinkedIn