Episode 155: FTC Cage Match (News Show)

This week saw the long-awaited showdown between the FTC and Microsoft, as the U.S. Government seeks an injunction to prevent the Activision acquisition. Also; new studios opening amidst an otherwise grim labor report, the latest Circana U.S. spending report, and more. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:01:17] - Circana U.S. Video Game Spending Report for May 2023 [00:19:41] - Twitch Partner Plus [00:27:05] - Investment Interlude (With a Big Conversation about the Microsoft/Activision FTC Hearing) [00:57:42] - Quick Hits [01:03:12] - Labor Report SOURCES Introducing the Partner Plus Program | Twitch How many Twitch partners are actually eligible for Partner Plus? | Streams Charts IATSE Launches Gameworkers.org, First-Ever Video Game Industry Study | IATSE EMBRACER GROUP ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE RESTRUCTURING PROGRAM | Embracer Group Danish studio Kiloo Games lays off staff before July closure | Game Developer Season developer Scavengers Studio hit with "massive layoffs" | Game Developer Hi-Rez Studios lays off employees in company restructuring | Game Developer Niantic Organizational Update | Niantic Daedalic Entertainment closes development department | Games Wirtschaft INVESTMENT INTERLUDE Focus Entertainment taps Ubisoft veterans to establish Carpool Studio | Game Developer PCF GROUP SA (22/2023) Conclusion of a production and publishing agreement with Microsoft Corporation - report 22/2023 | Interia Biznes Krafton opens new studio, ReLu Games, to develop deep learning titles | Game Developer Scopely acquires Scottish mobile developer Tag Games | Game Developer Order re: Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction | FTC Sony says it wouldn't share PS6 details with Microsoft-owned Activision | Eurogamer Microsoft considered acquiring Bungie and Sega to bolster Xbox Game Pass, internal emails show | The Verge Sega is not open to acquisitions, following speculation around Microsoft bid | GamesIndustry Canada regulator says Microsoft-Activision deal "likely" to harm competition | GamesIndustry UK court blocks request to delay CMA and Microsoft trial | GamesIndustry