Virtual Economy Podcast
@virtualeconcast.com
A podcast about the business of games... for the rest of us! Hosted by Mike Futter and Manda Farough. Available on all major podcasting platforms... and pocket sand.
Episode 200 is LIVE!!!!
Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show)
With 14,000 people laid off, studios shuttered, and projects abandoned, Amazon seems ready to give up on most or all of its gaming dreams. Also, it’s episode 200! We have guests Andy Pan and @gregoryalderton.bsky.social!
Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show)
With 14,000 people laid off, studios shuttered, and projects abandoned, Amazon seems ready to give up on most or all of its gaming dreams. Also, it’s episode 200! We have guests Andy Pan and @gregoryalderton.bsky.social!
November 4, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Episode 200 is LIVE!!!!
Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show)
With 14,000 people laid off, studios shuttered, and projects abandoned, Amazon seems ready to give up on most or all of its gaming dreams. Also, it’s episode 200! We have guests Andy Pan and @gregoryalderton.bsky.social!
Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show)
With 14,000 people laid off, studios shuttered, and projects abandoned, Amazon seems ready to give up on most or all of its gaming dreams. Also, it’s episode 200! We have guests Andy Pan and @gregoryalderton.bsky.social!
Game Pass Abdicates ‘Best Value in Gaming’ Throne (News Show)
With prices skyrocketing this generation, Microsoft has increased the cost of Game Pass’ top tier while cutting offerings on others. We discuss the broader implications.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
With prices skyrocketing this generation, Microsoft has increased the cost of Game Pass’ top tier while cutting offerings on others. We discuss the broader implications.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
October 14, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Game Pass Abdicates ‘Best Value in Gaming’ Throne (News Show)
With prices skyrocketing this generation, Microsoft has increased the cost of Game Pass’ top tier while cutting offerings on others. We discuss the broader implications.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
With prices skyrocketing this generation, Microsoft has increased the cost of Game Pass’ top tier while cutting offerings on others. We discuss the broader implications.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
A bonus episode is LIVE, as we discuss the $55B EA leveraged buyout. We explain how we got here, what a leveraged buyout is, and what questions labor should be asking.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/bonu...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/bonu...
September 29, 2025 at 4:47 PM
A bonus episode is LIVE, as we discuss the $55B EA leveraged buyout. We explain how we got here, what a leveraged buyout is, and what questions labor should be asking.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/bonu...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/bonu...
**NEW VIRTUAL ECONOMY EPISODE IS LIVE!**
Bonus Episode 11: The PAX West 2025 Roundup
PAX West 2025 felt like home for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown ended. We recap our favorite games and tech from the show.
Check it out here (virtualeconcast.com/podcast/pax-...) or any major pod app.
Bonus Episode 11: The PAX West 2025 Roundup
PAX West 2025 felt like home for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown ended. We recap our favorite games and tech from the show.
Check it out here (virtualeconcast.com/podcast/pax-...) or any major pod app.
September 22, 2025 at 1:24 PM
**NEW VIRTUAL ECONOMY EPISODE IS LIVE!**
Bonus Episode 11: The PAX West 2025 Roundup
PAX West 2025 felt like home for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown ended. We recap our favorite games and tech from the show.
Check it out here (virtualeconcast.com/podcast/pax-...) or any major pod app.
Bonus Episode 11: The PAX West 2025 Roundup
PAX West 2025 felt like home for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown ended. We recap our favorite games and tech from the show.
Check it out here (virtualeconcast.com/podcast/pax-...) or any major pod app.
A NEW EPISODE APPEARS!
Bungie Jump (News Show): Sony has jettisoned embattled Bungie studio head Pete Parsons and raises PS5 prices. Also: Another Subnautica 2 lawsuit, a BioShock shakeup, and rare CEO transparency.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Bungie Jump (News Show): Sony has jettisoned embattled Bungie studio head Pete Parsons and raises PS5 prices. Also: Another Subnautica 2 lawsuit, a BioShock shakeup, and rare CEO transparency.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
September 11, 2025 at 7:26 PM
A NEW EPISODE APPEARS!
Bungie Jump (News Show): Sony has jettisoned embattled Bungie studio head Pete Parsons and raises PS5 prices. Also: Another Subnautica 2 lawsuit, a BioShock shakeup, and rare CEO transparency.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Bungie Jump (News Show): Sony has jettisoned embattled Bungie studio head Pete Parsons and raises PS5 prices. Also: Another Subnautica 2 lawsuit, a BioShock shakeup, and rare CEO transparency.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Krafton Tries to Sink Subnautica Suit (News Show): Krafton’s response to the Unknown Worlds lawsuit hinges on one key element: the Equity Purchase Agreement. Also, lots of earnings, Roblox under fire, a censorship update, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
August 19, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Krafton Tries to Sink Subnautica Suit (News Show): Krafton’s response to the Unknown Worlds lawsuit hinges on one key element: the Equity Purchase Agreement. Also, lots of earnings, Roblox under fire, a censorship update, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
**NEW EPISODE**
We Have Horizon: Zero Dawn at Home (News Show): Tencent wanted to make a licensed Horizon game. Sony said no. Tencent said “ok” and winked. Now they’re being sued. Also: Earnings, a censorship update, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
We Have Horizon: Zero Dawn at Home (News Show): Tencent wanted to make a licensed Horizon game. Sony said no. Tencent said “ok” and winked. Now they’re being sued. Also: Earnings, a censorship update, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
August 6, 2025 at 11:27 PM
**NEW EPISODE**
We Have Horizon: Zero Dawn at Home (News Show): Tencent wanted to make a licensed Horizon game. Sony said no. Tencent said “ok” and winked. Now they’re being sued. Also: Earnings, a censorship update, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
We Have Horizon: Zero Dawn at Home (News Show): Tencent wanted to make a licensed Horizon game. Sony said no. Tencent said “ok” and winked. Now they’re being sued. Also: Earnings, a censorship update, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
**NEW EPISODE**
Following strong financial performance in its gaming division, Microsoft is taking a machete to its work force and its future as a serious competitor. Is this the brand’s Red Ring of Death Also, Bungie runs from Marathon, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Following strong financial performance in its gaming division, Microsoft is taking a machete to its work force and its future as a serious competitor. Is this the brand’s Red Ring of Death Also, Bungie runs from Marathon, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
July 5, 2025 at 8:25 PM
**NEW EPISODE**
Following strong financial performance in its gaming division, Microsoft is taking a machete to its work force and its future as a serious competitor. Is this the brand’s Red Ring of Death Also, Bungie runs from Marathon, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Following strong financial performance in its gaming division, Microsoft is taking a machete to its work force and its future as a serious competitor. Is this the brand’s Red Ring of Death Also, Bungie runs from Marathon, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
PAX East Takes A MAGFest Turn (News Show): PAX East isn’t the show it was 10 years ago. With most AAA developers staying away, indies take center stage. But is it sustainable?
Also: Circana for April 2025, EA's decision to close Cliffhanger, and more!
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Also: Circana for April 2025, EA's decision to close Cliffhanger, and more!
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
May 30, 2025 at 1:54 AM
PAX East Takes A MAGFest Turn (News Show): PAX East isn’t the show it was 10 years ago. With most AAA developers staying away, indies take center stage. But is it sustainable?
Also: Circana for April 2025, EA's decision to close Cliffhanger, and more!
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Also: Circana for April 2025, EA's decision to close Cliffhanger, and more!
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
NEW EPISODE OF VIRTUAL ECONOMY IS LIVE!
Episode 191 - Who Can Even Afford to Be a Gamer Anymore? (News Show)
Microsoft is jacking prices on hardware, software, and peripherals. This seems like a strongarm tactic to push Game Pass.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 191 - Who Can Even Afford to Be a Gamer Anymore? (News Show)
Microsoft is jacking prices on hardware, software, and peripherals. This seems like a strongarm tactic to push Game Pass.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
May 3, 2025 at 2:02 PM
NEW EPISODE OF VIRTUAL ECONOMY IS LIVE!
Episode 191 - Who Can Even Afford to Be a Gamer Anymore? (News Show)
Microsoft is jacking prices on hardware, software, and peripherals. This seems like a strongarm tactic to push Game Pass.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 191 - Who Can Even Afford to Be a Gamer Anymore? (News Show)
Microsoft is jacking prices on hardware, software, and peripherals. This seems like a strongarm tactic to push Game Pass.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
NEW EPISODE!
WB’s David Zaslav is the Real Nemesis System (News Show): Warner Bros. continues to chip away at its infrastructure and consumer confidence with the closure of three more studios.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
WB’s David Zaslav is the Real Nemesis System (News Show): Warner Bros. continues to chip away at its infrastructure and consumer confidence with the closure of three more studios.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
March 25, 2025 at 1:44 PM
NEW EPISODE!
WB’s David Zaslav is the Real Nemesis System (News Show): Warner Bros. continues to chip away at its infrastructure and consumer confidence with the closure of three more studios.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
WB’s David Zaslav is the Real Nemesis System (News Show): Warner Bros. continues to chip away at its infrastructure and consumer confidence with the closure of three more studios.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
**NEW EPISODE**
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/epis...
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/epis...
October 23, 2024 at 2:50 PM
**NEW EPISODE**
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/epis...
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/epis...
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/epis...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
August 7, 2024 at 4:06 PM
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/epis...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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/epis...
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/epis...
May 28, 2024 at 5:45 PM
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/epis...
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/epis...
Why Layoffs? Because Everyone Else is Doing It! (News Show): Two months after Take-Two 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/epis...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
April 18, 2024 at 2:44 PM
Why Layoffs? Because Everyone Else is Doing It! (News Show): Two months after Take-Two 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/epis...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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/epis...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
March 3, 2024 at 1:24 AM
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/epis...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
**COME GET YOUR NEW VIRTUAL ECONOMY!**
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/swit...
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/swit...
February 23, 2024 at 8:16 PM
**COME GET YOUR NEW VIRTUAL ECONOMY!**
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/swit...
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/swit...
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/mic...
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/mic...
February 6, 2024 at 1:47 AM
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/mic...
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/mic...
SEASON 5 STARTS... NOW!
So… 2024, Huh? (News Show): The layoff train is still chugging, and we discuss the latest impact. Also: Circana report for December and full yr 2023, challenging changes to the U.S. tax code. Oh, and a bit about that weird Palworld game.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
So… 2024, Huh? (News Show): The layoff train is still chugging, and we discuss the latest impact. Also: Circana report for December and full yr 2023, challenging changes to the U.S. tax code. Oh, and a bit about that weird Palworld game.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
January 24, 2024 at 8:48 PM
SEASON 5 STARTS... NOW!
So… 2024, Huh? (News Show): The layoff train is still chugging, and we discuss the latest impact. Also: Circana report for December and full yr 2023, challenging changes to the U.S. tax code. Oh, and a bit about that weird Palworld game.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
So… 2024, Huh? (News Show): The layoff train is still chugging, and we discuss the latest impact. Also: Circana report for December and full yr 2023, challenging changes to the U.S. tax code. Oh, and a bit about that weird Palworld game.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
NEW EPISODE!
The Game Awards Needs to Change (Season Finale)
It’s been a hard year, folks. As we say goodbye to 2023 and turn our attention to a (hopefully) brighter 2024, we’re recapping recent gaming events, November’s Circana report, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
The Game Awards Needs to Change (Season Finale)
It’s been a hard year, folks. As we say goodbye to 2023 and turn our attention to a (hopefully) brighter 2024, we’re recapping recent gaming events, November’s Circana report, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
December 27, 2023 at 8:21 PM
NEW EPISODE!
The Game Awards Needs to Change (Season Finale)
It’s been a hard year, folks. As we say goodbye to 2023 and turn our attention to a (hopefully) brighter 2024, we’re recapping recent gaming events, November’s Circana report, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
The Game Awards Needs to Change (Season Finale)
It’s been a hard year, folks. As we say goodbye to 2023 and turn our attention to a (hopefully) brighter 2024, we’re recapping recent gaming events, November’s Circana report, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
A new episode of Virtual Economy is LIVE!
Embracer Group Claims Layoffs are How “We Will Win” (News Show)
Embracer Group gorged itself during the pandemic when debt was cheap. Now, it’s scrambling to lay off hundreds of people to “win.”
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Embracer Group Claims Layoffs are How “We Will Win” (News Show)
Embracer Group gorged itself during the pandemic when debt was cheap. Now, it’s scrambling to lay off hundreds of people to “win.”
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
December 15, 2023 at 6:04 PM
A new episode of Virtual Economy is LIVE!
Embracer Group Claims Layoffs are How “We Will Win” (News Show)
Embracer Group gorged itself during the pandemic when debt was cheap. Now, it’s scrambling to lay off hundreds of people to “win.”
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Embracer Group Claims Layoffs are How “We Will Win” (News Show)
Embracer Group gorged itself during the pandemic when debt was cheap. Now, it’s scrambling to lay off hundreds of people to “win.”
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 160: A Bad Year for Game Creators is a Bad Year for Games (News Show)
The industry’s labor situation is reaching a boiling point, as Epic Games sacrifices employees on the altar of its fight against Apple and Google.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
The industry’s labor situation is reaching a boiling point, as Epic Games sacrifices employees on the altar of its fight against Apple and Google.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
October 8, 2023 at 6:06 PM
Episode 160: A Bad Year for Game Creators is a Bad Year for Games (News Show)
The industry’s labor situation is reaching a boiling point, as Epic Games sacrifices employees on the altar of its fight against Apple and Google.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
The industry’s labor situation is reaching a boiling point, as Epic Games sacrifices employees on the altar of its fight against Apple and Google.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Bonus Episode: The State of Indie Publishing with Z from @serenityforge.bsky.social - At PAX West, we spoke with Serenity Forge founder and CEO Z about the risks, challenges, and opportunities in the indie publishing world.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/pax-...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/pax-...
October 1, 2023 at 5:05 PM
Bonus Episode: The State of Indie Publishing with Z from @serenityforge.bsky.social - At PAX West, we spoke with Serenity Forge founder and CEO Z about the risks, challenges, and opportunities in the indie publishing world.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/pax-...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/pax-...
Ep 159 - Unity Says, “Nice Game You’ve Got There… It’d be a Shame if Something Happened to It” (News Show): Unity couldn’t have made a bigger mess of its reputation in the game development community. Also: Microsoft’s big leak, GameStop earnings, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
September 20, 2023 at 2:03 PM
Ep 159 - Unity Says, “Nice Game You’ve Got There… It’d be a Shame if Something Happened to It” (News Show): Unity couldn’t have made a bigger mess of its reputation in the game development community. Also: Microsoft’s big leak, GameStop earnings, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 158: Microsoft, Activision, and Ubisoft are a Thrupple Now (News Show)
The Microsoft/Activision deal is still alive. And now, Ubisoft has been folded into the conversation with control of cloud streaming rights. Also: Earnings, Circana Report, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
The Microsoft/Activision deal is still alive. And now, Ubisoft has been folded into the conversation with control of cloud streaming rights. Also: Earnings, Circana Report, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
August 26, 2023 at 1:55 PM
Episode 158: Microsoft, Activision, and Ubisoft are a Thrupple Now (News Show)
The Microsoft/Activision deal is still alive. And now, Ubisoft has been folded into the conversation with control of cloud streaming rights. Also: Earnings, Circana Report, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
The Microsoft/Activision deal is still alive. And now, Ubisoft has been folded into the conversation with control of cloud streaming rights. Also: Earnings, Circana Report, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...