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 (Square Enix, Sony, Take-Two, Embracer Group), The July 2023 Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending, Xbox’s new moderation system, and a listener question about the Xtra Small Small. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise!   TIME STAMPS  [00:01:36] - Square Enix Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:07:16] - Take-Two Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:14:51] - Sony Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:18:24] - Embracer Group Q1 FY24 Earnings [00:26:23] - Investment Interlude [00:41:24] - Quick Hits [00:46:17] - Labor Report [00:50:59] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for July 2023 [00:54:19] - Xbox’s New Moderation System [00:56:46] - Listener Question   SOURCES Square Enix Q1 FY24 Earnings | Square Enix Sony Q1 FY24 Earnings | Sony Take-Two Q1 FY24 Earnings | Take-Two Embracer Group Q1 FY24 Earnings | Embracer Group Scoop: Saudi-funded Savvy Games was the mystery partner in collapsed $2B Embracer deal | Axios Embracer is Moving to Shutter Campfire Cabal | Campfire Cabal on LinkedIn Xbox Introduces Enforcement Strike System | Xbox Wire Xbox 360 Store and Xbox 360 Marketplace FAQ | Xbox Support An Update on the State of BioWare | BioWare   INVESTMENT INTERLUDE Telltale Acquires Flavourworks | Telltale Behaviour Interactive Acquires Award-Winning Codeglue | GamesPress Roleplay Community Update | Rockstar Games VIRTUOS EXPANDS GAME ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES WITH LAUNCH OF VIRTUOS LABS – PRAGUE | Virtuous Krafton commits $150 million to India following BGMI trial approval | TechCrunch Play Ventures raised at least $78M for third gaming venture fund | GamesBeat Microsoft and Activision Blizzard restructure proposed acquisition and notify restructured transaction to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority | Microsoft Microsoft submits new deal for review after CMA confirms original deal is blocked | UK CMA Activision Blizzard Games Coming To Ubisoft+ | Ubisoft Microsoft's Activision Blizzard merger approved in New Zealand | Game Developer