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.
The Second Part of Episode 200 (!!!) is LIVE!
Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show)
We're back with investments, quick hits, and a pretty gnarly labor report. Grab a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza and turn up the volume so you can hear over the crunch!
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show)
We're back with investments, quick hits, and a pretty gnarly labor report. Grab a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza and turn up the volume so you can hear over the crunch!
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
November 12, 2025 at 12:22 AM
The Second Part of Episode 200 (!!!) is LIVE!
Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show)
We're back with investments, quick hits, and a pretty gnarly labor report. Grab a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza and turn up the volume so you can hear over the crunch!
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Amazon Primed for Gaming Exit (News Show)
We're back with investments, quick hits, and a pretty gnarly labor report. Grab a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza and turn up the volume so you can hear over the crunch!
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
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...
Special episode going live soon, as we discuss the EA deal.
September 29, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Special episode going live soon, as we discuss the EA deal.
**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...
Oh hey. We have a new handle here at the ol' Bsky!
August 6, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Oh hey. We have a new handle here at the ol' Bsky!
Episode 195: The Quarter Billion Dollar Subnautica Showdown (News Show)
Krafton’s alleged buyer's remorse has triggered a $250 Million lawsuit. Also: Payment processor censorship of Steam and Itch, Circana reports, and more!
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Krafton’s alleged buyer's remorse has triggered a $250 Million lawsuit. Also: Payment processor censorship of Steam and Itch, Circana reports, and more!
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 195: The Quarter Billion Dollar Subnautica Showdown (News Show) – Virtual Economy
virtualeconcast.com
July 26, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Episode 195: The Quarter Billion Dollar Subnautica Showdown (News Show)
Krafton’s alleged buyer's remorse has triggered a $250 Million lawsuit. Also: Payment processor censorship of Steam and Itch, Circana reports, and more!
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Krafton’s alleged buyer's remorse has triggered a $250 Million lawsuit. Also: Payment processor censorship of Steam and Itch, Circana reports, 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...
NEW EPISODE IS LIVE!
Switch 2’s Best Feature is Potential (News Show): With our Switch 2 in-hand, we’re ready to give you our early feelings about the console in this challenging market. Also: SO many earnings. Like… SO many.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Switch 2’s Best Feature is Potential (News Show): With our Switch 2 in-hand, we’re ready to give you our early feelings about the console in this challenging market. Also: SO many earnings. Like… SO many.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 193: Switch 2’s Best Feature is Potential (News Show) – Virtual Economy
virtualeconcast.com
June 14, 2025 at 4:03 PM
NEW EPISODE IS LIVE!
Switch 2’s Best Feature is Potential (News Show): With our Switch 2 in-hand, we’re ready to give you our early feelings about the console in this challenging market. Also: SO many earnings. Like… SO many.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Switch 2’s Best Feature is Potential (News Show): With our Switch 2 in-hand, we’re ready to give you our early feelings about the console in this challenging market. Also: SO many earnings. Like… SO many.
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!! (finally)
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pricing Conundrum (News Show): The original Nintendo Switch launched at $299 USD. The Switch 2 price was quietly revealed at $449. With tariffs wreaking havoc, where do we go from here?
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pricing Conundrum (News Show): The original Nintendo Switch launched at $299 USD. The Switch 2 price was quietly revealed at $449. With tariffs wreaking havoc, where do we go from here?
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 190: Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pricing Conundrum (News Show) – Virtual Economy
virtualeconcast.com
April 21, 2025 at 6:03 PM
NEW EPISODE!! (finally)
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pricing Conundrum (News Show): The original Nintendo Switch launched at $299 USD. The Switch 2 price was quietly revealed at $449. With tariffs wreaking havoc, where do we go from here?
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pricing Conundrum (News Show): The original Nintendo Switch launched at $299 USD. The Switch 2 price was quietly revealed at $449. With tariffs wreaking havoc, where do we go from here?
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 IS LIVE!
Episode 188: We’re Getting Tired of Clowns in the C-Suite (News Show): Despite mounting evidence that GaaS is struggling, executives continue to go back to that empty well. Also: A ton of earnings reports, as the labor picture worsens.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 188: We’re Getting Tired of Clowns in the C-Suite (News Show): Despite mounting evidence that GaaS is struggling, executives continue to go back to that empty well. Also: A ton of earnings reports, as the labor picture worsens.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 188: We’re Getting Tired of Clowns in the C-Suite (News Show) – Virtual Economy
virtualeconcast.com
February 26, 2025 at 12:02 AM
NEW EPISODE IS LIVE!
Episode 188: We’re Getting Tired of Clowns in the C-Suite (News Show): Despite mounting evidence that GaaS is struggling, executives continue to go back to that empty well. Also: A ton of earnings reports, as the labor picture worsens.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 188: We’re Getting Tired of Clowns in the C-Suite (News Show): Despite mounting evidence that GaaS is struggling, executives continue to go back to that empty well. Also: A ton of earnings reports, as the labor picture worsens.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
A New Virtual Economy Ep is LIVE!
When A Publisher Won’t Use the Word ‘Layoff’ (News Show)
EA buries the lede on layoffs. Also: Earnings season begins, Circana report for December 2024, a recap of the GDC State of the Industry report, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
When A Publisher Won’t Use the Word ‘Layoff’ (News Show)
EA buries the lede on layoffs. Also: Earnings season begins, Circana report for December 2024, a recap of the GDC State of the Industry report, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 187: When A Publisher Won’t Use the Word ‘Layoff’ (News Show) – Virtual Economy
virtualeconcast.com
February 4, 2025 at 12:11 AM
A New Virtual Economy Ep is LIVE!
When A Publisher Won’t Use the Word ‘Layoff’ (News Show)
EA buries the lede on layoffs. Also: Earnings season begins, Circana report for December 2024, a recap of the GDC State of the Industry report, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
When A Publisher Won’t Use the Word ‘Layoff’ (News Show)
EA buries the lede on layoffs. Also: Earnings season begins, Circana report for December 2024, a recap of the GDC State of the Industry report, and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
We play A LOT of tabletop games, so we decided to round up some of our favorites that we played in 2024!
Thanks to @restorationgames.bsky.social, Renegade Game Studios, and @wizkids.bsky.social for review copies for some of the entries on this list!
virtualeconcast.com/feature/tabl...
Thanks to @restorationgames.bsky.social, Renegade Game Studios, and @wizkids.bsky.social for review copies for some of the entries on this list!
virtualeconcast.com/feature/tabl...
Tabletop Games We Loved in 2024 – Virtual Economy
virtualeconcast.com
February 1, 2025 at 9:51 PM
We play A LOT of tabletop games, so we decided to round up some of our favorites that we played in 2024!
Thanks to @restorationgames.bsky.social, Renegade Game Studios, and @wizkids.bsky.social for review copies for some of the entries on this list!
virtualeconcast.com/feature/tabl...
Thanks to @restorationgames.bsky.social, Renegade Game Studios, and @wizkids.bsky.social for review copies for some of the entries on this list!
virtualeconcast.com/feature/tabl...
We're back to kick off Season 6!
Unalive Service (Season Premiere - News Show): The year is already off to an intense start. On this episode: Switch 2 business analysis, Ubisoft’s precarious position, the U.S. ruffles Tencent, and Sony cancels two service games.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Unalive Service (Season Premiere - News Show): The year is already off to an intense start. On this episode: Switch 2 business analysis, Ubisoft’s precarious position, the U.S. ruffles Tencent, and Sony cancels two service games.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 186: Unalive Service (Season Premiere – News Show) – Virtual Economy
virtualeconcast.com
January 20, 2025 at 7:43 PM
We're back to kick off Season 6!
Unalive Service (Season Premiere - News Show): The year is already off to an intense start. On this episode: Switch 2 business analysis, Ubisoft’s precarious position, the U.S. ruffles Tencent, and Sony cancels two service games.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Unalive Service (Season Premiere - News Show): The year is already off to an intense start. On this episode: Switch 2 business analysis, Ubisoft’s precarious position, the U.S. ruffles Tencent, and Sony cancels two service games.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Each year, @futterish.bsky.social and @writualmagic.bsky.social look back at the year's trends and look ahead at what's to come.
We're delighted to share our latest in a tradition that's more than a decade old.
virtualeconcast.com/trends/2024-...
We're delighted to share our latest in a tradition that's more than a decade old.
virtualeconcast.com/trends/2024-...
2024’s Biggest Trends and Where We’re Heading in 2025 – Virtual Economy
virtualeconcast.com
January 15, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Each year, @futterish.bsky.social and @writualmagic.bsky.social look back at the year's trends and look ahead at what's to come.
We're delighted to share our latest in a tradition that's more than a decade old.
virtualeconcast.com/trends/2024-...
We're delighted to share our latest in a tradition that's more than a decade old.
virtualeconcast.com/trends/2024-...
Survive Through ‘25 (SEASON FINALE): Another season of Virtual Economy comes to a close. We recap the year, discuss PAX Unplugged and The Game Awards, and discuss what to expect in 2025.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 185: Survive Through ’25 (Season Finale) – Virtual Economy
virtualeconcast.com
December 27, 2024 at 4:37 PM
Survive Through ‘25 (SEASON FINALE): Another season of Virtual Economy comes to a close. We recap the year, discuss PAX Unplugged and The Game Awards, and discuss what to expect in 2025.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
**NEW EPISODE!**
Call of Duty Saves the Month… On PlayStation (News Show): Whether the Game Pass Gambit pays off or not, Black Ops 6 is selling great on Sony’s console. Also: the rest of the Circana report on U.S. Video Game Spending for October and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Call of Duty Saves the Month… On PlayStation (News Show): Whether the Game Pass Gambit pays off or not, Black Ops 6 is selling great on Sony’s console. Also: the rest of the Circana report on U.S. Video Game Spending for October and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Episode 184: Call of Duty Saves the Month… On PlayStation (News Show) – Virtual Economy
virtualeconcast.com
December 6, 2024 at 11:30 PM
**NEW EPISODE!**
Call of Duty Saves the Month… On PlayStation (News Show): Whether the Game Pass Gambit pays off or not, Black Ops 6 is selling great on Sony’s console. Also: the rest of the Circana report on U.S. Video Game Spending for October and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...
Call of Duty Saves the Month… On PlayStation (News Show): Whether the Game Pass Gambit pays off or not, Black Ops 6 is selling great on Sony’s console. Also: the rest of the Circana report on U.S. Video Game Spending for October and more.
virtualeconcast.com/podcast/epis...