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.

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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