GDC 2024 Round-Up
In today’s issue, we take a closer look at a few of the noteworthy news from GDC 2024, and explore their broader implications on the games industry as a whole. We also take a look at some other news from around the gaming world.
GDC Vibes / data.ai x Sensor Tower / Epic Announcements / US v. Apple
In this week’s Roundtable, the squad takes a deep dive into the unique atmosphere of this year’s Game Developers Conference (GDC), marked by a spirit of camaraderie and innovation amidst widespread industry layoffs. We then pivot to discuss the monumental acquisition of data.ai by Sensor Tower, setting the stage for what could become the definitive…
A Mario Movie Sequel / Activision’s New Union / Apple’s EU Troubles / Toys x Games
In this week’s Roundtable, the squad dives into the exciting news of a greenlit sequel to the Super Mario Brothers movie, with production once again helmed by Illumination. We speculate on the potential for spinoffs and the broader implications for video game adaptations. The conversation then shifts to Microsoft’s landmark recognition of Activision Blizzard’s 600-person…
Apple’s Vision for Spatial Gaming
In today’s issue we explore Apple’s spatial gaming vision, talk XR in our podcast, and hand-pick some Content Worth Consuming.
China’s Regulations / Microsoft & EA Earnings / Apple’s Legal Challenges
In this week’s Roundtable, the squad dives into the public reversal of China’s proposed bans on game monetization tactics, plus ponders the future of these regulations and their impact on Chinese game stocks. We then shift focus to Tencent’s CEO’s candid reflections on the company’s 2023 gaming performance and its hopeful outlook on AI for…
Google Play vs. App Store Blockchain Policies / New Game Development Models
In this week’s Roundtable, the squad discusses the latest news on how mobile platforms are enacting blockchain policies. In particular, we hit on Google Play’s new blockchain policy, how it differs from Apple’s App Store policy, how these rules affect mobile game design, and the overall current blockchain game development sentiment. Then we discuss how…
Embracer Restructuring / Apple’s AR / Not-E3 Week
In this week’s Roundtable, we discuss the biggest news from the Not-E3 showcases hosted by major game publishers like Microsoft and Ubisoft. We also debate if Embracer’s announced restructuring will help the company in the long run. Other topics on the agenda include whether the FTC can stop Microsoft from acquiring Activision Blizzard at the last second, the gritty details on how hurdle rates could be influencing investments, and what impact Apple’s Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3 might have on XR gaming. Additionally, we touch on Reddit’s controversial policy changes that led to widespread and ongoing subreddit blackouts and discuss if this protest movement might make a difference. Join us for all the latest games business news with Sebastian Park, Dave Elton, Aaron Bush, and host Devin Becker.
What Apple Vision Pro Means for Gaming
In this issue, we take a look at Apple’s new Vision Pro headset and what it could mean for the XR gaming industry.
Microsoft Acquires Speedbumps / Apple’s Legal Victory / Ballooning Game Costs
In this episode, we discuss Microsoft’s acquisition challenges, Apple’s win against Epic, and the impact of record-breaking successes in the Mario Bros movie and MiHoYo’s latest mobile game. We also explore how Mythical’s latest mobile game is expanding the audience for web3 and the effect of ever-expanding game development costs on the industry. Join us for all the latest games business news with Aaron Bush, Anil Das-Gupta, Jonathan Anastas, and host Devin Becker.
App Store Gets a Pricing Upgrade
While it’s Apple’s 30% tax that often gets the headlines, this week Apple announced it would let developers institute more flexible pricing structures. We dive into what this means, why it happened, and what we think might come of it.
