Episode 176: Microsoft Holds a Knife to the Golden Game Pass Goose’s Neck (News Show)

Microsoft is making sweeping changes to Game Pass, seemingly to avoid bleeding out on Call of Duty sales. Also: Circana report for May 2024, SAG-AFTRA updates, more Embracer and Paradox cuts, out of control EA executive pay in the face of layoffs, and more. This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind, a supplement shot that includes ingredients to lower your stress, reduce fatigue, and boost your immune system. You can get 20% off your one time purchase of Magic Mind or up to 48% off your first subscription at https://www.magicmind.com/VECONOMY20 using the code VECONOMY20.  You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:01:13] - SAG-AFTRA Updates Independent Development Contracts [00:06:42] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for May 2024 [00:13:33] - Microsoft Makes Big Changes to Game Pass [00:28:56] - Investment Interlude [00:44:06] - Quick Hits [00:47:48] - Labor Report SOURCES Life By You is Cancelled | Paradox Forums Paradox Interactive to close down Paradox Tectonic | Paradox Former Paradox Dev comments on Life by You Cancelation | Willem Delventhal on LinkedIn Cities Skylines 2 - Console Development Status | Paradox Forums Pieces Interactive has Been Shuttered by Embracer Group | Pieces Interactive Embracer-owned Gothic, Risen and ELEX developer Piranha Bytes closes | Eurogamer Former Piranha Bytes devs form Pithead Studio | GamesIndustry Galvanic Games is Closing Down | Galvanic Games (@GalvanicGames) on Twitter GOODBYE, HEROES OF ARMANTIA AND KOJI VILLAGERS | Challengers Games Gameloft Toronto staff laid off after studio 'substantially' reduces production activity | Game Developer Perfect World cuts staff in multi-unit layoffs, reportedly suspends game projects | Game Developer Network N lays off eight from games marketing agency Project N | GamesIndustry Gamurs Group reportedly lays off unknown number of staff | GamesIndustry EA execs earned $60 million in 2024 despite layoffs and office closures | Game Developer INVESTMENT INTERLUDE Capcom Makes Minimum Studios Co., Ltd. a Subsidiary Through Share Acquisition | Capcom Keywords Studios reaches £2.2bn acquisition agreement with Swedish investment company EQT | GamesIndustry Daybreak Games, Singularity 6 to Collaborate on Development of Palia | Daybreak Games Arc System Works opens European branch | Arc Systems Works EU (@ASW_Official_EU) on Twitter Dutch publisher Mystic Forge nets €2 million to help indies get to market | Game Developer Kwalee makes minority investment in Devolver Digital | GamesIndustry PULLUP Entertainment Announces its results for the 2023/24 financial year | Pullup Series Entertainment and Pixelberry | Pixelberry Stellar Blade developer Shift Up raises $320m in IPO | GamesIndustry