Episode 212: Ex-Box

We're breaking up with Xbox. It's not us, it's you. More layoffs, closed (and practically closed) studios, shuffling of IP, and fawning executives that are trying to convince you that everything's just ducky, when it's really f… you get the point. You can support Virtual Economy's growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:01:39] - PAX West / PAX Rising Recap [00:17:07] - Xbox Continues its Catastrophic Downfall [00:33:54] - Investment Interlude [00:41:58] - Quick Hits [00:47:14] - Labor Report [00:58:13] - Indie Game of the Episode SOURCES Continuing Our Reset | Xbox Age of Empires studio World's Edge reportedly lost "nearly half" of its staff during yesterday's Xbox cuts and move to Activision | Eurogamer State Of Decay 3 Studio Lays Off A 'Significant' Number Of Developers But Says It Won't Impact The Game | Kotaku Halo Studios Former Cinematic Director Promoted and Laid Off in Same Week | Josh Daniels Microsoft CEO says Xbox is simply 'streamlining' after cutting over 5,750 jobs in three years | Game Developer INVESTMENT INTERLUDE Nexus Mods is acquiring database and analytics site SteamDB | Game Developer Trophy Games acquires Airport Simulator: First Class developer Playrion from Paradox Interactive | GamesIndustry Bohemia Interactive acquires minority stake in Everwind developer Enjoy Studio | Game Developer Nex Raises Over $150 Million to Take Nex Playground Business Global | Nex LABOR REPORT The Studio Behind MindsEye Is Closing Following Latest Round Of Layoffs | Kotaku Sega-owned Rovio is shutting down its Copenhagen studio | Game Developer Report: FuturLab lays off devs without informing team leads or managers | Game Developer Life is Strange studio Don't Nod says it may have to lay off 90 staff, warns it may not last beyond January | VGC French publisher Dear Villagers confirms layoffs | Game Developer Polyarc has closed | Polyarc on LinkedIn Layoffs at KO-OP | KO-OP on Bluesky Heart Machine Loses Publisher Funding | Alx Preston on LinkedIn After Years Of Company Stalling, Blizzard Workers Win Mega-Contract That Applies To All Unionized Teams | Aftermath

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Episode 212: Ex-Box

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