The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Have we 'ad' enough of in-game marketing? Apr 29, 2022

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest news from across the business of video games.

For this episode, we start by discussing the news that both Sony and Microsoft are reportedly considering introducing in-game ads into free-to-play titles on their consoles.

While both are said to be working on inobtrusive methods, the initial reception to the news has not been positive. We discuss the rise of advertising in games, previous attempts to establish this as a model on consoles, and what limitations remain.

We also reflect on the recent news that Apple is requiring developers to update years-old apps, with the threat of removal if they don't, and what impact this will have on game preservation and more.

As always, you can get more news, insight and analysts at www.gamesindustry.biz.

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The relevance of review scores Apr 22, 2022

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics to dive deeper into some of the big discussions coursing through the business of video games.

First, we explore a recent article written for us by TinyBuild CEO Alex Nichiporchik on why review scores are dead. We share our own thoughts on the relevance of both reviews and the numbers attached to them, as well as the many hurdles that have been thrown at critics as video games have evolved as a medium.

Then we discuss this week's comments from Square Enix president and CEO Yosuke Matsuda, who suggests that Japanese studios are likely to struggle if they attempt to emulate Western-developed games.

As always, you can get more news, analysis and insight at www.gamesindustry.biz.

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PlayStation Plus and the rise of subscriptions Apr 01, 2022

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest news from the world behind video games.

This week, we focus on the long-rumoured overhaul of PlayStation Plus, now revealed to be a three-tier system (with a fourth for regions without streaming).

The team shares their reactions to Sony's souped-up offering, and our thoughts on how benefits such as a retro library and access to PlayStation Now have been spread across the tiers.

We also discuss the (unsurprising) lack of simultaneous launches of new first-party titles, and the broader implications as the games industry expands how it uses the subscription model to engage with consumers.

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[Sponsored] Video Games Real Talk in conversation with Shawn Layden Mar 22, 2022

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GamesIndustry.biz is hosting a special episode of Video Games Real Talk, featuring former Sony PlayStation Studios chairman Shawn Layden.

During the session, Layden shares his insighs of the global video games industry, offers advice to games studios and tells us what it was like working for the founder of Sony, Akio Morita.

Hosted by Streamline Media Group CEO Alexander Fernandez and recorded just over a year ago, the session discusses topics such as industry diversity, how the games industry can expand beyond its borders, the increase in the finance industry's involvement in games and the importance of culture, leadership and disrupting your business.

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The industry's response to the invasion of Ukraine Mar 10, 2022

Show notes

This week, we start by discussing the varying responses from games companies of all sizes to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine -- with a particular focus on the many major firms who have halted all sales in the region.

We’ve since reported that these platform holders and publishers areturning their back on a $3.4 billion market -- a not insignificant move on their part -- but we also discuss the precedent the industry is setting with this show of support ahead of the next inevitable conflict.

If you haven’t already, be sure to also read our interview with a Kyiv-based developer about his experience of living in a city under siege.

Elsewhere on the podcast, we ponder the implications of Epic’s surprise acquisition of Bandcamp -- something we have explored in even further depth with music creators here.

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Can current leadership solve the industry's toxicity problem? Mar 02, 2022

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest news from the past week.

On this episode, we start with a discussion about the DICE Summit keynote from EA executive vice president and chief operating officer Laura Miele, in which she said that games company leaders who “fall short of basic standards” should be removed.

Next, we address the implications of the rumoured delay to the Call of Duty planned for 2023, which would mark the first year without a premium title in almost two decades. Has Call of Duty finally peaked, and could it be time for a new approach?

Finally, we discuss the announcement of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and Game Freak’s open-world ambitions. (Ironically, while we were recording a conversation in which some members of the team suggested the studio take a break, another member published an article about why now is not the time to do so).

We would also like to direct listeners’ attention to the industry efforts raising funds to support those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. You can find more information, including donation links, here.

As always, you can find more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz.

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The ongoing NFT backlash Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics and discuss the biggest news of the past week.

Following Team17's speedy withdrawal from its proposed NFT project, we explore the sentiments behind the backlash against this divisive technology (for more on this, be sure to read the latest This Week In Business).

We also discuss the debate around Sifu and other games about different cultures that are still developed by studios predominantly staffed by white men.

As always, you can get more news and insight at www.gamesindustry.biz.

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Sony's $3.6bn bet on Bungie Feb 03, 2022

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics and discusses the biggest news of the past week.

On this episode, we are of course delving into Sony's $3.6 billion acquisiton of Bungie, as well as our exclusive interview with PlayStation boss Jim Ryan and the Destiny studio's CEO Pete Parsons.

The discussion explores the future of Destiny (and any other properties Bungie creates), Sony's live-service ambitions, the increasing consolidation in the AAA games industry, and that hefty price tag.

You can get more news and insight at www.gamesindustry.biz

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Will Activision Blizzard change Xbox? Jan 26, 2022

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest news of the past week.

This week, that does of course mean delving deeper into Microsoft's record-breaking plan to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7bn.

We've already spoken to analysts about, as one referred to it, "the deal that will change the industry forever" and posed our own unanswered questions about the deal.

During this episode, we discuss the wider implications of the acquisition, why the companies might be a good fit for each other, and what we might expect from the next 18 months.

As always, you can get more news and insight at www.gamesindustry.biz.

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Take-Two's Zynga takeover Jan 19, 2022

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics to discuss the biggest stories of the past week.

On this episode, we start with Take-Two's $12.7bn acquisition of mobile giant Zynga, delving into why the publisher of GTA and Borderlands might want to grow its presence in the mobile market.

We also discuss a similar topic: the rise of the Apple Arcade subscription service and how it clashes with typical free-to-play games design, following an article we ran by Seattle University's Dr Christopher A Paul.

(Please note: This episode was recorded before Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. We will discuss that story on next week's episode)

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