Episode 194: Xbox Gutted (News Show)

Following strong financial performance in its gaming division, Microsoft is taking a machete to its work force and its future as a serious competitor. Is this the brand’s Red Ring of Death? Also, Bungie runs from Marathon, Warner Bros. goes all-in on safe IP, and the labor report hurts even more than usual. You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:03:59] - Sony Games & Network Services Update [00:16:09] - Marathon Delayed Indefinitely [00:27:51] - Sony Brings Four Games Back to 177 Countries [00:30:18] - Cleer Arc 3 Gaming Review [00:37:52] - Investment Interlude [00:42:27] - Quick Hits [00:59:46] - Labor Report SOURCES Game & Network Services Segment | Sony Marathon Development Update | Bungie Sony removes regional restrictions on four of its biggest games on Steam | PC Gamer Tencent owns 15% of Helldivers 2 studio Arrowhead, it has emerged | VGC INVESTMENT INTERLUDE Sensor Tower Acquires Playliner to Expand Live Ops Intelligence Across Mobile Gaming | Sensor Tower Warner Bros. Games Restructures Into Divisions Based on ‘Game of Thrones,’ Harry Potter, ‘Mortal Kombat’ and DC Universe | Variety LABOR REPORT Microsoft Begins Deep Job Cuts Across Xbox Division | Bloomberg (Paywall) Microsoft to lay off as many as 9,000 employees in latest round | Seattle Times Lost Records and Jusant developer Don't Nod is laying off staff | Eurogamer Bloodlines 2 developer The Chinese Room has laid off employees, but Paradox says the game is still coming in October | PC Gamer Hypixel Studios has Canceled Hytale and Will Wind Down | Hypixel Studios on Twitter MindsEye Developer Build a Rocket Boy Begins Layoff Process Amid Disastrous Launch, Studio Sources Say | IGN MindsEye Dev's UK Workforce of Around 300 Receive At-Risk Emails as Former GTA Lead Leslie Benzies Finally Addresses Staff | IGN Cyan Worlds Has Gone Through Another Round of Layoffs | Cyan Worlds on Bluesky Studio Camelia has Closed | Studio Camelia on LinkedIn Star Wars: Hunters Publisher Shutters Studio Founded by Torchlight, Diablo Creator Before It Could Announce Its New Game | IGN People Can Fly Undergoes Layoffs | People Can Fly on LinkedIn Major layoffs at Playtika with up to 160 jobs cut on Best Fiends and Redecor teams | MobileGamer.biz Subway Surfers Blast developer Outplay Entertainment has laid off 21 workers | Game Developer RuneScape studio Jagex lays off an undisclosed number of 'non-player facing' staff | Game Developer Cult of the North Shutting Down | Adam Schaub on LinkedIn Report: Return to Moria developer Free Range Games lays off 80 people | Game Developer Sony is making layoffs at Days Gone developer Bend Studio | Game Developer French court convicts ex-Ubisoft bosses for workplace harassment | AFP Video Game Workers Reach Historic Tentative Contract Agreement with Microsoft | CWA