The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast

Our special podcast series The Five Games Of returns with Tim Schafer, founder, CEO and president of Double Fine Productions. And the episode is available to download now. For those who may have missed past episodes, this is a series of interviews in which we explore how the games industry has changed over the course of five games from our guest's careers: their first, their latest, and three of their choice. In this episode, Schafer shares how he came to work at LucasFilm Games, the evolution of the adventure genre that the studio was best known for, the transition to early 3D graphics, the complexities of music licensing, and the changing attitudes towards comedy in games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To succeed in mobile games today, you not only need to make a great game, but you need to have a strong monetisation plan from the very beginning. In this special GamesIndustry.biz Podcast, Meta Audience Network’s Michael Bertaut discusses the state of in-game advertising, player acquisition and the future of monetisation. He reveals the latest data on where things are heading and details Meta’s view on how developers can make the most of the new opportunities. "We’ve noticed a shift from building great games to building a great gaming business," said Bertaut. "Sure, great games are foundational, but long term-success means shifting the focus a bit. To build a strong and sustainable gaming business, one needs both great games and game monetization expertise." As far as challenges go, there is no question that a loss of mobile ad identifiers had a significant impact on the ecosystem. Developers are facing the reality that old ad formats can no longer be relied upon and innovation solutions are required." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest stories from the business of video games. We start this week's episode with thoughts on how the industry will fare in the impending recession. The business models supporting games companies have changed dramatically since the last financial collapse, so how will economic changes affect spending on everything from free-to-play titles and in-game purchases to subscriptions? We also discuss the recent Grand Theft Auto 6 leak and the consequenes of leaks in general on the industry in general. For one thing, it's highlighted the misconceptions that video games' graphics are finalised before the gameplay, but do consumers need to understand more about how these titles are developed? As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. For the biggest news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our daily newsletter at www.gamesindustry.biz/newsletters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest stories from the business of video games. This week, we focus on Ubisoft - starting with our interview with CEO Yves Guillemot. The company has faced years of scrutiny following the wave of abuse allegations in 2020, but is it doing enough to address the issues within its workplace? We also talk about the accountability of leadership at AAA firms, as well as Ubisoft's plans for its flagship franchises - especially Assassin's Creed - and the implications for its business going forward. As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at GamesIndustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Batchelor is joined by VG247's Alex Donaldson to discuss the biggest reveals and announcements at Gamescom Opening Night Live. Over the course of the episode, we discuss the breadth (or perhaps lack thereof) of games on show, the importance of giving smaller publishers the opportunity to shine in the absence of major players, and the long-awaited reveal of Everywhere - the debut game from the studio formed by ex-GTA producer Leslie Benzies. We also share our personal highlights, and talk about the range of new IP on show. For more news, insight and analysis, head to www.gamesindustry.biz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast is back, with the team once again gathering around their mics to discuss the biggest stories from the business of video games. This week, we're taking a look at the current wave of financial results, showing each company's performance for the first quarter of the financial year (April to June 2022). Most, but not all, show some form of decline - an inevitable sign as pandemic measures ease and more people venture outside. We discuss the implications for each of the platform holders and two AAA publishers. If you're not familiar with their most recent results, check out our coverage here: Activision Blizzard Electronic Arts Xbox PlayStation Nintendo As always, you can get more news, insight and analayst at www.gamesindustry.biz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics and discuss the biggest news of the past week. Naturally, this episode focuses on the various showcases that filled the void left by the absence of E3. From Starfield to The Plucky Squire and beyond, we dive into the highlights, lowlights and the impressions we got about where games are headed in the next year. From a AAA standpoint, it was a largely underwhelming week, but has that hindered the many indie games shown off over the last two weeks? As always, you can get more news, analysis and insight at www.gamesindustry.biz. And be sure to check out our extensive roundup of everything announced this month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics and discuss the biggest stories from the business of video games. With the wave of livestreams and showcases that would traditionally have been grouped around E3 now upon us, we ponder the week ahead and what we can expect from each of the major events. We also reflect on PlayStation's most recent State of Play, diving into the line-up, the prospects for PlayStation VR2 and the curiously low profile of PlayStation Plus ahead of its revamp. As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast, we're joined by former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé. Following the launch of his memoir, Disrupting The Game, we talk to him about his experiences at Nintendo and as one of the industry's few prominent Black gaming executives. He also shares his thoughts on the industry's ongoing diversity issues in general, as well as thoughts on the future of games, including the use of cloud technology and how Nintendo can follow up on the success of the Switch. As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. For the latest and biggest industry news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics and discuss the biggest stores from across the business of video games. Well, we say 'team' but this week it's just Brendan and James, and we say 'stories' but there's only one topic we're diving into this time: Square Enix's sale of Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal and Square Enix Montreal for $300 million. We discuss the surprisingly low price tag given that the deal includes major IP such as Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, Thief and Legacy of Kain, as well as the many commercial struggles Square Enix's Western studios have gone through that likely led to this sale. We also talk about the news in context of a wider existential crisis among Japanese publishers, which you can read more about in Brendan's excellent piece from earlier this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz podcast is back, with the team gathering around their mics to discuss the year ahead. Following our annual analysts' predictions feature, we discuss some of the more interesting topics that emerged and how we think they might develop. Subjects include the ongoing rumours around PlayStation's subscription plans, renewed interest in virtual reality, the impressive release slate for 2022 (and potential for delays), and more. As always you can get more insight at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For our final podcast of the year, the GamesIndustry.biz team discuss the best games we played in 2021. Be sure to check out the website for our Games of the Year articles. We'll speak to you all in 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of our two year-end shows, we reflect on some of the biggest topics of the past 12 months in the games industry. We start with a discussion about the state of the AAA market, with a particular focus on the wave of new studios we've seen emerge - and the room for improvement when it comes to diversity behind the scenes. Then, we recap the highlights and implications of the Epic vs Apple trial from earlier this year. And we finish off with an update on our thoughts on what are undeniably the two biggest buzzwords of 2021: 'blockchain' and 'metaverse.' We'll be back next week with our Games of the Year show. For now, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest stories from across the video games business. This week, we're taking Xbox's 20th anniversary as a chance to reflect on the evolution of the brand and the impact it has had on the wider industry - something we've explored in detail here. We also share our first and fondest memories of the original Xbox, and discuss why it's the Xbox 360 that will trigger the biggest nostalgia moment for Microsoft's console business. And if you haven't already, be sure to check out our interview with Microsoft VP Sarah Bond about the future of Xbox and how it is still trying to change the games industry. As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest stories from the business of video games. This week, we start with a discussion on the wave of name-dropping for NFTs and blockchains in major publishers' recent financial results - a trend on which we have made our stance very clear. As our contributing editor Rob Fahey observes, there is something of an agenda behind why even the execs that are somewhat skeptical about this new technology are referencing it in their earnings calls. Then we move to the upcoming release of Skyrim: Anniversary Edition and the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy, and explore why re-releases of certain titles - even those that have been made widely available over the years - continue not only to sell, but also appeal to us personally. As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team discusses some of the biggest stories of the past week, where the phrase "Surely you can do better than this" applied in various ways. We start by discussing the changes promised by Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who seeks to address the many concerns about the publisher's workplace culture with investment into diversity initiatives and recruitment as well as a voluntary paycut to his salary and compensation. The plans have been declared as "a huge win" by the ABK Workers Alliance, but SOC Investment Group still believes more needs to be done -- at least in terms of executive pay -- and it throws into sharp relief the lack of a similar response by Ubisoft. And speaking of Ubisoft, the direct source of this podcast's title is a marketing email in which Far Cry 6's villain goads the player for not spending more time on the game, among other things. We discuss the many perils of chasing engagement, both in terms of this email and the reaction to Brendan's tweet about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team discusses the biggest stories of the past week. First up, we discuss the ongoing dance between Electronic Arts and football association FIFA. While EA has claimed it's considering a rebrand for its best-selling football series, FIFA has suggested it's considering licensing out its brand to additional parties. We ponder what each side has to lose or gain, or whether ultimately these are just negotiating tactics and the world's biggest-selling game will likely remain just the way it is. Then, following complaints from Metroid Dread developers who did not receive credit in the final game, we explore what should earn a place in any project's staff roll. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're bringing you podcast versions of the best sessions for GI Live: London, which ran alongside EGX 2021. In our final episode, we speak to Obsidian Entertainment CEO Feargus Urquhart about working with publishers. The discussion offers advice to studios on what they should look for in a publishing partner, and also explores the road to Microsoft's acquisition of Obsidian and the interested parties that came before it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're bringing you podcast versions of the best sessions for GI Live: London, which ran alongside EGX 2021. Today's episode is our exclusive interview with Jade Raymond, best known for her work leading studios at Ubisoft and EA and launching franchises such as Assassin's Creed. Raymond is currently building up her new company, Haven Studios, which has already received investment from PlayStation. We speak to her about the studio's progress, forming a team of former Assassin's Creed and Stadia developers, and Raymond's hopes for the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're bringing you podcast versions of the best sessions for GI Live: London, which ran alongside EGX 2021. Today's episode is the keynote fireside chat between our own Christopher Dring and Sony Interactive Entertainment president and CEO Jim Ryan. The discussion explores Jim's career at PlayStation throughout its history, his thoughts on the future of PS5, and his hopes for the growth of the video games industry. (As this is ripped from the session on the day, Chris ends with a teaser for a discussion with Warner Music. There will not be a podcast version of this session, but you can find the full video on our YouTube channel) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics and discuss the biggest news of the past week. First up, following an article by Kotaku's Carolyn Petit and a call from OutMakingGames, we discuss how Rockstar Games should handle the transphobic elements of Grand Theft Auto 5 as it prepares to release the best-selling title on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. OutMakingGames and Petit both call for the content's removal, or a context disclaimer decrying transphobia in today's society, but whether or not that's something Rockstar will do is another matter. We also delve deeper into the topic of accessibility, not only following the discussions around Deathloop but also our in-depth guide on how to make your game more accessible to a wider audience and why it's important to do so. As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics and discusses the biggest stories of the past week. On this episode, we take a deeper dive into the announcements from the recent Nintendo Direct -- particularly the decision to lock N64 and Genesis/Mega Drive games to a new, more expensive tier. We discuss Nintendo's approach to online and the subscription model, the value of making retro games available on modern platforms, and the baffling price tag for those classic controllers. Elsewhere, we discuss other highlights of the Direct -- such as Kirby's The Last Of Us -- and the lowlights (hello, Mr Pratt). As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest stories of the past week. First, we're joined by indie developer Shahid Ahmad to pay tribute to Sir Clive Sinclair, the inventor of the ZX Spectrum who passed away last week. Then we reflect on the Epic vs Apple judgement and the reactions that have emerged since it was released. Finally, we discuss the launch of Arkane's acclaimed Deathloop and how, for all the praise it has garnered from critics, it's an example of certain aspects where AAA is still lacking. As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're presenting audio versions of the panel discussions from this year's Best Places To Work Awards UK. In our final podcast of the week, we continue our tradition of interviewing last year's winner of the Best Boss award before this year's winner is revealed. During this chat with GamesIndustry.biz's Christopher Dring, Creative Assembly studio director Gareth Edmonson talks about taking over a team during a pandemic, and the lessons he's learned about being a good manager. You can find the full video at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're presenting audio versions of the panel discussions from this year's Best Places To Work Awards UK. For our third session, we focus on mental health and share best practices on supporting staff. The panel features Third Kind Games' Heidi Slee, Creative Assembly's Sarah Howell and Safe In Our World's Sarah Sorrell, and is hosted by GamesIndustry.biz's Christopher Dring. You can find the full video at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're presenting audio versions of the panel discussions from this year's Best Places To Work Awards UK. In today's session, a panel of professionals discuss the fight to address climate change and what more the games industry can do to aid these efforts. The panel featurs Playing for the Planet's Deborah Mensah-Bonsu, Ustwo Games' Jane Campbell, Games London's Michael French and Sports Interactive's Miles Jacobson. It is hosted by GamesIndustry.biz's Christopher Dring. You can find the full video at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're presenting audio versions of the panel discussions from this year's Best Places To Work Awards UK. Today, Amiqus' Liz Prince hosts a discussion about the importance and influence of leadership on culture and diversity. Rather than focusing solely on why a diverse team is important for your business, this panel offers some actionable steps that leadership can take to accelerate their EDI journeys. You can find the full video at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss some of the biggest stories from the past week. First up, we discuss reactions to Fortnite's March Through Time, a scenario designed to explore the impact of Martin Luther King and educate a new generation about his work and iconic speech. For all its good intentions, the mode quickly attracted criticism and even had to be modified to disable the use of emotes. We share our thoughts on how Epic has handled the implementation of this tribute, and the potential for educational experiences in games. Next, we follow up on our interview with Supercell about Everdale, the Clash of Clans studio's co-operative, "peaceful" multiplayer game -- and how difficult it is to create a free-to-play, engagement-driven multiplayer title that is dominated by a certain type of player. Finally, we use the retirement of Nintendo's Lance Barr, the man who redesigned the NES and SNES for the West, to weigh up our favourite and least favourite console designs of all time. Title music composed by Thomas Marchant. Episode produced by Alix Attenborough. As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest news of the past week. First up, we explore the current backlash Twitch is facing over increased hate raids targeting marginalised streamers, which has prompted content creators to plan a day-long strike from using the platform. Twitch claims it is working to improve its tools, but the site's own transparency report and our exposé on the company culture aren't in its favour. Next, we discuss the scrutiny around Roblox and its divisive monetisation model, further thrown into light by a recent investigation suggesting the company is exploiting young game developers. Finally, we touch on the conversation around Boyfriend Dungeon, its triggering storylines, and the delicate balance between exploring sensitive subjects in games and impacting your audience in an unintended way. Title music composed by Thomas Marchant. Episode produced by Thomas Quilfeldt. As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest news from the world behind video games. This week, Chris, Brendan and James take a deeper look at the trends seen across the most recent wave of financial reports, which represents the first quarter that can be directly compared to a period where the majority of the world was in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While most major companies saw at least one key metric decline year-on-year, there's more to the numbers than other reports might have you believe. The discussion also explores Nintendo's strategy for the remainder of the Switch's lifecycle and what it might do beyond that, as well as how Sony can reinvigorate PlayStation Plus (if it even needs to do so). As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode is a little different, as we delve deeper into an issue that continues to affect people across the games industry. Splash Damage's Cinzia Musio and Limit Break founder Anisa Sanusi join us to discuss how to deal with discrimination and harassment, not just from a company point of view, but from the position of everyone in the industry. We talk about how reporting processes can be improved, how leaders and managers can better support their staff, how low-level staff can speak up and stand against any misconduct they witness, and how victims can find the support they need - especially if they do not believe their employer will take their story seriously. Content warning: While we do not discuss any specific examples of harassment or abuse, the general context of the conversation is one that may bring such experiences to mind. We'll also be publishing an article collating links to resources and support for those who are suffering from harassment and discrimination in the games industry. If you have any suggestions you would like to see added to it, email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout this month, we've been taking a deeper dive into the world of video games recruitment and the challenges facing both applicants wanting to enter the industry and companies wanting to secure the best talent. For our fourth and final 'jobscast,' we take a look at the role recruitment plays in diversifying the industry workforce and supporting staff equally - a rather fitting topic given that we recorded on the day of the Activision Blizzard lawsuit. Our panel this week includes Creative Assembly's Emma Smith, Iron Galaxy's Rejess Marshall, Phoenix Labs' Jeanne-Marie Owens and Schell Games' Lauren Reed. We discuss how games companies can expand where they search for new recruits, improve their job listings and interview processes to appeal to a broader range of applicants, and the importance of fair compensation. Please note: We had a few connectivity issues during the panel, so there are some brief glitches in the audio, for which we apologise. This series is part of our Get A Job In Games Month. Title music composed by Thomas Marchant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz editorial team gathers around their mics to discuss the biggest stories of the week. This week, the conversation returns to reports of discrimination and harassment at AAA games firms - most notably Activision Blizzard, which is facing a lawsuit from the DFEH, but also Ubisoft following the latest report of toxic elements within one of its studios. We discuss the need for more consequences for both those directly responsible for discrimination, harassment, abuse and more, but also the companies they work for, who continue to fail to protect the rest of their staff. During the discussion, we recommend several resources for those in the industry who need a safe space or support, as well as information for companies and recruiters that may help resolve these issues in the long term. All of these can be found below: https://www.rainn.org/articles/sexual-harassment https://gameshotline.org/ https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ https://www.takethis.org/mental-health-resources/ https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-03-08-creating-a-diverse-workforce-ukie-raisethegame-report https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-09-14-level-up-on-diversity-three-changes-to-get-more-women-into-games https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-02-04-how-to-identify-and-avoid-unconscious-bias https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-07-02-how-to-patch-out-implicit-bias-from-your-hiring-process https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-03-08-gamesindustry-biz-academy-resources-to-champion-women-in-games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout this month, we'll be taking a deeper dive into the world of video games recruitment and the challenges facing both applicants wanting to enter the industry and companies wanting to secure the best talent. For our third 'jobscast,' we take a look at the onboarding process and how studios can better prepare recruits for their new role. We discuss the challenges involved -- both before and during the pandemic -- as well as how the process differs depending on which stage of a project you're bringing in new team members. Our panel this week includes Jagex's Jody Zarkos, Timbre Studios' Zoë Curnoe and Geoff Coates, and Rogue Games' Chris Archer. This series is part of our Get A Job In Games Month. Title music composed by Thomas Marchant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers behind their mics to discuss the biggest story of the week: the Steam Deck. With Valve's long-rumoured Switch-like handheld gaming PC finally unveiled, we discuss our reactions to the reveal and who the audience for this device might be. We also explore the possibilities for indie developers -- or indeed any developers -- and the potential for Steam Deck to introduce a new route into the PC games market in a way that has not been seen in years. In the last segment of this week's show, Brendan offers a breakdown of this year's report on the use of conflict minerals in the games industry. You can find the full report here. Title music by Thomas Marchant. Episode mastered by Thomas Quillfeldt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout this month, we'll be taking a deeper dive into the world of video games recruitment and the challenges facing both applicants wanting to enter the industry and companies wanting to secure the best talent. For our second 'jobscast,' we take a look at the role of academia in preparing aspiring developers for a role in the industry, and how those who seek a career in games can secure the role they want. Our panel this week includes University of Southern California's Tracy Fullerton, Carnegie Mellon University's Thomas Corbett, Staffordshire University's Nia Wearn, and Falmouth University's Nick Dixon. This series is part of our Get A Job In Games Month. Title music composed by Thomas Marchant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather to discuss the biggest news of the week: A new Nintendo Switch. Not the the Switch Pro, New Nintendo Switch or Super Switch that had been rumoured and reported on for so long, but the OLED Model with a larger screen, wider kickstand and LAN port. We discuss the root of the disappointment around its reveal, the implications of this handheld-centric update, who the new console appeals to and the consumer mentality around hardware upgrades. As always you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the next four weeks, we'll be taking a deeper dive into the world of video games recruitment and the challenges facing both applicants wanting to enter the industry and companies wanting to secure the best talent. For our first 'jobscast,' we're joined by Square Enix Montreal recruiter Agathe Fallet, NDreams' chief people officer Tamsin O'Luanaigh and Marvelous Europe's head of production and operations Sarah Burns. This episode looks at the biggest challenges developers and publishers encounter when recruiting, how they can stand out from the competition in appealing to potential new hires, and how the recruitment process differs across different markets and disciplines. This series is part of our Get A Job In Games Month. Title music composed by Thomas Marchant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Five Games Of is a special series of The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast that explores the evolution of the video games business through the career of prominent developers, executives and more. This time, we explore five games from the career of Warren Spector, industry veteran and one of the key figures crediting with defining the immersive sim. We explore the breadth of Spector's career, starting with his time on classic Ultima RPGs and the groundbreaking Ultima Underworld. We also exploring the origins of the acclaimed Deus Ex and the biggest commercial hit of Spector's career: Epic Mickey. Title music by Juilan Villareal. As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Brendan and James are joined by Michael Varner, director of executive compensation research at CtW Investment Group, to discuss recent developments in the world of AAA publishing. Earlier this month, Activision delayed its say-on-pay vote at the request of shareholders amid an ongoing campaign by CtW and other parties to persuade shareholders to vote against compensation proposals for its biggest execs, including CEO Bobby Kotick. That vote was later passed with 54% approval -- an all-time company low -- meaning Kotick and co will continue to receive what CtW describes as "outsized equity pay" Meanwhile, Electronic Arts recently unveiled several changes to its executive compensation program -- although CEO Andrew Wilson still stands to receive $39.2 million, an increase of 83% year-on-year. Our guest helps us dive into all this and more as we try to better understand these companies' justification for executives' more than generous compensation. Title music by Thomas Marchant. Episode mastered by Thomas Quillfeldt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices