Episode 145: NetEase Thinks Activision is a Big Jerk (News Show)

A NetEase exec has pulled no punches after the Chinese giant’s Blizzard relationship hits the skids. Also: NPD spending report for October 2022, Embracer group earnings and reorganization, more on Microsoft’s plans to acquire Activision, new studio announcements, and more!

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TIME STAMPS

[00:01:26] - NPD US Video Game Spending Report for October 2022 [00:09:11] - Embracer Group Q2 FY 2023 Earnings [00:21:09] - Investment Interlude (Now in Activision Jerk Flavor!) [00:39:31] - Quick Hits [00:54:58] - Labor Report

SOURCES

NPD Report on US Video Game Spending for October 2022 | Mat Piscatella (@MatPiscatella) on Twitter EMBRACER GROUP PUBLISHES INTERIM REPORT Q2 | Embracer Group Bethesda Responds to Mick Gordon Allegations | Bethesda (@Bethesda) on Twitter Microsoft to Adopt New Sexual Harassment Policies After Gates, Misconduct Audit | Bloomberg (Paywall)

INVESTMENT INTERLUDE

The Banished Vault | Nic Tringali on Medium European Commission responds as staff member says COD will stay on "my PlayStation" | Eurogamer Microsoft’s Xbox chief settles the Call of Duty PlayStation debate once and for all | The Verge Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase Suspending Game Services in China | Activision In candid email, Blizzard head details suspension of game sales in China | Washington Post BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT AND NETEASE SEVERING TIES | Niko Partners Sweden’s Behold Ventures raises $25.9M to invest in Nordic gaming startups | GamesBeat Senior Executive behind global beloved franchises, such as THE WALKING DEAD, THE BOYS, INVINCIBLE and many others, announces ASTRID ENTERTAINMENT | GamesPress We Are Methodical | Methodical Games Ex-Wargaming and Valve devs form Eschatology Entertainment, raise $4 million in funding | Game Developer NetEase Executive Responds to Falling Out with Blizzard | Simon Zhu on LinkedIn