Episode 181: Roblox Remains Icky as Heck (News Show)

A scathing report from Hindenburg Research surfaces shocking realities about Roblox’s investor relations and massive failures to protect youth on the platform. Also: Circana Report U.S. video game spending for August 2024, Google is now required to make external app stores more viable, and more. 

You can support Virtual Economy’s growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise!

This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind, a supplement shot that includes ingredients to lower your stress, reduce fatigue, and boost your immune system. You can get 20% off your one time purchase of Magic Mind or up to 48% off your first subscription at https://www.magicmind.com/VECONOMY20 using the code VECONOMY20. 

TIME STAMPS

• [00:01:26] - Circana Report on U.S. Video Game Spending for August 2024
• [00:13:02] - Google Suffers Key Loss in Epic lawsuit
• [00:18:53] - Roblox Accused of Investor Malfeasance and Failing to Protect Kids
• [00:37:58] - Investment Interlude
• [00:47:58] - Quick Hits
• [01:06:01] - Labor Report
• [01:18:16] - Listener Question

SOURCES

• Google must crack open Android for third-party stores, rules Epic judge | The Verge
• Roblox: Inflated Key Metrics For Wall Street And A Pedophile Hellscape For Kids | Hindenburg Research
• Bandai Namco Cuts Jobs, Culls Titles as Game Sector Woes Deepen | Bloomberg (Paywall)
• More Embracer Group layoffs: Star Trek Online developer Cryptic Studios is cutting jobs for the second time in a year | PC Gamer
• Don't Nod admits "challenging times" as "reorganisation project" puts up to 69 jobs at risk | GamesIndustry
• An Update on How We're Evolving League | Mark Merrill (@MarcMerrill) on Twitter
• Tequila Works lays off "small number" of staff, cancels unannounced game | GamesIndustry
• Surgent Studios Puts Games Division on Hiatus | Surgent Studios (@surgentstudios) on Twitter
• NCSOFT spins off 4 subsidiaries for AI, game development | The Korea Times
• Scoop: Netflix shuts down 'AAA' Team Blue gaming studio, amid gaming shake-up | Game File

INVESTMENT INTERLUDE

• Ex-Disco Elysium devs announce two rival studios | Game Developer
• Saudi Arabia trims stake in Nintendo | GamesIndustry
• Keywords Studios to acquire US-