Behind The Lines

Google and Apple have set their sights on the video games industry, offering bold new ideas for how they think the games of the future will be bought and played. But are they out of their depth?

To investigate, IBISWorld analyst Rachel Hyland sat down with host Kieran Newton to discuss all these new developments in video games. Who are Google's Stadia platform and Apple's new Arcade service actually for? Will they be able to compete against the established, trusted gaming powerhouses, like Microsoft? And most importantly, when will the stream of endless subscriptions end??

If you have thoughts about today's episode or have a topic of your own that you'd like us to tackle, send us an email at [email protected]. 

Also, we mentioned it on mic, but if you'd like to hear more in-depth analysis of the video games industry and how it's evolving, check out our Game Changers miniseries (episodes 26, 28, and 30-31 of the podcast)!

They say you have to spend money to make money, and as we learn on this week's episode, that's actually, literally true! So the question stands: who makes it, and how much does it cost?

To investigate, host Sean Egan and IBISWorld Canada analyst Nate Leach look at some of the relevant printing and minting industries on the Canadian side. Unbeknownst to us, it seems that Canada is something of a global minting powerhouse, and the reason why is fascinating!

The question that sparked this first edition of Inbox Inquiry came in from listener David M. - thanks so much, David! If you've got a topic you'd like us to tackle, shoot an email over to [email protected].

The more we learn about blockchain, the more it feels like it's about to become a ubiquitous part of doing business. However, one intriguing use of this new technology blends commerce and creativity: it's taking over the art market. On this episode, host Tanvi Kumar and IBISWorld analyst Anna Miller take a look at how blockchain is revolutionizing the way we buy, sell, and even make art. How can an image retain value when it can be copied and distributed instantly? This might be the answer.

Email any topic suggestions or economic questions to [email protected], stay tuned, and we'll see you next week!

With the end of the Brexit process just weeks away, Ireland, long used in financial dealings as a corporate tax haven, is poised to become a new economic powerhouse in its own right. Host Vicky Wolak and IBISWorld analyst Victor Adeleke discuss the impact that this flood of formerly-British corporations could have on the Emerald Isle and explain the financial climate leading to this potential sea change. Come for the explanation of how tax havens work and how repatriation sort of doesn't, stay to discover the meaning of a "double-Irish-Dutch sandwich", which is not a joke! It's a real thing!

As always, send industry questions and potential episode topics to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

Additional research by Alex Green and Tanvi Kumar

Imagine, if you will: 20 years from now, self-driving cars are the new norm. Where do you go to buy one, if you even can? Who's making these vehicles? And most importantly, how did this even happen?

These are the questions tackled on this week's episode of the IBISWorld podcast, featuring analysts Devin Savaskan and Dan Cook and hosted by Kieran Newton. The three debate the various ways autonomous vehicles could enter the mainstream and what this might mean for everything from insurance companies to truckers. It's a strange future, and it's full speed ahead.

This is the first installment of Rabbithole, another new segment we're trying that uses current data as the basis for economic thought experiments. Let us know what you think and send any questions you'd like answered to [email protected]!

Additional research by Chris Lombardo

Brackets, betting, and b-ball, baby: it's finally March, which means that the madness surrounding the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament is about to commence! On top of generating massive revenue for all parties directly involved, the annual event has spawned a highly lucrative culture of fan competition, which is what host Sean Egan and IBISWorld analyst Anthony Gambardella investigate on this week's episode. Strap in as we dive into fantasy leagues, gambling, and why picking a perfect bracket might be literally impossible!

For a more in-depth discussion on the expansion of legal sports betting, check out Episode 22 of the podcast, in which we discuss how big this market could potentially become. Otherwise, tell us your bracket strats and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover by emailing us at [email protected]!

Hey all - just a quick blurb today about how we're changing our publish day to Fridays. Our next episode will be up in two days, so we'll see you then!

As always, reach out at [email protected] if you have economic questions you'd like us to answer or ideas for an upcoming episode.

The dairy market is fracturing. For a space where the greatest variety used to be whole, skim, or 2%, the advent of alternative milks (such as nut, soy, and oat options) is having a substantial impact. While this has the potential to be catastrophic for small dairy producers, other milk-related industries may be able to capitalize on this new demand. IBISWorld editor Vicky Wolak and analyst Jack Curran discuss!

Upstream/Downstream is another one of our new experimental segments, focusing on the complicated relationships that define supply chains. Let us know what you think and send questions/topic suggestions to us at [email protected]!

Additional research by John Madigan

Though it's been long dominated by flowers, candy, and jewelry, the Valentine's Day market is shifting. IBISWorld analyst Tanvi Kumar and editor Kieran Newton investigate how and why this is happening, as well as identify some industries that stand to substantially benefit as a result.

Ripple Effect is a new segment we're trying, focusing on the unexpected economic forces and consequences surrounding everyday events. Let us know what you think (and send questions you'd like us to delve into) over at [email protected]!

A decade ago, "fast casual" began to be recognized as the new disruptive trend in quick service food, drawing a line in the sand between the established giant brands and the new upstarts. Now, however, that's all starting to change. 

IBISWorld editor Sean Egan and analyst Rachel Hyland use Taco Bell's odd 2019 "resolutions" to take a deeper dive into the fast food space, discussing major brands' new personalities, what they've learned from the fast casual space, and where the industry goes from here.

(Minor correction: Sean mentions at the end of the episode that we'll be back in two weeks; we'll actually be back on February 13th to maintain our standard production schedule. See you then!)