In the wake of 2020's bombshell revelations about Activision's miserable culture and history of defending sexual abusers, we hoped that Microsoft would be a better steward for the company's 13,000 employees. With 1,900 laid off post-acquisition, we are disappointed and saddened at how wrong we were.

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TIME STAMPS

• [00:01:09] - A word about Microsoft and Activision
• [00:07:07] - Apple kinda-but-not-really complies with European Commission rulings
• [00:19:03] - The Pokemon Company dragon is stirring, Palworld…
• [00:24:10] - Investment Interlude
• [00:30:32] - Quick Hits
• [00:33:48] - Labor Report
• [00:54:48] - Twitch Updates Payment Terms for Streamers

SOURCES

• Apple opens App Store to game streaming services | The Verge
• Apple is bringing sideloading and alternate app stores to the iPhone | The Verge
• When Apple takes the European Commission for fools… | The Platform Law Blog
• An Update to Several Streamer Payout Programs | Twitch
• Inquiries Regarding Other Companies' Games | The Pokemon Company
• Microsoft lays off 1,900 Activision Blizzard and Xbox employees | The Verge
• INTRODUCING JOHANNA FARIES AS THE NEW PRESIDENT OF BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT | Blizzard
• 2K Games makes layoffs at internal studio 31st Union | Game Developer
• Netmarble liquidates Grand Cross: Metaworld studio Metaverse World | Game Developer
• Report: Black Forest Games cuts 50% of staff | PC Games Insider
• Embracer Group Cancels 'Deus Ex' Video Game | Bloomberg (Paywall)
• Outriders developer People Can Fly reportedly lays off "over 30" employees | Eurogamer
• UK recruitment firm OPM closes after 26 years | GamesIndustry
• How Goliath bought Prospero Hall's game assets, but left its heart behind | BoardGameWire
• Ruiner studio Reikon Games has reportedly laid off around 80% off its staff | VGC
• PUBG owner Krafton sued in sexual assault, wrongful termination case | Polygon

INVESTMENT INTERLUDE

• Build A Rocket Boy lands $110 million in funding | GamesIndustry