In this episode, Richard Hoeg explores the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard layoffs and the role of investors. He touches on the departure of leadership personnel, the role of unions, and outsourcing customer support. Richard also delves into the state of the gaming industry, addresses listener queries, and dives into the future of game development. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE HEADLINE https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-lays-off-1900-staff-from-its-video-game-workforce https://twitter.com/IdleSloth84_/status/1750837893881336292 TWEETS https://twitter.com/JezCorden/status/1750590022842278391 https://twitter.com/TheLyns/status/1750740015095873559 https://twitter.com/Andy_VGC/status/1750548893425676435 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS https://www.matthewball.vc/all/gaming2024 (0:00) Introduction and background (1:16) Microsoft and Activision Blizzard merger and layoffs (9:21) Role of investors and stockholders in a corporation (16:05) Departure of leadership personnel (19:19) Role of unions (24:19) Outsourcing of customer support and future of Xbox in retail (26:05) Cancellation of Blizzard's unnamed game and related layoffs (29:03) State of the gaming industry, layoffs, and the impact of generative AI (37:14) Listener queries on gaming industry trends and transition of Activision Blizzard (49:10) Future of game development, types of redundancies, and potential layoffs (57:21) The future of gaming, console preferences, and potential acquisitions (59:08) Closing remarks and disclaimers