Look at Gaming #153 | Thursday February 16th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Niko Partners: Gaming Markets of UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt will reach $2.79B in 2026
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/niko-partners-gaming-markets-of-uae


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Starbreeze almost halved its loss in 2022 but didn't re-establish profit | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/starbreeze-almost-halved-its-loss-in-2022-but-didnt-re-establish-profit

Niko Partners: Gaming Markets of UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt will reach $2.79B in 2026
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/niko-partners-gaming-markets-of-uae

The Trade Desk Q4 earnings: what advertising recession? | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/the-trade-desk-q4-earnings-what-advertising-recession/

Saudi Arabia investment fund increases stake in Nintendo
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/saudi-arabia-investment-fund-increases-stake-in-nintendo

More late teens and twenty-somethings are playing Roblox
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/more-late-teens-and-twenty-somethings-are-playing-roblox

Mobile games generated 75% of NCSoft sales revenue in 2022 | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/80855/mobile-games-generated-75-of-ncsoft-sales-revenue-in-2022/

Microsoft will attend EU hearing to defend Activision Blizzard deal
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/microsoft-will-attend-eu-hearing-to-defend-activision-blizzard-deal

China moves to increase restrictions on young gamers | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/80851/china-moves-to-increase-restrictions-on-young-gamers/


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Three League Of Legends Games Arrive This Year, Including New Title The Mageseeker - Game Informer
https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/02/15/three-league-of-legends-games-arrive-this-year-including-new-title-the-mageseeker

Xbox: "We want to build on the potential we’re seeing in India" | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-we-want-to-build-on-the-potential-were-seeing-in-india

Deep Rock Galactic dev Ghost Ship Games opens publishing division
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/deep-rock-galactic-dev-ghost-ship-opens-publishing-division-to-create-indie-launchpad-

With five new games in development, Ilkka Paananen outlines Supercell’s “next chapter” - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/with-five-new-games-in-development-ilkka-paananen-outlines-supercells-next-chapter/

Epic’s next ‘State of Unreal’ could feature Unreal Engine 5.2 and Fortnite - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/15/23601080/epic-state-of-unreal-engine-5-2-fortnite-gdc

Nvidia and Intel team up on chips for metaverse workstations | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/nvidia-and-intel-team-up-on-chips-for-metaverse-workstations/


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Softbank teams with startup Oasys as a blockchain gaming validator | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/softbank-teams-with-startup-oasys-as-a-blockchain-gaming-validator/

Napster acquires Web3 music startup Mint Songs | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/napster-acquires-web3-music-startup-mint-songs/

Square Enix taps Polygon for Web3 experience Symbiogenesis | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/square-enix-taps-polygon-for-web3-experience-symbiogenesis/


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Amazon leads $20M investment in synthetic celebrity startup Superplastic | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/amazon-leads-20m-investment-in-synthetic-celebrity-startup-superplastic/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Machine Zone announces new Final Fantasy mobile game | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/80854/machine-zone-announces-new-final-fantasy-mobile-game/

Dumb Ways to Die tops charts, passes 100m lifetime downloads after TikTok trend - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/dumb-ways-to-die-tops-charts-passes-100m-lifetime-downloads-after-tiktok-trend/

Apex Legends hits player count peak with deathmatch mode
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-apex-legends-i-hits-player-count-peak-with-deathmatch-mode

Look at Gaming #154 | Friday February 17th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
2022 gaming deals totalled $51.5 billion | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/2022-gaming-deals-totalled-515-billion


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Game Changers | Professor Jim Huntley | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/game-changers-professor-jim-huntley

2022 gaming deals totalled $51.5 billion | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/2022-gaming-deals-totalled-515-billion

Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund increases stake in EA, Take-Two
https://www.axios.com/2023/02/16/saudi-arabia-ea-activision

Ubisoft emphasizing predictability after downgrading targets | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ubisoft-emphasizing-predictability-after-downgrading-targets

China’s games sales fell 10.33% in 2022 | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/80868/chinas-games-sales-fell-1033-in-2022/

Embracer currently has a whopping 224 game projects in development
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/embracer-currently-has-a-whopping-224-game-projects-in-development


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Lester from a16z dropped a new pod about gen ai
https://twitter.com/Chen/status/1626315139803926528

What’s Next for FromSoftware? — Naavik
https://naavik.co/digest/whats-next-fromsoftware

Sony and Microsoft's agreement on Call of Duty
https://superjoost.substack.com/p/sony-and-microsofts-agreement-on?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=66617&post_id=102118824&isFreemail=true&utm_medium=email


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Tiktok's new HQ-trivia-like game
https://twitter.com/omooretweets/status/1626253643593973762

Q&A with Blizzard leadership on return-to-office leaves devs fuming
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/culture/q-a-with-blizzard-leadership-on-return-to-office-bonuses-leaves-devs-fuming

TwitchCon 2023 to take place in Las Vegas and Paris - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/16/23602706/twitchcon-2023-las-vegas-paris-france


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Kofi diving into NFTs
https://twitter.com/0xKofi/status/1626265149333020673

Alex Wettermann sniffed out Sony's NFT patents
https://twitter.com/awettermann/status/1626265640683073538


💰 Fundraising 🧧
YGG's raise on the premise of soul bound tokens - Tech in Asia - Connecting Asia's startup ecosystem
https://www.techinasia.com/a16z-crypto-backs-yggs-138m-advance-soulbound-tokens?mibextid=Zxz2cZ

Savvy Games Groups invests $265m in Chinese esports firm VSPO | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/savvy-games-groups-invests-265m-in-chinese-esports-firm-vspo

Telltale raises funding for next batch of narrative games | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/telltale-raises-funding-for-next-batch-of-narrative-games/

A group of industry professionals unveil the Gamedev Fund | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/industry-professionals-unveil-the-gamedev-fund


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
TikTok trend drives Dumb Ways to Die past 100 million lifetime downloads | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/80867/tiktok-trend-drives-dumb-ways-to-die-past-100-million-lifetime-downloads-8491047/

Look at Gaming #155 | Monday February 20th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
thecoreloop presents: Wassie's Guide to the Gaming Galaxy
https://thecoreloop.substack.com/p/wassies-guide-to-the-gaming-galaxy


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Sensor Tower: Mobile Market Downloads in Q4 2022 Report
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/sensor-tower-mobile-market-downloads

Roblox Earnings & Generative AI — Naavik
https://naavik.co/digest/roblox-earnings-generative-ai

The death of the Esports 'Middle Class' | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/the-death-of-the-esports-middle-class/

The necessity of Shopify Audiences | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/the-necessity-of-shopify-audiences/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Where AR We Going?
https://www.konvoy.vc/newsletter/where-ar-we-going

Is It The Right Time to Invent New Ways Of Playing & Developing New IPs? - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb-I-rAi_Ho


🌈 Platforms 🏔
The Steam Deck now supports game transfers from PCs - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/19/23606215/steam-deck-games-local-network-beta

How the New York Times is building a games platform around Wordle | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/how-the-new-york-times-is-expanding-into-puzzle-games-like-wordle/

Fortnite now has a Bandcamp radio station - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/17/23604406/fortnite-bandcamp-epic-games-radio-music

Roblox shows its vision for UGC and generative AI | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/roblox-shows-its-vision-for-ugc-and-generative-ai/


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
The creators of cat-mech game Nyan Heroes want to save real cats | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/the-creators-of-cat-mech-game-nyan-heroes-want-to-save-real-cats/

2022 Review & 2023 Predictions for Blockchain Games — Deconstructor of Fun
https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/blog/blockchain-games-predictions

Metaverse real estate getting max bids. h/t @jonnyfiat
https://twitter.com/JonnyFiat/status/1627458216236818437

BendDAO pays you to borrow against your NFTs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdB0qStGW-A

NFT Fi landscape with a spotlight on some key projects
https://twitter.com/GatheringGwei/status/1626980692033937410


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Why a strong infrastructure is non-negotiable for your game's success | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/why-a-strong-infrastructure-is-non-negotiable-for-your-games-success/


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Million on Mars raises $3.5M for blockchain-based space sim | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/million-on-mars-raises-3-5m-for-blockchain-based-space-sim/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Diablo IV’s open beta starts next month - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/18/23605563/diablo-iv-open-beta-march

Super Nintendo World is an IRL game, interactive and replayable | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/super-nintendo-world-irl-game-interactive-replayable-universal-hollywood/

Look at Gaming #156 | Tuesday February 21st 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Gamecraft delivers another banger, this time about VR
https://open.spotify.com/episode/69tJrF0Cls9BMNyiqyY6DS?si=ade24244b96c4afa


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Africa poised for explosion in mobile gaming | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/80883/africa-poised-for-explosion-in-mobile-gaming/

Loco creating esports & streaming experience on Avalanche
https://venturebeat.com/games/loco-will-create-esports-and-streaming-experiences-on-the-avalanche-blockchain/

Gaming deals has hit $115B+ since 2020 by InvestGames
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gaming-deals-since-2020-over-115bn

NPD: The US gaming market in January dropped by 5% YoY
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/npd-the-us-gaming-market-in-january


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Social media subscriptions and the internet's grand bargain | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/social-media-subscriptions-and-the-end-of-the-internets-grand-bargain/

Gamecraft delivers another banger, this time about VR
https://open.spotify.com/episode/69tJrF0Cls9BMNyiqyY6DS?si=ade24244b96c4afa


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Report: Tencent no longer interested in creating VR hardware
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/report-tencent-no-longer-interested-in-creating-vr-hardware


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
January Metaverse Recap
https://www.theblockresearch.com/january-metaverse-recap-210221


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Why orchestration tools are crucial to the success of your multiplayer game
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/why-orchestration-tools-are-crucial-to-the-success-of-your-multiplayer-game

Your Early Access launch? It (kinda!) is your launch...
https://newsletter.gamediscover.co/p/your-early-access-launch-it-kinda

A crash course in designing clothes in games | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/a-crash-course-in-designing-clothes-in-games

Look at Gaming #157 | Wednesday February 22nd 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Dota 2 Hero Guides celebrate 10 years, used in 91% of matches | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/dota-2-hero-guides-celebrates-10-year-anniversary-torte-de-lini/


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Top 10 Esports Organizations in Live Streaming 2023 - Stream Hatchet
https://streamhatchet.com/blog/top-10-esports-organizations-in-live-streaming-2023/

Japanese Esports on the Rise: Five Teams to Watch – Niko
https://nikopartners.com/japanese-esports-on-the-rise-five-teams-to-watch/

ExpressVPN: Millennials in the US & the UK are playing games the most
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/expressvpn-millennials-in-the-us


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Getting ML-Based App Personalization Right: The Engagement Engineering Framework | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/getting-ml-based-app-personalization-right-the-engagement-engineering-framework/


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Nvidia and Microsoft ink 10-year deal bringing Xbox games to GeForce Now | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/nvidia-and-microsoft-ink-10-year-deal-bringing-xbox-games-to-geforce-now/

PlayStation announces State of Play for February 23 | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/playstation-announces-state-of-play-for-february-23/

TikTok games are now being tested in the UK – here are the 14 we've found so far - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/tiktok-games-are-now-being-tested-in-the-uk-here-are-the-14-weve-found-so-far/


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Bringing Web3 Games to Mobile - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAaf8QxXQ9g&ab_channel=NaavikGamingPodcast


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Azra Games raises another $10M from A16z for Web3 games | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/azra-games-raises-another-10m-from-a16z-for-web3-games/

Strider raises $5.5M for collaborative story-driven gaming platform | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/strider-raises-5-5m-for-collaborative-story-driven-gaming-platform/

The Block: Bain Capital Crypto backs gaming firm, Curio, creating on-chain diplomats
https://www.theblock.co/post/209815/bain-capital-crypto-backs-curio-research


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Genshin Impact studio's next game Honkai: Star Rail nears release
https://www.axios.com/2023/02/21/honkai-star-rail-genshin-impact-mihoyo

Dota 2 Hero Guides celebrate 10 years, used in 91% of matches | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/dota-2-hero-guides-celebrates-10-year-anniversary-torte-de-lini/

ICYMI: Threads, Blogs, & Pods!

You are busy so you're bound to miss some good content, but thecoreloop got you covered. This week we have threads on game dev learnings, blogs on what makes a fun blockchain game, and pods about the speed & power of AI.

https://thecoreloop.substack.com/p/icymi-threads-blogs-and-pods-c7c

Look at Gaming #158 | Thursday February 23rd 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Check out thecoreloop's new substack. Never miss a thread, blog, or pod again!
https://thecoreloop.substack.com/p/icymi-threads-blogs-and-pods-c7c


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Nvidia's Q4 Earnings
https://venturebeat.com/games/nvidia-q4-revenue-dips-21-to-6-05b-as-downturn-takes-its-toll/

Register for Google's Istanbul Gaming Summit with @deconfun
https://adsonair.withgoogle.com/events/igs23-googledof


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Embracer: Power of Tabletop Games — Naavik
https://naavik.co/digest/embracer-tabletop-q3

The Real Danger of the Microsoft's Activision Deal — Deconstructor of Fun
https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/shorts/2023/2/17/the-real-danger-of-the-microsofts-activision-deal

Spotify and the quality of podcast advertising | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/spotify-podcasts-and-the-quality-of-brand-advertising/


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Nintendo is creating an entertainment empire, and it all starts with Mario - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/23608700/super-nintendo-world-entertainment-miyamoto-takahashi-interview

Amazon gets western publishing rights for NCSoft's Throne & Liberty
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/amazon-games-acquires-publishing-rights-for-ncsoft-s-i-throne-liberty-i-

Enthusiast Gaming is the number one gaming property in the United States | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/80914/enthusiast-gaming-is-the-number-one-gaming-property-in-the-united-states/


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
The story behind SandboxVR founder Steve Zhao
https://twitter.com/a16z/status/1628481397513134081?s=20


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Elden Ring has sold over 20 million copies worldwide
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/elden-ring-has-sold-over-20-million-copies-worldwide

Look at Gaming #159 | Friday February 24th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Konvoy Ventures GP @joshchapmn shares some stats on 1Q23 funding landscape
https://twitter.com/joshchapmn/status/1628800018361552896?s=20


🌊 MARKET ☎️
NetEase revenue rose 4% year-on-year in Q4 2022 | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/80918/netease-revenue-rose-4-year-on-year-in-q4-2022/

Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins joins Gamesquare, leads new incubator Ninja Labs | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tyler-ninja-blevins-joins-gamesquare-leads-new-incubator-ninja-labs

Video game makers are putting generative AI to work
https://www.axios.com/2023/02/23/video-games-generative-ai

How generative AI is changing game development (and UGC) | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/how-generative-ai-is-changing-game-development-and-ugc/

Konvoy Ventures GP @joshchapmn shares some stats on 1Q23 funding landscape
https://twitter.com/joshchapmn/status/1628800018361552896?s=20


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
What does a wave of closures mean for live service games? | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/what-does-a-wave-of-closures-mean-for-live-service-games

Did Microsoft do enough to convince Europe to let them buy Activision Blizzard? | Opinion | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/microsoft-activision-blizzard-europe-opinion


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Valve unveils Steam's full sales and festival list for 2023
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/valve-unveils-steam-s-full-sales-and-festival-list-for-2023

TikTok isn’t launching a games tab – but it is doubling down on discovery - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/tiktok-isnt-launching-a-games-tab-but-it-is-doubling-down-on-discovery/

The biggest news from PlayStation’s State of Play - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/23/23612528/playstation-state-of-play-february-2023-roundup


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Even Neal Stephenson doesn't seem keen on crypto anymore
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/culture/even-neal-stephenson-doesn-t-seem-keen-on-crypto-anymore

Corporate NFT Recap: The Fine Line Between Victory And Defeat
https://www.theblockresearch.com/corporate-nft-recap-the-fine-line-between-victory-and-defeat-212987

Web3 Gaming Token Economy. o7 gamers and game developers. | by Kevin Eun | Shima Capital | Feb, 2023 | Medium
https://medium.com/shimacapital/web3-gaming-token-economy-d497c897ae40

What founders can learn from Blur's airdrop
https://variant.fund/articles/what-crypto-founders-can-learn-from-blurs-token-airdrop/

Building Economically Sustainable, Hyperstructures Through On-Chain Games
https://loaf.coffee/posts/economic-hyperstructures

An analysis of the spectrum of Web2.0, Web2.5, to Web3 games
https://twitter.com/I_D_Theory/status/1627732827277037569?s=20

Folius Ventures' framework on Web3 x Gaming economies
https://twitter.com/MapleLeafCap/status/1628953530131435520?s=20


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Pantera Invests $10M in Metaverse Game Worldwide Webb
https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/02/23/pantera-invests-10m-in-metaverse-game-worldwide-webb/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Sensor Tower: Apex Legends Mobile results
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/sensor-tower-apex-legends-mobile-53b

Hogwarts Legacy sells 12 million units in first two weeks | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/hogwarts-legacy-sells-12-million-units-in-first-two-weeks/

Welcome to thecoreloop's Weekly Recap, where we will cover all fundraising news and the five must-know headlines and for the week. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss next week's recap.

Week 8️⃣ of 2023

This week we see quite a few funding for web3 games ($31M+).

@joshchapmn's mini-thread on VC funding data for the gaming space

@konvoyventures blog on AR

Dota 2 Guide celebrating its 10th year anniversary

@gamecraftpod episode on VR

@eric_seufert banger post about Spotify & podcast adverts

Read the full recap here: https://thecoreloop.substack.com/p/thecoreloops-weekly-recap-week-8

Look at Gaming #160 | Monday February 27th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
The future of talent pipelines into games | Playable Futures Podcast | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/the-future-of-talent-pipelines-into-games-playable-futures-podcast


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Why Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says this is generative AI's moment | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/why-nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-says-this-is-generative-ais-moment/

Unity posts profitable quarter with tepid future outlook | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/unity-posts-profitable-quarter-with-tepid-future-outlook/

Growth By Acquisition / Roblox Generative AI / 2020-22 Gaming Deals Highlights - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QHjhfd4AjA

WB Games reports year-on-year decline ahead of Hogwarts Legacy's $850m success | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/wb-games-reports-year-on-year-decline-ahead-of-hogwarts-legacys-850m-success

PitchBook drops first gaming investment report covering Q4 2022 | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/pitchbook-gaming-investment-report-market-size-q4-2022/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Future of Transmedia Entertainment
https://www.konvoy.vc/newsletter/future-of-transmedia-entertainment

Live service games may be the superhero genre's unbeatable enemy
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/blogs/live-service-games-may-be-the-superhero-genre-s-unbeatable-enemy

The future of talent pipelines into games | Playable Futures Podcast | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/the-future-of-talent-pipelines-into-games-playable-futures-podcast

Exploring the evolving Japanese indie game scene
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/culture/exploring-the-evolving-japanese-indie-game-scene


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Microsoft’s Antitrust Appeasement — Naavik
https://naavik.co/digest/can-dual-announcement-appease-activision-antitrust


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Next Up w/ N3TWORK (Mobile Pivots to Web3) - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dneRL84wMI

Free Mints & free-to-own in Nami’s Nexus
https://twitter.com/namianalytics/status/1629073794366156800?s=20


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Kratos Studios raises $20M and acquires IndiGG | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/kratos-studios-raises-20m-and-acquires-indigg/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
How CS:GO Continues to Attract Players & Break Records
https://streamhatchet.com/blog/blog-how-csgo-continues-to-attract-players-break-records/

Elden Ring and God of War Ragnarok sweep the 2023 DICE Awards
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/elden-ring-and-god-of-war-ragnarok-sweep-the-2023-dice-awards

New week. New WAGG.

Come get your alpha guide for the week.

Here's a view of the Alpha Calendar.

Subscribe to the newsletter to get it first.

https://thecoreloop.substack.com/p/wassies-alpha-gaming-guide-wagg

Look at Gaming #161 | Tuesday February 28th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
India Games Market Report – Niko
https://nikopartners.com/india-games-market-report/


🌊 MARKET ☎️
India Games Market Report – Niko
https://nikopartners.com/india-games-market-report/

Ampere Analysis: The UK gaming market declined in 2022 for the first time in 10 years
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/ampere-analysis-the-uk-gaming-market

Unity posts first profitable quarter on non-GAAP basis, expects to be profitable in 2023 | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/unity-posts-first-profitable-quarter-on-non-gaap-basis-expects-to-be-profitable-in-2023

China Audiovisual and Digital Publishing Association: Chinese market declined by 10.33% in 2022
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/china-audiovisual-and-digital-publishing

inworld.ai: 99% of American gamers do want to see AI NPCs
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/inworldai-99-of-american-gamers-do

Inspirations and highlights from Dice Summit 2023 | The DeanBeat | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/inspirations-and-highlights-from-dice-summit-2023-the-deanbeat/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D review: closing the Intel gap for gaming - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/23613408/amd-ryzen-9-7950x3d-review-cpu-processor-benchmark-test


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Sony exec says Hollywood is turning to games for new franchises
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/sony-exec-says-hollywood-is-turning-to-games-in-search-of-originality

Microsoft shared the number of Xbox users in the European Union
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/microsoft-shared-the-number-of-xbox

Valve's new stance on Steam keys: what to know?
https://newsletter.gamediscover.co/p/valves-new-stance-on-steam-keys-what

Pokémon Concierge is Netflix's latest game adaptation | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/pokemon-concierge-netflix-game-adaptation-annouced/


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Physics for on-chain games
https://twitter.com/damor_eth/status/1629802418505408512?s=20


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Key licensing tips from working with big brands | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/key-licensing-tips-from-working-with-big-brands


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Champions Round raises $7M for free-to-play fantasy sports games | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/champions-round-raises-7m-for-free-to-play-fantasy-sports-games/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
The original Pokémon TCG base set is coming back as a trio of decks - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/27/23616776/pokemon-tcg-classic-premium-deck-trading-cards

Ubisoft's The Crew franchise hits 40 million players
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/ubisoft-s-the-crew-franchise-hits-40-million-players

Angry Birds 2 hits $500m as folks get in a flap over the original - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/angry-birds-2-hits-500m-as-folks-get-in-a-flap-over-the-original/

Look at Gaming #162 | Wednesday March 1st 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
The Case of Playrix and why Product-Market fit is a Moving Target — Deconstructor of Fun
https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/blog/2023/2/27/the-case-of-playrix-and-why-product-market-fit-is-a-moving-target


🌊 MARKET ☎️
How can brands accelerate engagement in the games market?
https://newzoo.com/insights/articles/over-80-of-us-consumers-play-video-games-how-can-brands-accelerate-engagement-with-this-big-audience-of-game-enthusiasts

Olympic Esports Week will feature chess and Just Dance - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/1/23615822/olympics-esports-week-chess-just-dance

AppMagic: Mobile Gaming Market in 2022
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/appmagic-mobile-gaming-market-in

Ampere Analysis: Console market dipped to $56.2bn in 2022 | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ampere-analysis-console-market-dipped-to-562bn-in-2022

Playable ads have the lowest cost per install of all gaming ad formats | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/80952/playable-ads-have-the-lowest-cost-per-install-of-all-gaming-ad-formats/

Playtika suspends new game launches until marketing landscape improves - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/playtika-suspends-all-new-game-launches-until-marketing-landscape-improves/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
A deep dive on European data privacy law | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/a-deep-dive-on-european-data-privacy-law/

Bigmode's journey, from YouTubers to publishers | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/bigmodes-journey-from-youtubers-to-publishers

The Case of Playrix and why Product-Market fit is a Moving Target — Deconstructor of Fun
https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/blog/2023/2/27/the-case-of-playrix-and-why-product-market-fit-is-a-moving-target


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Is Squad Busters Supercell’s next multi-billion dollar smash? - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/is-squad-busters-supercells-next-multi-billion-dollar-smash/

Is Amazon finding its way in games? | Sarah Anderson interview | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/is-amazon-finding-its-way-in-games-sarah-anderson-interview/


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
A deep dive into Gala Games
https://twitter.com/CryptoGamavers/status/1629891392242868224?s=20

Manish Agarwal: India x Web3 Gaming - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YV_Qzc6BJk

Habytat announces AI-powered pets for its social metaverse | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/habytat-announces-ai-powered-pets-for-its-social-metaverse/

The Sandbox expands to Germany with acquisition of developer Sviper | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/80953/the-sandbox-expands-to-germany-with-acquisition-of-developer-sviper/


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Hidetaka Miyazaki's advice for game designers: "Trust players"
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/hidetaka-miyazaki-s-advice-for-challenging-game-design-trust-players-

How the water systems of Timberborn were built on real world modeling
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/deep-dive-timberborn-s-water-mechanics


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Avalon raises $13M to build an interoperable digital universe | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/metaverse/avalon-raises-13m-to-build-an-interoperable-digital-universe/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Warner Bros. Interactive: Hogwarts Legacy sold 12M copies in the first two weeks
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/warner-bros-interactive-hogwarts

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is coming a little early - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/28/23618664/super-mario-bros-movie-us-release-date-april-5

Destiny 2 reaches new concurrent player high with Lightfall release
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-destiny-2-i-reaches-new-player-count-high-with-i-lightfall-i-release

Elden Ring Expansion, Shadow Of The Erdtree, Revealed - Game Informer
https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/02/28/elden-ring-expansion-shadow-of-the-erdtree-revealed

Look at Gaming #163 | Thursday March 2nd 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
The giants of adtech are facing challengers in the privacy era | Singular | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/the-giants-of-adtech-are-facing-challengers-singular/


🌊 MARKET ☎️
The giants of adtech are facing challengers in the privacy era | Singular | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/the-giants-of-adtech-are-facing-challengers-singular/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
The App Store's original flaw | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/the-app-stores-original-sin/

Are Gaming VCs Too Big? — Naavik
https://naavik.co/digest/are-gaming-vcs-too-big


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Sony's third-party plan to make PlayStation the best place to play | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sonys-third-party-plan-to-make-playstation-the-best-place-to-play

Blizzard got big by figuring out how to get noticed | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/blizzard-got-big-by-figuring-out-how-to-get-noticed/

Exclusive: Phil Spencer Talks Call of Duty, Activision Blizzard & Xbox - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsFHcrXtKeU


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
How Stacklands uses simplicity in its compelling card-based builder
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/road-to-igf-2023/how-stacklands-uses-simplicity-to-create-a-compelling-card-based-village-builder

Building on success: How to focus your expertise to create guaranteed hits | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/feature/80933/building-on-success-how-to-focus-your-expertise-to-create-guaranteed-hits/

The single most important metric in games is retention
https://twitter.com/JoshLu/status/1630965363776307200


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Hi-Fi Rush rocks out with 2 million players
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-hi-fi-rush-i-rocks-out-with-2-million-players

Pokémon Sleep is just the start of my fully gamified life - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/1/23618888/pokemon-sleep-nintendo-gamified-life-apps

Meta has sold almost 20 million Quest headsets
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/meta-has-sold-almost-20-million-quest-headsets

Look at Gaming #164 | Friday March 3rd 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Why Mobile Game Studios Are Increasing the Prices of IAPs - GameRefinery
https://www.gamerefinery.com/why-mobile-game-studios-are-increasing-the-prices-of-iaps/


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Mobile games included in inaugural Olympic Esports Series | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/80968/mobile-games-included-in-inaugural-olympic-esports-series/

Square Enix CEO steps down amid big changes in gaming | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/gaming-business/square-enix-ceo-steps-down-amid-big-changes-in-gaming/

VR isn't ready for a "must-play" experience | Opinion | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/vr-isnt-ready-for-a-must-play-experience-opinion

Singular: ROI Index in 2023 - by Dmitriy Byshonkov
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/singular-roi-index-in-2023

Top 10 Live Streamers in 2023 - Stream Hatchet
https://streamhatchet.com/blog/top-10-live-streamers-in-2023/

U.S. rep mulls legislative action to press games industry on online extremism
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/02/lori-trahan-games-industry-online-extremism-congress


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Sony's new media empire - SuperJoost Playlist
https://superjoost.substack.com/p/sonys-new-media-empire?l

Why Mobile Game Studios Are Increasing the Prices of IAPs - GameRefinery
https://www.gamerefinery.com/why-mobile-game-studios-are-increasing-the-prices-of-iaps/


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Report: Meta planning three more VR headsets, Quest 3 due this year | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/report-meta-planning-three-more-vr-headsets-quest-3-due-this-year

Sony might be forced to reveal how much it pays to keep games off Xbox Game Pass - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/3/23623363/microsoft-sony-ftc-activision-blocking-rights-exclusivity


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Story Machine demonstrates how AI is helping game development | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/story-machine-demonstrates-how-ai-is-helping-game-development/

Where did Knockout City go wrong? | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/where-did-knockout-city-go-wrong


💰 Fundraising 🧧
VitalXP raises $3M for Web3 shooter Lowlife Forms | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/vitalxp-raises-3m-for-web3-shooter-lowlife-forms/

Look at Gaming #165 | Monday March 6th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Halo Infinite players have made 1M creations in the Forge beta | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/halo-infinite-players-have-made-1m-creations-in-the-forge-beta/


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Sony reportedly eyeing up acquisition of Take-Two Interactive | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/80976/sony-reportedly-eyeing-up-acquisition-of-take-two-interactive/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Understanding the Rise of ACG Aesthetics in Gaming — Naavik
https://naavik.co/deep-dives/understanding-anime-aesthetics

A Consumer’s Digital Footprint
https://www.konvoy.vc/newsletter/a-consumers-digital-footprint

Krafton Targets India / Ramifications of Hogwarts Legacy’s Success / Unity Earnings - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd1_hXewvdA

No rest for Call of Duty | Podcast | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/no-rest-for-call-of-duty-podcast


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Alvaro Duarte: Voodoo’s Ongoing Evolution - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jck4V6lra_k

How Sony is blending games, movies and VR into the same ecosystem | Jake Zim interview | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/how-sony-is-blending-games-movies-and-vr-into-the-same-ecosystem-jake-zim-interview/

How Atari is leveraging 50 years of nostalgia | Wade Rosen interview | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/how-atari-is-leveraging-50-years-of-nostalgia-wade-rosen-interview/

Meta doesn’t seem to know its VR headsets are game consoles - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/4/23623081/meta-quest-3-ps3-xbox-one-video-games-yikes

Halo Infinite players have made 1M creations in the Forge beta | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/halo-infinite-players-have-made-1m-creations-in-the-forge-beta/


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
How Rec Room looks at the metaverse opportunity | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/how-rec-room-looks-at-the-metaverse-opportunity/

ImmutableX expands partnership with Warner Bros. with mobile Web3 game Blocklete Golf | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/immutablex-launches-verified-blockchain-gaming-solution-for-unity/


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
How do you know if a social app will be a hit?
https://twitter.com/kirbyman01/status/1631704147648196608

‼️ New week. New WAGME. ❤️

Come get your alpha guide for the week.

Here's a view of the Alpha Calendar.

Subscribe to the newsletter to get it first.

https://thecoreloop.substack.com/p/wassies-alpha-gaming-metaverse-expedition?sd=pf

Look at Gaming #166 | Tuesday March 7th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
it's going to VERY hard for AI cos to break into gaming. Here's why 👇
https://twitter.com/andrewchen/status/1631468113148661762


🌊 MARKET ☎️
GSD & GfK: The UK market came back to growth in February 2023
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/gsd-and-gfk-the-uk-market-came-back

it's going to VERY hard for AI cos to break into gaming. Here's why 👇
https://twitter.com/andrewchen/status/1631468113148661762

2023 is going to be a brutal year for games that raised < $5M
https://twitter.com/skilllevel7/status/1632429647668613120


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Kai Cenat's Record Breaking Mafiathon - Stream Hatchet
https://streamhatchet.com/blog/kai-cenats-record-breaking-mafiathon/


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Magic Eden Launches 'Mint Madness' With Free Web3 Gaming Mints
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/01/magic-eden-launches-mint-madness-with-free-web3-gaming-mints/

Hermès Asks Court for Control Over MetaBirkin NFTs
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/06/hermes-asks-court-for-control-over-metabirkin-nfts/

More Than Gamers Sold a Breakthrough Web3 Game and Delivered Empty Promises
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/01/more-than-gamers-sold-a-breakthrough-web3-game-and-delivered-empty-promises/

Gaming Engine Unity Taps MetaMask, Immutable X and Solana for Web3 Developer Tools
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/02/28/gaming-engine-unity-taps-metamask-immutable-x-and-solana-for-web3-developer-tools/

Electronic Arts Founder Trip Hawkins Joins Web3 Gaming Startup
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/02/24/electronic-arts-founder-trip-hawkins-joins-web3-gaming-startup-as-cso/

Video game production and distribution model is broken. Here's a project trying to solve that
https://twitter.com/rebootgg_/status/1631008079046385665

ETH Denver Gaming Takeaways
https://twitter.com/templecrash/status/1632518430497619973


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Discover the tool that can speed up marketing approvals and help prevent video game leaks | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/discover-the-tool-that-can-speed-up-marketing-approvals-and-help-prevent-video-game-leaks


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Marvel Snap has amassed $50m in global revenue since its launch | News-in-brief | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/marvel-snap-has-amassed-50m-in-global-revenue-since-its-launch-news-in-brief

Look at Gaming #167 | Wednesday March 8th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
🎮 Case Study: Counter Strike’s renowned marketplace — Deconstructor of Fun
https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/shorts/2023/3/07/supply-demand-csgo-case-study


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Brazil and Mexico saw 20% growth in in-app spending in 2022 | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81003/brazil-and-mexico-saw-20-growth-in-in-app-spending-in-2022/

FaZe Clan launches 1st all-female pro esports team for Valorant | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/faze-clan-launches-its-1st-all-female-pro-esports-team-for-valorant/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
The game theory of branded search advertising | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/the-game-theory-of-branded-search-advertising/

🎮 Case Study: Counter Strike’s renowned marketplace — Deconstructor of Fun
https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/shorts/2023/3/07/supply-demand-csgo-case-study


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Jonathan Knight: The New York Times Games Strategy - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=292hr1BhuxA


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Esports Giant TSM Enters Into Web3 Gaming Partnership With Avalanche
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/07/esports-giant-tsm-enters-into-web3-gaming-partnership-with-avalanche/

2023 will be the year that blockchain games deliver quality and fun | Polygon | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/2023-will-be-the-year-that-blockchain-games-deliver-quality-and-fun-polygon/

AI Artist Claire Silver to Show NFT Collection at Louvre
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/08/ai-artist-claire-silver-to-show-nft-collection-at-louvre/

Amazon is building an NFT marketplace
https://twitter.com/waleswoosh/status/1633061326971871232


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Tangle raises $4M in funding from Qualcomm and more for virtual workplace | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/game-development/tangle-raises-4m-in-funding-from-qualcomm-and-more-for-virtual-workplace/

Redemption Games spins out of AppLovin and raises $7M | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/redemption-games-spins-out-of-applovin-and-raises-7m/

Ex-Riot employees raise $55M for new studio The Believer Company | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/ex-riot-employees-raise-55m-for-new-studio-the-believer-company/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Niantic’s Peridot launches worldwide on May 9 - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/niantics-peridot-launches-worldwide-on-may-9/

Among Us surpasses 500M mobile downloads since launch | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/among-us-surpasses-500m-mobile-downloads-since-launch/