Episode 67: GameStonk… Well that escalated quickly (News Show)

Jan 31, 2021

It’s been one week since Reddit memefied GameStop’s stock. We break down what’s happened, how Wall Street is closing ranks, and why it all could hurt retirement investors. We also discuss Activision’s anti-diversity moves, EA’s new Skate studio, Epic Games Store’s big 2020, Microsoft and Capcom earnings, and more.

TIME STAMPS

• [00:01:56] - Konami restructures (but isn’t getting out of video games)
• [00:05:38] - EA opens Full Circle to make the next Skate game
• [00:06:47] - Harassment at Scavengers Studio
• [00:19:57] - Activision pushes back against call for diversity
• [00:27:46] - Tencent invests in Dontnod
• [00:30:47] - Epic Games Store’s big year of growth
• [00:37:35] - Quick Hits
• [00:53:00] - Koei Tecmo financials or “Why Musou is Awesome, Manda”
• [00:54:48] - Microsoft / Xbox Earnings
• [00:58:12] - Capcom earnings and why Palamutes are best boys (and girls)
• [01:06:54] - GameStonk

SOURCES

• Announcement of Executive Appointments, Official Personnel Changes, and Organizational Restructuring (Konami): https://www.konami.com/games/corporate/en/news/release/20210115/
• Electronic Arts creates Full Circle studio in Vancouver to make #Skate4 (GamesBeat): https://venturebeat.com/2021/01/27/skate4/
• Scavengers Studio creative director accused of belittling, screaming at, groping employees (GamesIndustry.biz): https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-01-25-scavengers-studio-creative-director-accused-of-belittling-screaming-at-groping-employees 
• Scavengers Studio Official Statement (January 27, 2021): https://www.scavengers.ca/general/official-statement/ 
• Activision Is Resisting Diversity Hiring Push by America's Unions (Vice): https://www.vice.com/en/article/n7vkb8/activision-is-resisting-diversity-hiring-push-by-americas-unions
• DONTNOD ANNOUNCES A BUSINESS COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH TENCENT... : https://www.actusnews.com/en/DONTNOD-ENTERTAINMENT/pr/2021/01/27/dontnod-announces-a-business-cooperation-agreement-with-tencent-and-the-simultaneous-launch-of-approximately-eur-40-million
• Epic Games Store 2020 Year in Review: https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/news/epic-games-store-2020-year-in-review
• Koei Tecmo Financial Highlights for 3rd Quarter FY ending March 2021: https://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/e/ir/docs/ir1_20210125_e.pdf
• Microsoft Earnings Release FY21 Q2: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Investor/earnings/FY-2021-Q2/press-release-webcast
• Capcom Q3 FY Ending March 31, 2021: https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/data/pdf/explanation/2020/3rd/explanation_2020_3rd_02.pdf
• GameStop’s wild stock surge won’t stop it from being the next Blockbuster (Fast Company - Interview with Mike): https://www.fastcompany.com/90598238/gamestop-stock-surge-blockbuster?fbclid=IwAR228BLonAOffGVVftuXFhLBtPNDSp8dn5L1eAs3o_ZX_R8OBG5YeA8T2UQ
• Engadget Podcast: How Reddit day traders blew up GameStop's stock (Guest Starring Mike): https://www.engadget.com/engadget-reddit-gamestop-stock-wallstreetbets-043010277.html