Jason Schreier

This week, investigative reporter Jason Schreier shines a light on the shifting landscape of the video game industry. He breaks down Microsoft’s push for higher profit margins at Xbox and the implications for its future in console gaming. Jason discusses the leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts and what it signals about growth prospects in the industry. He also explores how player habits are evolving, the role of Game Pass, and whether AI will solve or complicate development challenges. Prepare for a thought-provoking dive into gaming's uncertain future!

In this lively discussion, Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier shares insights from his upcoming book on Blizzard's legacy. The team dissects the tumultuous situation at Annapurna Interactive and the surprising resurgence of Flappy Bird, exploring its cultural significance and ethical dilemmas. Jason reflects on his mixed feelings about the indie game UFO 50 and his immersive experiences with Frostpunk 2. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of gaming, including Blizzard's troubling history of misconduct and the need for accountability in the industry.

Jason Schreier, a veteran video game reporter and author, dives deep into the paradox of gaming's abundance. He discusses how players enjoy a plethora of affordable games, but this overload creates headaches for developers struggling with visibility. As indie studios find it hard to stand out amid daily launches, larger publishers pivot to free-to-play models to reach wider audiences. Schreier also analyzes how platforms like Roblox shift expectations and how today's high-quality game surplus differs from past industry crashes.

In this engaging discussion, Jason Schreier, a seasoned video game reporter for Bloomberg, delves into the recent $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and Jared Kushner. He highlights the concerns around employee layoffs and the significance of the deal within the gaming industry. Jason also explores the shift towards live service models, the implications of taking EA private, and Saudi Arabia's interest in diversifying its economy through gaming, all while reflecting on the future of game types.

Join Jason Schreier, Bloomberg's video game industry reporter, as he dives into Apple's groundbreaking shift towards custom M-series chips, enhancing performance in future devices. The discussion pivots to the ripple effects of U.S.-China trade talks on tech giants like Apple and Tesla. Lyft's CEO, David Risher, shares insights on market expansion and where the company is investing next. Plus, gain perspective on the ride-sharing industry's resilience amidst economic headwinds—all while navigating the evolving landscape of technology and consumer trends.

Jason Schreier, a Bloomberg journalist and author of "Play Nice," delves into the tumultuous saga of Blizzard Entertainment, the giant behind beloved games like Warcraft. He highlights the stark transition from a creative powerhouse to a company marred by workplace scandals and mismanagement. The discussion covers crucial topics, including the impact of the Activision merger, a toxic workplace culture, and how Microsoft’s acquisition reshaped the company amid layoffs and corporate challenges. Jason’s insights reveal the intricate balance between creativity and corporate pressures in the gaming industry.

Jason Schreier, a Bloomberg reporter and author of "Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment," discusses the troubling state of the video game industry. Despite record profits, massive layoffs have caused instability driven by corporate mergers and pandemic-era over-hiring. Schreier explores the fallout from significant acquisitions like Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard, the cultural challenges within companies like Blizzard, and shifting gamer preferences. He also highlights the urgent need for better working conditions amidst growing demands for unionization.

Microsoft cuts jobs at Activision Blizzard, with their President and co-founder departing. A Blizzard game in development for six years gets cancelled. Jason Schreier predicts trends for the gaming industry in 2024, including cybersecurity, unionization, consolidation, and Saudi Arabia's growing interest in the market.

Jason Schreier, a Bloomberg reporter and author of "Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment," shares fascinating insights into the gaming world. He discusses the transformative acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, the innovative legacy of Blizzard, and the increasing role of AI in game development. Schreier also reveals the challenges behind the delays of Grand Theft Auto VI, emphasizing the balancing act of creativity and profitability in the industry's complex landscape.

The FTC wants to (candy) crush Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc., the makers of games like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush. Meanwhile, Microsoft, the maker of Xbox, assures Call of Duty players they’ll still be able to shoot Nazi zombies on rivals’ consoles. For an overview of the gaming business in general and this acquisition in particular, Recode’s Peter Kafka talks to Bloomberg’s Jason Schrier, co-host of the podcast Triple Click and bestselling author of the books “Press Reset” and “Blood, Sweat, and Pixels.” Pro tip: If you input the Konami code while listening to this episode, you’ll get 30 extra lives.Featuring: Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier), Reporter at Bloomberg and Co-Host of Triple Click PodcastHost: Peter Kafka (@pkafka), Senior Editor at RecodeMore to explore: Subscribe for free to Recode Media, Peter Kafka, one of the media industry's most acclaimed reporters, talks to business titans, journalists, comedians, and more to get their take on today's media landscape.About Recode by Vox: Recode by Vox helps you understand how tech is changing the world — and changing us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices