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🎮 READ: Earlier this year, proposed regulations on video games tanked Chinese gaming stocks. It's a sign that tough governance is ahead — for both digital content industries and governments around the world, writes researcher Brandon Zheng. For more on China's stock market plunge, the role of the gaming industry in boosting Chinese soft power, and what the incident means for the rest of the world, read Zheng's latest commentary: https://bit.ly/3V34ol4

Thrilled to have kicked off the holiday season with my CNBC Fast Money crew! I joined Melissa and the team for a discussion about the new draft regulations in China's gaming industry. These developments have certainly stirred the waters yet again, amplifying investor uncertainty about the regulatory environment, and underscoring the urgency for gaming companies to swiftly adapt if the draft regulations remain unchanged. However, the market's reaction to what are essentially draft regulations, currently open for a month-long public comment period, was surprising. This response could hint at a deeper investor skepticism about the impact of their feedback on the final regulatory decisions. From my perspective, it is prudent for companies to engage in this process without prejudging the outcome. While it may not ultimately make a difference, participation is essential. Many already do, and rightly so. On a personal note, as a parent, I find myself aligning with the regulators' stance. However, I understand that for businesses and investors, the regulatory process and its surprises can be tumultuous. A special shoutout to Kavitha Shastry and Anna Gleason for their incredible work on this segment. Wishing everyone Happy Holidays!

ICYMI: Earlier this year, proposed regulations on video games tanked Chinese gaming stocks. It's a sign that tough governance is ahead — for both digital content industries and governments around the world, writes researcher Brandon Zheng. For more on China's stock market plunge, the role of the gaming industry in boosting Chinese soft power, and what the incident means for the rest of the world, read Zheng's latest commentary: https://bit.ly/3V34ol4

Two very interesting things here. First is that the Chinese government is aware that their regulations are overaffecting the game industry. When a regional game industry that made $42.6 billion in 2022 loses $80 billion in value in one day, the Chinese government is finally realizing that their stick is too big. Maybe? Investors aren’t worried about any one regulation. They are worried about the process, and approval blockages like the 15 month approval blockade in 2021 to 2022. The second thing? The banning of speculation and auction of virtual gaming items. This would kill NFTs, secondary markets, ‘web3’, and virtual scalping … pretty much entirely in China. Good for them. Folks it is not the exact regulations that publishers and investors fear. It is rather the whole thing being opaque, frequent, unpredictable, and leading to blockage of new product. Regulations are good, but a stranglehold on an industry is bad. Maybe China is learning? ——- Bloomberg: “China Is Softening Stance on Gaming After $80 Billion Rout —Beijing approves games, seeks feedback on new restrictions —Tencent and NetEase shares plunged on Friday on crackdown fear” (Zheping Huang) (December 24, 2023) “China approved 105 domestic games on Monday, the latest indication that Beijing is softening its stance after its move to tighten industry restrictions led to a $80 billion rout last week. The titles included those operated by Tencent and NetEase, China’s two leading game publishers that have been pummeled by Beijing’s new rules. Monday’s approvals show the Chinese authorities support the development of online gaming, an industry association said.” Bloomberg: https://lnkd.in/gNwjwxFV ——— Reuters: “China regulator to 'earnestly study' public concerns over draft video gaming rules The statement from the press and publications watchdog came a day after China released proposed sweeping rules aimed at curbing spending and time on video games, dealing a blow to the world's biggest games market and knocking the value of Tencent, Netease and other gaming stocks. Under the draft rules, online games will be banned from giving players rewards if they log in every day, if they spend on the game for the first time, or if they spend several times on the game consecutively. Responding to anxiety over the proposed measures, the regulator said it will "earnestly study expressed concerns and views", and will further amend the rules after absorbing opinions from related government bodies, companies and users. To restrict excessive spending, the draft rules also require that games must set limits on how much players can top up their digital wallets for in-game spending. Games would also be banned from enabling the speculation and auction of virtual gaming items.” Reuters: https://lnkd.in/gX9aMBwy

Today on GamesIndustry.biz... (Friday, September 6th 2024) 1. An extra snippet from my interview with Raccoon Logic in which Alex Hutchinson and Reid Schneider discuss their stance against microtransactions and their bizarre idea of making players pay just one for a game https://lnkd.in/eSHkcxxF 2. Rob Fahey weighs in on the Concord situation, discussing the wider implications for Sony's live service strategy https://lnkd.in/e4HJUERy 3. After announcing it's deal with Lightspeed LA, SAG-AFTRA has secured agreements with the devs behind 80 games https://lnkd.in/eGVhUS36 4. Leadership at Greedfall 2 dev Spiders are doing an audit to see how they improve working conditions as staff strikes continue https://lnkd.in/edPsHrx6 5. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is planning to transfer its stocks in gaming firms like Nintendo to Savvy Games Group https://lnkd.in/e8NmSVZn 6. And sad news, the Dutch Game Garden incubator is shutting down after 17 years https://lnkd.in/eQCsixHH

🎲 Lessons from Monopoly: Unveiling the Real World Monopoly Game 🌐💰 In the realm of childhood games, Monopoly was more than just a board game; it was a window into a world of strategy, negotiation, and financial prowess. Little did I know that those early encounters with red Motels would serve as a precursor to understanding the dynamics of real-world monopoly, especially in my journey in the USA. 🏨 From Board to Reality: The Shocking Reality of Motels in the USA As a child, the word "Motel" in the Monopoly game signified power and prosperity. Fast forward to my life in the USA, and the real-world implications of a motel's financial impact left me in awe. The correlation between the game's red-colored building and its real-world counterpart is striking. 💡 Playing with Pennies in the Real World Curiosity led me to delve deeper into the world of real-world Monopoly. What I discovered was a powerful lesson – the currency may be real, but the strategies are akin to the game board. Just as Monopoly taught us the art of strategic investment, negotiation, and risk management, the real world demands a similar skill set. 🚀 Unleashing Potential: Using Every Penny Wisely Today, I advocate for knowing the world by playing worldly games like Monopoly. The lessons learned from strategic thinking, financial management, and calculated risks in the game are directly applicable to navigating the complexities of the real-world Monopoly. Every penny is a player on this board, and using them wisely can pave the way for financial success. 🌎 Connect the Dots: Bridging Game Insights with Real-World Success As I reflect on the journey from childhood Monopoly games to navigating the financial landscape in the USA, the parallels are uncanny. Let's leverage the lessons from our favorite childhood games and infuse them into our real-world endeavors. Remember, it's not just about the roll of the dice; it's about strategic moves and making every penny count. Join me in this journey of connecting the dots between game insights and real-world success. Let's play the game of life with the wisdom gained from Monopoly, one strategic move at a time. #MonopolyLessons #RealWorldSuccess #FinancialWisdom #StrategicThinking #GameOfLife 🎲🌐💡

Tencent and NetEase, giants in the gaming industry, faced a staggering loss of over $80 billion in market value following China's new gaming regulations. In response, China approved 105 online games, signaling support for the industry's development and initiating damage control. This move showcases the significant impact of regulatory decisions on the tech and gaming sectors. #GamingIndustry #MarketTrends #China #Tencent #NetEase

❗ We understand the power of words. We know what impact they have. Today, on World Press Freedom Day, we want to remind you of the most important cornerstone of liberty: the freedom of speech. 🗞 📰 We’re conscious of the vulnerability of freedom of expression. Whether it's your morning newspaper, a news website, or your favorite influencer’s channel, all sources must have the freedom to operate, full access to information, and the ability to express opinions freely. Otherwise, we become hostages to spin doctors. 👿 Freedom for the press! Freedom for the gaming press! Freedom of speech in games and gaming chats! No censorship! No regulators! #WorldPressFreedomDay #gamedev #gameloc

While it is not Cocaine Bear (if you know, you know), I am excited about the annoucement surrounding the Ready Player Two movie. It is only in the works and won't have Steven Spielberg as a director. Going back a small bit. I like to read. That along, with music helps my mind relax, especially after hectic days (most days in EPIC Global | gaming and esports agency are). I am not a kindle user, I prefer a hard copy book. Up their with my favourite authors is Ernest Cline. He is an amazing author, with Ready Player One and Armada up their with the best books I've had read (Other include the Dice Man and while not sci-fi, I am enjoying Steven Bartlett DOAC book (I was never one for self-improvement books but I like the easy style and story telling). For those interested, I am currrently reading the Three Body Problem. Back to the movie. I liked the first RP1 movie, although it strayed a small bit from the movie but the nostaglia factor aligned with modern technology was good. I didn't enjoy the follow up book as much as it felt rushed and designed with a movie in mind, but it was an okay read. Now why the hell am I writing this post. It is because I think RP2 will have some interesting easter eggs in it though with major gamers/streamers set to appear - a trend that started with Free Guy - any thoughts on who? Let me know and also let me know what book you are reading :)

My article “Towards the reorganization of online gaming in Italy” was published in the latest issue of the @International Masters of Gaming Law magazine. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/dgCJijeh The magazine can be reviewed in full here https://lnkd.in/d73mvGR8