Rockstar Games Acquires Grand Theft Auto Collaborators Video Games Deluxe
Rockstar Games has officially acquired Sydney-based development studio Video Games Deluxe, rebranding it as Rockstar Australia. This strategic move strengthens a partnership that has flourished over the past decade, with both studios collaborating on notable projects such as L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files and enhancements to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.
$8 Billion Paramount-Skydance Merger Expected to Close by July 2025
The entertainment industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation as Paramount Global and Skydance Media prepare to merge, forming the Paramount Skydance Corporation. This merger, valued at approximately $8 billion, is anticipated to close in the first half of 2025, marking a pivotal shift in the media landscape.
GGD Startup: Eventbrite
Eventbrite has definitely used technology to expand how independent creatives make a living. The event management and ticketing platform is one of few; a women-led (and founded) tech company, publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Warner Music Group Fully Acquires Africori
Warner Music Group (WMG) has finalized its full acquisition of Africori, a leading African music distribution, rights management, and artist development company. This move underscores WMG’s commitment to amplifying African music on the global stage.
Queen Sells Catalogue for More Than $1 Billion
In a historic deal, Sony Music Entertainment will acquire Queen’s music catalogue and key ownership rights for an estimated $1.27 billion. This means Sony will not only control most of the global revenue generated from the legendary rock band’s music and merchandise, but also own their name and likeness.
Google TV Launches New Ad Network
This week, Google TV (GTV) announced that will start hosting in-stream advertising. When users watch their favorite shows via Google TV or Android TV OS, they will be subject to ‘unskippable’ or bumper ad campaigns.
50 Cent’s Diddy Docuseries Sold to Netflix
After an intense bidding war, Netflix has secured the rights to a Diddy docuseries, executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Even before CNN revealed a horrific video of Sean “P.Diddy” Combs beating and dragging Cassie (his former partner and recording artist) inside a hotel hallway; 50 Cent hinted at a “Diddy Do it?” titled documentary (via Instagram).
Is Blockbuster Coming Back?
It has been over 10 years since Blockbuster was fully operational, with multiple locations around the world. But recently, Blockbuster’s website was reactivated. On the website, “We are working on rewinding your movie.” appears.
Chris Rock Debuts Netflix’s Very First Live-Streamed Event
Over the weekend, Chris Rock became the first entertainer to stream a live global event on Netflix. And yes, he addressed “The Slap.” In addition to Chris Rock: Selective Outrage, live pre-show and post-show events were arranged, featuring comedians and celebrities like Leslie Jones, Arsenio Hall, Sir Paul McCartney, Amy Schumer, Jerry Seinfeld, and more.
Playing Netflix Games
Netflix Games has officially launched on iOS and iPad. Are you playing? Through its app, the streaming giant offers five games at no additional cost. Today’s announcement comes a week after first dropping on Android devices. Only two of the games are related to a Netflix show (Stranger Things). After the global success of Squid Game in September (and past experiments with actual gaming), rumors of Netflix launching a gaming vertical became more amplified.