Robert Gaal

The Hidenburg report on Roblox is FUD and Joost van Dreunen rightly calls BS on the tone and superficial nature of the analysis. Every app on the Internet has bots in their numbers. But the level of deception that is being alleged here would be fraud and there would be jail time for execs if they were intentionally misleading the street - which I very seriously doubt is the case. Also, we dealt with this child predator problem on Club Penguin all the time. Barely a week went by that we didn't make a criminal referral. This is the whack-a-mole of running an online service with kids. Roblox has built an expertise in this type of moderation that's different from what Facebook's moderators do. Comparing numbers of mods is useless because they do different things. Joost rightly points out that incident reporting is the better way to measure this, and Roblox has far from the biggest problem. But evidence that there are referrals is not evidence of unrestrained abuse. To the contrary, its evidence of enforcement. Hindenburg is a short seller. Easy money to be made for them by FUDding the stock. I'd keep their agenda in mind when evaluating this. "The Hindenburg report presents a loud but largely toothless challenge for Roblox, even if it highlights issues that deserve more serious attention. What weakens Hindenburg’s claims is that despite its self-righteous tone, the research remains thin, decontextualized, and targeted. Instead of presenting a quantified assessment and comparative analysis (something you’d expect from a financial firm), it leans into openly accusing Roblox of deliberate malpractice and indifference toward child safety in favor of growth. It makes an emotionally evocative argument, certainly, and taps into the increasingly pronounced skepticism among regulators and researchers."

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More horrible news: Dutch Game Garden is shutting down in January 2025 after 17 years... Since its foundation in 2008, Dutch Game Garden has developed itself into a cornerstone of the Dutch games industry. The organization has played a crucial role in the growth and development of countless start-ups and established game companies. Over the years, more than 130 companies have participated in its incubation program. More than 150 companies have had an office in Dutch Game Garden’s cluster, allowing them to pursue and realize their creative ideas. Successful companies from this ecosystem include Studio Deloryan (Deloryan B.V.), Abbey Games and many more. I know we cannot provide an incubator like this, but what we can do is try and help those affected through mentorship, engagement and support: 🥇 Jobs wise, reach out to us at People Can Fly Studio, we have many roles open right now in Canada, the UK, Ireland and Europe, please check them out here: https://lnkd.in/eWpV5PbA 🥈Next, Discipline Games Jobs Resources: Over the past months I have created 9 (at time of writing) Games Jobs Resources to find jobs in a wide range of disciplines, and I would urge you to check them out, if anything just to see what would be available to you: https://lnkd.in/ePywd2kq You can find over 6,000 jobs there. 🥉 Third, the Ultimate list of Video Games Career Resources: This should be your one-stop shop for all information. My dear friend Amir Satvat maintains these documents, he is a legend for doing this - please check them out: https://amirsatvat.com/ I urge you to check out the areas in particular about support and mentoring, as these will help you no matter what industry you are hailing from or are looking into going next. 🎖 Finally, do not give up. Ever. No matter how dark things may look right now, I KNOW you will get through this, you have got this! 👊 Remember you are not alone. If you need help, advice, or even an ear to listen, we're here for you. Always! ➡ A request to my community, please can I ask you to repost this post to your colleagues and friends, so that we can get as many into jobs as possible! And please comment if you or your studio are currently hiring - let's help each other! Much love ❤️ #dutchgamegarden #shutdown

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The Dutch Games industry suffered a unimaginable loss today: due to a change in public funding policy, the Dutch Game Garden - which without exaggeration could be regarded as the beating heart of the Dutch games industry - has announced its closure after 17 years of service due to a lack of funding available. To put that into perspective, when I was dropping out of university, the "DGG" was where I went to start Vlambeer. Being in that building, with all the other studios and developers, was an invaluable part of accelerating my career. I don't think I'd be here without the guidance and selfless support of the team back in the days. Pick any random person in the Dutch games industry, and it's likely that at least one point or another in their career, the Garden was a critical factor, a meaningful support, or a useful resource. In the Netherlands, we have a disproportionally talented and creative games industry - but we also have had a lot to be jealous about when it comes to the structures supporting the industry in other countries. Yet, on my travels, the Garden was consistently named as something the rest of the world was envious of. An institute that enabled, incubated, organized, and connected almost every aspect of the games industry - brightly visible, a beacon, a clubhouse, a facilitator. All that now ends in 2025, and it feels borderline unacceptable to lose something that powerful in a time where the industry, more than anything, needs symbols of hope. The team at the Dutch Game Garden gave it their all to find a way forward, but that way never materialized. That means it is now up to all of us to make sure that we carry their torch forward. As a person, I have many more thoughts and tears to shed about this loss - but as a board member of the Dutch Games Association, I know there's a lot of work we can do to ensure the damage caused by their forced closure is at the very least reduced. We are already actively evaluating how our association can ensure continuity on at least some of the incredible activities of the Dutch Games Garden. And, as the person responsible for government relations, I am going to give it everything I have to ensure this will never happen again. If you are a part of our industry, and you have thoughts, ideas, or initiatives you want to share with us, or me, please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]. If you just want to vent about this, express your feelings, or share a story - please do feel free to reach out too. Thank you so much to everyone who made the countless iterations of the Dutch Game Garden possible. It would not be an exaggeration that there would be far less of us without your efforts. I would not be here without your support. Your legacy remains - and while I can't speak for everyone, based on the countless messages I received today I know many of us feel the same: we'll miss the Garden, but we will make sure we grow onwards on the soil you've nurtured for us.

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Horrible news to hear about KeokeN Interactive having laid off their entire team today. In a statement published on X, CEO Koen Deetman and managing director Paul Deetman said the Netherlands-based studio was forced into the decision after exhausting all possible options for completing planned projects or taking on other work. To those affected, please find a comprehensive list of resources, below: 🥇First, Discipline Games Jobs Resources: Over the past weeks I have created 9 (at time of writing) Games Jobs Resources to find jobs in a wide range of disciplines: 🎨 Art, Animation, VFX and UI: This resource contains around 1,000 jobs worldwide across all links. Link: https://lnkd.in/eKAHK7VF ⚙ Engineering and Programming This resource lists just over 1,800 jobs worldwide across all links. It also talks about interview tips and questions to practice. Link: https://lnkd.in/eYdxANFM 🕹 Quality Assurance: This resource lists over 450 QA jobs worldwide. This post also talks about the craft of QA and contains tips and interview practice. Link: https://lnkd.in/dwwVjZuc 📑 Game Production: This resource lists around 400 jobs worldwide. It also contains info about game production as a whole and GDC talks. Link: https://lnkd.in/gxDvFM-Z 📢 Marketing & Community: This resource lists around 400 jobs worldwide. It also gives an intro into game marketing and community management. Link: https://lnkd.in/e5MuViug 🎶 Audio and Sound Design: This resource lists around 190 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/eSkPSsWf 📠 Studio Support, HR, Recruitment and BizDev: This resource lists around 290 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/ePG57_7v ⚙ IT, Helpdesk and DevOps: This resource lists around 140 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/e8ZsuiZh 🎮 Game Design: This resource lists around 440 jobs worldwide. https://lnkd.in/dCv_hQXv 🥈 Second, the Ultimate list of Video Games Career Resources: This should be your one-stop shop for all information. My dear friend Amir Satvat maintains these documents, he is a legend for doing this - please check them out: https://amirsatvat.com/ 🥉 Third, do not give up. Ever. No matter how dark things may look right now, I KNOW you will get through this, you have got this! 👊 Remember you are not alone. If you need help, advice, or even an ear to listen, we're here for you. Always! ➡ A request to my community, please can I ask you to repost this post to your colleagues and friends, so that we can get as many into jobs as possible! And please comment if you or your studio are currently hiring - let's help each other! Much love ❤️ #layoffs #gamesindustry #jobsingames #keokeninteractive (source: https://lnkd.in/eWK2PgvX)

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How #ugc impacts a game's livelihood is pretty much a given at this point. What #roadblocks are you still holding onto that keeps you from an integrated and complimentary #creatoreconomy that lifts users and #revenue by 20%+? Check out what Larian Studios and the GOTY have to say about it.

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Half-Life 2 ▪︎ 20 years later, still breaking the rules. How good does a game have to be for it to attract over 60.000 concurrent players two decades after its release? That’s right, dudes. Half-Life 2 didn’t just redefine gaming in 2004 — it still sets the standard for storytelling and gameplay excellence today. But what keeps its flame alive in a world overwhelmed by cutting-edge titles and 4K graphics? Let’s break it down a bit: 1. A narrative that stands the test of time. No endless cutscenes. No tedious monologues. In Half-Life 2, every detail — from graffiti on the walls of City 17 to the unspoken interactions between characters — invites players to piece together the Combine’s dystopian world, bit by bit. It’s show, don’t tell at its finest. 2. Physics innovation before it was trendy. In 2004, the Source engine and the Gravity Gun felt like playable science fiction. Solving puzzles, weaponizing the environment and feeling the weight of every object revolutionized how we understood physics in gaming. Even now, these mechanics remain a gold standard for game design. 3. Level design that’s second to none. Boredom? Impossible. Half-Life 2 effortlessly transitions you from solving high-stakes puzzles to cruising through apocalyptic landscapes to perfectly paced combat. Its rhythm is still a masterclass in keeping players on the edge of their seats. 4. Characters truly matter. Gordon Freeman might be silent, but Half-Life 2 connects you with characters like Alyx in ways that many modern games can only dream of. Back then, its facial animations weren’t just good — they were years ahead of their time, brimming with expressiveness. I won’t keep you much longer.. If a game can pull thousands of players back in, 20 years later, one thing is certain: Half-Life 2 isn’t just history — it’s still the present. Just like a raw diamond: innovative, unforgettable and perfectly crafted. When was the last time you played Half-Life 2? Maybe it’s time to revisit City 17. #gamedevelopment #valve #steam #gamedev #narrativedesign #gamingindustry #innovation

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𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐃𝐞𝐯 𝐯𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐖𝐡𝐨'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠? While MrBeast reigns supreme on YouTube, a new challenger has emerged – Bloo, the brainchild of digital creator Jordi van den Bussche. Bloo, a charming virtual character, has amassed a staggering 1.38 million subscribers in record time, and the numbers keep climbing. Here's the twist: rumors swirl that MrBeast himself is eyeing the mobile game industry next year. So, the question arises: who will win the race to capture the next generation's attention? 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨 Jordi van den Bussche, CEO of JVDB Studios, a tech whiz and social media star, has created a captivating world for Bloo. This digital superstar interacts with the real world through cutting-edge technology, blurring the lines between reality and animation. Bloo's engaging content and innovative format have resonated with audiences, particularly younger demographics. His rapid subscriber growth suggests a potential shift in how audiences consume content. 𝐌𝐫𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭'𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 MrBeast, on the other hand, is a YouTube legend. His outrageous stunts and philanthropic giveaways have garnered him a massive following. If the rumors hold true, and MrBeast ventures into mobile gaming, it would be a strategic move. He has a built-in audience eager to engage with his brand in a new way. The success of mobile games like Fortnite, which boasts a strong influencer presence, demonstrates the potential for MrBeast to dominate this space. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 Ultimately, the winner will be the one who best understands and caters to the evolving preferences of the next generation. It's a race worth watching, with both Bloo and MrBeast vying for the top spot in a constantly changing entertainment landscape. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤? Will Bloo's innovative approach or MrBeast's established audience propel them to the top? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! #gamedev #influencer #whowillwin

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The type of legal framework Brazil has implemented will boost opportunities in game development across the entire board. In collaboration with the Dutch government the Dutch Games Association is working in the Netherlands to establish similar structures. The games industry is distinct from other forms of software development, distinct from other forms of art, distinct from other forms of entertainment media. While I aim to form and strongly maintain coalitions across software, art, and entertainment where our needs overlap, it is important that as an industry, we get to legally define ourselves as "games industry" - not just "software companies" that happen to make games.

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Today Dear Villagers has announced their most recent title, the non-linear "whodunnit“ detective game Mindcop. This a 6-year long project made by the German solo dev Andre Gareis. It mixes a story driven adventure with real-time puzzle gaming. As the infamous Mindcop, you can dive into the minds of your suspects to uncover their secrets and unravel their lies. In the words of Andre: “Mindcop is my first commercial game project, a detective game in which players really become the detectives and make all the choices. My aim was to create a small world with fleshed-out characters, a captivating mystery and a lively, unpredictable gameplay experience. The most interesting aspect of the game is its time management system: every action costs time, and the total time you have to find the murderer is limited. This gives weight to every decision and makes each game unique. Mindcop has been my main creative outlet for six years, and I hope it will become someone's favourite game for some time to come. - Andre Gareis, Mindcop developer

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I'm very excited to announce that on May 2, we will bring our already super popular social stealth VR multiplayer game 'Mannequin' to Early Access on Meta Quest! After conducting closed playtests during the end of 2023, we are currently running a highly succesful Open Alpha where Mannequin became the most downloaded game on SideQuest of all the 2024 titles. Now, the game is ready to enter official Early Access on Meta Quest next week, followed by SteamVR in the near future. The Early Access version of Mannequin includes: 👽FOUR levels with updated visuals 👽Improved Friends Support 👽Party Play 👽Better Performance & New Features like left-handed mode. Mannequin will cost $19.99 in Early Access, HOWEVER: For a very short period of 72 hours you will be able to get a 'First Responder discount' of 50% by following any of our official game channels and claiming a discount code there as the game goes live on May 2. Note though, that we still have lots of exciting work left to do on the game before it hits official store fronts later this year. We plan to spend the time in Early Access to gather as many ideas and suggestions from the players as possible in order to improve the already fantastic foundation of Mannequin. Read more and join the fight on www.mannequingame.com Pose and Oppose! #VR #VrGaming #VRGame #AppLab #EarlyAccess #MetaQuest #SteamVR #VirtualReality #GamingIndustry #GamesIndustry #Game #Games #GameDev #GameDeveloper

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Wu-Tang Clan's Secret Album Released as $1 NFT on Base The Wu-Tang Clan's elusive album, "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin," is now available to the public as a $1 NFT. PleasrDAO, a digital art collective, has collaborated with Privy, Crossmint, and Holograph to distribute the album via Base, a Layer 2 blockchain network by Coinbase. Fans can purchase and partially own the album, which was previously kept secret for 88 years, reducing its restricted period by 88 seconds for every dollar spent. In 2015, Martin Shkreli bought the album for $2 million, but it was later seized by the U.S. government following his conviction for securities fraud. PleasrDAO then acquired the album in 2021 for $4 million and has since aimed to democratize access to this unique piece of music history. Buyers will receive a five-minute sampler of the album, with the full release date still in the future. Importantly, cryptocurrency is not required for this purchase, making it accessible to a wider audience. To buy the album, users need to connect a digital wallet on platforms supporting Base, the blockchain network used for this NFT. This process is straightforward and guides buyers through creating and linking their wallet. This event highlights the growing significance of music NFTs, offering artists new ways to distribute their work and engage with fans, and underscores the role of Ethereum and Ethereum Layer 2 solutions in expanding the possibilities for decentralized applications. PleasrDAO’s initiative aligns with their mission to make art more accessible while preserving the artistic vision of creators. The sale proceeds will benefit the Wu-Tang Clan and producers RZA and Cilvaringz, ensuring they are compensated through this innovative distribution. This move also sparks discussions about the value of music in the digital age and how technology can redefine the relationship between artists and their audiences. #WuTangNFT #MusicNFT #DigitalArt #BlockchainMusic

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Just some of the awesome classics that turn 30 this year. What an era, felt like a new IP was released every month. Half of these are my “favorite” childhood game. To be clear: The gaming industry is far more profitable today than in the 1990s. While global sales grew from $19.8 billion in 1993 to $30 billion by 1998, revenues exceeded $180 billion in 2022, with projections of $250.2 billion by 2025. Growth has been fueled by advancements in technology, platform diversification, digital distribution, free-to-play models, and the rise of streaming. With the proliferation of devices coupled with digital distribution, I hope we see a return of small dev teams with creative freedom and a passion to make something awesome in conjunction with their community.

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My Mum and her friends always ask me what I do for work. I explain that I work in games for a Backend Game Engine. But what's a Backend Game Engine, they ask? 🤔 Our latest Pragma article explains all of this: https://lnkd.in/eZ7D2Mmj 🔎 ▶ Game development is challenging, especially for online games. While game engines have standardised many aspects of game creation, backend services remain a challenge, even more so at significant scale ▶ Pragma is the first "backend game engine," providing a flexible foundation for online game services that allows studios to customise and extend their functionality ▶ By offering pre-built solutions for common backend needs and tools for customisation, Pragma reduces development costs, speeds up feature implementation, and minimises launch day risks for game studios of all sizes. Love you, Mum.

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