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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 5d

a) yes, we did it too, b) it's not very cool to use a clip from nu-Frasier, I know that as well

Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 5d

The games industry naming literally anything - books, podcasts, talent programmes - these last few years

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 12d

www.fosterandpartners.com/news/electro...

Electronic Arts European Headquarters - Chertsey, Surrey | Foster + Partners

The opening phase of the new European Headquarters campus for Electronic Arts, designed by Foster + Partner sets new standards for working environments.

www.fosterandpartners.com

Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 12d

25+ years ago Electronic Arts was rich enough to pay Norman Foster's agency to design its Euro HQ building in UK countryside. It was shaped like an 'E'! Today, it's taking on $20bn in debt in a sale to private equity. Back then, EA was in the game. Now, EA is in the small print.

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 16d

Hope the clothing sizes are, er, Western-friendly. 😶 I bought a lovely XL Zelda button-down shirt in Tokyo, but caused a diplomatic incident when I returned it after realising the cm measurement. I don't think anyone had the gall to ask Nintendo Store for a refund until then...

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Reposted by Michael French

London Games Festival @londongamesfest.bsky.social · 18d

🌟 SAVE THE DATE🌟

London Games Festival returns Monday 13 - Sunday 19 April 2026

Applications NOW OPEN

🕹️Official Selection submissions
💸Games Finance Market submissions
🎉Ensemble nominations
🏙️Side Events

👉 Apply here: festival.games.london

#LGF26

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 18d

👀 *he says as his team prepare to announce festival dates later today*

Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 18d

Personally doubt it also needed a total rebrand, or to basically drop the word ‘developer’ (wtf), or add the claim of ‘festival’ (ahem). But that’s how big corps think. If next year works conceptually maybe they will move city once the Moscone deal has expired.

Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 18d

GDC finds itself in a ‘horse has bolted’ situation. Increasingly unpopular host city in a country on no one’s bucket list and an audience that doesn’t necessarily pay for an official ticket. But it’s a high-quality audience nonetheless. A repositioning was needed.

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 18d

I often think this company will take any position contrary to reason - 'let's sue our fans', 'no we are a toy company', 'games aren't art!' - on the path to profit.

Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 24d

Coming up to ten years in the job end of this week. It’s only in the last few days I realise could have got a lot more done more quickly if I’d just looked a few more people in the eye and said “Are you fucking thick?”

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 25d

And a USA SNES there on the table before it officially came out. His uncle must work at Nintendo, I guess

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 25d

Shall I lean over and warn him about the games industry?

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 25d

Trains delayed. Standing room only. But I’m watching over the shoulder of a man, someone at least 10 years older than me, with his laptop open… getting ready to publish his very first game to Roblox.

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 25d

Who is it that's responsible for this diabolical trend of roll-top backpacks? Wondering if we can use cancel culture for good for once and get them for crimes against fashion.

Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · 28d

Forcing myself through the embarrassing fantasy dross that Strange New Worlds' finale has become, only to be deeply, deeply amused by the implication that this IKEA kids play kitchen will still be in production in 230 years time.

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · Sep 7

Cait Sith. Is there a more insufferable video game character? Bought a PS5 Slim recently to get FFVII Rebirth finished. He's got cliche, irritating dialogue + voice, and then you're forced to play as him with some of the clumsiest controls and design.

Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · Sep 7

Never met an investor or publisher who thought they were investing in just a tiny team to see a game, product or company towards launch.

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · Sep 6

I actually understand that one more given the horror/scary sub category on there, obby culture, the way horror characters get referenced by kids without even seeing the films, and so on.

Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · Sep 6

Who on earth is 'Beavis and Butthead in Fortnite' for?

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · Sep 4

wtf be with you

Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · Sep 3

I should write some clearer thoughts out eventually but: what is the point of this place except nostalgia bait? Why go all the way to Kyoto if you will learn nothing about one of the most influential creative forces of the last century? I did however spend £150 in said shop...

Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · Sep 3

It would be bold if the venue addressed this opacity head-on... but rather than build a mystique, it's just belligerence. To cushion the blow there's a fantastically crafted shop at the end to spend your cash. Taking your money/printing money is what Nintendo does best, after all.

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · Sep 3

(This isn't a revelatory observation btw - anyone that has watched how Nintendo is struggling to name and credit the development studios of games *it is publishing right now* knows this is a feature not a bug. But at a museum it's strange behaviour.)

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Michael French @michaelfrench.bsky.social · Sep 3

The main thing I took from the Museum is that Nintendo does not want to credit the individuals behind its success. It's not interested, or just unwilling, to tell a story explaining how its creative process evolved. Visitors will not even learn the motivation for this secrecy.

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