chief operating officer

AppWizard
February 14, 2025
Koei Tecmo has appointed Hisashi Koinuma as its new chief executive officer, effective April 1st, 2025. The company is undergoing a strategic restructuring, dividing into two entities: Koei Tecmo Games and Koei Tecmo Corporate Finance. This transition aims to streamline operations and enhance focus on core competencies, with the goal of becoming the world’s leading digital entertainment company. The new management structure will take effect in the fiscal year 2025.
AppWizard
February 12, 2025
Bobby Kotick, the former CEO of Activision Blizzard, referred to John Riccitiello, the former CEO of Electronic Arts, as the "worst CEO" in the gaming sector during an episode of the Grit show. Kotick mentioned that there had been multiple discussions about potential mergers between EA and Activision Blizzard, noting that EA had attempted to buy Activision Blizzard several times. He acknowledged that EA's business model was sometimes stronger than that of Activision Blizzard. Riccitiello joined EA in 1997 as president and COO, returned as CEO in 2007, and left in 2013 after poor financial results. He later became the CEO of Unity and departed in 2023 amid controversy. Riccitiello made provocative comments about developers in an interview, contributing to his polarizing reputation in the industry.
AppWizard
December 12, 2024
A group of former industry veterans has launched Cooldown Games, a new publishing venture led by CEO Steve Gibson, who was previously president at Gearbox Publishing. The founding team includes Matt Charles (Chief Product Officer), Erick Cobbs (Chief Business Officer), Jackson Hardesty (Chief Operating Officer), Brad Schliesser (Chief Revenue Officer), Jimmy Sieben (Chief Technology Officer), and Jeff Skal (Chief Marketing Officer). Collectively, they have generated over a billion in revenue and contributed to the success of eight titles that have sold over one million copies each. Gibson expressed confidence in the company's rational business models and commitment to supporting game developers. The team aims to discover and promote games that fit into the busy lives of gamers, influenced by their own gaming preferences over the past five years.
AppWizard
November 13, 2024
Spanish game developer Tequila Works has officially filed for insolvency, as announced by general manager Térence Mosca, who cited challenging market conditions as the reason. The studio, founded in 2009, is known for titles such as Rime, Gylt, and The Sexy Brutale. Earlier this year, Tequila Works experienced layoffs in October, following substantial investment from Tencent. Mosca has transitioned from chief operating officer to general manager amid the insolvency process, which has also seen the departure of the studio's founders.
AppWizard
August 16, 2024
A security vulnerability has been discovered in Pixel devices, stemming from a pre-installed Android application called "Showcase.apk," which has been present since 2017. This app, developed by Smith Micro for Verizon, was designed for demo mode in retail but has extensive system privileges that allow it to execute remote code and install software without user consent. Although disabled by default, it can be activated through an attack, creating a potential backdoor. The app retrieves configuration files via an unencrypted HTTP connection, posing further risks. Google has been informed of the vulnerability but has not yet issued a patch, although they plan to remove the app from supported Pixel devices. Palantir has decided to stop using Android devices due to this vulnerability and Google's slow response. Google claims there is no evidence of active exploitation and that the issue does not affect the Pixel 9 series.
AppWizard
August 16, 2024
Google plans to remove the Showcase.apk application from its Pixel phones due to a significant vulnerability that connects to an Amazon Web Services site using the less secure HTTP protocol. This decision follows concerns raised by Palantir and iVerify, which reported the issue over 90 days ago. The app, developed by Smith Micro for Verizon, was intended for in-store use and is not present on the latest Pixel 9 series. Google stated that exploitation of the app requires physical access to the device and the user's password, and there is no evidence of active exploitation. The app is embedded in the firmware of Pixel phones and cannot be removed by users, with potential risks also for non-Pixel Android devices issued by Verizon. Google will roll out an update to remove the app in the coming weeks.
AppWizard
August 15, 2024
A vulnerability has been identified in Google Pixel devices, linked to a software package called “Showcase.apk,” which has existed in every Android release for these devices since September 2017. This application, created by Smith Micro for Verizon, operates at the system level and has extensive privileges, including remote code execution and the ability to install software remotely. It downloads configuration files via an unencrypted HTTP connection, making it susceptible to exploitation. iVerify disclosed this vulnerability to Google in early May, but a fix has not yet been released. Google has stated that Showcase is no longer in use by Verizon and that an update to remove it from supported Pixel devices is forthcoming. There is currently no evidence of active exploitation, and the app is absent in the newly announced Pixel 9 series. However, concerns remain about the potential for exploitation, particularly if a remote activation method is discovered. iVerify also speculates that Showcase could be present in other Android devices, and Google is notifying other manufacturers about the issue.
AppWizard
August 8, 2024
Former employees from IO Interactive and Plarium have founded a new gaming studio called Chamo Games in Malmö, Sweden. The studio was established by Zoher Toutanji, the former COO of IO Interactive, and Roberto Schiavulli, the former creative director at Plarium. Chamo Games has assembled a team of 25 professionals with experience from companies like CD Projekt, Riot Games, and Ubisoft. The studio has received financial backing from investors including Lakestar, Sisu Game Ventures, and Griffin Gaming Partners. Toutanji and Schiavulli aim to create innovative gameplay experiences, focusing on player enjoyment and team well-being. Their first project is designed to challenge gaming norms and provide a unique game of skills.
AppWizard
July 19, 2024
Hasbro has hired John Hight as the president of Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming, bringing his experience from Blizzard. Holly Barbacovi has been appointed as the chief people officer, previously working at Bungie and Hasbro. CEO Chris Cocks is excited about their addition to the team and their contributions to fostering community and promoting a dynamic work environment.
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