Culture stories by GGD News
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.
Go Figure: After Almost Half a Century, Leonard Peltier is Free
After nearly five decades behind bars, Native American activist Leonard Peltier has been released from prison following a commutation by President Joe Biden in January, before leaving office. Convicted in 1977 for the deaths of two FBI agents during a 1975 incident on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation—a conviction long contested by Peltier and his supporters—Peltier, now 80, has consistently maintained his innocence.
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.
Data Viz 11: Hugging Habits
Hugs are small but powerful acts of connection, and our latest infographic highlights how their frequency varies throughout the week. According to a scientific study published in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior; adults hug at different frequencies throughout the week.
Data Viz 10: The Big Money Split
Former President Trump is now President-elect Trump. Securing his title took more than just votes. A pathway paved in dollar bills, funded by Silicon Valley and global financial investors helped propel his efforts to the White House. VP Kamala Harris also managed to nab billionaires and heavy hitters in Big Tech during her campaign, but Trump’s fundraising efforts spanned both new and old money.
The NFL OKs New Helmet Tech
The NFL has permitted a new helmet technology called the Guardian Cap for all positions (except for quarterbacks or specialists) during live, regular season games.
Nintendo Music is now Streaming
Buying a CD and reading song credits, rewinding a mixtape or finding your parents old vinyl records around the house have become uncommon experiences. The Audio-Technica LP70XBT caters to digital audiophiles who desire a more visceral, throwback connection to music.
Welcome to Tech City, Sierra Leone
An estimated $150 million has been allocated to establish Tech City, a digital innovation hub in Sierra Leone. The city will be built in Tikonko, Bo district, about 250 km east of Freetown, the country’s historic capital. The initial investment will be used to build data centers, device manufacturing/assembly lines, and boost digital infrastructure.
Apple Opens Flagship Store in Malaysia
The very first Apple Store has opened in Malaysia. Located in Kuala Lumpur, doors to Apple The Exchange TSX officially opened to an excited crowd of hundreds.