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Thirdverse Corporation Strengthens Management Structure for Overseas Growth Strategy, Masaru Ohnogi Appointed as CEO

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Thirdverse, Co., Ltd (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Hironao Kunimitsu) announced a new management structure, effective August 8, 2024, to strengthen its overseas growth strategy. Under this new structure, Masaru Ohnogi (Director and CBO), who oversees the U.S. studio, will be appointed as Representative Director and CEO. Hironao Kunimitsu will become Representative Director and Chairman. Under this new management structure, the company aims to achieve further growth in the U.S. market, the center of the VR industry, and to realize its mission of “Creating a new virtual world for 1 billion people.”

In 2000, Masaru Ohnogi joined WebMoney, and while involved in overall company management, he was instrumental in expanding annual sales to over 22 billion yen in approximately seven years. In 2007, he became the head of Lupicia’s U.S. subsidiary, managing five stores in California and expanding the e-commerce system and wholesale business. In 2010, he was appointed President and CEO of GCREST America, where he planned and operated the avatar community service “TinierMe,” gaining 5 million users in three years. In 2012, he joined gumi, serving as Executive Officer and CEO of overseas subsidiaries, and later became the head of gumi America. He launched Seoul XR Startups and Nordic XR Startups, identifying local partners and speaking at over 30 conferences annually. He is well-versed in VR content and technology. Since October 2020, he has served as Director and CBO of Thirdverse, overseeing the U.S. studio. He resides in Burlingame, California.

Thirdverse Representative Director and Chairman Hironao Kunimitsu: “Mr. Ohnogi has been a colleague since my time as CEO of gumi, and I am very pleased to see him appointed as Representative Director, President, and CEO. His extensive experience and deep knowledge are essential for Thirdverse’s next growth phase. This transition to a new management structure is a significant step in our growth strategy. Together, we will strive to create cutting-edge futures and become pioneers in providing new experiences to users worldwide. With our strong team, we will continue to challenge ourselves to be the best in the world at Thirdverse. Please look forward to our continued growth. VR is Now!”

Thirdverse Representative Director and CEO Masaru Ohnogi: “In the U.S. market, the VR industry continues to grow rapidly, centered on Meta’s ‘Meta Quest’ devices. In February of this year, Apple began selling its ‘Vision Pro’ device in the U.S., and many other companies have announced their entry into the market, indicating further global market expansion. Additionally, it is very interesting that the VR market is rapidly expanding among younger users, particularly teenagers. VR offers a level of immersion incomparable to experiences from screens like TVs, PCs, and smartphones, captivating the new generation of users. At Thirdverse, we will continue to pursue new and astonishing VR entertainment and challenge ourselves to dominate the world as a Japanese company.”

New Management Structure:

 
Name New Position Old Position
Hironao Kunimitsu Director and Chairman Director and CEO
Masaru Ohnogi Director and CEO Director and CBO
Satoshi Ban Director and CBO Director and COO
Takafumi Inagawa Director and CFO Director and CFO
Tomotake Kitazawa Outside Director Outside Director
Junji Nakayama Outside Director Outside Director
Yasuchika Wakayama Auditor Auditor
Teruyuki Toriyama

Executive officer

Head of Japan Studio

Executive officer

VP of Product

Dax Berg

Executive officer

Head of US Studio

Executive officer

Head of US Studio

Takehito Gondo

Executive officer

VP of Engineering

Executive officer

VP of Engineering

Hideki Irie

Executive officer

VP of Business Development

Executive officer

VP of Business Development

New Japan Office Location:

Starting in August 2024, Thirdverse Inc. will relocate to “PMO Tamachi IV” to accommodate further growth and business expansion and to enhance the productivity and creativity of each employee and promote greater operational efficiency. We look forward to your continued support. “PMO Tamachi IV”: https://www.pmo-web.com/common/vr-view/tamachi4_final/

About Thirdverse, Co., Ltd

Founded in 2020, Thirdverse, Co., Ltd is a virtual reality game development, distribution and management company paving the path to the metaverse with two studios in Japan and the United States. Thirdverse is experienced in sword-fighting multiplayer VR games and has expanded into PvP shooting, narrative-driven VR games and VR Esports for Meta Quest devices, PlayStation®VR2 devices and PCVR. Attracting millions of players worldwide, its flagship VR titles include “SWORDS of GARGANTUA,” “X8”’ and “SOUL COVENANT.” Thirdverse continues to drive a robust roadmap of VR titles and feature updates scheduled for release in 2024 and beyond. For more information, visit www.thirdverse.io. 

(C) Thirdverse, Co., Ltd

Company name: Thirdverse Inc.

Representative Directors: Hironao Kunimitsu / Masaru Ohnogi

Established: May 1, 2023

Headquarters: PMO Tamachi IV 6F, 5-29-19 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Business: Planning, development, sales, and operation of VR games

Corporate Website: https://www.thirdverse.io/

Careers Site: https://www.thirdverse.io/ja/careers.html

X: https://twitter.com/Thirdverse_JP

Source: Thirdverse



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AMC Entertainment’s Q3 Earnings Report: A Crucial Moment for the Theater Giant

AMC’s Q3 earnings report is set to reveal crucial insights into its financial recovery and future strategies amidst ongoing challenges.

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AMC Entertainment's Q3 Earnings Report: A Crucial Moment for the Theater Giant

AMC Entertainment is poised to release its third-quarter earnings report in early November 2026, capturing the intense attention of investors and analysts. This report is seen as a pivotal moment for AMC, which has faced significant financial hurdles in recent years. The anticipation surrounding this release is driven by the need to assess how well the company is navigating the ongoing challenges imposed by the pandemic on the entertainment sector [Zacks Investment Research, November 2026].

The forthcoming earnings report will provide a detailed overview of AMC’s revenue and profit margins, critical metrics for evaluating the company’s financial health. Investors are particularly interested in understanding how these figures reflect AMC’s recent cost-cutting strategies, which have been implemented to stabilize its financial position [FinancialContent, November 2026]. This analysis will be crucial for gauging the company’s ability to weather market fluctuations and maintain operational viability.

AMC’s stock performance has been under scrutiny, with analysts keen to see if the company’s efforts to improve its financial standing are bearing fruit. The earnings report is expected to shed light on the trajectory of AMC’s stock, offering insights into investor confidence and market expectations [Zacks Investment Research, November 2026]. This will be a key indicator of the company’s capacity to recover amidst ongoing industry-wide uncertainties.

A significant focus of the report will be on AMC’s strategies to lure audiences back to theaters, a challenge that has persisted as consumer habits have evolved. The company has been exploring innovative approaches to enhance the theater-going experience, aiming to entice moviegoers who have become accustomed to streaming alternatives [Zacks Investment Research, November 2026]. Success in this area is critical for AMC’s long-term sustainability and market competitiveness.

Moreover, AMC’s expansion plans and partnerships will be a topic of interest in the earnings report. These initiatives are expected to play a vital role in the company’s growth strategy, potentially opening new revenue streams and strengthening its market position [FinancialContent, November 2026]. The specifics of these plans will provide a clearer picture of AMC’s future direction and strategic priorities.

The cost-cutting measures that AMC has prioritized are part of a broader effort to improve its operational efficiency. These initiatives are designed to reduce overhead and streamline operations, thereby enhancing profitability [FinancialContent, November 2026]. How effectively these measures have been implemented will be a critical point of analysis in the earnings report.

As AMC navigates these financial and strategic challenges, the forthcoming earnings report will serve as a crucial barometer of its progress. It will offer stakeholders a comprehensive view of the company’s current standing and future potential [Zacks Investment Research, November 2026]. The insights gleaned from this report could significantly influence investor sentiment and strategic decisions going forward.

The theater giant’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry will be under the microscope. This period of transformation requires AMC to balance innovation with fiscal responsibility, ensuring that its efforts to revitalize its business model are sustainable [FinancialContent, November 2026]. The effectiveness of this balancing act will be critical to its success in the coming years.

AMC’s earnings report will not only reflect its past performance but also set the stage for its future trajectory. With these insights, stakeholders will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their involvement with AMC. The company’s strategies and financial maneuvers revealed in this report will likely determine the next steps in its ongoing journey toward recovery and growth [Zacks Investment Research, November 2026].

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Alexander Payne Faces Plagiarism Allegations Over ‘The Holdovers’

Alexander Payne is sued for plagiarism over ‘The Holdovers’, raising intellectual property concerns in film.

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Alexander Payne Faces Plagiarism Allegations Over 'The Holdovers'

Alexander Payne, the acclaimed director known for his unique storytelling, finds himself embroiled in controversy as he faces allegations of plagiarism concerning his Oscar-winning drama, ‘The Holdovers.’ The lawsuit, filed by the screenwriter of ‘Luca,’ accuses Payne of lifting significant portions of the script for his own film. The case was brought to public attention on October 28, 2026, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

The allegations are particularly striking given Payne’s esteemed position in the film industry, where he has been celebrated for his original narratives and character-driven plots. ‘The Holdovers’ has been one of Payne’s most notable achievements, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including an Oscar. The accusations, therefore, cast a shadow over this success, raising questions about the originality of the work and Payne’s creative process.

As the lawsuit unfolds, it brings to light the broader issue of intellectual property rights within the entertainment sector. The film industry has long been a battleground for such disputes, with creators seeking recognition and protection for their original ideas. This case emphasizes the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding artistic ownership and the potential legal ramifications of alleged infringement.

Payne has yet to make a public statement regarding the accusations. This silence leaves room for speculation and concern among his fans and peers, who are eager to hear his side of the story. The lack of a response also fuels media attention and public discourse, as stakeholders in the film community await further developments.

The lawsuit could have significant repercussions for Payne’s career. As noted by The Hollywood Reporter, his reputation, carefully built over years of successful projects, could suffer irreparable damage if the allegations are proven true. This situation might also influence his ability to secure future projects, as producers and investors may hesitate to collaborate with someone facing such serious accusations.

This legal battle also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity and respect for creative works within the artistic community. It underscores the ethical responsibilities that come with storytelling and the potential consequences of disregarding these principles. For Payne, the outcome of this case will likely define his legacy in the industry.

While the immediate impact of the lawsuit is on Payne’s personal and professional life, it also has broader implications for the film industry. It could prompt studios and filmmakers to re-evaluate their practices around script development and collaboration, ensuring that proper credit and compensation are given to original creators.

As the case progresses, it will be closely monitored by those within and outside the film industry. The resolution, whether in court or through a settlement, will likely set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future, potentially influencing policies and attitudes towards intellectual property rights.

The next steps in this legal saga will be crucial, with Payne’s response and the court’s findings expected to shape the narrative. Observers will be watching to see how Payne navigates this challenging chapter, as the stakes are high for both his career and the broader conversation on intellectual property in the arts.

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Ed Sheeran Tour Faces Backlash as Support Acts Quit Over Macklemore’s Removal

Four support acts, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, quit Ed Sheeran’s US tour after promoters dropped Macklemore over a “Free Palestine” remark.

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Ed Sheeran’s North American Loop Tour has been thrown into disarray after four supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore, who was dropped from the tour’s opening slot over pro-Palestinian comments he made on stage.

The row began at the September 5 show at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, where Macklemore exclaimed “Free Palestine!” while introducing his protest song “Hind’s Hall”. He later said that several US venues had told the tour’s promoters they would prohibit him from performing. He had been scheduled to appear at eight of Sheeran’s ten remaining stadium dates.

Sheeran responded on Instagram on Tuesday, distancing himself from the decision. “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision; it was not mine,” he wrote, adding that he had allowed the rapper to perform a set list of his choosing, as with all his support acts, and that he would not abandon fans, crew or the other musicians who rely on the tour for work.

Within hours, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Irish band Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham and Finneas all announced on Instagram that they were withdrawing. Rowe and Lukas Graham had been lined up as Macklemore’s replacements for the remaining US dates; Beoga had been performing several songs with Sheeran mid-set; and Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother and collaborator, was due to join the South American leg later this year.

The departures leave Sheeran’s team with significant logistical gaps ahead of the tour’s resumption in Philadelphia, and have widened a debate about the limits on political expression on stage and the role promoters and venues play in deciding who performs.

It remains unclear whether new support acts will be recruited for the remaining dates.

Sources: AP via InDaily; 1News; TNND.

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