January 25, 2026
Another week, another set of sellouts and new properties here at mogul. I know I might sound like a broken record by now, but the demand we keep seeing is relentless and I for one am incredibly grateful.
In other news, this is an action packed weekend for sports fans like me: UFC, Australian Open, and NFL Playoffs...so much to look forward to and a nice break after a nonstop week.
Anyway, that's enough from me. Let's get into it.
- Alex Blackwood
🕊️ Trump Tells Putin “War Has to End” After Zelenskiy Meeting — U.S. President Donald Trump is urging for an end to the war in Ukraine, following what he described as a “good meeting” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump said the talks focused on paths to peace and security guarantees, signaling renewed diplomatic engagement as pressure mounts for negotiations to end the prolonged conflict.
💥 Explosion at Rockstar North’s GTA 6 Studio Shocks Edinburgh — Emergency crews responded early Monday morning to an explosion at the Edinburgh offices of Rockstar North, the primary development studio behind the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. Firefighters were dispatched after reports of a blast in the building’s boiler room, securing structural damage while ensuring no injuries were reported and the scene was cleared by mid-morning. Yeah, we’re all thinking it: GTA 6 is definitely getting delayed again.
🌍 TikTok U.S. Deal Closes— TikTok has finalized a deal that keeps the app running in the US, avoiding a ban by moving its American operations and user data into a new US‑led joint venture backed by Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX, which will control data, infrastructure, and key oversight to satisfy Washington’s national security concerns.
Shares in Ubisoft plunged as much as 35% on Thursday, the company's worst single-day drop ever, after the French gaming powerhouse announced a sweeping "major company reset" that left investors cold. Once a leader in open world games, Ubisoft's stock has cratered 95% from its 2018 peak, hitting a 14-year low below €5, as years of delays and flops erode faith in leadership.
Major Cuts and Refocus
CEO Yves Guillemot outlined a back to basics overhaul, splitting operations into five genre-specific "Creative Houses" like Vantage Studios (Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six) to prioritize hits and hit quality bars.
This means canceling six games, including the long-delayed Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake over quality shortfalls, as well as a mobile title and four unannounced projects, while delaying seven others (one rumored Black Flag remake). Studios in Halifax and Stockholm shuttered, with restructurings in Abu Dhabi, Helsinki, and Malmö, as part of €200 million more in cost cuts over two years.
Mounting Financial Pressure
The reset triggers a €650 million writedown, slashing FY2026 net bookings to €1.5 billion (down €330 million) and projecting a €1 billion operating loss. Failed hits like Star Wars Outlaws and Skull & Bones exemplify the pipeline woes, alongside rising AAA expenses.
Takeover Buzz Grows
With market cap dipping to ~€600 million, speculation ramps up on buyouts, especially after Tencent's ~25% stake in Vantage Studios via a €1B+ deal.
Ubisoft eyes asset sales but continues to cling to Guillemot family control. Regardless of what happens, it’s hard to see Ubisoft coming out of all this on top.
The Hoosier is a pristine 2021-built short term rental located just 0.5 miles from the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a 15-minute drive from Dollywood. Featuring 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a swim spa, barrel sauna, game room, fire pit, and mountain views, the property is designed for large groups. With the park drawing 12.2 million visitors in 2024 and generating over $2 billion in nearby spending, including $3.93 billion in Sevier County, this is one of the strongest vacation rental markets in the U.S.
The Hoosier has been successfully self-managed for multiple years, with 2024 and 2025 income exceeding initial Year 1 projections, creating clear upside potential through professional management. Year 1 underwriting anticipates $234,000 in revenue and a 7.9% starting yield, with long term returns expected to improve further due to location, scale, and premium amenities.
Offered exclusively as an off-market mogul opportunity, the Hoosier represents a rare chance to acquire a high performing Gatlinburg STR in a prime location, combining proven performance with significant operational upside.
This week’s book review is a familiar one. The Alchemist was the very first book I ever recommended in this newsletter, and it’s now the first I’m recommending for a second time, more than a year later, after re-reading it again.
Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece is deceptively simple: a shepherd follows a recurring dream, meets mentors and detours along the way, and learns that the real point isn’t just the destination.
Re-reading it, I was reminded why it resonated the first time. You notice different things every time you read it. If you’ve been busy, distracted, or playing it safe, The Alchemist is a short read that can nudge you back toward your true purpose. Pick this up, seriously, you won't regret it.
⭐ 4.85 / 5.0 in my book (no pun intended)
The frigatebird can nap mid-air by shutting down half its brain. It’s like airplanes that get re-fueled mid-air…kind of? Regardless of my horrible comparison, pretty cool.
Written by Alex Blackwood & Larry Cummings
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