Elise Favis

'Few games capture the spirit of indie game development quite like VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action. What initially started out as a short game for a Cyberpunk Game Jam back in 2014, soon became a standout indie hit. VA-11 Hall-A delivers a heartfelt story of happiness in the depths of disaster, draped in a unique cyberpunk aesthetic and set to a distinctive synthwave soundtrack to match. It’s a truly remarkable visual novel, and the perfect choice for our Design Works range. Produced in collaboration with Sukeban Games and Ysbryd, VA-11 Hall-A: Design Works explores the corrupt metropolis of Glitch City, its culture, and the people who frequent the game’s beloved hole in the wall, VA-11 Hall-A. Written by talented journalist and author Ashley Schofield (Polygon, EDGE, Unwinnable and VGC), you’ll hear how this world came to be and the cyberpunk touchstones that inspired it — all the while lending insight into the history of Venezuela, where the team is located, and the unique challenges of developing a game there. VA-11 Hall-A: Design Works will be a celebration of this beautiful indie masterpiece, and the people that made it all possible. Alongside contemporary interviews with writer/programmer Fernando Damas and artist/designer Christopher Ortiz conducted exclusively for VA-11 Hall-A: Design Works, the book also features a collection of highlights from the ‘Daily VA-11 Hall-A’ blog posts directly from Sukeban.moe. You can also expect deep dives into the development of the game’s prototype and prologue; the bartending mechanics that put you in the shoes of disaster bisexual bartender Jill Stingray, and interviews exploring its iconic synthwave soundtrack/jukebox with composer Michael Kelly. VA-11 Hall-A: Design Works features detailed insight into the game’s early concepts and development, an exploration of Glitch City itself, and a deep dive into the programming, art and soundtrack — an unmissable read for any fan.'

A magazine cover of Unwinnable Monthly #191, with the feature being my essay 'I Don't Want To Be This Kind of Animal Anymore' and art by Shafer Brown. An excerpt reads: In the dark times, should the stars also go out? 'Revachol is still. Silent. Decades of unrest, corruption and capital gain have reduced it to a shell of a city. And yet, under these sullen skies, a miracle is happening. The limbed and headed machine of pain and undignified suffering is firing up again.'

My review of Hollow Knight: Silksong for Video Games Chronicle. 'Hollow Knight: Silksong review: A game that intends to make you suffer, even to its own detriment. Team Cherry’s sequel has a clear mission statement, but doesn’t seem to consider the consequences. 3/5 stars.'

My review of Demonschool for Rock Paper Shotgun, included in RPS' Bestest Bests category. 'Demonschool review Saturday morning carcasses.'

hey, i'm looking for work! full-time or freelance 💜

journalist, critic, author
proficient in features, criticism, reporting, reviews, previews, news, guides

words at lost in cult, RPS, VGC, unwinnable, gamesradar+, polygon, EDGE, PLAY

muckrack.com/ash-like-a-d...
ashleyschofieldwrites@gmail.com

ahhh! congratulations, hanson 💜

YouTube video by noclip_2 The First Person Space-Cleanup ImSim About Death & Memory - Ambrosia Sky Feature

Ambrosia Sky is a first person space-cleanup/ImSim about death and memory.

We talk to @softrains.bsky.social about its creative inspirations and give our impressions of the game's recently released first act.

WATCH HERE: youtu.be/vCZbqe8r8uY

What does an aging space colony claimed by colourful funga, a dense and layered forest crawling with critters, and a mysterious underground facility housing a deadly foe have in common?

The art direction of the talented Adam Volker, together in one bundle.

store.steampowered.com/bundle/61376...

here’s my info for any job leads:

linkedin.com/in/bgmaguid
belindabwriting (at) gmail dot com
bgmaguid.com (website will be back online later today)

absolutely heartbroken to announce that i was part of the crystal layoffs today 💔

if y’all spot any openings for a soft, dedicated, smiley games writer — please send them my way 💫

i was on the most perfect narrative team on an exciting, ambitious project. i will cherish it all forever. 💖

oh belinda i am so so sorry 💜

💜💜💜 MISS YOU KEN

It's not often that I get to publicly talk about the games I consult on. It was so rewarding to mock review Goodnight Universe before release, especially as someone who has such a strong personal connection to Before Your Eyes. Goodnight Universe is achingly beautiful, go play it! 💜

noclip_2 will have a feature on Ambrosia Sky by @softrains.bsky.social next week.

The game's first act dropped on Steam this week too.
store.steampowered.com/app/3580160/...

Hey all you gamers claiming to "want shorter games made by fewer people who are paid more to work less" here's your chance to put your $15 where your mouth is: a spooky & elegiac exploration game made by ex-Bethesda & Ubi devs. It's excellent. Buy it & prove there's a market for games like this!

Ambrosia Sky's first act is out now!! I couldn't be more proud to be part of the journey, and @softrains.bsky.social has built something truly special. Press/creators, if y'all are planning coverage, shoot me a message at softrains@fiftycc.net for codes or interview requests!

YouTube video by Soft Rains Games Ambrosia Sky 🪐 | Launch Trailer

Ambrosia Sky: Act One is available now!!

15% off on both Steam & Epic!!
store.steampowered.com/app/3580160/...

store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/ambr...

Our launch stream & @extralife4kids.bsky.social fundraiser stream is only THREE days away! ⌛

Don't miss out on some great donation incentives, including prize packs 🎁, Skyrim mods to surprise @joelburgess.bsky.social, and Ambrosia Sky Steam keys! 🔑

Donate here: tiny.cc/sr-extralife2025

Press/Content Creators hit us up for codes 🥳

✨Have YOU played powerwash simulator and then gone on to powerwash something in real life? Do you have thoughts on how they compare? I want to talk to you for a story I'm working on.

Shares appreciated!

After 6 years with TheGamer, Valnet has decided to shut down features and lay off the entire team, including me.

I don't know what's next for me but I intend to stay in games, whether that's at another outlet, consulting, or PR. If you have any leads, I'd appreciate any help

Introduction — Lot 94

NEW STORIES

New year, new Lot 94 exhibit. Three stories all inspired by the theme of “Monsters” to rattle and disturb you as we inch closer to Halloween. Free for all and edited by my co-conspirator @elisefavis.bsky.social The stories are…
www.lot-94.com/exhibit-2-mo...

ANNOUNCEMENT TIME!

Lot 94 returns next Monday, October 20th, with three brand new stories and featuring illustrations from @slimyswampghost.bsky.social and @olliehoff.bsky.social. See you then :). www.lot-94.com/news/new-tal...

There will never be another site quite like Fanbyte and I don't think people understand that. The specific mix of talent, trusting that talent, backing it up with financial resources, and the willingness to run into walls at full speed will never be replicated in a gaming site again.

We released a new story trailer for Ambrosia Sky today!!

Benjamin Reeves Is Incredible Ben Reeves narrative designer and writer

I was a Firaxis narrative designer/writer and lost my job today. Any help sharing leads on new opportunities would be great!

Over 3.5 years, I contributed to Civilization VII and Marvel’s Midnight Suns, helping turn maps, mechanics, and chaos into memorable stories. See my work benreeves.carrd.co

Hi! I was laid off from Firaxis this morning. I wrote leaders and civs for Civilization VII (NDA for now) and Deadpool and Storm for Marvel's Midnight Suns. I also wrote the award-nominated Hindsight.

I'm available for full time, remote work starting ASAP. DMs are open:

emmkid.info

Rogue Ad-free video game news, guides, opinions, history, culture, previews, interviews, and reviews written by humans, for humans

Rogue.site is now a reality! Thank you to everyone along the way who helped make it possible.

If you like what you see, and want more of it. Consider pledging your support with a subscription. Your funds will go to support independent games journalism written by humans, for humans.

Working with the @softrains.bsky.social team and showing off Ambrosia Sky at PAX West & The MIX was such an honor, and a memorable part of my communications career so far. This game is so special. I'm so glad I got to be a part of it!

About to fly back to Toronto and just thinking about what an incredible weekend it has been.

It was my first PAX and everyone was so kind and it was *so* nice seeing friendly faces and meeting the @softrains.bsky.social community.

I hope I’ll be back again next year!

this is the absolute cutest proposal -- congrats charles!!!!

you were not kidding, this show is seriously special

playing The Drifter while chilling at a cute cafe, 10/10 weekend

come see me at your own risk bratalie 🔪