Brad Shankar
@bradshankar.bsky.social
Gaming Editor at MobileSyrup | Views my own | brad@mobilesyrup.com | He/him | 🇨🇦 | https://linktr.ee/bradshankar
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Brad Shankar
@bradshankar.bsky.social
· Jun 2
How to uplift Canadian game makers? We asked them
Canadian AAA and indie developers, lobbyists, actors and entrepreneurs share how we can uplift our often-underappreciated gaming industry.
mobilesyrup.com
Canada’s video game industry is MASSIVE but under-appreciated.
That’s been bothering me.
So, I spent the past 1.5 years asking dozens of AAA/indie devs, actors, lobbyists & more about how to address this & got an incredible range of perspectives! 🇨🇦 🎮
My 2nd-biggest @mobilesyrup.com feature ever:
That’s been bothering me.
So, I spent the past 1.5 years asking dozens of AAA/indie devs, actors, lobbyists & more about how to address this & got an incredible range of perspectives! 🇨🇦 🎮
My 2nd-biggest @mobilesyrup.com feature ever:
January 2, 2026 at 9:38 PM
On a Coppola kick lately.
Megalopolis remains one of the most gloriously insane movies I’ve ever seen.
#LetterboxdFriday #LastFourWatched
Megalopolis remains one of the most gloriously insane movies I’ve ever seen.
#LetterboxdFriday #LastFourWatched
January 2, 2026 at 3:50 PM
On a Coppola kick lately.
Megalopolis remains one of the most gloriously insane movies I’ve ever seen.
#LetterboxdFriday #LastFourWatched
Megalopolis remains one of the most gloriously insane movies I’ve ever seen.
#LetterboxdFriday #LastFourWatched
It’s a New Year’s tradition of mine to play a JRPG, so I figured this was the perfect opportunity for this neat-looking Clair Obscur-like.
January 1, 2026 at 7:28 PM
It’s a New Year’s tradition of mine to play a JRPG, so I figured this was the perfect opportunity for this neat-looking Clair Obscur-like.
Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉
January 1, 2026 at 5:01 AM
Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉
The duality of man.
@letterboxd.social
@letterboxd.social
December 31, 2025 at 4:21 AM
The duality of man.
@letterboxd.social
@letterboxd.social
Watched more movies this year (261) than I ever had. It’s been a good run.
Finally narrowed down my top 10.
@letterboxd.social
Finally narrowed down my top 10.
@letterboxd.social
December 30, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Watched more movies this year (261) than I ever had. It’s been a good run.
Finally narrowed down my top 10.
@letterboxd.social
Finally narrowed down my top 10.
@letterboxd.social
Reposted by Brad Shankar
One of my favourite @mobilesyrup.com traditions is our annual Favourite Things lists.
This year, I took the opportunity to write at length about why I really connected with @babystepsgame.bsky.social, plus a few movies, TV series, podcasts & trips.
There was much to love & be grateful for this year!
This year, I took the opportunity to write at length about why I really connected with @babystepsgame.bsky.social, plus a few movies, TV series, podcasts & trips.
There was much to love & be grateful for this year!
Brad Shankar's Favourite Things of 2025
From a deeply moving family drama to an utterly bizarre but surprisingly sharp deconstruction of masculinity.
mobilesyrup.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:51 PM
One of my favourite @mobilesyrup.com traditions is our annual Favourite Things lists.
This year, I took the opportunity to write at length about why I really connected with @babystepsgame.bsky.social, plus a few movies, TV series, podcasts & trips.
There was much to love & be grateful for this year!
This year, I took the opportunity to write at length about why I really connected with @babystepsgame.bsky.social, plus a few movies, TV series, podcasts & trips.
There was much to love & be grateful for this year!
One of my favourite @mobilesyrup.com traditions is our annual Favourite Things lists.
This year, I took the opportunity to write at length about why I really connected with @babystepsgame.bsky.social, plus a few movies, TV series, podcasts & trips.
There was much to love & be grateful for this year!
This year, I took the opportunity to write at length about why I really connected with @babystepsgame.bsky.social, plus a few movies, TV series, podcasts & trips.
There was much to love & be grateful for this year!
Brad Shankar's Favourite Things of 2025
From a deeply moving family drama to an utterly bizarre but surprisingly sharp deconstruction of masculinity.
mobilesyrup.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:51 PM
One of my favourite @mobilesyrup.com traditions is our annual Favourite Things lists.
This year, I took the opportunity to write at length about why I really connected with @babystepsgame.bsky.social, plus a few movies, TV series, podcasts & trips.
There was much to love & be grateful for this year!
This year, I took the opportunity to write at length about why I really connected with @babystepsgame.bsky.social, plus a few movies, TV series, podcasts & trips.
There was much to love & be grateful for this year!
Reposted by Brad Shankar
Thrilled to see so many friends and collaborators on this incredible list!
Here’s to a wonderful 2026 for Canadian games ✌️
Thanks to @bradshankar.bsky.social and @mobilesyrup.com for this!
Here’s to a wonderful 2026 for Canadian games ✌️
Thanks to @bradshankar.bsky.social and @mobilesyrup.com for this!
Couldn't let the year end without one of my favourite features.
I wrote about a bunch of the standout Canadian games of 2025. 🇨🇦 🎮
In a particularly difficult year, it's been genuinely inspiring to see Canadians making so many wonderful and creative experiences.
Here's to all of these talented devs!
I wrote about a bunch of the standout Canadian games of 2025. 🇨🇦 🎮
In a particularly difficult year, it's been genuinely inspiring to see Canadians making so many wonderful and creative experiences.
Here's to all of these talented devs!
The top Canadian games of 2025
When it comes to variety and originality, few do it as well as Canadian developers.
mobilesyrup.com
December 29, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Thrilled to see so many friends and collaborators on this incredible list!
Here’s to a wonderful 2026 for Canadian games ✌️
Thanks to @bradshankar.bsky.social and @mobilesyrup.com for this!
Here’s to a wonderful 2026 for Canadian games ✌️
Thanks to @bradshankar.bsky.social and @mobilesyrup.com for this!
Reposted by Brad Shankar
Elsewhere Electric⚡ is in some really fine company in this one. 🤩
Couldn't let the year end without one of my favourite features.
I wrote about a bunch of the standout Canadian games of 2025. 🇨🇦 🎮
In a particularly difficult year, it's been genuinely inspiring to see Canadians making so many wonderful and creative experiences.
Here's to all of these talented devs!
I wrote about a bunch of the standout Canadian games of 2025. 🇨🇦 🎮
In a particularly difficult year, it's been genuinely inspiring to see Canadians making so many wonderful and creative experiences.
Here's to all of these talented devs!
The top Canadian games of 2025
When it comes to variety and originality, few do it as well as Canadian developers.
mobilesyrup.com
December 29, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Elsewhere Electric⚡ is in some really fine company in this one. 🤩
Couldn't let the year end without one of my favourite features.
I wrote about a bunch of the standout Canadian games of 2025. 🇨🇦 🎮
In a particularly difficult year, it's been genuinely inspiring to see Canadians making so many wonderful and creative experiences.
Here's to all of these talented devs!
I wrote about a bunch of the standout Canadian games of 2025. 🇨🇦 🎮
In a particularly difficult year, it's been genuinely inspiring to see Canadians making so many wonderful and creative experiences.
Here's to all of these talented devs!
The top Canadian games of 2025
When it comes to variety and originality, few do it as well as Canadian developers.
mobilesyrup.com
December 29, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Couldn't let the year end without one of my favourite features.
I wrote about a bunch of the standout Canadian games of 2025. 🇨🇦 🎮
In a particularly difficult year, it's been genuinely inspiring to see Canadians making so many wonderful and creative experiences.
Here's to all of these talented devs!
I wrote about a bunch of the standout Canadian games of 2025. 🇨🇦 🎮
In a particularly difficult year, it's been genuinely inspiring to see Canadians making so many wonderful and creative experiences.
Here's to all of these talented devs!
Holy shit.
#MartySupreme is an absolute masterpiece!
(Not even Kevin O’Leary could drag it down.)
Can’t wait to watch again.
#MartySupreme is an absolute masterpiece!
(Not even Kevin O’Leary could drag it down.)
Can’t wait to watch again.
December 27, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Holy shit.
#MartySupreme is an absolute masterpiece!
(Not even Kevin O’Leary could drag it down.)
Can’t wait to watch again.
#MartySupreme is an absolute masterpiece!
(Not even Kevin O’Leary could drag it down.)
Can’t wait to watch again.
After a snow delay, it’s finally time. SCHWEP!
#NowWatching
#NowWatching
December 27, 2025 at 5:28 PM
After a snow delay, it’s finally time. SCHWEP!
#NowWatching
#NowWatching
Reposted by Brad Shankar
Emerged from my holiday hibernation to write about this surprisingly good carrier deal
December 26, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Emerged from my holiday hibernation to write about this surprisingly good carrier deal
December 26, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Reposted by Brad Shankar
Merry Christmas, all! 🎄 🎅
December 25, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Merry Christmas, all! 🎄 🎅
Addendum: I finished @blakemanorgame.bsky.social
last night and it’s also easily one of the highlights of the year for me.
Such a compelling detective adventure with a surprisingly strong emotional core about grief, spiritualism and colonialism, all rooted in rich, fascinating Irish folklore.
last night and it’s also easily one of the highlights of the year for me.
Such a compelling detective adventure with a surprisingly strong emotional core about grief, spiritualism and colonialism, all rooted in rich, fascinating Irish folklore.
December 23, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Addendum: I finished @blakemanorgame.bsky.social
last night and it’s also easily one of the highlights of the year for me.
Such a compelling detective adventure with a surprisingly strong emotional core about grief, spiritualism and colonialism, all rooted in rich, fascinating Irish folklore.
last night and it’s also easily one of the highlights of the year for me.
Such a compelling detective adventure with a surprisingly strong emotional core about grief, spiritualism and colonialism, all rooted in rich, fascinating Irish folklore.
Reposted by Brad Shankar
when your plans to suckle at the fascist teat of the Trump Administration fail because you *checks notes* forgot Canada exists
Bari Weiss is so incompetent at leading CBS News that her efforts at fully suppressing the 60 Minutes segment on CECOT was foiled because she wasn't aware (or forgot) that the broadcast package including that segment was distributed via a streaming app for broadcast in Canada.
December 23, 2025 at 5:22 AM
when your plans to suckle at the fascist teat of the Trump Administration fail because you *checks notes* forgot Canada exists
Reposted by Brad Shankar
Titanfall 2's campaign is nothing short of a masterpiece, and what a gift it was for all of us.
Such heart, incredible design, impeccable mechanics.
Nearly ten years later it more than holds up, it remains arguably the pinnacle of the genre.
If you've never played it, please do so.
Such heart, incredible design, impeccable mechanics.
Nearly ten years later it more than holds up, it remains arguably the pinnacle of the genre.
If you've never played it, please do so.
December 23, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Titanfall 2's campaign is nothing short of a masterpiece, and what a gift it was for all of us.
Such heart, incredible design, impeccable mechanics.
Nearly ten years later it more than holds up, it remains arguably the pinnacle of the genre.
If you've never played it, please do so.
Such heart, incredible design, impeccable mechanics.
Nearly ten years later it more than holds up, it remains arguably the pinnacle of the genre.
If you've never played it, please do so.
Reposted by Brad Shankar
It was great to see @jonore.bsky.social at Rockstar Toronto earlier this month, and whether you've read my report on the protest, you should absolutely read his!
www.cbc.ca/news/enterta...
www.cbc.ca/news/enterta...
Canadian among fired workers from Grand Theft Auto studio says they just want their jobs back | CBC News
The firing of several employees at the makers of the Grand Theft Auto video games came as a complete surprise, according to one of the Canadian workers who was let go this past fall.
www.cbc.ca
December 22, 2025 at 4:46 PM
It was great to see @jonore.bsky.social at Rockstar Toronto earlier this month, and whether you've read my report on the protest, you should absolutely read his!
www.cbc.ca/news/enterta...
www.cbc.ca/news/enterta...
Jesus, this is horrible.
Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Vince Zampella, video game developer behind ‘Call of Duty' franchise, killed in crash www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/v...
December 22, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Jesus, this is horrible.
Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Meanwhile, I’ve had my top 10 movies of the year basically ready to go for a while, just waiting for Marty Supreme on Friday.
It’s been much easier to put together than the gaming list lol
It’s been much easier to put together than the gaming list lol
December 22, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Meanwhile, I’ve had my top 10 movies of the year basically ready to go for a while, just waiting for Marty Supreme on Friday.
It’s been much easier to put together than the gaming list lol
It’s been much easier to put together than the gaming list lol
At long last, here are @mobilesyrup.com’s Top Games of 2025.
I was especially happy to see so many inventive (and *deeply* personal) indies this year.
Shoutout to all of the devs (both on and off this list) who gave us so many wonderful experiences!
I was especially happy to see so many inventive (and *deeply* personal) indies this year.
Shoutout to all of the devs (both on and off this list) who gave us so many wonderful experiences!
MobileSyrup's Top 10 Games of 2025
More so than ever, indie developers dominated this year when it came to standout gaming experiences.
mobilesyrup.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:17 PM
At long last, here are @mobilesyrup.com’s Top Games of 2025.
I was especially happy to see so many inventive (and *deeply* personal) indies this year.
Shoutout to all of the devs (both on and off this list) who gave us so many wonderful experiences!
I was especially happy to see so many inventive (and *deeply* personal) indies this year.
Shoutout to all of the devs (both on and off this list) who gave us so many wonderful experiences!
Reposted by Brad Shankar
I've had people ask me before about how you go about covering or awarding things that have an uncomfortable ethical component. My advice is always, all that matters is that you're consistent. Define the line and stick to it. Props to IGA for deciding what the line is for them and making a hard call.
The IGAs Nomination Committee is officially retracting Debut Game and Game of the Year, awarding both categories to new recipients. Additionally, we are retracting one of the Indie Vanguard recipients.
Full details can be found in our FAQ under Game Eligibility: www.indiegameawards.gg/faq
Full details can be found in our FAQ under Game Eligibility: www.indiegameawards.gg/faq
December 20, 2025 at 8:12 PM
I've had people ask me before about how you go about covering or awarding things that have an uncomfortable ethical component. My advice is always, all that matters is that you're consistent. Define the line and stick to it. Props to IGA for deciding what the line is for them and making a hard call.