AmericanTruckSongs10
@ethangach.bsky.social
Senior reporter covering gaming and internet culture at Kotaku
Contact: ethan.gach@kotaku.com / ethangach on Discord
Subscribe to my Dark Web newsletter Dead Game:
https://deadgame.substack.com/
Contact: ethan.gach@kotaku.com / ethangach on Discord
Subscribe to my Dark Web newsletter Dead Game:
https://deadgame.substack.com/
I don't know, I feel like there's been an aggressive uptick in "TKTK proves the system is broken" when sometimes things are just completely perpendicular or tangential to "my theory that explains the whole mess"
February 12, 2026 at 3:50 AM
I don't know, I feel like there's been an aggressive uptick in "TKTK proves the system is broken" when sometimes things are just completely perpendicular or tangential to "my theory that explains the whole mess"
"Labels are inevitable but standards are what matter"
NEW: “CBS Evening News” producer Alicia Hastey sends a bombshell farewell note:
Stories are “evaluated not just on their journalistic merit but on whether they conform to a shifting set of ideological expectations.”
Stories are “evaluated not just on their journalistic merit but on whether they conform to a shifting set of ideological expectations.”
February 12, 2026 at 3:43 AM
"Labels are inevitable but standards are what matter"
If you work at Wildlight or did until today and want to talk about it you can reach us at tips@kotaku.con or on Signal/WhatsApp at 2673263042.
This sucks.
This sucks.
February 11, 2026 at 11:11 PM
If you work at Wildlight or did until today and want to talk about it you can reach us at tips@kotaku.con or on Signal/WhatsApp at 2673263042.
This sucks.
This sucks.
There's an important overlap between explainer journalists dismissing AI skeptics and centrist liberals punching left in that they both ascribe outsized influence to the people who are not rich and not in power.
February 11, 2026 at 9:39 PM
There's an important overlap between explainer journalists dismissing AI skeptics and centrist liberals punching left in that they both ascribe outsized influence to the people who are not rich and not in power.
Microsoft is spending hundreds of billions on AI because it thinks it will represent a platform shift that it can get out in front of after losing gadgets to Apple, the web to Google, and social media to Meta.
Companies are racing head first because being last is more expensive than being wrong
Companies are racing head first because being last is more expensive than being wrong
February 11, 2026 at 9:21 PM
Microsoft is spending hundreds of billions on AI because it thinks it will represent a platform shift that it can get out in front of after losing gadgets to Apple, the web to Google, and social media to Meta.
Companies are racing head first because being last is more expensive than being wrong
Companies are racing head first because being last is more expensive than being wrong
Masters of Albion looks too good for what its trying to do as a sandbox imo, which usually, though no always, means the systems will be unnecessarily hindered by a graphical fidelity that doesn't add much youtu.be/Y_Jph0SH_l4
Masters of Albion | Extended Gameplay Trailer
YouTube video by 22cans
youtu.be
February 11, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Masters of Albion looks too good for what its trying to do as a sandbox imo, which usually, though no always, means the systems will be unnecessarily hindered by a graphical fidelity that doesn't add much youtu.be/Y_Jph0SH_l4
Reposted by AmericanTruckSongs10
that's better
Relooted Is A Big Black Middle Finger To History Controlled By White People:
Relooted Review: A Thrilling Heist Game Turns Crime Into Justice
Hear me out, what if it doesn’t belong in a museum?
kotaku.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:35 PM
that's better
Reposted by AmericanTruckSongs10
It took me months, about 495 rides, recovering from a shattered right foot and hacking a folding scooter, but I finally own a Nintendo Switch 2 using points obtained from Citi Bike. Afterwards, it left me questioning the very nature of work. For @aftermath.site.
aftermath.site/switch-2-cit...
aftermath.site/switch-2-cit...
February 11, 2026 at 6:46 PM
It took me months, about 495 rides, recovering from a shattered right foot and hacking a folding scooter, but I finally own a Nintendo Switch 2 using points obtained from Citi Bike. Afterwards, it left me questioning the very nature of work. For @aftermath.site.
aftermath.site/switch-2-cit...
aftermath.site/switch-2-cit...
Reposted by AmericanTruckSongs10
There's an ongoing discussion in the art world about how it is vulnerable to slop because so much "art" created under capitalist incentives is already slop. I think there's some of that here too. Bullshit Jobs may be replaceable by AI, but not b/c AI is good, but because we have produced bad jobs...
What I mean by "hype being true" is that the models actually *are* able to replace millions of workers - which is the core economic promise that tech oligarchs are making.
I understand why people are exhausted by AI hype, and why those of us squarely in the corner of "human dignity uber alles" see AI doomerism as self-serving hype, but I *really* think people on the left broadly need to start thinking seriously about the possibiltiy of the hype being...true.
February 11, 2026 at 5:20 PM
There's an ongoing discussion in the art world about how it is vulnerable to slop because so much "art" created under capitalist incentives is already slop. I think there's some of that here too. Bullshit Jobs may be replaceable by AI, but not b/c AI is good, but because we have produced bad jobs...
Thrilled to have @gameonysus.bsky.social reviewing Reanimal on Kotaku dot com!
Less thrilled about how the game sounds!
Less thrilled about how the game sounds!
Reanimal Review: A Great Ending Can't Save A Boring Adventure
An unremarkable successor to the beloved Little Nightmares series
kotaku.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Thrilled to have @gameonysus.bsky.social reviewing Reanimal on Kotaku dot com!
Less thrilled about how the game sounds!
Less thrilled about how the game sounds!
Reposted by AmericanTruckSongs10
New horrors is this technology should not exist: They used Grok to nudify her then used the images to start an OnlyFans.
'The Most Dejected I’ve Ever Felt:' Harassers Made Nude AI Images of Her, Then Started an OnlyFans
Kylie Brewer isn't unaccustomed to harassment online. But when people started using Grok-generated nudes of her on an OnlyFans account, it reached another level.
www.404media.co
February 11, 2026 at 3:22 PM
New horrors is this technology should not exist: They used Grok to nudify her then used the images to start an OnlyFans.
Reposted by AmericanTruckSongs10
One of the things I really want to emphasize is that while FunFactor is centred around retro gaming magazines, it’s really a show about games history, media, community, and the way video games shape our lives and culture.
Nostalgia for old gaming mags is not a requirement to enjoy the show!
Nostalgia for old gaming mags is not a requirement to enjoy the show!
It's FunFactor Fuuuuuuuuuesday!
In today's episode of @funfactorpod.com, @tyschalter.com paints a word picture, I get confused about Final Fantasy VIII's launch date, THE SPOILER gets spoiled, and we take a look at Game Informer #53's review of GoldenEye 64—a game we both respect more than like.
In today's episode of @funfactorpod.com, @tyschalter.com paints a word picture, I get confused about Final Fantasy VIII's launch date, THE SPOILER gets spoiled, and we take a look at Game Informer #53's review of GoldenEye 64—a game we both respect more than like.
Great FPS or Millennial friendslop? It's GoldenEye 64 in Game Informer #53!
YouTube video by FunFactor Podcast
youtu.be
February 10, 2026 at 9:37 PM
One of the things I really want to emphasize is that while FunFactor is centred around retro gaming magazines, it’s really a show about games history, media, community, and the way video games shape our lives and culture.
Nostalgia for old gaming mags is not a requirement to enjoy the show!
Nostalgia for old gaming mags is not a requirement to enjoy the show!
The Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Discord is not taking the news well
February 10, 2026 at 11:03 PM
The Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Discord is not taking the news well
Reposted by AmericanTruckSongs10
There’s a sentiment among some locals that eyes on Minnesota are waning. The situation has NOT changed here.
Local resistance is tired, but of course never giving up. Please stay plugged into the news of the Minneapolis ICE occupation and donate where able.
We need endurance in this moment.
Local resistance is tired, but of course never giving up. Please stay plugged into the news of the Minneapolis ICE occupation and donate where able.
We need endurance in this moment.
February 10, 2026 at 10:46 PM
There’s a sentiment among some locals that eyes on Minnesota are waning. The situation has NOT changed here.
Local resistance is tired, but of course never giving up. Please stay plugged into the news of the Minneapolis ICE occupation and donate where able.
We need endurance in this moment.
Local resistance is tired, but of course never giving up. Please stay plugged into the news of the Minneapolis ICE occupation and donate where able.
We need endurance in this moment.
Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada explains why he's not in the Epstein files
February 10, 2026 at 10:46 PM
Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada explains why he's not in the Epstein files
Never seen a press release get patched like this
Discord says "nothing to see here" as users revolt over AI surveillance and new age verification rules https://kotaku.com/discord-age-verification-ai-hack-nitro-boycott-2000667358
February 10, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Never seen a press release get patched like this
Reposted by AmericanTruckSongs10
hi, hope everyone is doing well
the rumors are true: i reviewed ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN for @kotaku.com
thank you @ethangach.bsky.social @ghmofficial.bsky.social @sssuda51.bsky.social
take care
the rumors are true: i reviewed ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN for @kotaku.com
thank you @ethangach.bsky.social @ghmofficial.bsky.social @sssuda51.bsky.social
take care
Romeo Is A Dead Man Review: Maximalist Aesthetics, Peak Action
Another evocative action banger from Grasshopper Manufacture
kotaku.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:26 PM
hi, hope everyone is doing well
the rumors are true: i reviewed ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN for @kotaku.com
thank you @ethangach.bsky.social @ghmofficial.bsky.social @sssuda51.bsky.social
take care
the rumors are true: i reviewed ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN for @kotaku.com
thank you @ethangach.bsky.social @ghmofficial.bsky.social @sssuda51.bsky.social
take care
New Radicals deserve better
Olympic Figure Skaters Get Heat for Using AI-Generated Music
gizmodo.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:50 PM
New Radicals deserve better
Best headline of the day
I was the Bernie Madoff of speculative baby trading until my prize infant gargled horse tranquiliser and died
Stupid, selfish babies.
www.pcgamer.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Best headline of the day
Wizards trying to get out ahead of this by confirming there's no Harry Potter Universes Beyond MTG set currently planned.
Magic Not Planning Harry Potter Crossover Despite Parent Company Announcing Major Deal
Magic Not Planning Harry Potter Crossover Via Beyond Brand
The famous young wizard and his friends won't be coming to Magic: The Gathering anytime in the near future
kotaku.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Wizards trying to get out ahead of this by confirming there's no Harry Potter Universes Beyond MTG set currently planned.
Reposted by AmericanTruckSongs10
NEW: Over the last several months, ICE has carried out a secret campaign to place new and expanded facilities for its agents and lawyers in nearly every state and major metro area in the US—over 150 in all. @wired.com is publishing dozens of these locations; @leahfeiger.bsky.social has the scoop:
ICE Is Expanding Across the US at Breakneck Speed. Here’s Where It’s Going Next
ICE plans to lease offices throughout the US as part of a secret, months-long expansion campaign. WIRED is publishing dozens of these locations.
www.wired.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:10 PM
NEW: Over the last several months, ICE has carried out a secret campaign to place new and expanded facilities for its agents and lawyers in nearly every state and major metro area in the US—over 150 in all. @wired.com is publishing dozens of these locations; @leahfeiger.bsky.social has the scoop:
Read @iantothemax.bsky.social on the newest Grasshopper Manufacture game:
Romeo Is A Dead Man Review: Maximalist Aesthetics, Peak Action
Another evocative action banger from Grasshopper Manufacture
kotaku.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Read @iantothemax.bsky.social on the newest Grasshopper Manufacture game:
Reposted by AmericanTruckSongs10
"pokemon go to the epstein island pokestop" was not on my 2026 bingo card, but like. sure.
Pokémon Go players kept swarming the Epstein Island Pokéstop, forcing devs to remove it:
Pokémon Go Players Flock To Pokéstop On Epstein Island
The 'Sun Dial Pokéstop' was seemingly submitted as a point of interest via Niantic's game Ingress in 2020 or 2021
kotaku.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:26 PM
"pokemon go to the epstein island pokestop" was not on my 2026 bingo card, but like. sure.
Reposted by AmericanTruckSongs10
Working on my PD talk & thinking about how survival games are also just labor... Whether the game offers pressure or safety, seems maybe like a bad indicator of the state of the world that we have collectively drifted so strongly towards virtual labor over the last dozen years or so
(great piece!)
(great piece!)
this one is good!! reporter kevin cortez talked to the developers of A Short Hike, Tiny Bookshop, and Kabuto Park about how and why labor feels fun in their games, and the whole idea of chores being "cozy" www.mothership.blog/cozy-games-l...
Why do cozy games keep asking us to work, and why does it feel so good?
Developers of games like A Short Hike and Tiny Bookshop weigh in on why even labor feels nice in their games.
www.mothership.blog
February 10, 2026 at 4:22 PM
Working on my PD talk & thinking about how survival games are also just labor... Whether the game offers pressure or safety, seems maybe like a bad indicator of the state of the world that we have collectively drifted so strongly towards virtual labor over the last dozen years or so
(great piece!)
(great piece!)
Reposted by AmericanTruckSongs10
Extremely exciting news: We're hiring a full-time film critic to come work with me at The A.V. Club!
You probably have an idea if you're qualified for this, but if there's something that's not in the job listing, I'm sure I can answer Qs www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
You probably have an idea if you're qualified for this, but if there's something that's not in the job listing, I'm sure I can answer Qs www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
The A.V. Club hiring Film Critic in Greater Chicago Area | LinkedIn
Posted 8:42:22 PM. The A.V. Club is seeking an experienced Film Critic to join our team of trenchant writers and…See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn.
www.linkedin.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Extremely exciting news: We're hiring a full-time film critic to come work with me at The A.V. Club!
You probably have an idea if you're qualified for this, but if there's something that's not in the job listing, I'm sure I can answer Qs www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
You probably have an idea if you're qualified for this, but if there's something that's not in the job listing, I'm sure I can answer Qs www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...