Josh Broadwell
@fionnthebrave.bsky.social
Freelance writer, seen on @gameinformer, @GIBiz, @ebertvoices, @inversedotcom, @NPR, @polygon, @RollingStone, @Variety, etc. He/him
joshuaabroadwell.journoportfolio.com
joshuaabroadwell.journoportfolio.com
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
Chatting with Future Class inductees for my latest at @theguardian.com. They paint a pretty clear picture of the perils of performative allyship.
Thanks to all who spoke with me, and always, to Keza for the chance to do important work!
Thanks to all who spoke with me, and always, to Keza for the chance to do important work!
“Don’t gather some of the most brilliant activists in the industry, treat us like crap, and then expect us to do nothing about it.” After the Game Awards cancelled its Future Class programme, @alyssamerc.bsky.social talked to its former honorees
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/n...
“We were effectively props”: young stars of game development feel let down by the ‘gaming Oscars’
Announced in 2020 by the Game Awards as an inclusive programme for the industry’s next generation, the Future Class initiative has now been discontinued. Inductees describe clashes with organisers and...
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Chatting with Future Class inductees for my latest at @theguardian.com. They paint a pretty clear picture of the perils of performative allyship.
Thanks to all who spoke with me, and always, to Keza for the chance to do important work!
Thanks to all who spoke with me, and always, to Keza for the chance to do important work!
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
Introducing Polygon's special issue, The Lost Generation
The console vibes are off
Introducing Polygon's special issue, The Lost Generation
www.polygon.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Introducing Polygon's special issue, The Lost Generation
Whatever the issues with Age of Imprisonment's story, it lets Zelda be more than just An Important Person, and I think that's neat (and so *so* long overdue)
www.polygon.com/hyrule-warri...
www.polygon.com/hyrule-warri...
Age of Imprisonment is the Zelda story Nintendo should've been telling for years
Princesses are people too
www.polygon.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Whatever the issues with Age of Imprisonment's story, it lets Zelda be more than just An Important Person, and I think that's neat (and so *so* long overdue)
www.polygon.com/hyrule-warri...
www.polygon.com/hyrule-warri...
Fantastic review
Florence + the Machine’s sixth album 'Everybody Scream' turns a traumatic experience into an artistic triumph.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review ↓
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review ↓
Florence Welch Fights Trauma With a Primal Scream
bit.ly
November 8, 2025 at 4:06 AM
Fantastic review
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
In the lead-up to N7 Day, I wondered why we don't see many space operas like Mass Effect anymore. So I dug into it, asked around, and came up with the answer
www.polygon.com/mass-effect-...
www.polygon.com/mass-effect-...
They just don't make space operas like Mass Effect anymore
And there's a big reason why
www.polygon.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:38 PM
In the lead-up to N7 Day, I wondered why we don't see many space operas like Mass Effect anymore. So I dug into it, asked around, and came up with the answer
www.polygon.com/mass-effect-...
www.polygon.com/mass-effect-...
In the lead-up to N7 Day, I wondered why we don't see many space operas like Mass Effect anymore. So I dug into it, asked around, and came up with the answer
www.polygon.com/mass-effect-...
www.polygon.com/mass-effect-...
They just don't make space operas like Mass Effect anymore
And there's a big reason why
www.polygon.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:38 PM
In the lead-up to N7 Day, I wondered why we don't see many space operas like Mass Effect anymore. So I dug into it, asked around, and came up with the answer
www.polygon.com/mass-effect-...
www.polygon.com/mass-effect-...
Those old Animal Crossing commercials were art
November 7, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Those old Animal Crossing commercials were art
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
Some interesting comments from the devs here about how each level of 2016's Hitman was meant to fulfil a different spy movie fantasy.
Paris is Bond, Sapienza is Mission Impossible, Marrakesh is Jason Bourne, and so on.
www.techradar.com/gaming/hitma...
Paris is Bond, Sapienza is Mission Impossible, Marrakesh is Jason Bourne, and so on.
www.techradar.com/gaming/hitma...
Hitman developers reveal how they chose the series' iconic locations – 'what's the most complex social event we could imagine at the time?'
"What's the most complex social event we could imagine at the time?"
www.techradar.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Some interesting comments from the devs here about how each level of 2016's Hitman was meant to fulfil a different spy movie fantasy.
Paris is Bond, Sapienza is Mission Impossible, Marrakesh is Jason Bourne, and so on.
www.techradar.com/gaming/hitma...
Paris is Bond, Sapienza is Mission Impossible, Marrakesh is Jason Bourne, and so on.
www.techradar.com/gaming/hitma...
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
Petit Planet feels incredibly familiar, but it's chill and charming enough to make up for that - assuming HoYoverse takes the right approach to writing and localization
Also, no gacha elements at all (that I've found in this version anyway)
www.polygon.com/petit-planet...
Also, no gacha elements at all (that I've found in this version anyway)
www.polygon.com/petit-planet...
Hoyoverse's Petit Planet is a playlist of cozy gaming's greatest hits
Familiar and fine
www.polygon.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Petit Planet feels incredibly familiar, but it's chill and charming enough to make up for that - assuming HoYoverse takes the right approach to writing and localization
Also, no gacha elements at all (that I've found in this version anyway)
www.polygon.com/petit-planet...
Also, no gacha elements at all (that I've found in this version anyway)
www.polygon.com/petit-planet...
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
If you are in the business of making stories, quality writing is non-negotiable. Good localization is non-negotiable.
The writing has been on the wall, but to be quite frank, current SE leadership has shown utter disdain for its entire loc pipeline and if they can find a way to get rid of everyone in the chain, they will. If you care about quality prose in SE games, NOW is the time to let your feelings be known.
November 6, 2025 at 8:45 PM
If you are in the business of making stories, quality writing is non-negotiable. Good localization is non-negotiable.
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
You don't need me to tell you this is yet more good money being burned after bad. But as someone who's worked with that QA team, I'll say they're unsung heroes who truly play a huge role in maintaining SE's reputation for high quality locs and to attempt to replace them with AI is deeply insulting.
Square Enix wants 70% of its QA work to be handled by generative AI by the end of 2027, in partnership with the University of Tokyo's Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory. https://bit.ly/4qKdyQR
November 6, 2025 at 5:46 PM
You don't need me to tell you this is yet more good money being burned after bad. But as someone who's worked with that QA team, I'll say they're unsung heroes who truly play a huge role in maintaining SE's reputation for high quality locs and to attempt to replace them with AI is deeply insulting.
I learned the hard way that Dispatch expects you *not* to make your heroes all-'rounders
www.polygon.com/dispatch-epi...
www.polygon.com/dispatch-epi...
Dispatch's automatic fail checks are driving me mad
It's a skill issue
www.polygon.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:27 PM
I learned the hard way that Dispatch expects you *not* to make your heroes all-'rounders
www.polygon.com/dispatch-epi...
www.polygon.com/dispatch-epi...
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
"Weaving together mythology, magic, and historical detail, each case you solve fairly sticks to the rules, no matter how supernatural." My Seance of Blake Manor review! @spookydoorway.bsky.social @rawfury.bsky.social
This supernatural detective story is incredibly immersive, with magical solutions that force you to learn their rules rather than feeling cheap
The Séance of Blake Manor is an incredibly detailed supernatural mystery where every guest is laden with secrets to unravel.
www.gamesradar.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:56 PM
"Weaving together mythology, magic, and historical detail, each case you solve fairly sticks to the rules, no matter how supernatural." My Seance of Blake Manor review! @spookydoorway.bsky.social @rawfury.bsky.social
I know Dispatch is a rom-com but I'm starting to like it better when it isn't. The date scenes are cute. The hangout scenes are way better
November 6, 2025 at 2:39 PM
I know Dispatch is a rom-com but I'm starting to like it better when it isn't. The date scenes are cute. The hangout scenes are way better
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
Briana White - Aerith’s voice actress in the FF7 series- is currently running a huge charity auction with a bunch of Final Fantasy memorabilia. And all proceeds are donated Immigrant Defenders Law Center - helping for legal funds and reconnecting families. Take a look! tiltify.com/@thestranger...
Tiltify - Made for Fundraisers
We give you the tools to engage with your donors and raise more for your charity
tiltify.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Briana White - Aerith’s voice actress in the FF7 series- is currently running a huge charity auction with a bunch of Final Fantasy memorabilia. And all proceeds are donated Immigrant Defenders Law Center - helping for legal funds and reconnecting families. Take a look! tiltify.com/@thestranger...
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
It's a lot more complicated than you think
What even is game direction? We asked 13 game directors
It's a lot more complicated than you think
www.polygon.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:30 PM
It's a lot more complicated than you think
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
For those who need it later to share
November 5, 2025 at 2:09 AM
For those who need it later to share
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
Obsidian had a huge and ambitious investigation-like component to key dialogue moments in Outer Worlds 2, which would've been a big step forward for RPGs. The catch? It took months to fully write a single conversation
www.polygon.com/outer-worlds...
www.polygon.com/outer-worlds...
Outer Worlds 2's most ambitious (but cut) feature would have added years to development
A cut feature and a compromise led to more player choice
www.polygon.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Obsidian had a huge and ambitious investigation-like component to key dialogue moments in Outer Worlds 2, which would've been a big step forward for RPGs. The catch? It took months to fully write a single conversation
www.polygon.com/outer-worlds...
www.polygon.com/outer-worlds...
Obsidian had a huge and ambitious investigation-like component to key dialogue moments in Outer Worlds 2, which would've been a big step forward for RPGs. The catch? It took months to fully write a single conversation
www.polygon.com/outer-worlds...
www.polygon.com/outer-worlds...
Outer Worlds 2's most ambitious (but cut) feature would have added years to development
A cut feature and a compromise led to more player choice
www.polygon.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Obsidian had a huge and ambitious investigation-like component to key dialogue moments in Outer Worlds 2, which would've been a big step forward for RPGs. The catch? It took months to fully write a single conversation
www.polygon.com/outer-worlds...
www.polygon.com/outer-worlds...
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
Looking for a reviewer for the upcoming PC/Mobile #MMO Sword of Justice from NetEase. We can get you set up with a preview account as well as with currency to check out the in-game store if you're game. Email in bio / shoot me a DM here if interested.
November 4, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Looking for a reviewer for the upcoming PC/Mobile #MMO Sword of Justice from NetEase. We can get you set up with a preview account as well as with currency to check out the in-game store if you're game. Email in bio / shoot me a DM here if interested.
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
As someone who’s played a dumb amount of #HyruleWarriors, #AgeOfImprisonment is the game I wanted this series to be, adding more #Zelda mechanics to the gameplay, with more fluid and diverse combat, and it doesn’t run like shit.
Full review @rollingstone.com
Full review @rollingstone.com
'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment' Is an Action Epic that Gives Zelda Her Due
Nintendo and Koei Tecmo nail the 'Hyrule Warriors' concept with an engaging story and 'Zelda' mechanics
www.rollingstone.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:04 PM
As someone who’s played a dumb amount of #HyruleWarriors, #AgeOfImprisonment is the game I wanted this series to be, adding more #Zelda mechanics to the gameplay, with more fluid and diverse combat, and it doesn’t run like shit.
Full review @rollingstone.com
Full review @rollingstone.com
Reposted by Josh Broadwell
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is probably one of the biggest surprises of the year. A genuinely great iteratiok ok AoC, good story with a fantastic finale, and best surprise of all - a mini Star Fox game www.inverse.com/gaming/hyrul...
'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment's Best New Feature Is A Star Fox Game In Disguise
'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment' is another strong collaboration between Koei Tecmo and Nintendo, packing in a few surprises to boot.
www.inverse.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is probably one of the biggest surprises of the year. A genuinely great iteratiok ok AoC, good story with a fantastic finale, and best surprise of all - a mini Star Fox game www.inverse.com/gaming/hyrul...
New Prime 4 trailer is pretty good, though I'm wondering if those psychic powers are just going to be "use mAgiC to unlock the door" kinda thing when a perfectly fine doorknob (or X-Ray visor to spot invisible platforms) would've solved the problem just as well
November 4, 2025 at 3:15 PM
New Prime 4 trailer is pretty good, though I'm wondering if those psychic powers are just going to be "use mAgiC to unlock the door" kinda thing when a perfectly fine doorknob (or X-Ray visor to spot invisible platforms) would've solved the problem just as well