Harrison Polites
@harrisonpolites.bsky.social
Writer of the Infinite Lives, an Australian video game Substack. Tech and Startup Comms consultant. Former business tech journo.
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Infinite Lives | Harrison Polites | Substack
Weekly analysis on the video games and the games industry from an Australian perspective. Written for gamers and those who are just curious about gaming.
Cheat code unlocked: Welcome to Infinite Liv...
infinitelives.substack.com
First post! Quick intro:
I'm Australian and a former journo, now helping startups with media. Also write a weekly column on gaming, which regularly features in StartUp Daily.
I'm largely here share things about gaming, including my work on my Substack, Infinite Lives. infinitelives.substack.com
I'm Australian and a former journo, now helping startups with media. Also write a weekly column on gaming, which regularly features in StartUp Daily.
I'm largely here share things about gaming, including my work on my Substack, Infinite Lives. infinitelives.substack.com
Tiny bit shocked to not see Ghost of Yotei make the shortlist for Game of The Year.
You may say... "It likely released too late to be considered". But I did some data work last week, and Q4 releases (often in October) make the shortlist more often than not.
You may say... "It likely released too late to be considered". But I did some data work last week, and Q4 releases (often in October) make the shortlist more often than not.
November 17, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Tiny bit shocked to not see Ghost of Yotei make the shortlist for Game of The Year.
You may say... "It likely released too late to be considered". But I did some data work last week, and Q4 releases (often in October) make the shortlist more often than not.
You may say... "It likely released too late to be considered". But I did some data work last week, and Q4 releases (often in October) make the shortlist more often than not.
I cannot understate my love for Pokemon. Grew up with the games, stuck with them as an adult.
Which is why it hurts to see the series plateau in terms of production values, with a lack of graphical finesse and voice acting, despite really strong core gameplay mechs.... while also charging $AUD110.
Which is why it hurts to see the series plateau in terms of production values, with a lack of graphical finesse and voice acting, despite really strong core gameplay mechs.... while also charging $AUD110.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A shows the franchise may have outgrown Game Freak's capabilities
REVIEW: The developer nails yet another very fun, addictive game. But its lack of graphical and audio production values for a premium priced game diminishes the overall experience.
infinitelives.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:45 PM
I cannot understate my love for Pokemon. Grew up with the games, stuck with them as an adult.
Which is why it hurts to see the series plateau in terms of production values, with a lack of graphical finesse and voice acting, despite really strong core gameplay mechs.... while also charging $AUD110.
Which is why it hurts to see the series plateau in terms of production values, with a lack of graphical finesse and voice acting, despite really strong core gameplay mechs.... while also charging $AUD110.
Still listen to the soundtrack regularly.
remember how good Hi-Fi Rush was
October 24, 2025 at 4:44 AM
Still listen to the soundtrack regularly.
I find it wild, and fascinating, that The Economist - a North Star for a lot of newsrooms - is running great gaming journalism when most major newsrooms in Aus just aren’t?
Are video games getting harder?
Our analysis shows how games have changed in the past 40 years
www.economist.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:44 AM
I find it wild, and fascinating, that The Economist - a North Star for a lot of newsrooms - is running great gaming journalism when most major newsrooms in Aus just aren’t?
Really happy with how this one turned out, thanks so much to @dave.powerhoof.com for talking to me.
Hopefully some good advice in here for indie devs and those curious in the indie industry.
Hopefully some good advice in here for indie devs and those curious in the indie industry.
Not every indie studio needs to be Hollow Knight: Powerhoof's quiet success story
The makers of The Drifter have achieved something many others in the games industry are chasing: A sustainable business.
infinitelives.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Really happy with how this one turned out, thanks so much to @dave.powerhoof.com for talking to me.
Hopefully some good advice in here for indie devs and those curious in the indie industry.
Hopefully some good advice in here for indie devs and those curious in the indie industry.
Reposted by Harrison Polites
Reminder to Australian devs that @sifterhq.bsky.social does the lord's work every year by compiling every single Australian-made videogame they can find. You can submit your 2025 releases here: www.sifter.com.au/add-my-game-...
Add my game to SIFTER's Australian Made Games List
Have you released a game made in Australia this year? Use this form to let us know
www.sifter.com.au
October 20, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Reminder to Australian devs that @sifterhq.bsky.social does the lord's work every year by compiling every single Australian-made videogame they can find. You can submit your 2025 releases here: www.sifter.com.au/add-my-game-...
Man, this was tough.
I played dozens of games on the PAX show floor a week or so ago. Today, I single out four (and mentioned a lot more) that are worth paying attention to.
Here's my take: infinitelives.substack.com/p/my-pick-of...
I played dozens of games on the PAX show floor a week or so ago. Today, I single out four (and mentioned a lot more) that are worth paying attention to.
Here's my take: infinitelives.substack.com/p/my-pick-of...
My pick of PAX Australia's best indies
Some standouts in what is an increasingly crowded expo.
infinitelives.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Man, this was tough.
I played dozens of games on the PAX show floor a week or so ago. Today, I single out four (and mentioned a lot more) that are worth paying attention to.
Here's my take: infinitelives.substack.com/p/my-pick-of...
I played dozens of games on the PAX show floor a week or so ago. Today, I single out four (and mentioned a lot more) that are worth paying attention to.
Here's my take: infinitelives.substack.com/p/my-pick-of...
So far Pokémon ZA is ticking a lot of boxes.
✅ Cool new combat system
✅ Older characters, so I don’t feel weird playing as a child as a 30 yr old.
✅ It’s fast paced!
✅ Heavy tutorial, but you still get into the core game quickly.
So far so good! What are your thoughts?
✅ Cool new combat system
✅ Older characters, so I don’t feel weird playing as a child as a 30 yr old.
✅ It’s fast paced!
✅ Heavy tutorial, but you still get into the core game quickly.
So far so good! What are your thoughts?
October 18, 2025 at 12:09 AM
So far Pokémon ZA is ticking a lot of boxes.
✅ Cool new combat system
✅ Older characters, so I don’t feel weird playing as a child as a 30 yr old.
✅ It’s fast paced!
✅ Heavy tutorial, but you still get into the core game quickly.
So far so good! What are your thoughts?
✅ Cool new combat system
✅ Older characters, so I don’t feel weird playing as a child as a 30 yr old.
✅ It’s fast paced!
✅ Heavy tutorial, but you still get into the core game quickly.
So far so good! What are your thoughts?
My giant angry Feraligatr is so sneaky. They never saw it coming.
October 18, 2025 at 12:02 AM
My giant angry Feraligatr is so sneaky. They never saw it coming.
Who did you pick as your starter and why?
For me: I’ve never picked Totodile before in any other game, so it’s getting a whirl.
For me: I’ve never picked Totodile before in any other game, so it’s getting a whirl.
October 16, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Who did you pick as your starter and why?
For me: I’ve never picked Totodile before in any other game, so it’s getting a whirl.
For me: I’ve never picked Totodile before in any other game, so it’s getting a whirl.
I've only just encountered this earlier this year, but is indeed a thing.
Put an AU figure in the headline, and I got spammed with: "Ahh, dude, that's the wrong amount"
Put an AU figure in the headline, and I got spammed with: "Ahh, dude, that's the wrong amount"
I love interacting with people on Facebook dot com, how dare we use our own currency
October 15, 2025 at 11:57 PM
I've only just encountered this earlier this year, but is indeed a thing.
Put an AU figure in the headline, and I got spammed with: "Ahh, dude, that's the wrong amount"
Put an AU figure in the headline, and I got spammed with: "Ahh, dude, that's the wrong amount"
In today's edition: I try to quantify the rise of Indies at #PAXAus, with the help of both @scree.bsky.social and @firkraags.bsky.social aags.bsky.social.
Both reporters have been recording the number of games on exhibition. While not an exact science, the trend is there!
Both reporters have been recording the number of games on exhibition. While not an exact science, the trend is there!
Indie games are slowly dominating PAX Australia
The absence of larger games is giving local titles their time to shine.
infinitelives.substack.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:31 PM
In today's edition: I try to quantify the rise of Indies at #PAXAus, with the help of both @scree.bsky.social and @firkraags.bsky.social aags.bsky.social.
Both reporters have been recording the number of games on exhibition. While not an exact science, the trend is there!
Both reporters have been recording the number of games on exhibition. While not an exact science, the trend is there!
Going to be juggling a few games over the next few weeks. Just now starting on Ghost of Yotei. Any tips?
October 15, 2025 at 4:08 AM
Going to be juggling a few games over the next few weeks. Just now starting on Ghost of Yotei. Any tips?
After playing the demo at PAX, and reading this, I’m really pumped for this game.
Glad they’ve managed to find a way to go in a new direction without shafting the VGC community.
Glad they’ve managed to find a way to go in a new direction without shafting the VGC community.
my pokemon legends: z-a review!! i loved it a lot, the new structure tickles my brain, and i think i'm going to attempt a full pokedex bc it's so moreish.
Pokémon Legends Z-A review: a bold new frontier | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a bold twist on the traditional Pokémon formula, reinventing the wheel with fresh new gameplay and exploration.
www.screenhub.com.au
October 15, 2025 at 3:49 AM
After playing the demo at PAX, and reading this, I’m really pumped for this game.
Glad they’ve managed to find a way to go in a new direction without shafting the VGC community.
Glad they’ve managed to find a way to go in a new direction without shafting the VGC community.
Morning @firkraags.bsky.social! Wanted to get in touch regarding your list of PAX Indies, to cross check a piece that I'm doing. What's the best way to reach you? BlueSky won't let me DM.
October 13, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Morning @firkraags.bsky.social! Wanted to get in touch regarding your list of PAX Indies, to cross check a piece that I'm doing. What's the best way to reach you? BlueSky won't let me DM.
I love playing Magic, but let me introduce you to the bane of my existence... sorting cards.
First by colour. Then by mana value.
Any tips? Also best way to purge cards in Australia? My collection is getting a little full.
First by colour. Then by mana value.
Any tips? Also best way to purge cards in Australia? My collection is getting a little full.
October 13, 2025 at 6:41 AM
I love playing Magic, but let me introduce you to the bane of my existence... sorting cards.
First by colour. Then by mana value.
Any tips? Also best way to purge cards in Australia? My collection is getting a little full.
First by colour. Then by mana value.
Any tips? Also best way to purge cards in Australia? My collection is getting a little full.
One more example of the ‘cardification’ of PAX, and gaming.
Nerdier than Califorinication and not dire like enshitification.
Nerdier than Califorinication and not dire like enshitification.
PAX Aus once again has me at a very high risk of getting into Magic the Gathering, please know I can’t afford that in time or in money 😂😅
October 11, 2025 at 10:16 PM
One more example of the ‘cardification’ of PAX, and gaming.
Nerdier than Califorinication and not dire like enshitification.
Nerdier than Califorinication and not dire like enshitification.
Here’s a blast from the not too distant past. Listening to the Hi-Fi Rush Soundtrack on the train into #PAXAus today.
The Elsinore cover of Fiona Apple’s ‘Fast As You Can’ is a banger — and the accompanying boss fight is one of the game’s best. RIP Tango Gameworks
music.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
The Elsinore cover of Fiona Apple’s ‘Fast As You Can’ is a banger — and the accompanying boss fight is one of the game’s best. RIP Tango Gameworks
music.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Hi-Fi Rush Soundtrack
Listen to Hi-Fi Rush Soundtrack on YouTube Music - a dedicated music app with official songs, music videos, remixes, covers, and more.
music.youtube.com
October 11, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Here’s a blast from the not too distant past. Listening to the Hi-Fi Rush Soundtrack on the train into #PAXAus today.
The Elsinore cover of Fiona Apple’s ‘Fast As You Can’ is a banger — and the accompanying boss fight is one of the game’s best. RIP Tango Gameworks
music.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
The Elsinore cover of Fiona Apple’s ‘Fast As You Can’ is a banger — and the accompanying boss fight is one of the game’s best. RIP Tango Gameworks
music.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Reposted by Harrison Polites
PAX Day 2! Thanks everyone :)
@bradgoodwin.bsky.social @nomibelle.bsky.social @jaydencusack.bsky.social @bibbybhoy.bsky.social @faultrunner.bsky.social @austingallagher.bsky.social @gdig.bsky.social @jamiegalea.bsky.social @riorobayo.bsky.social @kjpalmer.bsky.social @harrisonpolites.bsky.social
@bradgoodwin.bsky.social @nomibelle.bsky.social @jaydencusack.bsky.social @bibbybhoy.bsky.social @faultrunner.bsky.social @austingallagher.bsky.social @gdig.bsky.social @jamiegalea.bsky.social @riorobayo.bsky.social @kjpalmer.bsky.social @harrisonpolites.bsky.social
October 11, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Reposted by Harrison Polites
A drink after a jam packed PAX Friday! See you all tommorow!
#paxaus2025
@bradgoodwin.bsky.social
@alexbestie.com.au
@harrisonpolites.bsky.social
#paxaus2025
@bradgoodwin.bsky.social
@alexbestie.com.au
@harrisonpolites.bsky.social
October 10, 2025 at 6:32 AM
A drink after a jam packed PAX Friday! See you all tommorow!
#paxaus2025
@bradgoodwin.bsky.social
@alexbestie.com.au
@harrisonpolites.bsky.social
#paxaus2025
@bradgoodwin.bsky.social
@alexbestie.com.au
@harrisonpolites.bsky.social
Bumper edition of Infinite Lives this week, covering Melb International Games Week. Game dev challenges, AI in games, Roblox and... Neopets?
It's all in there.
It's all in there.
"Buying a lottery ticket": Australia's games industry is making peace with its instability
A bumper edition on all that was discussed, and what wasn't, at the Melbourne Game Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP) conference.
infinitelives.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Bumper edition of Infinite Lives this week, covering Melb International Games Week. Game dev challenges, AI in games, Roblox and... Neopets?
It's all in there.
It's all in there.
Melbourne International Games Week is next week!
Govt estimations say it will draw more of a crowd than the AFL Grand Final this year -- one of the city's largest events.
I look at what makes this event so special and ask those in the industry what they are attending and why.
Govt estimations say it will draw more of a crowd than the AFL Grand Final this year -- one of the city's largest events.
I look at what makes this event so special and ask those in the industry what they are attending and why.
Melbourne International Games Week is so much more than cosplay and giveaways
One of the city's largest and most misunderstood events lands next week. Here's why it matters.
infinitelives.substack.com
October 2, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Melbourne International Games Week is next week!
Govt estimations say it will draw more of a crowd than the AFL Grand Final this year -- one of the city's largest events.
I look at what makes this event so special and ask those in the industry what they are attending and why.
Govt estimations say it will draw more of a crowd than the AFL Grand Final this year -- one of the city's largest events.
I look at what makes this event so special and ask those in the industry what they are attending and why.
In today's Inf Lives: @thisweekinvideogames.com, launched by @skillup.bsky.social and @edmondtran.bsky.social, secured 500+ paid subscribers in its first month—a rare feat for any publication.
I look at the growing trend of reader-supported platforms in global gaming journalism.
I look at the growing trend of reader-supported platforms in global gaming journalism.
SkillUp’s sudden success is more proof that gamers will pay for journalism
One month in and This Week In Videogames, launched by an Australian content creator, is off to a roaring start.
infinitelives.substack.com
September 18, 2025 at 3:30 AM
In today's Inf Lives: @thisweekinvideogames.com, launched by @skillup.bsky.social and @edmondtran.bsky.social, secured 500+ paid subscribers in its first month—a rare feat for any publication.
I look at the growing trend of reader-supported platforms in global gaming journalism.
I look at the growing trend of reader-supported platforms in global gaming journalism.
One of the world's oldest gaming studies is Australian. Australia Plays has been running 20 years now, shaping global debate about what the average videogamer looks like.
As the data becomes repetitive, I explore the report's future with its creators.
As the data becomes repetitive, I explore the report's future with its creators.
Inside one of the world's longest-running studies into the 'average gamer'
Operating for 20 years, Australia Plays has become a globally influential gaming survey authority. But it now faces new challenges as its data matures.
infinitelives.substack.com
September 10, 2025 at 11:34 PM
One of the world's oldest gaming studies is Australian. Australia Plays has been running 20 years now, shaping global debate about what the average videogamer looks like.
As the data becomes repetitive, I explore the report's future with its creators.
As the data becomes repetitive, I explore the report's future with its creators.