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
Hey, I think prediction pieces can be a bit of a waste of time too.
But... I asked everyone I interviewed this year for a gaming industry prediction, and the piece actually turned out really well! Lots in here about AI, game discovery and the rise of Indies.
But... I asked everyone I interviewed this year for a gaming industry prediction, and the piece actually turned out really well! Lots in here about AI, game discovery and the rise of Indies.
An AI recalibration? Indie supremacy and discoverability worsens: The Australian games industry's predictions for 2026
What game developers, journalists and industry insiders see coming in the new year.
infinitelives.substack.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:14 AM
Hey, I think prediction pieces can be a bit of a waste of time too.
But... I asked everyone I interviewed this year for a gaming industry prediction, and the piece actually turned out really well! Lots in here about AI, game discovery and the rise of Indies.
But... I asked everyone I interviewed this year for a gaming industry prediction, and the piece actually turned out really well! Lots in here about AI, game discovery and the rise of Indies.
Been covering the sector for 18 months.
Still trying to wrap my head around how there’s billions floating around, but everyone in it is struggling financially.
This, at least, nails one aspect of the issue.
Still trying to wrap my head around how there’s billions floating around, but everyone in it is struggling financially.
This, at least, nails one aspect of the issue.
The games industry brings in 300 billion dollars a year. The guy who made DOOM gets his projects canceled, the guy who made Katamari Damacy is broke, everyone in your feed is begging for a job and there are 50 new games coming out on Steam every day all going towards buying Gabe Newell's next yacht
Keita Takahashi (Katamari, Wattam, Noby Noby Boy) has moved back to Japan, and says he may be forced to quit the games industry due to To a T underperforming.
He also says he'd love to work on Katamari again, and for someone to invest in his studio.
(Read more at GamesRadar)
He also says he'd love to work on Katamari again, and for someone to invest in his studio.
(Read more at GamesRadar)
December 16, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Been covering the sector for 18 months.
Still trying to wrap my head around how there’s billions floating around, but everyone in it is struggling financially.
This, at least, nails one aspect of the issue.
Still trying to wrap my head around how there’s billions floating around, but everyone in it is struggling financially.
This, at least, nails one aspect of the issue.
I'm coining a new phrase today, don't think it will stick though... and for the sake of gaming more broadly, I hope it isn't really a trend.
The Outer Worlds 2 feels like another victim of ‘game-passification’
REVIEW: The sequel refines the combat but frustratingly loses sight of what made the original special: meaningful choice
infinitelives.substack.com
December 15, 2025 at 10:57 PM
I'm coining a new phrase today, don't think it will stick though... and for the sake of gaming more broadly, I hope it isn't really a trend.
Hit another milestone today! Infinite Lives' first contributor article is up!
@nomibelle.bsky.social looks at accessibility and The Game Awards. The show once championed the issue, now, years on, all GOTY nominees aren't exactly pushing it forward.
Here's why it matters.
@nomibelle.bsky.social looks at accessibility and The Game Awards. The show once championed the issue, now, years on, all GOTY nominees aren't exactly pushing it forward.
Here's why it matters.
'Ship and survive': The Game Awards' GOTY nominees highlight gaming's quiet accessibility crisis
Most of this year's Game of the Year nominees are missing basic accessibility features, exposing how industry layoffs and budget cuts are pushing inclusion to the sidelines.
infinitelives.substack.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Hit another milestone today! Infinite Lives' first contributor article is up!
@nomibelle.bsky.social looks at accessibility and The Game Awards. The show once championed the issue, now, years on, all GOTY nominees aren't exactly pushing it forward.
Here's why it matters.
@nomibelle.bsky.social looks at accessibility and The Game Awards. The show once championed the issue, now, years on, all GOTY nominees aren't exactly pushing it forward.
Here's why it matters.
We’ve all tried it…
December 4, 2025 at 2:46 AM
We’ve all tried it…
I love my Switch 2, but six months on, it's kinda gathering dust. And that's because, I only really play Nintendo-exclusive games on it.
I look at some of the friction points with Nintendo's broader ecosystem, and why they are holding back an otherwise brilliant bit of tech.
I look at some of the friction points with Nintendo's broader ecosystem, and why they are holding back an otherwise brilliant bit of tech.
Six months on: The Switch 2 is fantastic but Nintendo still doesn’t understand the internet
REVIEW: While I love playing Nintendo exclusives on it, I’m reluctant to use the console for anything else. And with the evolving device ecosystem, that’s an issue.
infinitelives.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:18 AM
I love my Switch 2, but six months on, it's kinda gathering dust. And that's because, I only really play Nintendo-exclusive games on it.
I look at some of the friction points with Nintendo's broader ecosystem, and why they are holding back an otherwise brilliant bit of tech.
I look at some of the friction points with Nintendo's broader ecosystem, and why they are holding back an otherwise brilliant bit of tech.
In a year full of sequels, another AAA Edo-period Japan game, and yet another PS revenge story... Ghost of Yotei feels skippable.
But I really, really enjoyed my time with it.
It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but that's fine? It's yet another solid game from Sucker Punch. Perhaps snubbed for GoTY.
But I really, really enjoyed my time with it.
It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but that's fine? It's yet another solid game from Sucker Punch. Perhaps snubbed for GoTY.
Ghost of Yotei is PlayStation's best revenge story to date
REVIEW: It may have been snubbed for Game of the Year, but this masterclass in restraint, humanity and storytelling justifies its premium price tag.
infinitelives.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 10:59 PM
In a year full of sequels, another AAA Edo-period Japan game, and yet another PS revenge story... Ghost of Yotei feels skippable.
But I really, really enjoyed my time with it.
It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but that's fine? It's yet another solid game from Sucker Punch. Perhaps snubbed for GoTY.
But I really, really enjoyed my time with it.
It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but that's fine? It's yet another solid game from Sucker Punch. Perhaps snubbed for GoTY.
Always wanted to be a journalist.
Fell into tech journalism by chance, loved it. Years later, when career progression slowed, was tricked into tech PR. Was good at it, enjoy giving advice.
Stayed in PR, now work for myself. And feed my passion for journalism - which never died - on Substack.
Fell into tech journalism by chance, loved it. Years later, when career progression slowed, was tricked into tech PR. Was good at it, enjoy giving advice.
Stayed in PR, now work for myself. And feed my passion for journalism - which never died - on Substack.
November 24, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Always wanted to be a journalist.
Fell into tech journalism by chance, loved it. Years later, when career progression slowed, was tricked into tech PR. Was good at it, enjoy giving advice.
Stayed in PR, now work for myself. And feed my passion for journalism - which never died - on Substack.
Fell into tech journalism by chance, loved it. Years later, when career progression slowed, was tricked into tech PR. Was good at it, enjoy giving advice.
Stayed in PR, now work for myself. And feed my passion for journalism - which never died - on Substack.
Games journalism once made or broke a game. Today, it’s kept around mostly for scores and pull quotes.
My third piece in a series on the changing nature of videogame reviews. infinitelives.substack.com/p/how-the-ga...
Cheers to @dave.powerhoof.com, Alex Harding and Simon Slee for their thoughts.
My third piece in a series on the changing nature of videogame reviews. infinitelives.substack.com/p/how-the-ga...
Cheers to @dave.powerhoof.com, Alex Harding and Simon Slee for their thoughts.
How the games industry sees the decline of traditional reviews
Games journalism once made or broke a game. Today, it’s kept around mostly for scores and pull quotes.
infinitelives.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Games journalism once made or broke a game. Today, it’s kept around mostly for scores and pull quotes.
My third piece in a series on the changing nature of videogame reviews. infinitelives.substack.com/p/how-the-ga...
Cheers to @dave.powerhoof.com, Alex Harding and Simon Slee for their thoughts.
My third piece in a series on the changing nature of videogame reviews. infinitelives.substack.com/p/how-the-ga...
Cheers to @dave.powerhoof.com, Alex Harding and Simon Slee for their thoughts.
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.