James Batchelor
@jamesbatchelor.bsky.social
Comms Manager at @digitalbandidos.bsky.social. Runs Non-Violent Game of the Day (@nvgotd.bsky.social). Former journalist
Author (The Best Non-Violent Video Games, Wandless, Blow The House Down) www.jamesbatchelor.me
Father. Gamer. Soundtrack Nerd
Author (The Best Non-Violent Video Games, Wandless, Blow The House Down) www.jamesbatchelor.me
Father. Gamer. Soundtrack Nerd
Pinned
The History of the Pokémon Games is now available to buy!
🎮 Over 150 games covered
📖 The making of Gens 1-9
🎙️Foreword by @theveronicat.bsky.social (the original Ash Ketchum)
Available from @penandswordbooks.bsky.social, Amazon, Waterstones, Foyles, and more
Links to buy: bit.ly/4a9jpb3
🎮 Over 150 games covered
📖 The making of Gens 1-9
🎙️Foreword by @theveronicat.bsky.social (the original Ash Ketchum)
Available from @penandswordbooks.bsky.social, Amazon, Waterstones, Foyles, and more
Links to buy: bit.ly/4a9jpb3
Finally finished Star Wars Outlaws last night, and I genuinely don't understand why this didn't sell better.
Great Star Wars game/story centred around a little explored aspect of the universe (i.e. the underworld), solid open world game, great characters.
I want a sequel.
Great Star Wars game/story centred around a little explored aspect of the universe (i.e. the underworld), solid open world game, great characters.
I want a sequel.
February 13, 2026 at 11:36 AM
Finally finished Star Wars Outlaws last night, and I genuinely don't understand why this didn't sell better.
Great Star Wars game/story centred around a little explored aspect of the universe (i.e. the underworld), solid open world game, great characters.
I want a sequel.
Great Star Wars game/story centred around a little explored aspect of the universe (i.e. the underworld), solid open world game, great characters.
I want a sequel.
Got some late Christmas money from my folks, so wanted to treat myself to a Metroid Prime. Couldn't decide between 4 and Remastered, so...
February 12, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Got some late Christmas money from my folks, so wanted to treat myself to a Metroid Prime. Couldn't decide between 4 and Remastered, so...
Got some late Christmas money from my folks, so wanted to treat myself to a Metroid Prime. Couldn't decide between 4 and Remastered, so...
February 12, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Got some late Christmas money from my folks, so wanted to treat myself to a Metroid Prime. Couldn't decide between 4 and Remastered, so...
Reposted by James Batchelor
Just one week to go! Check out some of the great games you'll see in Indie Fan Fest on Feb 19
🔴 Coffee Talk Tokyo - @coffeetalkgame.bsky.social
🔴 Box Knight
🔴 Cleaning Up!
🔴 Grim Trials - @rollinggloryjam.bsky.social
➡️ indiefanfest.com
🔴 Coffee Talk Tokyo - @coffeetalkgame.bsky.social
🔴 Box Knight
🔴 Cleaning Up!
🔴 Grim Trials - @rollinggloryjam.bsky.social
➡️ indiefanfest.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Just one week to go! Check out some of the great games you'll see in Indie Fan Fest on Feb 19
🔴 Coffee Talk Tokyo - @coffeetalkgame.bsky.social
🔴 Box Knight
🔴 Cleaning Up!
🔴 Grim Trials - @rollinggloryjam.bsky.social
➡️ indiefanfest.com
🔴 Coffee Talk Tokyo - @coffeetalkgame.bsky.social
🔴 Box Knight
🔴 Cleaning Up!
🔴 Grim Trials - @rollinggloryjam.bsky.social
➡️ indiefanfest.com
Reposted by James Batchelor
Eight days to go! Here's more indie gems you'll see in Indie Fan Fest on Feb 19
🔴 Fallen Tear: The Ascension
🔴 Collector's Cove - @VoodooDuckGames.bsky.social
🔴 Luna Abyss - @LunaAbyssGame.bsky.social
🔴 Rainbow Legends
➡️ indiefanfest.com
🔴 Fallen Tear: The Ascension
🔴 Collector's Cove - @VoodooDuckGames.bsky.social
🔴 Luna Abyss - @LunaAbyssGame.bsky.social
🔴 Rainbow Legends
➡️ indiefanfest.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Eight days to go! Here's more indie gems you'll see in Indie Fan Fest on Feb 19
🔴 Fallen Tear: The Ascension
🔴 Collector's Cove - @VoodooDuckGames.bsky.social
🔴 Luna Abyss - @LunaAbyssGame.bsky.social
🔴 Rainbow Legends
➡️ indiefanfest.com
🔴 Fallen Tear: The Ascension
🔴 Collector's Cove - @VoodooDuckGames.bsky.social
🔴 Luna Abyss - @LunaAbyssGame.bsky.social
🔴 Rainbow Legends
➡️ indiefanfest.com
Was in danger of overrunning, but I think this went pretty well.
Thanks to @seffers007.bsky.social for sending me these...
Thanks to @seffers007.bsky.social for sending me these...
February 11, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Was in danger of overrunning, but I think this went pretty well.
Thanks to @seffers007.bsky.social for sending me these...
Thanks to @seffers007.bsky.social for sending me these...
First games industry event of the year for me is Let's Talk Games in Leamington Spa. I'm here to talk about getting your game noticed by press, publishers and more
February 11, 2026 at 12:46 PM
First games industry event of the year for me is Let's Talk Games in Leamington Spa. I'm here to talk about getting your game noticed by press, publishers and more
Reposted by James Batchelor
If you want to be considered for early access to Froggy Hates Snow and any other upcoming Digital Bandidos games, sign up at our website: digitalbandidos.com/creators/
Creators – Digital Bandidos
We love working with creators who share our passion for indie games.
digitalbandidos.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:45 PM
If you want to be considered for early access to Froggy Hates Snow and any other upcoming Digital Bandidos games, sign up at our website: digitalbandidos.com/creators/
Reposted by James Batchelor
A huge thank you to all YouTubers, Twitch streamers and other content creators taking the time to check out Froggy Hates Snow -- including Zodvalis for this handy summary of what the game's all about: www.youtube.com/shorts/O-f1P...
➡️ Play the demo today: store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/...
➡️ Play the demo today: store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/...
FROGGY HATES SNOW - MINUTE REVIEW
#shorts #gaming #gamereview #froggyhatessnow
Check this game out!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/FROGGY_HATES_SNOW/
Thanks to #lurkit providing a free review copy.
www.youtube.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:45 PM
A huge thank you to all YouTubers, Twitch streamers and other content creators taking the time to check out Froggy Hates Snow -- including Zodvalis for this handy summary of what the game's all about: www.youtube.com/shorts/O-f1P...
➡️ Play the demo today: store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/...
➡️ Play the demo today: store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/...
Reposted by James Batchelor
Here's your Tuesday To Do List:
🖱️ Install the newly overhauled demo for Froggy Hates Snow
➕️ Add the game to your Steam wishlist
🐸 Open Froggy Hates Snow demo
Dig in!
🤔 Try to remember what else you had to do today
Dig in again (just one more run, eh?)
store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/...
🖱️ Install the newly overhauled demo for Froggy Hates Snow
➕️ Add the game to your Steam wishlist
🐸 Open Froggy Hates Snow demo
Dig in!
🤔 Try to remember what else you had to do today
Dig in again (just one more run, eh?)
store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/...
February 10, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Here's your Tuesday To Do List:
🖱️ Install the newly overhauled demo for Froggy Hates Snow
➕️ Add the game to your Steam wishlist
🐸 Open Froggy Hates Snow demo
Dig in!
🤔 Try to remember what else you had to do today
Dig in again (just one more run, eh?)
store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/...
🖱️ Install the newly overhauled demo for Froggy Hates Snow
➕️ Add the game to your Steam wishlist
🐸 Open Froggy Hates Snow demo
Dig in!
🤔 Try to remember what else you had to do today
Dig in again (just one more run, eh?)
store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/...
Just drove to pick up my daughter from Brownies with this playing in the background as I pulled off the drive. Managed to park and stop exactly on the final guitar note...
...no, YOU'RE a nerd!
youtu.be/1P5S7ICvfDM?...
...no, YOU'RE a nerd!
youtu.be/1P5S7ICvfDM?...
03 Company Car - Tomorrow Never Dies
YouTube video by Tahu5Fan
youtu.be
February 9, 2026 at 7:26 PM
Just drove to pick up my daughter from Brownies with this playing in the background as I pulled off the drive. Managed to park and stop exactly on the final guitar note...
...no, YOU'RE a nerd!
youtu.be/1P5S7ICvfDM?...
...no, YOU'RE a nerd!
youtu.be/1P5S7ICvfDM?...
Stop what you're doing! Put off the Monday slog a little longer and hop in to the new and improved Froggy Hates Snow demo. You will not regret it!
(Well, until you have more to do tomorrow because you didn't finish your work today)
(Well, until you have more to do tomorrow because you didn't finish your work today)
The Froggy Hates Snow demo is back on Steam - and it's had a MAJOR overhaul!
Play now for expanded arenas, improved in-game events, and new character Puff (with poison spit attack)
🎮 Demo: store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/...
ℹ️ Deets: digitalbandidos.com/2026/02/09/f...
Wishlist today!
Play now for expanded arenas, improved in-game events, and new character Puff (with poison spit attack)
🎮 Demo: store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/...
ℹ️ Deets: digitalbandidos.com/2026/02/09/f...
Wishlist today!
February 9, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Stop what you're doing! Put off the Monday slog a little longer and hop in to the new and improved Froggy Hates Snow demo. You will not regret it!
(Well, until you have more to do tomorrow because you didn't finish your work today)
(Well, until you have more to do tomorrow because you didn't finish your work today)
The kids found the stopwatch function on their tablets today and started timing me while I was doing some jobs (cleaning the bathroom, polishing my office, etc).
Then my son found my phone, opened Nintendo Music, and followed me around while playing this: youtu.be/dLX1KDhShOM?...
Then my son found my phone, opened Nintendo Music, and followed me around while playing this: youtu.be/dLX1KDhShOM?...
Super Mario Bros. - HURRY (Underground Theme)
YouTube video by DAFTPUNKletlive
youtu.be
February 8, 2026 at 3:25 PM
The kids found the stopwatch function on their tablets today and started timing me while I was doing some jobs (cleaning the bathroom, polishing my office, etc).
Then my son found my phone, opened Nintendo Music, and followed me around while playing this: youtu.be/dLX1KDhShOM?...
Then my son found my phone, opened Nintendo Music, and followed me around while playing this: youtu.be/dLX1KDhShOM?...
Reposted by James Batchelor
Don't forget: @indiefanfest.bsky.social returns exactly two weeks from today!. Get an idea of what to expect here:
digitalbandidos.com/2026/02/06/i...
digitalbandidos.com/2026/02/06/i...
February 6, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Don't forget: @indiefanfest.bsky.social returns exactly two weeks from today!. Get an idea of what to expect here:
digitalbandidos.com/2026/02/06/i...
digitalbandidos.com/2026/02/06/i...
How did I miss the Horizon: Hunter's Gathering reveal yesterday? So intrigued to try multiplayer Horizon, and this looks much more my speed than the MMO (really hoping there's local co-op so I can play with my son)
youtu.be/JubgL46Xkmk?...
youtu.be/JubgL46Xkmk?...
Horizon Hunters Gathering - Announcement Trailer | PS5 Games
YouTube video by PlayStation
youtu.be
February 6, 2026 at 5:56 PM
How did I miss the Horizon: Hunter's Gathering reveal yesterday? So intrigued to try multiplayer Horizon, and this looks much more my speed than the MMO (really hoping there's local co-op so I can play with my son)
youtu.be/JubgL46Xkmk?...
youtu.be/JubgL46Xkmk?...
As if this year hasn't been bad enough so far, I forgot we only have eight months before the Trotters take over
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0XX...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0XX...
RODNEY'S NIGHTMARE 🤣 ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES trotter towers futuristic trottters
YouTube video by MAD BAD COMEDY
www.youtube.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:04 PM
As if this year hasn't been bad enough so far, I forgot we only have eight months before the Trotters take over
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0XX...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0XX...
I seem to have two mindsets when playing Donkey Kong Bananza:
1) "I think the novelty of just bashing through levels to reach bananas might be wearing off..."
and
2) "Wait... was that a banana outline I saw with that last slap?! Must tunnel there immediately!!"
1) "I think the novelty of just bashing through levels to reach bananas might be wearing off..."
and
2) "Wait... was that a banana outline I saw with that last slap?! Must tunnel there immediately!!"
February 4, 2026 at 8:47 PM
I seem to have two mindsets when playing Donkey Kong Bananza:
1) "I think the novelty of just bashing through levels to reach bananas might be wearing off..."
and
2) "Wait... was that a banana outline I saw with that last slap?! Must tunnel there immediately!!"
1) "I think the novelty of just bashing through levels to reach bananas might be wearing off..."
and
2) "Wait... was that a banana outline I saw with that last slap?! Must tunnel there immediately!!"
This game is just getting better and better. Can't wait for you all to try it.
Work is coming along nicely for the new Froggy Hates Snow demo. Want to get an idea of what to expect? Check out the latest Steam post here:
📣 store.steampowered.com/news/app/323...
Be sure to wishlist the game so you're notified when the demo arrives!
➡️ store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/...
📣 store.steampowered.com/news/app/323...
Be sure to wishlist the game so you're notified when the demo arrives!
➡️ store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/...
February 4, 2026 at 6:38 PM
This game is just getting better and better. Can't wait for you all to try it.
From the iconic originals to the latest hits (and everything in between)
The History of the Pokémon Games is available to buy now
📖 www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-History-...
The History of the Pokémon Games is available to buy now
📖 www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-History-...
February 4, 2026 at 12:12 PM
From the iconic originals to the latest hits (and everything in between)
The History of the Pokémon Games is available to buy now
📖 www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-History-...
The History of the Pokémon Games is available to buy now
📖 www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-History-...
Reposted by James Batchelor
The countdown to IFF is on! Check out some of the awesome indie games you can catch when our showcase returns on Feb 19th
🔴 Let's Build A Dungeon - @springloaded.bsky.social
🔴 Ex Sanguis - @Firesquid.Games
🔴 GRIDBeat - @PlayAcclaim.bsky.social
🔴 Nocturnal 2 - Sunnyside Games
➡️ indiefanfest.com
🔴 Let's Build A Dungeon - @springloaded.bsky.social
🔴 Ex Sanguis - @Firesquid.Games
🔴 GRIDBeat - @PlayAcclaim.bsky.social
🔴 Nocturnal 2 - Sunnyside Games
➡️ indiefanfest.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:42 PM
The countdown to IFF is on! Check out some of the awesome indie games you can catch when our showcase returns on Feb 19th
🔴 Let's Build A Dungeon - @springloaded.bsky.social
🔴 Ex Sanguis - @Firesquid.Games
🔴 GRIDBeat - @PlayAcclaim.bsky.social
🔴 Nocturnal 2 - Sunnyside Games
➡️ indiefanfest.com
🔴 Let's Build A Dungeon - @springloaded.bsky.social
🔴 Ex Sanguis - @Firesquid.Games
🔴 GRIDBeat - @PlayAcclaim.bsky.social
🔴 Nocturnal 2 - Sunnyside Games
➡️ indiefanfest.com
Reposted by James Batchelor
Volume #037 of the Newsletter is out❗️
📕 The @tuneandfairweather.bsky.social @lostincult.co.uk teasers didn't disappoint!
📘 #DragonQuest creator #YujiHorii gets a manga biography
📗 @jvlemag.com celebrates Animals in games
📙 #Pokémon game history from @jamesbatchelor.bsky.social
...and much more! 📚
📕 The @tuneandfairweather.bsky.social @lostincult.co.uk teasers didn't disappoint!
📘 #DragonQuest creator #YujiHorii gets a manga biography
📗 @jvlemag.com celebrates Animals in games
📙 #Pokémon game history from @jamesbatchelor.bsky.social
...and much more! 📚
The Video Game Library Newsletter - Vol. #037
Last week's cliffhangers revealed - hide your wallets!! Plus a ton of great manga and magazines, and some cool indie projects hitting shelves.
thevideogamelibrary.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:53 PM
Volume #037 of the Newsletter is out❗️
📕 The @tuneandfairweather.bsky.social @lostincult.co.uk teasers didn't disappoint!
📘 #DragonQuest creator #YujiHorii gets a manga biography
📗 @jvlemag.com celebrates Animals in games
📙 #Pokémon game history from @jamesbatchelor.bsky.social
...and much more! 📚
📕 The @tuneandfairweather.bsky.social @lostincult.co.uk teasers didn't disappoint!
📘 #DragonQuest creator #YujiHorii gets a manga biography
📗 @jvlemag.com celebrates Animals in games
📙 #Pokémon game history from @jamesbatchelor.bsky.social
...and much more! 📚
Reposted by James Batchelor
QUILTS AND CATS OF CALICO
Cozy board game in which you sew hexagons of fabric together to create a beautiful quilt and attract adorable cats
[ PC, Mac, PS5, XSX, Sw, iOS, Andr / 2024 / @monstercouch.bsky.social @flatoutgames.bsky.social ]
www.monstercouch.com/quilts-and-c...
Cozy board game in which you sew hexagons of fabric together to create a beautiful quilt and attract adorable cats
[ PC, Mac, PS5, XSX, Sw, iOS, Andr / 2024 / @monstercouch.bsky.social @flatoutgames.bsky.social ]
www.monstercouch.com/quilts-and-c...
February 2, 2026 at 6:50 PM
QUILTS AND CATS OF CALICO
Cozy board game in which you sew hexagons of fabric together to create a beautiful quilt and attract adorable cats
[ PC, Mac, PS5, XSX, Sw, iOS, Andr / 2024 / @monstercouch.bsky.social @flatoutgames.bsky.social ]
www.monstercouch.com/quilts-and-c...
Cozy board game in which you sew hexagons of fabric together to create a beautiful quilt and attract adorable cats
[ PC, Mac, PS5, XSX, Sw, iOS, Andr / 2024 / @monstercouch.bsky.social @flatoutgames.bsky.social ]
www.monstercouch.com/quilts-and-c...
So happy to finally meet @theveronicat.bsky.social in person after she so kindly wrote the foreword to my book. She's so damn lovely, and I encourage all Pokéfans to go and meet her if they get the chance
#Pokémon #pokemonbook #ashketchum #veronicataylor #iwannabetheverybestlikenooneeverwas
#Pokémon #pokemonbook #ashketchum #veronicataylor #iwannabetheverybestlikenooneeverwas
February 1, 2026 at 4:48 PM
So happy to finally meet @theveronicat.bsky.social in person after she so kindly wrote the foreword to my book. She's so damn lovely, and I encourage all Pokéfans to go and meet her if they get the chance
#Pokémon #pokemonbook #ashketchum #veronicataylor #iwannabetheverybestlikenooneeverwas
#Pokémon #pokemonbook #ashketchum #veronicataylor #iwannabetheverybestlikenooneeverwas
And we're live!
Reminder: The launch party livestream kicks off at 8pm this evening.
Come and learn more about The History of the Pokemon Games, ask me anything, and take part in a Pokemon quiz to win a copy of the book!
www.youtube.com/live/gQvlOi1...
Come and learn more about The History of the Pokemon Games, ask me anything, and take part in a Pokemon quiz to win a copy of the book!
www.youtube.com/live/gQvlOi1...
The History of the Pokémon Games: Live Book Launch
YouTube video by Batchgc
www.youtube.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:01 PM
And we're live!
We're live in 7ish minutes. Come join in.
Reminder: The launch party livestream kicks off at 8pm this evening.
Come and learn more about The History of the Pokemon Games, ask me anything, and take part in a Pokemon quiz to win a copy of the book!
www.youtube.com/live/gQvlOi1...
Come and learn more about The History of the Pokemon Games, ask me anything, and take part in a Pokemon quiz to win a copy of the book!
www.youtube.com/live/gQvlOi1...
The History of the Pokémon Games: Live Book Launch
YouTube video by Batchgc
www.youtube.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:53 PM
We're live in 7ish minutes. Come join in.