Mat Piscatella
@matpiscatella.bsky.social
Senior Director and Video Game Industry Advisor at Circana. Formerly of Activision and Warner Bros Games. I helped get one of your favorite games greenlit.
Pinned
Upcoming U.S. video game market results from Circana:
Coverage Month - Public Release Date
Dec (Nov 30 - Jan 3) - Jan 22
Jan (Jan 4 - Jan 31) - Feb 20
Feb (Feb 1 - Feb 28) - Mar 18
Mar (Mar 1 - Apr 4) - Apr 22
Apr (Apr 5 - May 2) - May 20
Digital Data Sharing Participating Publishers:
Coverage Month - Public Release Date
Dec (Nov 30 - Jan 3) - Jan 22
Jan (Jan 4 - Jan 31) - Feb 20
Feb (Feb 1 - Feb 28) - Mar 18
Mar (Mar 1 - Apr 4) - Apr 22
Apr (Apr 5 - May 2) - May 20
Digital Data Sharing Participating Publishers:
Reposted by Mat Piscatella
There are many things to love about Rami’s top 10 for 2025 but this is one of my favourites.
January 2, 2026 at 12:05 PM
There are many things to love about Rami’s top 10 for 2025 but this is one of my favourites.
Since you didn't do it in 2025, listen to me and PC Gamer's James Bentley and put Goodnight Universe on your 2025 games to play in 2026 list.
It is criminal that this game was MIA in most GOTY discussions!
It is criminal that this game was MIA in most GOTY discussions!
January 2, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Since you didn't do it in 2025, listen to me and PC Gamer's James Bentley and put Goodnight Universe on your 2025 games to play in 2026 list.
It is criminal that this game was MIA in most GOTY discussions!
It is criminal that this game was MIA in most GOTY discussions!
I bought TWO Steam Machines the first go around, and I was beyond hyped for the new one, but I've resigned myself to the idea that I won't be able to justify the cost.
Like, perhaps Gabe could subsidize the price by putting off the purchase of the next yacht, but ya know.
Like, perhaps Gabe could subsidize the price by putting off the purchase of the next yacht, but ya know.
Increasingly panicking for those interested in the Steam machine as well.
January 2, 2026 at 9:06 PM
I bought TWO Steam Machines the first go around, and I was beyond hyped for the new one, but I've resigned myself to the idea that I won't be able to justify the cost.
Like, perhaps Gabe could subsidize the price by putting off the purchase of the next yacht, but ya know.
Like, perhaps Gabe could subsidize the price by putting off the purchase of the next yacht, but ya know.
Godspeed, affordable video game products.
I shall remember you fondly.
I shall remember you fondly.
ASUS will be increasing prices on various products from January 5, including the ROG Ally, to 'absorb increasing costs across the industry'
➡️ steamdeckhq.com/news/asus-an...
➡️ steamdeckhq.com/news/asus-an...
January 2, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Godspeed, affordable video game products.
I shall remember you fondly.
I shall remember you fondly.
My 2026 video game market predictions:
- Option 1 - up big, thanks to GTA and component pricing returning to norms
- Option 2 - down big, thanks to GTA missing and component pricing skyrockets
- Option 3 - idk, it's fine.
Open a RNG and set from 1 to 3. Run it.
- Option 1 - up big, thanks to GTA and component pricing returning to norms
- Option 2 - down big, thanks to GTA missing and component pricing skyrockets
- Option 3 - idk, it's fine.
Open a RNG and set from 1 to 3. Run it.
January 2, 2026 at 8:16 PM
My 2026 video game market predictions:
- Option 1 - up big, thanks to GTA and component pricing returning to norms
- Option 2 - down big, thanks to GTA missing and component pricing skyrockets
- Option 3 - idk, it's fine.
Open a RNG and set from 1 to 3. Run it.
- Option 1 - up big, thanks to GTA and component pricing returning to norms
- Option 2 - down big, thanks to GTA missing and component pricing skyrockets
- Option 3 - idk, it's fine.
Open a RNG and set from 1 to 3. Run it.
My new year's Bluesky resolution:
Post Grok, Get Blocked.
Post Grok, Get Blocked.
January 2, 2026 at 5:24 PM
My new year's Bluesky resolution:
Post Grok, Get Blocked.
Post Grok, Get Blocked.
“"We need to get beyond the arguments of slop vs sophistication and develop a new equilibrium in terms of our ‘theory of the mind’ that accounts for humans being equipped with these new cognitive amplifier tools as we relate to each other,” says Nadella."
What are you even TALKING ABOUT, man?
What are you even TALKING ABOUT, man?
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is now blogging about AI slop
Nadella doesn’t want to argue about AI slop anymore
www.theverge.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:18 PM
“"We need to get beyond the arguments of slop vs sophistication and develop a new equilibrium in terms of our ‘theory of the mind’ that accounts for humans being equipped with these new cognitive amplifier tools as we relate to each other,” says Nadella."
What are you even TALKING ABOUT, man?
What are you even TALKING ABOUT, man?
Reposted by Mat Piscatella
went back and grabbed the full video of her intro. absolutely incredible
🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌
🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌
January 2, 2026 at 2:16 PM
went back and grabbed the full video of her intro. absolutely incredible
🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌
🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌
Reposted by Mat Piscatella
If you are a resident of California, the state now has a portal where you can demand deletion of your personal data from 500+ registered data brokers with a single request form, for free.
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
January 2, 2026 at 2:26 AM
If you are a resident of California, the state now has a portal where you can demand deletion of your personal data from 500+ registered data brokers with a single request form, for free.
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
You deserve a new kitchen sponge to start the year off right.
And a new toothbrush. Why not, you deserve it. Treat yourself.
And a new toothbrush. Why not, you deserve it. Treat yourself.
January 1, 2026 at 6:22 PM
You deserve a new kitchen sponge to start the year off right.
And a new toothbrush. Why not, you deserve it. Treat yourself.
And a new toothbrush. Why not, you deserve it. Treat yourself.
Happy New Year party people. Let this be the year let'sgooo
January 1, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Happy New Year party people. Let this be the year let'sgooo
Gonna name my 2026 video game forecast preso lollmao.pptx
[Newsis] Consumer GPUs to increase in price next year. RTX 5090 to increase from $2000 to $5000
www.resetera.com/threads/13...
www.resetera.com/threads/13...
January 1, 2026 at 3:28 AM
Gonna name my 2026 video game forecast preso lollmao.pptx
My tl:dr GOTY list:
10 MLB The Show 25
9 Herdling
8 and Roger
7 Sword of the Sea
6 The Midnight Walk
5 Pocket Boss
4 Goodnight Universe
3 Mafia: The Old Country
2 Keeper
1 Dispatch
These are good games!
10 MLB The Show 25
9 Herdling
8 and Roger
7 Sword of the Sea
6 The Midnight Walk
5 Pocket Boss
4 Goodnight Universe
3 Mafia: The Old Country
2 Keeper
1 Dispatch
These are good games!
Mat Piscatella's Top 10 Games of 2025 | Giant Bomb
Mat Piscatella's Top 10 Games of 2025 - A guest list for GiantBomb.com's 2025 Game of the Year extravaganza.
giantbomb.com
December 31, 2025 at 10:03 PM
My tl:dr GOTY list:
10 MLB The Show 25
9 Herdling
8 and Roger
7 Sword of the Sea
6 The Midnight Walk
5 Pocket Boss
4 Goodnight Universe
3 Mafia: The Old Country
2 Keeper
1 Dispatch
These are good games!
10 MLB The Show 25
9 Herdling
8 and Roger
7 Sword of the Sea
6 The Midnight Walk
5 Pocket Boss
4 Goodnight Universe
3 Mafia: The Old Country
2 Keeper
1 Dispatch
These are good games!
Reposted by Mat Piscatella
Not to play favourites or anything... but I think Mat's list might be my favourite this year.
giantbomb.com/articles/mat...
giantbomb.com/articles/mat...
Mat Piscatella's Top 10 Games of 2025 | Giant Bomb
Mat Piscatella's Top 10 Games of 2025 - A guest list for GiantBomb.com's 2025 Game of the Year extravaganza.
giantbomb.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Not to play favourites or anything... but I think Mat's list might be my favourite this year.
giantbomb.com/articles/mat...
giantbomb.com/articles/mat...
Oh hey, that's me!
My 2025 list is all about games that made me feel something.
Happy things, sad things, doesn't matter.
These games reminded me why I love video games in the first place.
Maybe playing some of these will do the same for you!
Huge thank you to all at @giantbomb.bsky.social!!!
My 2025 list is all about games that made me feel something.
Happy things, sad things, doesn't matter.
These games reminded me why I love video games in the first place.
Maybe playing some of these will do the same for you!
Huge thank you to all at @giantbomb.bsky.social!!!
Mat Piscatella's Top 10 Games of 2025 | Giant Bomb
Mat Piscatella's Top 10 Games of 2025 - A guest list for GiantBomb.com's 2025 Game of the Year extravaganza.
giantbomb.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Oh hey, that's me!
My 2025 list is all about games that made me feel something.
Happy things, sad things, doesn't matter.
These games reminded me why I love video games in the first place.
Maybe playing some of these will do the same for you!
Huge thank you to all at @giantbomb.bsky.social!!!
My 2025 list is all about games that made me feel something.
Happy things, sad things, doesn't matter.
These games reminded me why I love video games in the first place.
Maybe playing some of these will do the same for you!
Huge thank you to all at @giantbomb.bsky.social!!!
Folks, some good news.
See, everyone had it wrong last year.
It wasn't 'Survive TO '25'.
It was 'Survive THROUGH '25.'
And, if you can read this, congrats! You did it!
So we have that going for all of us, which is nice.
See, everyone had it wrong last year.
It wasn't 'Survive TO '25'.
It was 'Survive THROUGH '25.'
And, if you can read this, congrats! You did it!
So we have that going for all of us, which is nice.
December 31, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Folks, some good news.
See, everyone had it wrong last year.
It wasn't 'Survive TO '25'.
It was 'Survive THROUGH '25.'
And, if you can read this, congrats! You did it!
So we have that going for all of us, which is nice.
See, everyone had it wrong last year.
It wasn't 'Survive TO '25'.
It was 'Survive THROUGH '25.'
And, if you can read this, congrats! You did it!
So we have that going for all of us, which is nice.
Apologies for deleting my last, but I am trying to make this post a bigger part of my online persona.
December 30, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Apologies for deleting my last, but I am trying to make this post a bigger part of my online persona.
Reposted by Mat Piscatella
something that bothers me is that game markets that target like 50 & 60 plus demographics (the people with the MOST disposable income who are buying tank, lifestyle and farm style sims like crazy bc they’re the only games that market to them) have been completely abandoned on the innovation front
December 29, 2025 at 11:31 PM
something that bothers me is that game markets that target like 50 & 60 plus demographics (the people with the MOST disposable income who are buying tank, lifestyle and farm style sims like crazy bc they’re the only games that market to them) have been completely abandoned on the innovation front
This is the kind of sicko list and theme I can 100% support. Well done.
Did you know that so many games were released in 2025 that you could just play games that start with "S" and be totally fine? This is @plante.bsky.social's list.
giantbomb.com/articles/chr...
giantbomb.com/articles/chr...
Chris Plante's Top 15 Games of 2025 That Start with S | Giant Bomb
Chris Plante's Top 15 Games of 2025 That Start with S - A guest list for GiantBomb.com's 2025 Game of the Year.
giantbomb.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:49 PM
This is the kind of sicko list and theme I can 100% support. Well done.
New best-sellers lists up on Steam.
Maybe I should start making our best-sellers lists just sorted randomly like this. I'm sure no one would get mad at me about it.
store.steampowered.com/charts/besto...
Maybe I should start making our best-sellers lists just sorted randomly like this. I'm sure no one would get mad at me about it.
store.steampowered.com/charts/besto...
December 29, 2025 at 6:18 PM
New best-sellers lists up on Steam.
Maybe I should start making our best-sellers lists just sorted randomly like this. I'm sure no one would get mad at me about it.
store.steampowered.com/charts/besto...
Maybe I should start making our best-sellers lists just sorted randomly like this. I'm sure no one would get mad at me about it.
store.steampowered.com/charts/besto...
Circana Player Engagement Tracker - Top 15 Titles by Total Weekly Active Users (Not Concurrent) - W/E Dec 20, 2025
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 returned to the top 15 on Steam US & CAN.
- CO:E33 ranked 39th on US XBX (up from 60th the week prior) and 53rd on US PS5 (up from 68).
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 returned to the top 15 on Steam US & CAN.
- CO:E33 ranked 39th on US XBX (up from 60th the week prior) and 53rd on US PS5 (up from 68).
December 29, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Circana Player Engagement Tracker - Top 15 Titles by Total Weekly Active Users (Not Concurrent) - W/E Dec 20, 2025
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 returned to the top 15 on Steam US & CAN.
- CO:E33 ranked 39th on US XBX (up from 60th the week prior) and 53rd on US PS5 (up from 68).
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 returned to the top 15 on Steam US & CAN.
- CO:E33 ranked 39th on US XBX (up from 60th the week prior) and 53rd on US PS5 (up from 68).
Was curious, so I looked into the most played games on Christmas Day the last few years, and, well, yep.
(Note: Call of Duty for years 2023-2025 includes all games that can be played through the Call of Duty launcher.)
A wee bit static at the top.
Source: Circana Player Engagement Tracker
(Note: Call of Duty for years 2023-2025 includes all games that can be played through the Call of Duty launcher.)
A wee bit static at the top.
Source: Circana Player Engagement Tracker
December 28, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Was curious, so I looked into the most played games on Christmas Day the last few years, and, well, yep.
(Note: Call of Duty for years 2023-2025 includes all games that can be played through the Call of Duty launcher.)
A wee bit static at the top.
Source: Circana Player Engagement Tracker
(Note: Call of Duty for years 2023-2025 includes all games that can be played through the Call of Duty launcher.)
A wee bit static at the top.
Source: Circana Player Engagement Tracker
Went to buy Sparks of Hope.
Found out I'd already bought it at some point?
Installed it.
Been playing for like 4 hours straight.
Weird.
And yep, pretty good fun.
Found out I'd already bought it at some point?
Installed it.
Been playing for like 4 hours straight.
Weird.
And yep, pretty good fun.
Sparks of Hope for $6 is legitimately insane. You can’t get anything Mario related for less than $30 on most days. And Sparks of Hope is actually very good. If you haven’t played it yet, go get it.
Ubisoft hosting new Nintendo Switch sale, features lowest prices ever for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, Immortals Fenyx Rising, more https://nintendoeverything.com/ubisoft-switch-sale-mario-rabbids-sparks-of-hope/
December 27, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Went to buy Sparks of Hope.
Found out I'd already bought it at some point?
Installed it.
Been playing for like 4 hours straight.
Weird.
And yep, pretty good fun.
Found out I'd already bought it at some point?
Installed it.
Been playing for like 4 hours straight.
Weird.
And yep, pretty good fun.
Well thanks to The Guardian's GOTY list I now know Blippo+ exists and why am I only now finding out about Blippo+.
This is incredible. 80s public access FMV Sim? What?
Sorry, the Rubber Report with Neomie Lifto is on g2g.
store.steampowered.com/app/3323850/...
This is incredible. 80s public access FMV Sim? What?
Sorry, the Rubber Report with Neomie Lifto is on g2g.
store.steampowered.com/app/3323850/...
Save 20% on Blippo+ on Steam
Blippo+ is a live-action, off-cable TV simulator. Channel-surf the stars and discover the staticky, radical world of Planet Blip through its soaps, sitcoms, news, weather, and talk shows. But don’t to...
store.steampowered.com
December 26, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Well thanks to The Guardian's GOTY list I now know Blippo+ exists and why am I only now finding out about Blippo+.
This is incredible. 80s public access FMV Sim? What?
Sorry, the Rubber Report with Neomie Lifto is on g2g.
store.steampowered.com/app/3323850/...
This is incredible. 80s public access FMV Sim? What?
Sorry, the Rubber Report with Neomie Lifto is on g2g.
store.steampowered.com/app/3323850/...
Reposted by Mat Piscatella
Every year I ask the Guardian's games contributors to come up with some lesser-known game recommendations, and every year I end up with a bunch of impulse purchases in the Steam winter sale
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/d...
The video games you may have missed in 2025
Date a vending machine, watch intergalactic television and make the most out of your short existence as a fly. Here are the best games you weren’t playing this year
www.theguardian.com
December 26, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Every year I ask the Guardian's games contributors to come up with some lesser-known game recommendations, and every year I end up with a bunch of impulse purchases in the Steam winter sale
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/d...