Nick Calandra
@nickjcal.bsky.social
Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of @secondwindgroup.com Creating the video series Unpacked, and working on secret projects. Former Editor in Chief of The Escapist.
Email: nick.calandra@secondwindgroup.com
Email: nick.calandra@secondwindgroup.com
Pinned
Nick Calandra
@nickjcal.bsky.social
· Jan 3
And that's my first game of 2025 completed with Roboquest.
What a gem of a game.
Final boss is hard as nails, but did enough runs with enough unlocks that I got a crazy overpower build in the end.
Will definitely be returning for more runs later.
What a gem of a game.
Final boss is hard as nails, but did enough runs with enough unlocks that I got a crazy overpower build in the end.
Will definitely be returning for more runs later.
So Ghost of Yotei sells 3.3M and now their narrative has shifted from it bombed to… it’s not selling as well as Tsushima lol.
Can’t be wrong if you just move the needle just a bit more each time.
Can’t be wrong if you just move the needle just a bit more each time.
Sony has reported that its Q2 FY2025 profits were affected by "impairment losses" against "intangible and other assets" related to Bungie and Destiny 2, worth approximately US $204 million.
Sony says the PlayStation segment would have otherwise seen quarterly profit growth of 23%.
Sony says the PlayStation segment would have otherwise seen quarterly profit growth of 23%.
Sony Reports Profit Hit Worth US $204 Million Due To Bungie "Impairment Loss"
Sony's PlayStation segment would have seen profit growth of 23% were it not for losses against "intangible and other assets" related to Destiny 2.
thisweekinvideogames.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:11 AM
So Ghost of Yotei sells 3.3M and now their narrative has shifted from it bombed to… it’s not selling as well as Tsushima lol.
Can’t be wrong if you just move the needle just a bit more each time.
Can’t be wrong if you just move the needle just a bit more each time.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
The debate around using AI/ML/text-to-speech for voicework for games is fascinating because it's one of the only times I can see in gaming where a genuine, decades-long design / production problem is meeting a justifiably sensitive topic within games culture at perhaps the worst possible time.
November 10, 2025 at 10:07 PM
The debate around using AI/ML/text-to-speech for voicework for games is fascinating because it's one of the only times I can see in gaming where a genuine, decades-long design / production problem is meeting a justifiably sensitive topic within games culture at perhaps the worst possible time.
Today reminds me of old Twitter, and old Twitter was very condescending, felt like a constant purity test to only have the agreeable opinion and non-stop subtweeting.
Do not miss that at all.
Do not miss that at all.
November 10, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Today reminds me of old Twitter, and old Twitter was very condescending, felt like a constant purity test to only have the agreeable opinion and non-stop subtweeting.
Do not miss that at all.
Do not miss that at all.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Echoes from the Void, Monster Train 2's FREE Update is out!
Expect more bosses, more artifacts, more mutators for your runs and MORE!
Don't sit here and wait, go play the update now!
If you want more information, check the threads!
Expect more bosses, more artifacts, more mutators for your runs and MORE!
Don't sit here and wait, go play the update now!
If you want more information, check the threads!
November 10, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Echoes from the Void, Monster Train 2's FREE Update is out!
Expect more bosses, more artifacts, more mutators for your runs and MORE!
Don't sit here and wait, go play the update now!
If you want more information, check the threads!
Expect more bosses, more artifacts, more mutators for your runs and MORE!
Don't sit here and wait, go play the update now!
If you want more information, check the threads!
Probably a great time to remind up and coming people making or writing things about games... social media is not your primary audience.
It was true on the old site and it's true on this site too.
It was true on the old site and it's true on this site too.
November 10, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Probably a great time to remind up and coming people making or writing things about games... social media is not your primary audience.
It was true on the old site and it's true on this site too.
It was true on the old site and it's true on this site too.
I had to try to explain what Where Winds Meet is to Yahtzee this morning in our meeting and that was a rollercoaster.
November 10, 2025 at 6:14 PM
I had to try to explain what Where Winds Meet is to Yahtzee this morning in our meeting and that was a rollercoaster.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
i would love to hire someone next year who is just starting out in the youtube/digital media/production world and would be down to work 15-20 hours a week as a production assistant/coordinator on my channel.
you would learn a lot and i wouldn't yell at you.
you would learn a lot and i wouldn't yell at you.
November 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM
i would love to hire someone next year who is just starting out in the youtube/digital media/production world and would be down to work 15-20 hours a week as a production assistant/coordinator on my channel.
you would learn a lot and i wouldn't yell at you.
you would learn a lot and i wouldn't yell at you.
I forgot for a moment how social media works lol.
Just deleting that thread and moving on because we can't have nuanced discussions about things without shit flinging.
Just deleting that thread and moving on because we can't have nuanced discussions about things without shit flinging.
November 10, 2025 at 5:48 PM
I forgot for a moment how social media works lol.
Just deleting that thread and moving on because we can't have nuanced discussions about things without shit flinging.
Just deleting that thread and moving on because we can't have nuanced discussions about things without shit flinging.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
This week on Design Delve, @designdelve.bsky.social is taking a look at how the Pokémon games intentionally waste your time.
Is Pokémon Intentionally Designed to Waste Your Time? | Design Delve
YouTube video by Second Wind
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:06 PM
This week on Design Delve, @designdelve.bsky.social is taking a look at how the Pokémon games intentionally waste your time.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Ahhh, we love that new update smell... 😩
The changelog for Wake of the Water, Enshrouded's seventh major update, is finally here! Go check it out! 🎉
store.steampowered.com/news/app/120...
The changelog for Wake of the Water, Enshrouded's seventh major update, is finally here! Go check it out! 🎉
store.steampowered.com/news/app/120...
Enshrouded - Enshrouded: Wake of the Water Update - Steam News
You know the drill: if you read this, use the word "wet" in your comment to get a virtual nod of approval from us
store.steampowered.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Ahhh, we love that new update smell... 😩
The changelog for Wake of the Water, Enshrouded's seventh major update, is finally here! Go check it out! 🎉
store.steampowered.com/news/app/120...
The changelog for Wake of the Water, Enshrouded's seventh major update, is finally here! Go check it out! 🎉
store.steampowered.com/news/app/120...
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Ambrosia Sky: Act One is available now!
Your homecoming is not what you expected. An alien fungus has claimed your past and your present. Fight back with every tool at your disposal before it takes your future.
Maeve is waiting.
ambrosiasky.com
Your homecoming is not what you expected. An alien fungus has claimed your past and your present. Fight back with every tool at your disposal before it takes your future.
Maeve is waiting.
ambrosiasky.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Ambrosia Sky: Act One is available now!
Your homecoming is not what you expected. An alien fungus has claimed your past and your present. Fight back with every tool at your disposal before it takes your future.
Maeve is waiting.
ambrosiasky.com
Your homecoming is not what you expected. An alien fungus has claimed your past and your present. Fight back with every tool at your disposal before it takes your future.
Maeve is waiting.
ambrosiasky.com
Reposted by Nick Calandra
i think if you make a video with a thumbnail that says HE'S DONE or IT'S OVER you shouldn't be legally allowed to continue to make videos about that subject
November 10, 2025 at 2:09 AM
i think if you make a video with a thumbnail that says HE'S DONE or IT'S OVER you shouldn't be legally allowed to continue to make videos about that subject
Vote them all out. Every single one of them.
Gutless Dems as usual.
Gutless Dems as usual.
November 10, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Vote them all out. Every single one of them.
Gutless Dems as usual.
Gutless Dems as usual.
People are a lot meaner on Arc Raiders on the weekend lol.
a logo for the arc raiders with a rainbow background
ALT: a logo for the arc raiders with a rainbow background
media.tenor.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:35 PM
People are a lot meaner on Arc Raiders on the weekend lol.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Take a look at the brand new gameplay reveal for Hounded.
Duke follows the scent of his Master through the sprawling forest to the village of Tideswell, now under control of the Royal army.
Please find Hounded on Steam and add it to your Wishlist - link in bio
#Hounded #indiegame #doggame
Duke follows the scent of his Master through the sprawling forest to the village of Tideswell, now under control of the Royal army.
Please find Hounded on Steam and add it to your Wishlist - link in bio
#Hounded #indiegame #doggame
November 7, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Take a look at the brand new gameplay reveal for Hounded.
Duke follows the scent of his Master through the sprawling forest to the village of Tideswell, now under control of the Royal army.
Please find Hounded on Steam and add it to your Wishlist - link in bio
#Hounded #indiegame #doggame
Duke follows the scent of his Master through the sprawling forest to the village of Tideswell, now under control of the Royal army.
Please find Hounded on Steam and add it to your Wishlist - link in bio
#Hounded #indiegame #doggame
Reposted by Nick Calandra
A bit late watching this.
The title has been self-evident for a long while, but I think @nickjcal.bsky.social touches on something pertinent in corporations weathervaning towards prevailing winds. There's a too understandable cowardice in boardrooms...
youtu.be/0RJdbvKzbx4?...
The title has been self-evident for a long while, but I think @nickjcal.bsky.social touches on something pertinent in corporations weathervaning towards prevailing winds. There's a too understandable cowardice in boardrooms...
youtu.be/0RJdbvKzbx4?...
It Was Always About the "Right" Politics in Video Games | Unpacked
YouTube video by Second Wind
youtu.be
November 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM
A bit late watching this.
The title has been self-evident for a long while, but I think @nickjcal.bsky.social touches on something pertinent in corporations weathervaning towards prevailing winds. There's a too understandable cowardice in boardrooms...
youtu.be/0RJdbvKzbx4?...
The title has been self-evident for a long while, but I think @nickjcal.bsky.social touches on something pertinent in corporations weathervaning towards prevailing winds. There's a too understandable cowardice in boardrooms...
youtu.be/0RJdbvKzbx4?...
Ninja Gaiden 4 done.
I like how the most visually appealing part of the game is saved for the credits…
But I enjoyed it either way. Story is whatever, but loved the combat.
I like how the most visually appealing part of the game is saved for the credits…
But I enjoyed it either way. Story is whatever, but loved the combat.
a man in a ninja costume is holding a sword in his hand
ALT: a man in a ninja costume is holding a sword in his hand
media.tenor.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Ninja Gaiden 4 done.
I like how the most visually appealing part of the game is saved for the credits…
But I enjoyed it either way. Story is whatever, but loved the combat.
I like how the most visually appealing part of the game is saved for the credits…
But I enjoyed it either way. Story is whatever, but loved the combat.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Two years ago today, my team and I were fired from the outlet that we rebuilt from the ground-up and put a ton of love and work into.
Next weekend we get to celebrate two years of independence, building something better than what came before, and the best community on the net.
Time flies.
Next weekend we get to celebrate two years of independence, building something better than what came before, and the best community on the net.
Time flies.
Ex-Escapist staff launch new games media website Second Wind
Less than a day after resigning from The Escapist, Yahtzee Croshaw and ex-EiC Nick Calandra have established a new site to pick up where they left off.
www.gamedeveloper.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Two years ago today, my team and I were fired from the outlet that we rebuilt from the ground-up and put a ton of love and work into.
Next weekend we get to celebrate two years of independence, building something better than what came before, and the best community on the net.
Time flies.
Next weekend we get to celebrate two years of independence, building something better than what came before, and the best community on the net.
Time flies.
Arc Raiders does such a good job of onboarding people into the extraction genre.
Definitely gonnna write up an essay script on this one cause I’ve finally clicked with the loop of these games.
Definitely gonnna write up an essay script on this one cause I’ve finally clicked with the loop of these games.
November 8, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Arc Raiders does such a good job of onboarding people into the extraction genre.
Definitely gonnna write up an essay script on this one cause I’ve finally clicked with the loop of these games.
Definitely gonnna write up an essay script on this one cause I’ve finally clicked with the loop of these games.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Box Office Badass: ‘Predator Badlands’ Kicks Off November With Record $36M-$38M Opening
Box Office Badass: ‘Predator Badlands’ Kicks Off November With Record $36M-$38M Opening
Dan Trachtenberg is the hero of the hour as his new movie, Predator: Badlands, is ending the drought at the domestic box office. The movie topped Friday’s chart with a huge $15.6 million, putting it on course for a record opening in the $36 million to $38.5 million range (prerelease tracking had it opening to $25 million for the entire weekend).
bit.ly
November 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Box Office Badass: ‘Predator Badlands’ Kicks Off November With Record $36M-$38M Opening
I've been hinting at for a while now that I wanted Second Wind to try some additional formats for finding and recommending indie games.
We built a little test pilot to trial a new format for us to do just that. A little bit of scripting with unscripted discussion to keep that SW premium feel.
We built a little test pilot to trial a new format for us to do just that. A little bit of scripting with unscripted discussion to keep that SW premium feel.
We Recommend Absolum and MotionRec
YouTube video by Second Wind
youtu.be
November 8, 2025 at 7:26 PM
I've been hinting at for a while now that I wanted Second Wind to try some additional formats for finding and recommending indie games.
We built a little test pilot to trial a new format for us to do just that. A little bit of scripting with unscripted discussion to keep that SW premium feel.
We built a little test pilot to trial a new format for us to do just that. A little bit of scripting with unscripted discussion to keep that SW premium feel.
You know your channel is super consistent week to week when we miss one episode of one of our weekly series and people immediately get worried that something went horribly wrong lol.
November 8, 2025 at 6:58 PM
You know your channel is super consistent week to week when we miss one episode of one of our weekly series and people immediately get worried that something went horribly wrong lol.
“Success is the best revenge” might be my favorite phrase these days right after “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”.
November 8, 2025 at 4:25 AM
“Success is the best revenge” might be my favorite phrase these days right after “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”.