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.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
PSA: You should be watching Awesome Games Done Quick all week.
Marty's latest Patreon column on why the speedrunning charity event is a blast, even if you like taking your time with games -- www.patreon.com/posts/column...
Marty's latest Patreon column on why the speedrunning charity event is a blast, even if you like taking your time with games -- www.patreon.com/posts/column...
January 6, 2026 at 3:19 PM
PSA: You should be watching Awesome Games Done Quick all week.
Marty's latest Patreon column on why the speedrunning charity event is a blast, even if you like taking your time with games -- www.patreon.com/posts/column...
Marty's latest Patreon column on why the speedrunning charity event is a blast, even if you like taking your time with games -- www.patreon.com/posts/column...
Finished Tomb Raider 2013 and started up Rise of the Tomb Raider.
Holy moly on PC you could have convinced me this was a game that came out last year.
Visually the game is still incredible.
Weirdly, I don’t remember playing this one much, most likely cause it came out while I was in college.
Holy moly on PC you could have convinced me this was a game that came out last year.
Visually the game is still incredible.
Weirdly, I don’t remember playing this one much, most likely cause it came out while I was in college.
January 7, 2026 at 2:42 AM
Finished Tomb Raider 2013 and started up Rise of the Tomb Raider.
Holy moly on PC you could have convinced me this was a game that came out last year.
Visually the game is still incredible.
Weirdly, I don’t remember playing this one much, most likely cause it came out while I was in college.
Holy moly on PC you could have convinced me this was a game that came out last year.
Visually the game is still incredible.
Weirdly, I don’t remember playing this one much, most likely cause it came out while I was in college.
You can almost tell a game is gonna be something special if the soundtrack is real good... and The Blood of Dawnwalker's main theme is already a killer track.
The Blood of Dawnwalker — Main Theme
YouTube video by Dawnwalker
youtu.be
January 6, 2026 at 10:07 PM
You can almost tell a game is gonna be something special if the soundtrack is real good... and The Blood of Dawnwalker's main theme is already a killer track.
That's enough internet for today.
January 6, 2026 at 8:17 PM
That's enough internet for today.
It's StarRupture.
Very good game even in its early state. Have a video on it coming soon.
Very good game even in its early state. Have a video on it coming soon.
If you had told me I'd be starting off 2026 writing about how I'm in love with a base-building survival game... well, I would have believed you cause I started playing it before 2026 so ha.
Got you.
Got you.
January 6, 2026 at 5:16 PM
It's StarRupture.
Very good game even in its early state. Have a video on it coming soon.
Very good game even in its early state. Have a video on it coming soon.
I constantly think about how one of the "leading voices" on the right in the culture space is a dude that literally had cockroaches climbing on him during a livestream... can't think of a better image to encapsulate that whole movement.
January 6, 2026 at 4:53 PM
I constantly think about how one of the "leading voices" on the right in the culture space is a dude that literally had cockroaches climbing on him during a livestream... can't think of a better image to encapsulate that whole movement.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
While not nearly the most important thing going on, I wrote some jokes about why this year AI in video games is going to be the absolute most annoying debate. Even more annoying than it already is. Just deeply annoying.
2026 Is Going To Be The Year AI in Gaming Gets Super Annoying
Gaming needs to be clear about how, and why, it's using AI
www.thegamer.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:55 PM
While not nearly the most important thing going on, I wrote some jokes about why this year AI in video games is going to be the absolute most annoying debate. Even more annoying than it already is. Just deeply annoying.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Skate Story is an absolute vibe, and @sigmagears9.bsky.social has a new video essay out to talk all about it.
Skate Story Is a Vibe
YouTube video by Second Wind
www.youtube.com
January 6, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Skate Story is an absolute vibe, and @sigmagears9.bsky.social has a new video essay out to talk all about it.
Jess has been instrumental to keeping our production line running smoothly, so I'm glad we're finally able to make her full-time.
Thanks to everyone who joined up on the Patreon last year to help make it possible!
Thanks to everyone who joined up on the Patreon last year to help make it possible!
We're excited to start off 2026 with some good news in that due to your increased support last year, we've been able to transition Jess Hoops (@prettygrimgames.bsky.social) to a full-time role here at Second Wind!
Please give her a warm welcome!
Please give her a warm welcome!
Jess Hoops Is Now Full-Time with Second Wind! | Second Wind
Get more from Second Wind on Patreon
www.patreon.com
January 6, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Jess has been instrumental to keeping our production line running smoothly, so I'm glad we're finally able to make her full-time.
Thanks to everyone who joined up on the Patreon last year to help make it possible!
Thanks to everyone who joined up on the Patreon last year to help make it possible!
Reposted by Nick Calandra
We’re extremely excited that we can finally say that StarRupture is AVAILABLE NOW in Early Access on Steam!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQyw...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQyw...
StarRupture - Early Access Launch Trailer
YouTube video by Creepy Jar
www.youtube.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:01 PM
We’re extremely excited that we can finally say that StarRupture is AVAILABLE NOW in Early Access on Steam!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQyw...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQyw...
Reposted by Nick Calandra
This video is a phenomenal glimpse at something I feel like we all collectively forgot somehow. What a treat! Shadow of the Colossus is a gift that keeps on giving. Jenna earns your view with this spectacular video.
NEW VIDEO ALERT:
Even if you're a huge Shadow of the Colossus fan... this video might surprise you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvGZ...
Even if you're a huge Shadow of the Colossus fan... this video might surprise you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvGZ...
The Giant Hoax of Shadow of the Colossus | Game Arcadia
YouTube video by Second Wind
www.youtube.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:51 AM
This video is a phenomenal glimpse at something I feel like we all collectively forgot somehow. What a treat! Shadow of the Colossus is a gift that keeps on giving. Jenna earns your view with this spectacular video.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
In case you missed it, BIG HOPS is coming out January 12th on Steam, Switch, and PS5! #indiegames #nintendoswitch #ps5
January 6, 2026 at 12:56 AM
In case you missed it, BIG HOPS is coming out January 12th on Steam, Switch, and PS5! #indiegames #nintendoswitch #ps5
Reposted by Nick Calandra
After 3 years of development, our solarpunk MMO game Loftia is releasing this year, in 2026 🌱💛
Thank you so much for coming on this journey with us, we hope you’re ready!!
Closed Beta playtests coming soon 🥳
Thank you so much for coming on this journey with us, we hope you’re ready!!
Closed Beta playtests coming soon 🥳
January 6, 2026 at 12:01 PM
After 3 years of development, our solarpunk MMO game Loftia is releasing this year, in 2026 🌱💛
Thank you so much for coming on this journey with us, we hope you’re ready!!
Closed Beta playtests coming soon 🥳
Thank you so much for coming on this journey with us, we hope you’re ready!!
Closed Beta playtests coming soon 🥳
Wildgate is very fun, but unfortunately not many are playing it.
Grab it while you can.
Sea of Thieves ship combat in space basically.
Grab it while you can.
Sea of Thieves ship combat in space basically.
Just a reminder that the excellent Total War: Three Kingdoms and Wildgate are both free for the next couple days. Grab em' while you can.
store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/tota...
store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/wild...
Chinese historical strategy and PvP/Co-op space pirate action respectively.
store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/tota...
store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/wild...
Chinese historical strategy and PvP/Co-op space pirate action respectively.
Standard Edition | Download and Buy Today - Epic Games Store
Download and play Standard Edition at the Epic Games Store. Check for platform availability and price!
store.epicgames.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Wildgate is very fun, but unfortunately not many are playing it.
Grab it while you can.
Sea of Thieves ship combat in space basically.
Grab it while you can.
Sea of Thieves ship combat in space basically.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
It's the start of a new year which means we're taking on new sponsors for @secondwindgroup.com.
Have games, products, services you need help getting the word out about? We can help with that and create an ad people actually want to watch.
Get in touch via dms or emails for package rates!
Have games, products, services you need help getting the word out about? We can help with that and create an ad people actually want to watch.
Get in touch via dms or emails for package rates!
January 5, 2026 at 6:19 PM
It's the start of a new year which means we're taking on new sponsors for @secondwindgroup.com.
Have games, products, services you need help getting the word out about? We can help with that and create an ad people actually want to watch.
Get in touch via dms or emails for package rates!
Have games, products, services you need help getting the word out about? We can help with that and create an ad people actually want to watch.
Get in touch via dms or emails for package rates!
Jesus, just give the game a chance.
You never know if one of these will end up being your favorite game.
You never know if one of these will end up being your favorite game.
Highguard Could Be Dead on Arrival as Gamers Fear a Flop is Inbound
Highguard, the 'new breed of shooter' from Wildlight Entertainment, could be an insta-flop. Check out the full breakdown here.
insider-gaming.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:23 AM
Jesus, just give the game a chance.
You never know if one of these will end up being your favorite game.
You never know if one of these will end up being your favorite game.
Playing pool with my dad and he just came over and squeezed a lemon into my beer… even though he ordered a completely different beer.
Almost like he just has a reflexive nerve to squeeze lemons when he sees them cause he always gets lemon water…
Almost like he just has a reflexive nerve to squeeze lemons when he sees them cause he always gets lemon water…
January 6, 2026 at 1:15 AM
Playing pool with my dad and he just came over and squeezed a lemon into my beer… even though he ordered a completely different beer.
Almost like he just has a reflexive nerve to squeeze lemons when he sees them cause he always gets lemon water…
Almost like he just has a reflexive nerve to squeeze lemons when he sees them cause he always gets lemon water…
If the mainstream media would ever get their heads out of their asses... him not saying no is this admin saying yes, they will use military force.
They consistently lie to your face, and you just eat it up for clicks instead of calling him for what he is.
A smug pinheaded piece of garbage.
They consistently lie to your face, and you just eat it up for clicks instead of calling him for what he is.
A smug pinheaded piece of garbage.
TAPPER: Can you rule out the US is going to take Greenland by force?
MILLER: Greenland should be part of the US. By what right does Denmark assert control over Greenland? The US is the power of NATO
T: So force is on the table?
M: Nobody is gonna fight the US militarily over future of Greenland
MILLER: Greenland should be part of the US. By what right does Denmark assert control over Greenland? The US is the power of NATO
T: So force is on the table?
M: Nobody is gonna fight the US militarily over future of Greenland
January 6, 2026 at 12:25 AM
If the mainstream media would ever get their heads out of their asses... him not saying no is this admin saying yes, they will use military force.
They consistently lie to your face, and you just eat it up for clicks instead of calling him for what he is.
A smug pinheaded piece of garbage.
They consistently lie to your face, and you just eat it up for clicks instead of calling him for what he is.
A smug pinheaded piece of garbage.
I'll never get tired of people getting upset (or using it as an attack to discredit me in my case) that someone has an education in their chosen subject field.
Anybody that gets annoyed by someone providing their credentials, especially today, makes it pretty obvious what kind of person they are.
Anybody that gets annoyed by someone providing their credentials, especially today, makes it pretty obvious what kind of person they are.
January 5, 2026 at 9:37 PM
I'll never get tired of people getting upset (or using it as an attack to discredit me in my case) that someone has an education in their chosen subject field.
Anybody that gets annoyed by someone providing their credentials, especially today, makes it pretty obvious what kind of person they are.
Anybody that gets annoyed by someone providing their credentials, especially today, makes it pretty obvious what kind of person they are.
If you had told me I'd be starting off 2026 writing about how I'm in love with a base-building survival game... well, I would have believed you cause I started playing it before 2026 so ha.
Got you.
Got you.
January 5, 2026 at 8:22 PM
If you had told me I'd be starting off 2026 writing about how I'm in love with a base-building survival game... well, I would have believed you cause I started playing it before 2026 so ha.
Got you.
Got you.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
News-in-Brief: Arc Raiders hits 12 million copies sold as it tops 3.2 million DAUs
Alinea analyst Rhys Elliott credits "a well-timed 20% discount" and a "holiday boost"
www.gamesindustry.biz/arc-raiders-...
Alinea analyst Rhys Elliott credits "a well-timed 20% discount" and a "holiday boost"
www.gamesindustry.biz/arc-raiders-...
Arc Raiders hits 12 million copies sold as it tops 3.2 million DAUs | News-in-Brief
The resource for people who make and sell games.
www.gamesindustry.biz
January 5, 2026 at 8:04 PM
News-in-Brief: Arc Raiders hits 12 million copies sold as it tops 3.2 million DAUs
Alinea analyst Rhys Elliott credits "a well-timed 20% discount" and a "holiday boost"
www.gamesindustry.biz/arc-raiders-...
Alinea analyst Rhys Elliott credits "a well-timed 20% discount" and a "holiday boost"
www.gamesindustry.biz/arc-raiders-...
It's the start of a new year which means we're taking on new sponsors for @secondwindgroup.com.
Have games, products, services you need help getting the word out about? We can help with that and create an ad people actually want to watch.
Get in touch via dms or emails for package rates!
Have games, products, services you need help getting the word out about? We can help with that and create an ad people actually want to watch.
Get in touch via dms or emails for package rates!
January 5, 2026 at 6:19 PM
It's the start of a new year which means we're taking on new sponsors for @secondwindgroup.com.
Have games, products, services you need help getting the word out about? We can help with that and create an ad people actually want to watch.
Get in touch via dms or emails for package rates!
Have games, products, services you need help getting the word out about? We can help with that and create an ad people actually want to watch.
Get in touch via dms or emails for package rates!
Jenna's back with another kick-ass episode of Game Arcadia!
How about we kick-off the new year with a brand-new episode of Game Arcadia from @thejenna.bsky.social!
Taking a look back at some of the crazy marketing that was done for Shadow of the Colossus.
Taking a look back at some of the crazy marketing that was done for Shadow of the Colossus.
The Giant Hoax of Shadow of the Colossus | Game Arcadia
YouTube video by Second Wind
www.youtube.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Jenna's back with another kick-ass episode of Game Arcadia!
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Hi-Fi RUSH physical edition pre-orders open January 16
Pre-orders for the long-awaited physical edition of Hi-Fi RUSH will go live via Limited Run Games from January 16 to March 1, the distributor announced.
Pre-orders for the long-awaited physical edition of Hi-Fi RUSH will go live via Limited Run Games from January 16 to March 1, the distributor announced.
Hi-Fi RUSH physical edition pre-orders open January 16
Pre-orders for the long-awaited physical edition of Hi-Fi RUSH will go live via Limited Run Games from January 16 to March 1, the distributor announced.
www.gematsu.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Hi-Fi RUSH physical edition pre-orders open January 16
Pre-orders for the long-awaited physical edition of Hi-Fi RUSH will go live via Limited Run Games from January 16 to March 1, the distributor announced.
Pre-orders for the long-awaited physical edition of Hi-Fi RUSH will go live via Limited Run Games from January 16 to March 1, the distributor announced.
Talented studio for sure… but they got that Covid money ($100M investment) and that seems to have sunk so many studios at this point.
I hope it doesn’t here because the team are very talented FPS devs…
I hope it doesn’t here because the team are very talented FPS devs…
January 5, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Talented studio for sure… but they got that Covid money ($100M investment) and that seems to have sunk so many studios at this point.
I hope it doesn’t here because the team are very talented FPS devs…
I hope it doesn’t here because the team are very talented FPS devs…