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.
I'll forever be fascinated by comments from gamers that feel like it's a personal affront to them to not be interested in a game.
Not sure if it's just because the industry is so big about FOMO or what, but so often if a game isn't for them, they have a visceral reaction to it.
It's weird.
Not sure if it's just because the industry is so big about FOMO or what, but so often if a game isn't for them, they have a visceral reaction to it.
It's weird.
February 4, 2026 at 5:14 AM
I'll forever be fascinated by comments from gamers that feel like it's a personal affront to them to not be interested in a game.
Not sure if it's just because the industry is so big about FOMO or what, but so often if a game isn't for them, they have a visceral reaction to it.
It's weird.
Not sure if it's just because the industry is so big about FOMO or what, but so often if a game isn't for them, they have a visceral reaction to it.
It's weird.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Today we're excited to open up registration for our upcoming Second Wind Games Showcase which will air on April 23rd, 2026!
No hosts, no filler, just cool games from all around the world.
Registration is free - forms.gle/cmF7vUkPc96d...
Deadline is March 15, 2026!
No hosts, no filler, just cool games from all around the world.
Registration is free - forms.gle/cmF7vUkPc96d...
Deadline is March 15, 2026!
February 2, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Today we're excited to open up registration for our upcoming Second Wind Games Showcase which will air on April 23rd, 2026!
No hosts, no filler, just cool games from all around the world.
Registration is free - forms.gle/cmF7vUkPc96d...
Deadline is March 15, 2026!
No hosts, no filler, just cool games from all around the world.
Registration is free - forms.gle/cmF7vUkPc96d...
Deadline is March 15, 2026!
Reposted by Nick Calandra
We're testing out a new video series in partnership with @gamemaker.io in which game developers talk about how they made their games using the GameMaker engine!
For the test episode we asked @yahtzeecroshaw.bsky.social to explain how he used procedural generation in Starstruck Vagabond.
For the test episode we asked @yahtzeecroshaw.bsky.social to explain how he used procedural generation in Starstruck Vagabond.
How Yahtzee Created Unique Worlds in Starstruck Vagabond | GameMaker Memoirs
YouTube video by Second Wind
youtu.be
February 3, 2026 at 8:00 PM
We're testing out a new video series in partnership with @gamemaker.io in which game developers talk about how they made their games using the GameMaker engine!
For the test episode we asked @yahtzeecroshaw.bsky.social to explain how he used procedural generation in Starstruck Vagabond.
For the test episode we asked @yahtzeecroshaw.bsky.social to explain how he used procedural generation in Starstruck Vagabond.
I'm back being addicted to Nordhold.
I cannot beat Wave 28 and it's making me angry and determined to get to Wave 30.
I cannot beat Wave 28 and it's making me angry and determined to get to Wave 30.
Nordhold on Steam
Enemies are coming! Every decision matters: build your city, grow the economy, and prepare for enemy waves. Strengthen your defenses, adapt your strategy, and unleash your hero’s full potential. This ...
store.steampowered.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:29 PM
I'm back being addicted to Nordhold.
I cannot beat Wave 28 and it's making me angry and determined to get to Wave 30.
I cannot beat Wave 28 and it's making me angry and determined to get to Wave 30.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
In an interview with NPR, Melinda French Gates confirmed that she ended her marriage with Bill Gates because of allegations contained in the Epstein files.
February 3, 2026 at 5:38 PM
In an interview with NPR, Melinda French Gates confirmed that she ended her marriage with Bill Gates because of allegations contained in the Epstein files.
Here's a cool thing we're trying out!
We're testing out a new video series in partnership with @gamemaker.io in which game developers talk about how they made their games using the GameMaker engine!
For the test episode we asked @yahtzeecroshaw.bsky.social to explain how he used procedural generation in Starstruck Vagabond.
For the test episode we asked @yahtzeecroshaw.bsky.social to explain how he used procedural generation in Starstruck Vagabond.
How Yahtzee Created Unique Worlds in Starstruck Vagabond | GameMaker Memoirs
YouTube video by Second Wind
youtu.be
February 3, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Here's a cool thing we're trying out!
I think this is gonna be this year's first Sleeper Hit.
Previews were pretty positive a few weeks back.
Previews were pretty positive a few weeks back.
Toxic Commando - Official Gameplay Overview Trailer
YouTube video by IGN
youtu.be
February 3, 2026 at 7:21 PM
I think this is gonna be this year's first Sleeper Hit.
Previews were pretty positive a few weeks back.
Previews were pretty positive a few weeks back.
Working on so many cool things right now.
Games Showcase, next episodes of Beyond the Pixels, Lost and Found pitches... secret stuff.
Heading into 3 years of Second Wind already and really have found the passion for this job again after being entirely burnt out by end of Escapist.
Games Showcase, next episodes of Beyond the Pixels, Lost and Found pitches... secret stuff.
Heading into 3 years of Second Wind already and really have found the passion for this job again after being entirely burnt out by end of Escapist.
February 3, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Working on so many cool things right now.
Games Showcase, next episodes of Beyond the Pixels, Lost and Found pitches... secret stuff.
Heading into 3 years of Second Wind already and really have found the passion for this job again after being entirely burnt out by end of Escapist.
Games Showcase, next episodes of Beyond the Pixels, Lost and Found pitches... secret stuff.
Heading into 3 years of Second Wind already and really have found the passion for this job again after being entirely burnt out by end of Escapist.
As we wrap up work on our current @lostandfound.media project, we're looking for new clients to take on!
If you need help with marketing for your upcoming game (trailers, key art, store pages, planning, etc) we're available and ready to work!
Email biz at lostandfound.media for a meet!
If you need help with marketing for your upcoming game (trailers, key art, store pages, planning, etc) we're available and ready to work!
Email biz at lostandfound.media for a meet!
February 3, 2026 at 5:22 PM
As we wrap up work on our current @lostandfound.media project, we're looking for new clients to take on!
If you need help with marketing for your upcoming game (trailers, key art, store pages, planning, etc) we're available and ready to work!
Email biz at lostandfound.media for a meet!
If you need help with marketing for your upcoming game (trailers, key art, store pages, planning, etc) we're available and ready to work!
Email biz at lostandfound.media for a meet!
No GDC for me this year as I’m taking a personal vacation to go explore Rome and Athens in March!
If you wanna do a virtual meet to catch-up, share updates on projects etc, shoot me an email or DM and we can get something scheduled.
If you wanna do a virtual meet to catch-up, share updates on projects etc, shoot me an email or DM and we can get something scheduled.
February 3, 2026 at 5:05 PM
No GDC for me this year as I’m taking a personal vacation to go explore Rome and Athens in March!
If you wanna do a virtual meet to catch-up, share updates on projects etc, shoot me an email or DM and we can get something scheduled.
If you wanna do a virtual meet to catch-up, share updates on projects etc, shoot me an email or DM and we can get something scheduled.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Obsidian shipped three games last year: Avowed, Grounded 2, and Outer Worlds 2. Grounded 2 was a hit, but the two RPGs were not, leading to some self-reflection. How to make games in 3-4 years rather than 6-7? This story may be a case study for the entire industry www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Inside Xbox, a Game Studio Is Trying to Reinvent Itself
Microsoft’s Obsidian Entertainment is searching for ways to make games more quickly and on smaller budgets.
www.bloomberg.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Obsidian shipped three games last year: Avowed, Grounded 2, and Outer Worlds 2. Grounded 2 was a hit, but the two RPGs were not, leading to some self-reflection. How to make games in 3-4 years rather than 6-7? This story may be a case study for the entire industry www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Nick Calandra
CONSPIRACY CORNER
Put on your tinfoil hats as we try to figure out if the new Stranger Things animated series was made from the remnants of a cancelled Telltale game.
New column is live now on Patreon -- www.patreon.com/posts/column...
Put on your tinfoil hats as we try to figure out if the new Stranger Things animated series was made from the remnants of a cancelled Telltale game.
New column is live now on Patreon -- www.patreon.com/posts/column...
February 3, 2026 at 3:04 PM
CONSPIRACY CORNER
Put on your tinfoil hats as we try to figure out if the new Stranger Things animated series was made from the remnants of a cancelled Telltale game.
New column is live now on Patreon -- www.patreon.com/posts/column...
Put on your tinfoil hats as we try to figure out if the new Stranger Things animated series was made from the remnants of a cancelled Telltale game.
New column is live now on Patreon -- www.patreon.com/posts/column...
Man it’s crazy how good Fallout is on Prime, and that makes it even more annoying at how badly they screwed up Halo.
a man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a window with his hands on his head .
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a window with his hands on his head .
media.tenor.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:35 AM
Man it’s crazy how good Fallout is on Prime, and that makes it even more annoying at how badly they screwed up Halo.
Blue states cut all funding to red states then. Enough subsidizing morons like Mullin in Oklahoma.
Markwayne Mullin: "I agree with what Lindsey is saying on defunding these sanctuary cities. We should pull our TSA agents out of their airports and not allow their airpot to be classified as international or even a regional hub. We should pull all of our aid."
February 3, 2026 at 2:33 AM
Blue states cut all funding to red states then. Enough subsidizing morons like Mullin in Oklahoma.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Highguard saw a notable uptick in player numbers and positive reviews during its first weekend, following the introduction of a 5v5 match mode.
The free-to-play shooter attracted a significant amount of interest and negative sentiment following its launch, which tapered off throughout the week.
The free-to-play shooter attracted a significant amount of interest and negative sentiment following its launch, which tapered off throughout the week.
Highguard Reviews Improve To "Mixed" After One Week, Thanks To 5v5 Mode
The number of positive user reviews on Steam began outpacing the negative late last week, following the introduction of the new mode.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 2, 2026 at 11:03 PM
Highguard saw a notable uptick in player numbers and positive reviews during its first weekend, following the introduction of a 5v5 match mode.
The free-to-play shooter attracted a significant amount of interest and negative sentiment following its launch, which tapered off throughout the week.
The free-to-play shooter attracted a significant amount of interest and negative sentiment following its launch, which tapered off throughout the week.
Just sent out email blast to PR for our upcoming Games Showcase!
If you didn't get it and need it let me know.
Over the next couple weeks, I'll also be personally contacting individual games we'd love to see in the showcase, so keep an eye out in your inboxes!
If you didn't get it and need it let me know.
Over the next couple weeks, I'll also be personally contacting individual games we'd love to see in the showcase, so keep an eye out in your inboxes!
February 2, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Just sent out email blast to PR for our upcoming Games Showcase!
If you didn't get it and need it let me know.
Over the next couple weeks, I'll also be personally contacting individual games we'd love to see in the showcase, so keep an eye out in your inboxes!
If you didn't get it and need it let me know.
Over the next couple weeks, I'll also be personally contacting individual games we'd love to see in the showcase, so keep an eye out in your inboxes!
Reposted by Nick Calandra
The crew at @secondwindgroup.com and @nickjcal.bsky.social going from strength to strength and doing even more cool shit
Congrats guys, it’s been so awesome to see you thrive
Congrats guys, it’s been so awesome to see you thrive
It's finally time!
Registration is officially open for our upcoming Games Showcase on @secondwindgroup.com in April 2026!
Registration is officially open for our upcoming Games Showcase on @secondwindgroup.com in April 2026!
Today we're excited to open up registration for our upcoming Second Wind Games Showcase which will air on April 23rd, 2026!
No hosts, no filler, just cool games from all around the world.
Registration is free - forms.gle/cmF7vUkPc96d...
Deadline is March 15, 2026!
No hosts, no filler, just cool games from all around the world.
Registration is free - forms.gle/cmF7vUkPc96d...
Deadline is March 15, 2026!
February 2, 2026 at 7:49 PM
The crew at @secondwindgroup.com and @nickjcal.bsky.social going from strength to strength and doing even more cool shit
Congrats guys, it’s been so awesome to see you thrive
Congrats guys, it’s been so awesome to see you thrive
Reposted by Nick Calandra
It's finally time!
Registration is officially open for our upcoming Games Showcase on @secondwindgroup.com in April 2026!
Registration is officially open for our upcoming Games Showcase on @secondwindgroup.com in April 2026!
Today we're excited to open up registration for our upcoming Second Wind Games Showcase which will air on April 23rd, 2026!
No hosts, no filler, just cool games from all around the world.
Registration is free - forms.gle/cmF7vUkPc96d...
Deadline is March 15, 2026!
No hosts, no filler, just cool games from all around the world.
Registration is free - forms.gle/cmF7vUkPc96d...
Deadline is March 15, 2026!
February 2, 2026 at 5:53 PM
It's finally time!
Registration is officially open for our upcoming Games Showcase on @secondwindgroup.com in April 2026!
Registration is officially open for our upcoming Games Showcase on @secondwindgroup.com in April 2026!
It's finally time!
Registration is officially open for our upcoming Games Showcase on @secondwindgroup.com in April 2026!
Registration is officially open for our upcoming Games Showcase on @secondwindgroup.com in April 2026!
Today we're excited to open up registration for our upcoming Second Wind Games Showcase which will air on April 23rd, 2026!
No hosts, no filler, just cool games from all around the world.
Registration is free - forms.gle/cmF7vUkPc96d...
Deadline is March 15, 2026!
No hosts, no filler, just cool games from all around the world.
Registration is free - forms.gle/cmF7vUkPc96d...
Deadline is March 15, 2026!
February 2, 2026 at 5:53 PM
It's finally time!
Registration is officially open for our upcoming Games Showcase on @secondwindgroup.com in April 2026!
Registration is officially open for our upcoming Games Showcase on @secondwindgroup.com in April 2026!
Reposted by Nick Calandra
UPDATE: Ubisoft Montreal team lead David Michaud-Cromp has been terminated by Ubisoft less than a week after being suspended without pay for publicly commenting on the company's recently announced RTO policy.
NEW: I spoke to the Ubisoft team lead who said they were suspended without pay after commenting on the company's recently-announced RTO policy.
They wanted to take a moment to elaborate on their personal views to explain how sudden policy changes can leave workers in the lurch.
Full story below:
They wanted to take a moment to elaborate on their personal views to explain how sudden policy changes can leave workers in the lurch.
Full story below:
Ubisoft team lead suspended for commenting on RTO policy
The Ubisoft Montréal team lead has now spoken to Game Developer to further outline their views on return-to-office mandates.
www.gamedeveloper.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:25 PM
UPDATE: Ubisoft Montreal team lead David Michaud-Cromp has been terminated by Ubisoft less than a week after being suspended without pay for publicly commenting on the company's recently announced RTO policy.
Hell yea, very deserved!
Is this the revival of Kami’s golden age of tourism?
We couldn’t be happier to have welcomed 200,000 climbers to the mountain over the weekend.
We couldn’t be happier to have welcomed 200,000 climbers to the mountain over the weekend.
February 2, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Hell yea, very deserved!
A reminder that with Steam Next Fest around the corner again I've created 9 (so far) Starter Packs for game developers and game accounts to follow on Bluesky.
Here's the latest one and you can find the rest on the Starter Packs tab on my profile.
Shares appreciated so more studios join!
Here's the latest one and you can find the rest on the Starter Packs tab on my profile.
Shares appreciated so more studios join!
February 2, 2026 at 4:53 PM
A reminder that with Steam Next Fest around the corner again I've created 9 (so far) Starter Packs for game developers and game accounts to follow on Bluesky.
Here's the latest one and you can find the rest on the Starter Packs tab on my profile.
Shares appreciated so more studios join!
Here's the latest one and you can find the rest on the Starter Packs tab on my profile.
Shares appreciated so more studios join!
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Announcement: The Crabmeat Steam Demo is Out Now!
An early segment of the game is available for those willing to brave the ice ❄️
Explore the full depths when the game launches March 10th
store.steampowered.com/app/3671850/...
Please Wishlist and Share!🦀🦀
#gamedev #indiedev
An early segment of the game is available for those willing to brave the ice ❄️
Explore the full depths when the game launches March 10th
store.steampowered.com/app/3671850/...
Please Wishlist and Share!🦀🦀
#gamedev #indiedev
February 2, 2026 at 8:39 AM
Announcement: The Crabmeat Steam Demo is Out Now!
An early segment of the game is available for those willing to brave the ice ❄️
Explore the full depths when the game launches March 10th
store.steampowered.com/app/3671850/...
Please Wishlist and Share!🦀🦀
#gamedev #indiedev
An early segment of the game is available for those willing to brave the ice ❄️
Explore the full depths when the game launches March 10th
store.steampowered.com/app/3671850/...
Please Wishlist and Share!🦀🦀
#gamedev #indiedev
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Do you remember when people were saying "I think my phone is listening to me, i'm getting ads for stuff I spoke about" and people said "They arent listening to you, they're just this good at predicting your interests"?
Well, it happens they were doing exactly that.
www.cbsnews.com/news/google-...
Well, it happens they were doing exactly that.
www.cbsnews.com/news/google-...
Google to pay $68 million over allegations its voice assistant eavesdropped on users
Class-action lawsuit alleged that Google's voice assistant illegally recorded and shared private conversations with advertisers.
www.cbsnews.com
February 1, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Do you remember when people were saying "I think my phone is listening to me, i'm getting ads for stuff I spoke about" and people said "They arent listening to you, they're just this good at predicting your interests"?
Well, it happens they were doing exactly that.
www.cbsnews.com/news/google-...
Well, it happens they were doing exactly that.
www.cbsnews.com/news/google-...
Reposted by Nick Calandra
BREAKING: The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.
Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting
The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raym...
www.propublica.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM
BREAKING: The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.