Chris Lawn
@pressplaygaming.net
Freelance games writer. Bylines: Waypoint, GamesHub, Kotaku AU, Player 2. Beats: Indie games, RPGs. My little site: www.pressplaygaming.net
Pinned
Chris Lawn
@pressplaygaming.net
· Nov 30
Welcome To Press Play Gaming's Mega Indie Extravaganza Game Of The Year Coverage For 2024 — Press Play Gaming
2024 has been a big year for many reasons. This December, we are celebrating hundreds and hundreds of the wonderful and creative works indie developers have put out over the last 12 months. Come and j...
www.pressplaygaming.net
Well folks, my big indie game GOTY coverage blowout has begun!
First up, an intro piece. We are covering:
🎮675 Indie games, across
❗59 different categories, over
🤯10 full days of GOTY coverage.
Bookmark this page, it's gonna be a big one.
12 more hours.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/202...
First up, an intro piece. We are covering:
🎮675 Indie games, across
❗59 different categories, over
🤯10 full days of GOTY coverage.
Bookmark this page, it's gonna be a big one.
12 more hours.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/202...
So this is kinda weird, but I just really wanted to write about Automaton Lung, a really cool 3D platformer from 2022 that you should definitely play. Really really cool thing.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/10/23/automaton-lung-or-dreamscapes-and-joy-in-3d-platforming
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/10/23/automaton-lung-or-dreamscapes-and-joy-in-3d-platforming
Automaton Lung, or Dreamscapes and Joy in 3D Platforming — Press Play Gaming
Dreamscapes and turn of the century platforming.
www.pressplaygaming.net
October 23, 2025 at 4:47 AM
So this is kinda weird, but I just really wanted to write about Automaton Lung, a really cool 3D platformer from 2022 that you should definitely play. Really really cool thing.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/10/23/automaton-lung-or-dreamscapes-and-joy-in-3d-platforming
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/10/23/automaton-lung-or-dreamscapes-and-joy-in-3d-platforming
Man, it's been a year.
I dipped my toe into a bit of writing for KAKU: Ancient Seal, which was in my GOTY coverage last year and releases on consoles today. It's alright! I feel like it hits at a specific niche which is under-served.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/202...
I dipped my toe into a bit of writing for KAKU: Ancient Seal, which was in my GOTY coverage last year and releases on consoles today. It's alright! I feel like it hits at a specific niche which is under-served.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/202...
KAKU: Ancient Seal is PS2 (Complimentary) — Press Play Gaming
Imagining a different trajectory for the 3D platformers of the PS2 era.
www.pressplaygaming.net
October 17, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Man, it's been a year.
I dipped my toe into a bit of writing for KAKU: Ancient Seal, which was in my GOTY coverage last year and releases on consoles today. It's alright! I feel like it hits at a specific niche which is under-served.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/202...
I dipped my toe into a bit of writing for KAKU: Ancient Seal, which was in my GOTY coverage last year and releases on consoles today. It's alright! I feel like it hits at a specific niche which is under-served.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/202...
Reposted by Chris Lawn
Whoever you choose, it's a winner. We're still working our way to 100 new subscribers to unlock a Final Fantasy and politics issue for you folks. Lend us a hand by subscribing, sharing this post, or telling a friend: unwinnable.com/subscribe/
September 11, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Whoever you choose, it's a winner. We're still working our way to 100 new subscribers to unlock a Final Fantasy and politics issue for you folks. Lend us a hand by subscribing, sharing this post, or telling a friend: unwinnable.com/subscribe/
Reposted by Chris Lawn
Attention fellow AUSTRALIANS! 🇦🇺
We now have an official petition to parliament to STOP MASTERCARD and VISA from its campaign of censorship, restricting what legal products we can buy.
Please sign it now, and if you're not an Aussie, spread the word!
www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/...
We now have an official petition to parliament to STOP MASTERCARD and VISA from its campaign of censorship, restricting what legal products we can buy.
Please sign it now, and if you're not an Aussie, spread the word!
www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/...
September 6, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Attention fellow AUSTRALIANS! 🇦🇺
We now have an official petition to parliament to STOP MASTERCARD and VISA from its campaign of censorship, restricting what legal products we can buy.
Please sign it now, and if you're not an Aussie, spread the word!
www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/...
We now have an official petition to parliament to STOP MASTERCARD and VISA from its campaign of censorship, restricting what legal products we can buy.
Please sign it now, and if you're not an Aussie, spread the word!
www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/...
I recently checked out Artis Impact, a solo created RPG that does a lot with a little, and shines because of how it approaches things differently. Cool game.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/8/16/helping-the-community-is-the-point-in-artis-impact
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/8/16/helping-the-community-is-the-point-in-artis-impact
Helping the Community is the Point in Artis Impact — Press Play Gaming
Community is the thing that matters most both when the world thrives, and when the world dies.
www.pressplaygaming.net
August 16, 2025 at 1:41 AM
I recently checked out Artis Impact, a solo created RPG that does a lot with a little, and shines because of how it approaches things differently. Cool game.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/8/16/helping-the-community-is-the-point-in-artis-impact
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/8/16/helping-the-community-is-the-point-in-artis-impact
Ok I legit feel like this one is going to be one of those blow up indie daring games. Fast follow to A Game About Digging A Hole that has a great premise and great hooks.
store.steampowered.com/app/3692070/...
store.steampowered.com/app/3692070/...
One Man´s Trash on Steam
Vacuum your way through a massive junk pit in search of a lost hard drive worth millions. Suck, sell, upgrade, and uncover absurd items, pop culture relics, and unsettling secrets in this dangerously ...
store.steampowered.com
July 19, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Ok I legit feel like this one is going to be one of those blow up indie daring games. Fast follow to A Game About Digging A Hole that has a great premise and great hooks.
store.steampowered.com/app/3692070/...
store.steampowered.com/app/3692070/...
Cool ass game in the steam sale - Void Sails. Steam/Solarpunk, cosmic horror, ship sailing with some combat, narrative DnD sections. 4 hours ish. Only US$2 in the sale. Released 2 months ago at US$20. 100% worth it.
store.steampowered.com/app/3367690/...
store.steampowered.com/app/3367690/...
Save 80% on Void Sails on Steam
VOID SAILS is a single-player adventure where you captain a flying ship across uncharted space. Sail through mysterious worlds, battle powerful foes, and make story-defining choices. Uncover dark secr...
store.steampowered.com
July 6, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Cool ass game in the steam sale - Void Sails. Steam/Solarpunk, cosmic horror, ship sailing with some combat, narrative DnD sections. 4 hours ish. Only US$2 in the sale. Released 2 months ago at US$20. 100% worth it.
store.steampowered.com/app/3367690/...
store.steampowered.com/app/3367690/...
So, I've been gone a while.
I've been going through the hardest thing I've ever experienced.
Video games, as they do, have helped me through this. So, I have written about that here.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/6/18/clair-obscur-expedition-33-spiritfarer-and-saying-goodbye
I've been going through the hardest thing I've ever experienced.
Video games, as they do, have helped me through this. So, I have written about that here.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/6/18/clair-obscur-expedition-33-spiritfarer-and-saying-goodbye
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Spiritfarer and Saying Goodbye — Press Play Gaming
A personal essay on Spiritfarer, EOL care, Clare Obscur, and grief.
www.pressplaygaming.net
June 18, 2025 at 3:58 AM
So, I've been gone a while.
I've been going through the hardest thing I've ever experienced.
Video games, as they do, have helped me through this. So, I have written about that here.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/6/18/clair-obscur-expedition-33-spiritfarer-and-saying-goodbye
I've been going through the hardest thing I've ever experienced.
Video games, as they do, have helped me through this. So, I have written about that here.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/6/18/clair-obscur-expedition-33-spiritfarer-and-saying-goodbye
Reposted by Chris Lawn
This #TransDayofVisibility we’ve collated a definitive list of 90+ trans games throughout history.
Almost 100 games by trans developers and/or with trans representation.
Featuring games from:
@deconstructeam.bsky.social
@maddymakesgames.com
and many others 🏳️⚧️
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
Almost 100 games by trans developers and/or with trans representation.
Featuring games from:
@deconstructeam.bsky.social
@maddymakesgames.com
and many others 🏳️⚧️
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
A definitive list of 90+ trans games throughout history
This Trans Day of Visibility, we found it necessary to make a definitive list of 90+ trans games throughout history that are loud and proud.
checkpointgaming.net
March 30, 2025 at 9:12 PM
This #TransDayofVisibility we’ve collated a definitive list of 90+ trans games throughout history.
Almost 100 games by trans developers and/or with trans representation.
Featuring games from:
@deconstructeam.bsky.social
@maddymakesgames.com
and many others 🏳️⚧️
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
Almost 100 games by trans developers and/or with trans representation.
Featuring games from:
@deconstructeam.bsky.social
@maddymakesgames.com
and many others 🏳️⚧️
checkpointgaming.net/features/202...
INDIKA is so fkn good, and the crickets on it speak volumes. An absolute must play for anyone that cares even the tiniest bit about the idea of games as an artistic medium and/or those that like to think about the idea of games communicating Ideas Through Mechanics
The reason I'm being weird about this is indika SHOULD be a "game industry" celebrated video game. It makes me as a game dev think about what the future of games could be. It's a marvel of scope/scale, interaction, and narrative between characters, but also dialog between the game and the player.
The (low) number of people in the game industry that have played INDIKA is very apparent in all the awards shows I have been to this year. What the heck y'all
March 20, 2025 at 9:02 PM
INDIKA is so fkn good, and the crickets on it speak volumes. An absolute must play for anyone that cares even the tiniest bit about the idea of games as an artistic medium and/or those that like to think about the idea of games communicating Ideas Through Mechanics
Decided to jump in and take a look at Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone. It's WAY better than the mixed review rating on Steam would imply. It's a seriously solid open world RPG even in EA.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/3/15/chernobylite-2-exclusion-zone-has-that-spark-of-something-really-cool
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/3/15/chernobylite-2-exclusion-zone-has-that-spark-of-something-really-cool
Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone Has That Spark of Something Really Cool — Press Play Gaming
Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone should definitely be on your tablet radar.
www.pressplaygaming.net
March 15, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Decided to jump in and take a look at Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone. It's WAY better than the mixed review rating on Steam would imply. It's a seriously solid open world RPG even in EA.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/3/15/chernobylite-2-exclusion-zone-has-that-spark-of-something-really-cool
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/3/15/chernobylite-2-exclusion-zone-has-that-spark-of-something-really-cool
I’ve decided I’m going to train my brain on every movie, tv show, book, video game, newspaper, article, online video and image so that I can be the smartest person alive, so really I should just get access to everything for free
(without ads of course, they will only taint the data)
(without ads of course, they will only taint the data)
Sam, in a world where it is not fair use for libraries to digitize the books, you shouldn't be able to train your pathetic little toys on them.
March 13, 2025 at 11:13 PM
I’ve decided I’m going to train my brain on every movie, tv show, book, video game, newspaper, article, online video and image so that I can be the smartest person alive, so really I should just get access to everything for free
(without ads of course, they will only taint the data)
(without ads of course, they will only taint the data)
Undertale for such a low price… I mean come on.
UNDERTALE is on sale for $1.
If you're a bluesky user who hasn't played this game - now is the best time to join the other 99% of people on this website and pick it up.
store.steampowered.com/app/391540/U...
If you're a bluesky user who hasn't played this game - now is the best time to join the other 99% of people on this website and pick it up.
store.steampowered.com/app/391540/U...
Save 90% on Undertale on Steam
UNDERTALE! The RPG game where you don't have to destroy anyone.
store.steampowered.com
March 13, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Undertale for such a low price… I mean come on.
Looking forward to this one! The Trese Bros are some of the most dedicated devs to their games - they’ve been putting out weekly patches for their other excellent game Star Traders for ~SEVEN YEARS~ in 1.0 onwards. The EA of Cyber Knights is already cooking HARD
📢📢📢 Our RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCEMENT trailer is live on YouTube!! We're only ~2 months away from the full launch of our squad-based strategy heist RPG!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cum... #Gaming
Check it out and please 👍 like it, share it, and comment on it to help us out. 🙏 #IndieDev #RPG #GamingNews
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cum... #Gaming
Check it out and please 👍 like it, share it, and comment on it to help us out. 🙏 #IndieDev #RPG #GamingNews
March 12, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Looking forward to this one! The Trese Bros are some of the most dedicated devs to their games - they’ve been putting out weekly patches for their other excellent game Star Traders for ~SEVEN YEARS~ in 1.0 onwards. The EA of Cyber Knights is already cooking HARD
Ok this is VERY cool
More Dungeons of Hinterberg you ask?
Play a new prequel story ✅
Play as Renaud? 🕶️ ✅
Free Update for everyone? ✅
Episode: Renaud launching March 13th! (Same time as our PlayStation launch!)
Play a new prequel story ✅
Play as Renaud? 🕶️ ✅
Free Update for everyone? ✅
Episode: Renaud launching March 13th! (Same time as our PlayStation launch!)
March 12, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Ok this is VERY cool
So, this took me a while to piece together. Everhood 2 is a fascinating game on many levels. I think you should read my piece, which contains full spoilers, before playing it.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/3/11/everhood-2-is-a-transcendental-mess-that-stuck-in-my-brain
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/3/11/everhood-2-is-a-transcendental-mess-that-stuck-in-my-brain
www.pressplaygaming.net
March 11, 2025 at 3:37 AM
So, this took me a while to piece together. Everhood 2 is a fascinating game on many levels. I think you should read my piece, which contains full spoilers, before playing it.
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/3/11/everhood-2-is-a-transcendental-mess-that-stuck-in-my-brain
www.pressplaygaming.net/articles/2025/3/11/everhood-2-is-a-transcendental-mess-that-stuck-in-my-brain
BOTW > TOTK is the correct take
Who knew the Nintendo Switch’s first game would still be its best 8 years later?
Who knew the Nintendo Switch’s first game would still be its best 8 years later?
Few games age as well as Breath of the Wild
buff.ly
March 3, 2025 at 9:35 PM
BOTW > TOTK is the correct take
Very much this.
Think about the term “woke”. Common right wing attack line. A word originating from black communities, literally as a way of being “awake” to the injustices of the world, ie “not asleep, a sheep, a drone” etc. It’s used by the right as literally the opposite and means nothing.
Think about the term “woke”. Common right wing attack line. A word originating from black communities, literally as a way of being “awake” to the injustices of the world, ie “not asleep, a sheep, a drone” etc. It’s used by the right as literally the opposite and means nothing.
The attack on DEI shows why liberals should stop arguing about "strategic" use of language forever. DEI stands for three uncontroversial virtues that most every American accepts, and the right still turned it into a vile slur. It doesn't matter what you say - they will poison it because YOU said it.
February 28, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Very much this.
Think about the term “woke”. Common right wing attack line. A word originating from black communities, literally as a way of being “awake” to the injustices of the world, ie “not asleep, a sheep, a drone” etc. It’s used by the right as literally the opposite and means nothing.
Think about the term “woke”. Common right wing attack line. A word originating from black communities, literally as a way of being “awake” to the injustices of the world, ie “not asleep, a sheep, a drone” etc. It’s used by the right as literally the opposite and means nothing.
Incredible bundle supporting a good cause! Tunic is an obvious headliner, but there are SO many incredible games in this! It’s a no brainer to donate at least the minimum, and is well worth much more!
The California Fire Relief Bundle is live!! Benefitting survivors of the SoCal wildfires through the Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE). Featuring 400+ games: Tunic! Tangle Tower! Catlateral Damage! Hidden Folks! Cook, Serve, Delicious! And more! $10 minimum!! itch.io/b/2863/calif...
February 27, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Incredible bundle supporting a good cause! Tunic is an obvious headliner, but there are SO many incredible games in this! It’s a no brainer to donate at least the minimum, and is well worth much more!
Reposted by Chris Lawn
Whoo! The Local is out now. A mashup of Jet Set Radio and Quake/CS bunnyhop/surf maps. It's also (mostly) free.
There's a supporters version with one extra checkpoint race mode and some customization, but everything else (including multiplayer) is free.
It is very cool and you should play it.
There's a supporters version with one extra checkpoint race mode and some customization, but everything else (including multiplayer) is free.
It is very cool and you should play it.
The Local on Steam
A fast-paced movement game, loosely inspired by Surf and B-Hop. Featuring 5 gamemodes, multiplayer, and a large, playground-like world. Master the movement, and conquer the leaderboards.
store.steampowered.com
February 27, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Whoo! The Local is out now. A mashup of Jet Set Radio and Quake/CS bunnyhop/surf maps. It's also (mostly) free.
There's a supporters version with one extra checkpoint race mode and some customization, but everything else (including multiplayer) is free.
It is very cool and you should play it.
There's a supporters version with one extra checkpoint race mode and some customization, but everything else (including multiplayer) is free.
It is very cool and you should play it.
This is one of the most awesome things and I’m so proud of Player 2 and everyone that makes that website such an awesome one
Our Editor @hewso.bsky.social has been teasing something big from P2... well it is now time to announce it.
For 2025 and 2026, Player 2 will be the major sponsor of the Canberra Rolling Raiders Wheelchair Rugby League side.
Find out the how's and the why's here:
www.player2.net.au/2025/02/play...
For 2025 and 2026, Player 2 will be the major sponsor of the Canberra Rolling Raiders Wheelchair Rugby League side.
Find out the how's and the why's here:
www.player2.net.au/2025/02/play...
Player 2 And The Canberra Rolling Raiders – The Perfect Match | Player2.net.au
Player 2 And The Canberra Rolling Raiders - The Perfect Match Here at Player 2, we love to support the community. Over the years we have raised over $25000 for the Terry Campese Foundation through var...
www.player2.net.au
February 27, 2025 at 2:06 AM
This is one of the most awesome things and I’m so proud of Player 2 and everyone that makes that website such an awesome one
Reposted by Chris Lawn
Hey! There’s a load of great indie games to check out in this new charity bundle, titles like Eco Mofos, Liminal Horror, Runecairn, Rosewood Abbey & literally hundreds (766 to be precise) more for just €5
All money goes to help those in València hit by the floods last year
itch.io/b/2858/amor-...
All money goes to help those in València hit by the floods last year
itch.io/b/2858/amor-...
February 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Hey! There’s a load of great indie games to check out in this new charity bundle, titles like Eco Mofos, Liminal Horror, Runecairn, Rosewood Abbey & literally hundreds (766 to be precise) more for just €5
All money goes to help those in València hit by the floods last year
itch.io/b/2858/amor-...
All money goes to help those in València hit by the floods last year
itch.io/b/2858/amor-...
I am SO excited about Microsoft perusing genAI in all their games. I can’t wait to completely ignore their output, spending more time on the 1000s of already fantastic games that exist that I haven’t already played. Backlog catch-up time!
February 23, 2025 at 9:08 PM
I am SO excited about Microsoft perusing genAI in all their games. I can’t wait to completely ignore their output, spending more time on the 1000s of already fantastic games that exist that I haven’t already played. Backlog catch-up time!
This is one of the best steam bundles I’ve ever seen. Every single game here is absolutely top tier. Deadeye might by one of my favourites of all time, and it’s not even finished yet
The loyalty discounts on Peripeteia are up and oh, now this is a REALLY cool bundle.
Like, if you own all these games, you become a slightly cooler human being.
Like, if you own all these games, you become a slightly cooler human being.
February 23, 2025 at 3:07 AM
This is one of the best steam bundles I’ve ever seen. Every single game here is absolutely top tier. Deadeye might by one of my favourites of all time, and it’s not even finished yet