Stephen Totilo
@stephentotilo.bsky.social
Reporter covering video games at Game File (gamefile.news). Previously launched games coverage at Axios and MTV News. Was Kotaku EiC. stephen(at)gamefile(dot)news he/him
Even the non-highlighted part of this paragraph is incredible
So after Trump pardoned Honduras's narco-president, the admin didn't just let him out--they canceled an immigration hold and sent a specialized team to **chauffeur him to the $1k/night Waldorf Astoria.**
“It's "absolutely fucking nuts,” said one official
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
“It's "absolutely fucking nuts,” said one official
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
February 18, 2026 at 1:26 PM
Even the non-highlighted part of this paragraph is incredible
NEW: Highguard studio Wildlight's secret financial backer was Tencent, sources tell me
www.gamefile.news/p/tencent-hi...
www.gamefile.news/p/tencent-hi...
Sources: Tencent secretly funded struggling shooter Highguard
Wildlight Entertainment has said for years it was "fully-funded" but not shared details.
www.gamefile.news
February 17, 2026 at 8:19 PM
NEW: Highguard studio Wildlight's secret financial backer was Tencent, sources tell me
www.gamefile.news/p/tencent-hi...
www.gamefile.news/p/tencent-hi...
Hey, that's me!
NEW EPISODE: It's episode 2 of Insider Gaming's Party Chat
Join Mike and Tom as they sit down with Game File creator @stephentotilo.bsky.social to talk about working on Hulk Hogan's reality show, starting Game File, and so much more.
WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd5y...
Join Mike and Tom as they sit down with Game File creator @stephentotilo.bsky.social to talk about working on Hulk Hogan's reality show, starting Game File, and so much more.
WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd5y...
Independent Games Journalism With Stephen Totilo - Party Chat
YouTube video by Insider Gaming
www.youtube.com
February 17, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Hey, that's me!
Yesterday, I briefly gave two co-founders of Sandfall Interactive (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33) my phone and asked them to take the most interesting picture they could think of.
We were in a fairly boring room. So it was a challenge.
My latest Game File: www.gamefile.news/p/sandfall-i...
We were in a fairly boring room. So it was a challenge.
My latest Game File: www.gamefile.news/p/sandfall-i...
A more optimistic expedition
At the DICE Summit, I checked in with video game industry leaders about the state of things. And I handed my phone to two of the co-founders of Clair Obscur's Sandfall Interactive.. just for a moment.
www.gamefile.news
February 14, 2026 at 12:32 AM
Yesterday, I briefly gave two co-founders of Sandfall Interactive (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33) my phone and asked them to take the most interesting picture they could think of.
We were in a fairly boring room. So it was a challenge.
My latest Game File: www.gamefile.news/p/sandfall-i...
We were in a fairly boring room. So it was a challenge.
My latest Game File: www.gamefile.news/p/sandfall-i...
Trying to run on the Vegas Strip was pretty confusing
February 13, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Trying to run on the Vegas Strip was pretty confusing
Among the things I've heard at DICE is that, if I'm to ever play the Xenoblade Chronicles games, it is okay to skip the first two and just play the third (and that X, the only one I've played a bunch of, albeit on the Wii U) is worth playing through on Switch
Haven't corroborated with other sources
Haven't corroborated with other sources
February 12, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Among the things I've heard at DICE is that, if I'm to ever play the Xenoblade Chronicles games, it is okay to skip the first two and just play the third (and that X, the only one I've played a bunch of, albeit on the Wii U) is worth playing through on Switch
Haven't corroborated with other sources
Haven't corroborated with other sources
NEW: In Las Vegas today, games industry leaders eulogized Vince Zampella
EA's Laura Miele: Zampella "changed how people are treated while making [games]"
In recorded remarks Hideo Kojima said Zampella helped him with setting up his studio
More:
www.gamefile.news/p/vince-zamp...
EA's Laura Miele: Zampella "changed how people are treated while making [games]"
In recorded remarks Hideo Kojima said Zampella helped him with setting up his studio
More:
www.gamefile.news/p/vince-zamp...
"Vince was the real deal." Gaming leaders mourn Vince Zampella in Las Vegas
An hour of today's annual DICE Summit that would usually be reserved for a keynote address was instead devoted to eulogies for the Call of Duty and Respawn pioneer
www.gamefile.news
February 11, 2026 at 9:48 PM
NEW: In Las Vegas today, games industry leaders eulogized Vince Zampella
EA's Laura Miele: Zampella "changed how people are treated while making [games]"
In recorded remarks Hideo Kojima said Zampella helped him with setting up his studio
More:
www.gamefile.news/p/vince-zamp...
EA's Laura Miele: Zampella "changed how people are treated while making [games]"
In recorded remarks Hideo Kojima said Zampella helped him with setting up his studio
More:
www.gamefile.news/p/vince-zamp...
Sony filed more than 30 lawsuits last year against sellers of counterfeit PlayStation-branded goods
In yesterday's Game File, I covered the outcome of one. A company that made $274.22 from selling 16 PlayStation-themed signs must now pay $5,000 in damages
Item 2: www.gamefile.news/i/187549311/...
In yesterday's Game File, I covered the outcome of one. A company that made $274.22 from selling 16 PlayStation-themed signs must now pay $5,000 in damages
Item 2: www.gamefile.news/i/187549311/...
February 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Sony filed more than 30 lawsuits last year against sellers of counterfeit PlayStation-branded goods
In yesterday's Game File, I covered the outcome of one. A company that made $274.22 from selling 16 PlayStation-themed signs must now pay $5,000 in damages
Item 2: www.gamefile.news/i/187549311/...
In yesterday's Game File, I covered the outcome of one. A company that made $274.22 from selling 16 PlayStation-themed signs must now pay $5,000 in damages
Item 2: www.gamefile.news/i/187549311/...
For years, official maps showing the global launch times for new video games have left Africa blank
I wrote about those maps in today's Game File. Credit to @tauriq.bsky.social's thread from 2023 that got this on my radar. And to @nyamakop.co.za for the joke
www.gamefile.news/p/relooted-l...
I wrote about those maps in today's Game File. Credit to @tauriq.bsky.social's thread from 2023 that got this on my radar. And to @nyamakop.co.za for the joke
www.gamefile.news/p/relooted-l...
A good joke about game launches
Plus: PlayStation's recent win against counterfeiters
www.gamefile.news
February 11, 2026 at 2:00 AM
For years, official maps showing the global launch times for new video games have left Africa blank
I wrote about those maps in today's Game File. Credit to @tauriq.bsky.social's thread from 2023 that got this on my radar. And to @nyamakop.co.za for the joke
www.gamefile.news/p/relooted-l...
I wrote about those maps in today's Game File. Credit to @tauriq.bsky.social's thread from 2023 that got this on my radar. And to @nyamakop.co.za for the joke
www.gamefile.news/p/relooted-l...
The mom getting called by Activision twice and saying the second time she didn't recall the first call is amazing (all alleged, of course!)
two new lawsuit stories today:
February 9, 2026 at 8:37 PM
The mom getting called by Activision twice and saying the second time she didn't recall the first call is amazing (all alleged, of course!)
Wow. Riot Games cutting developers from its 2XKO team, just 20 days after the fighting game had its full release
"overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term"
When even Riot can't ensure a hit...
www.riotgames.com/en/news/an-u...
"overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term"
When even Riot can't ensure a hit...
www.riotgames.com/en/news/an-u...
An Update on 2XKO
What’s Changing and Why
www.riotgames.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Wow. Riot Games cutting developers from its 2XKO team, just 20 days after the fighting game had its full release
"overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term"
When even Riot can't ensure a hit...
www.riotgames.com/en/news/an-u...
"overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term"
When even Riot can't ensure a hit...
www.riotgames.com/en/news/an-u...
Reposted by Stephen Totilo
Ironic, as this was the magazine that referred to Pokémon as a "pestilential Ponzi scheme" in 1999, characterising its creator Satoshi Tajiri as a literal monster "His eyes are bloodshot; dark circles ripple beneath them... His monsters are a child's predelictions." He never gave another interview.
TIME Magazine Reveals Special Edition Pokémon 30th Anniversary Covers.
TIME Magazine Reveals Special Edition Pokémon 30th Anniversary Covers
Ho-oh my
www.nintendolife.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Ironic, as this was the magazine that referred to Pokémon as a "pestilential Ponzi scheme" in 1999, characterising its creator Satoshi Tajiri as a literal monster "His eyes are bloodshot; dark circles ripple beneath them... His monsters are a child's predelictions." He never gave another interview.
REVIEW: I've had a mixed reaction to Mewgenics.
The tactical cat combat, which is the bulk of what you do in the game, is phenomenal
The cat-breeding, which is where the game's name comes from, is promising but tedious (so far?)
www.gamefile.news/p/mewgenics-...
The tactical cat combat, which is the bulk of what you do in the game, is phenomenal
The cat-breeding, which is where the game's name comes from, is promising but tedious (so far?)
www.gamefile.news/p/mewgenics-...
20 very up and down hours with Mewgenics
A review of a long-awaited tactical game about cat warfare. Plus: PlayStation sales, Roblox results, a Raven complaint, the Baldur’s Gate HBO show and more.
www.gamefile.news
February 7, 2026 at 1:48 PM
REVIEW: I've had a mixed reaction to Mewgenics.
The tactical cat combat, which is the bulk of what you do in the game, is phenomenal
The cat-breeding, which is where the game's name comes from, is promising but tedious (so far?)
www.gamefile.news/p/mewgenics-...
The tactical cat combat, which is the bulk of what you do in the game, is phenomenal
The cat-breeding, which is where the game's name comes from, is promising but tedious (so far?)
www.gamefile.news/p/mewgenics-...
Reposted by Stephen Totilo
Epic made provably incorrect statements about the game’s content, refused to provide details supporting their claims, and has not shared their claimed AO IARC certificate, which normally includes a link for the developer to appeal. They do not ‘love that studio’, they have effectively ghosted us
Earlier this week, I spoke briefly Epic about Horses, a game that was approved for release on EGS, then blocked after a re-rating
"We love that studio," Epic VP Steve Allison said of Santa Ragione, but maintained that an AO rating was a dealbreaker
www.gamefile.news/i/186925441/...
"We love that studio," Epic VP Steve Allison said of Santa Ragione, but maintained that an AO rating was a dealbreaker
www.gamefile.news/i/186925441/...
February 7, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Epic made provably incorrect statements about the game’s content, refused to provide details supporting their claims, and has not shared their claimed AO IARC certificate, which normally includes a link for the developer to appeal. They do not ‘love that studio’, they have effectively ghosted us
Not just great news for Ash and Joshua, but great to see Aftermath subscribers paying to enable this (keep it up!)
Used to be, at Kotaku, that the easiest way to bring on board more writers was to score a sponsorship with Honey Nut Cheerios or Energizer
This is better
Used to be, at Kotaku, that the easiest way to bring on board more writers was to score a sponsorship with Honey Nut Cheerios or Energizer
This is better
Your subscriber dollars at work: Aftermath has a new regular contributor and monthly columnist. Welcome @adashtra.bsky.social and @jmrivera.bsky.social to our regular rotation of writers!
aftermath.site/podcasts/after...
aftermath.site/podcasts/after...
February 7, 2026 at 1:04 AM
Not just great news for Ash and Joshua, but great to see Aftermath subscribers paying to enable this (keep it up!)
Used to be, at Kotaku, that the easiest way to bring on board more writers was to score a sponsorship with Honey Nut Cheerios or Energizer
This is better
Used to be, at Kotaku, that the easiest way to bring on board more writers was to score a sponsorship with Honey Nut Cheerios or Energizer
This is better
Earlier this week, I spoke briefly Epic about Horses, a game that was approved for release on EGS, then blocked after a re-rating
"We love that studio," Epic VP Steve Allison said of Santa Ragione, but maintained that an AO rating was a dealbreaker
www.gamefile.news/i/186925441/...
"We love that studio," Epic VP Steve Allison said of Santa Ragione, but maintained that an AO rating was a dealbreaker
www.gamefile.news/i/186925441/...
February 6, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Earlier this week, I spoke briefly Epic about Horses, a game that was approved for release on EGS, then blocked after a re-rating
"We love that studio," Epic VP Steve Allison said of Santa Ragione, but maintained that an AO rating was a dealbreaker
www.gamefile.news/i/186925441/...
"We love that studio," Epic VP Steve Allison said of Santa Ragione, but maintained that an AO rating was a dealbreaker
www.gamefile.news/i/186925441/...
Good reporting by Insider Gaming. I haven't heard from many happy Ubisoft workers of late. Rough times over there.
In an Insider Gaming exclusive, we've learned details of a recent Town Hall that took place at Ubisoft.
It included hundreds of questions on return to office plans, layoffs, lack of communication from leadership, and more.
FULL STORY 🔽
insider-gaming.com/ubisofts-int...
It included hundreds of questions on return to office plans, layoffs, lack of communication from leadership, and more.
FULL STORY 🔽
insider-gaming.com/ubisofts-int...
Ubisoft’s Internal Town Hall Meeting Fails to Reassure Employees on Its Future
A Ubisoft Town Hall has seemingly done little to reassure employees on the company's future, with more layoffs on the horizon.
insider-gaming.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Good reporting by Insider Gaming. I haven't heard from many happy Ubisoft workers of late. Rough times over there.
Zelda series is 40 in 2026. Which half of the run has the edge?
1 ('86-'05)
- Z1/Z2
- Link tt Past
- Link’s Awakening
- Ocarina/Majora
- Oracles / Minish Cap
- Wind Waker
2 ('06-'25)
- T Princess
- Hourglass/Tracks
- Sky. Sword
- Between Worlds
- BotW/TotK
- Wisdom
- Remakes: Majora, Awakening
1 ('86-'05)
- Z1/Z2
- Link tt Past
- Link’s Awakening
- Ocarina/Majora
- Oracles / Minish Cap
- Wind Waker
2 ('06-'25)
- T Princess
- Hourglass/Tracks
- Sky. Sword
- Between Worlds
- BotW/TotK
- Wisdom
- Remakes: Majora, Awakening
February 6, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Zelda series is 40 in 2026. Which half of the run has the edge?
1 ('86-'05)
- Z1/Z2
- Link tt Past
- Link’s Awakening
- Ocarina/Majora
- Oracles / Minish Cap
- Wind Waker
2 ('06-'25)
- T Princess
- Hourglass/Tracks
- Sky. Sword
- Between Worlds
- BotW/TotK
- Wisdom
- Remakes: Majora, Awakening
1 ('86-'05)
- Z1/Z2
- Link tt Past
- Link’s Awakening
- Ocarina/Majora
- Oracles / Minish Cap
- Wind Waker
2 ('06-'25)
- T Princess
- Hourglass/Tracks
- Sky. Sword
- Between Worlds
- BotW/TotK
- Wisdom
- Remakes: Majora, Awakening
This is my district. It’s been a weird race!
If you're not watching NJ-11, you should be
An AIPAC super PAC spent ~2 million on anti-Malinowski ads bc, while generally pro-Israel, he expressed openness to conditions on aid. But they didn't openly attack on Israel; they attacked from left on other issues. Now Mejia, a progressive Dem, may win
An AIPAC super PAC spent ~2 million on anti-Malinowski ads bc, while generally pro-Israel, he expressed openness to conditions on aid. But they didn't openly attack on Israel; they attacked from left on other issues. Now Mejia, a progressive Dem, may win
New Jersey 11th Congressional District Special Primary Election Results 2026
Get live results and maps from the 2026 New Jersey special primary election.
www.nytimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:23 AM
This is my district. It’s been a weird race!
The next Xbox is beginning to feel more real--and (no pun intended) more unreal
The idea of a console hosting an additional marketplace such as the Epic Games Store had been unthinkable. But now, in Microsoft's case, appears inevitable
Epic: "we’re going be there, like, on day one"
The idea of a console hosting an additional marketplace such as the Epic Games Store had been unthinkable. But now, in Microsoft's case, appears inevitable
Epic: "we’re going be there, like, on day one"
NEW: Epic intends to offer the Epic Games Store on the next Xbox
"We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox, because, unless their policy or stance on it changes, they are telling us they’re going to welcome that."
www.gamefile.news/p/epic-has-m...
"We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox, because, unless their policy or stance on it changes, they are telling us they’re going to welcome that."
www.gamefile.news/p/epic-has-m...
Epic has many plans for its game store, including launching on the next Xbox
Plus: Horses' Epic Games Store roadblock, revisited.
www.gamefile.news
February 5, 2026 at 8:55 PM
The next Xbox is beginning to feel more real--and (no pun intended) more unreal
The idea of a console hosting an additional marketplace such as the Epic Games Store had been unthinkable. But now, in Microsoft's case, appears inevitable
Epic: "we’re going be there, like, on day one"
The idea of a console hosting an additional marketplace such as the Epic Games Store had been unthinkable. But now, in Microsoft's case, appears inevitable
Epic: "we’re going be there, like, on day one"
New Nintendo statement to me: "Recently, we incorrectly stated that the Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics game library will be compatible with the Nintendo Labo VR Goggles. However, the...Labo VR Goggles are not officially supported" for the re-releases
(Pictured: my photo of the VB cardboard set)
(Pictured: my photo of the VB cardboard set)
February 5, 2026 at 5:40 PM
New Nintendo statement to me: "Recently, we incorrectly stated that the Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics game library will be compatible with the Nintendo Labo VR Goggles. However, the...Labo VR Goggles are not officially supported" for the re-releases
(Pictured: my photo of the VB cardboard set)
(Pictured: my photo of the VB cardboard set)
Usually, video game trailers that show gameplay show successful gameplay, because presumably that's what sells
But, I guess to tamp down on depictions of gory violence, the Resident Evil Requiem footage in today's Nintendo Direct showed some missed attacks.
Frankly, it made it feel more authentic
But, I guess to tamp down on depictions of gory violence, the Resident Evil Requiem footage in today's Nintendo Direct showed some missed attacks.
Frankly, it made it feel more authentic
February 5, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Usually, video game trailers that show gameplay show successful gameplay, because presumably that's what sells
But, I guess to tamp down on depictions of gory violence, the Resident Evil Requiem footage in today's Nintendo Direct showed some missed attacks.
Frankly, it made it feel more authentic
But, I guess to tamp down on depictions of gory violence, the Resident Evil Requiem footage in today's Nintendo Direct showed some missed attacks.
Frankly, it made it feel more authentic
Partner showcase was fine. I'm now ready for the Nintendo Enemy Showcase
February 5, 2026 at 2:44 PM
Partner showcase was fine. I'm now ready for the Nintendo Enemy Showcase
Reposted by Stephen Totilo
JUSTIFIED “FUCK ICE” CHANTS #AEWDynamite
February 5, 2026 at 3:04 AM
JUSTIFIED “FUCK ICE” CHANTS #AEWDynamite