Dave | Tales from the Backlog
@tftblpod.bsky.social
He/him. Games critic and Tales from the Backlog podcast host- one game per episode, in depth, no spoilers until we warn you.
Podcast/YouTube- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog
Support- Patreon.com/realdavejackson
Podcast/YouTube- https://linktr.ee/talesfromthebacklog
Support- Patreon.com/realdavejackson
Pinned
Hi! I'm Dave, and I host Tales from the Backlog (a backlog games deep dive podcast). Each episode is me with a different guest discussing the games we play, with no spoilers for a while.
Also pictured: my producer Rukey.
🌐linktr.ee/realdavejackson
📬talesfromthebacklogpod@gmail.com
Also pictured: my producer Rukey.
🌐linktr.ee/realdavejackson
📬talesfromthebacklogpod@gmail.com
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
The world if first-person immersive sims were a mainstream genre
December 28, 2025 at 5:43 PM
The world if first-person immersive sims were a mainstream genre
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
2025 was brutal for games media, but I'm seeing some glimmers of hope as worker-owned sites like @aftermath.site, @rascal.news, and @giantbomb.bsky.social have carved out vital spaces in the games community.
Earlier this year, I made a huge Indie Games Media starter pack for y'all. Let's celebrate.
Earlier this year, I made a huge Indie Games Media starter pack for y'all. Let's celebrate.
December 28, 2025 at 8:52 PM
2025 was brutal for games media, but I'm seeing some glimmers of hope as worker-owned sites like @aftermath.site, @rascal.news, and @giantbomb.bsky.social have carved out vital spaces in the games community.
Earlier this year, I made a huge Indie Games Media starter pack for y'all. Let's celebrate.
Earlier this year, I made a huge Indie Games Media starter pack for y'all. Let's celebrate.
The world if first-person immersive sims were a mainstream genre
December 28, 2025 at 5:43 PM
The world if first-person immersive sims were a mainstream genre
In case you missed it over the holiday, this week's episode about Astro Bot is up! @stillloadingpodcast.com and I had a blast chatting about it!
We're all doing what we can to spread cheer around the holidays, and arguably no game does that quite as well as Astro Bot. @stillloadingpodcast.com joins me for a deep dive. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!
LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/197
WATCH: youtu.be/KbtAJL4OP-g
LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/197
WATCH: youtu.be/KbtAJL4OP-g
December 27, 2025 at 4:23 PM
In case you missed it over the holiday, this week's episode about Astro Bot is up! @stillloadingpodcast.com and I had a blast chatting about it!
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
That time of year again!
December 26, 2025 at 8:09 PM
That time of year again!
A favorite holiday gaming memory of mine- My brother and I both got Game Boys and Pokemon Red/Blue for Christmas in 1998. However, I had never played an RPG and didn't know you could save, so I played until Brock's gym probably 25 times until school started again, and a friend showed me how to save.
a black and white pixel art of a staircase with a skull on it
Alt: Original Pokemon Red/Blue gif of a very early game wild battle vs a Pidgey
media.tenor.com
December 25, 2025 at 2:13 AM
A favorite holiday gaming memory of mine- My brother and I both got Game Boys and Pokemon Red/Blue for Christmas in 1998. However, I had never played an RPG and didn't know you could save, so I played until Brock's gym probably 25 times until school started again, and a friend showed me how to save.
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
We're all doing what we can to spread cheer around the holidays, and arguably no game does that quite as well as Astro Bot. @stillloadingpodcast.com joins me for a deep dive. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!
LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/197
WATCH: youtu.be/KbtAJL4OP-g
LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/197
WATCH: youtu.be/KbtAJL4OP-g
December 24, 2025 at 6:39 PM
We're all doing what we can to spread cheer around the holidays, and arguably no game does that quite as well as Astro Bot. @stillloadingpodcast.com joins me for a deep dive. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!
LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/197
WATCH: youtu.be/KbtAJL4OP-g
LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/197
WATCH: youtu.be/KbtAJL4OP-g
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
I'm on @tftblpod.bsky.social this week! Astro Bot is a really special game for me and Dave was kind enough to invite me on to chat all about it. Go give it a listen!
We're all doing what we can to spread cheer around the holidays, and arguably no game does that quite as well as Astro Bot. @stillloadingpodcast.com joins me for a deep dive. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!
LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/197
WATCH: youtu.be/KbtAJL4OP-g
LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/197
WATCH: youtu.be/KbtAJL4OP-g
December 24, 2025 at 6:59 PM
I'm on @tftblpod.bsky.social this week! Astro Bot is a really special game for me and Dave was kind enough to invite me on to chat all about it. Go give it a listen!
We're all doing what we can to spread cheer around the holidays, and arguably no game does that quite as well as Astro Bot. @stillloadingpodcast.com joins me for a deep dive. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!
LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/197
WATCH: youtu.be/KbtAJL4OP-g
LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/197
WATCH: youtu.be/KbtAJL4OP-g
December 24, 2025 at 6:39 PM
We're all doing what we can to spread cheer around the holidays, and arguably no game does that quite as well as Astro Bot. @stillloadingpodcast.com joins me for a deep dive. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!
LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/197
WATCH: youtu.be/KbtAJL4OP-g
LISTEN: talesfromthebacklog.fireside.fm/197
WATCH: youtu.be/KbtAJL4OP-g
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
Started a new one tonight- Death Howl by @theouterzone.bsky.social! Curious to see how soulslike ideas are put into deckbuilder. So far the art and atmosphere are great, the grid-based combat is engaging, and 3 hours disappeared in a flash.
Thanks to @11bitstudios.bsky.social for the review code!
Thanks to @11bitstudios.bsky.social for the review code!
December 23, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Started a new one tonight- Death Howl by @theouterzone.bsky.social! Curious to see how soulslike ideas are put into deckbuilder. So far the art and atmosphere are great, the grid-based combat is engaging, and 3 hours disappeared in a flash.
Thanks to @11bitstudios.bsky.social for the review code!
Thanks to @11bitstudios.bsky.social for the review code!
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
AAA video game character going to the toilet: "I'll take these stairs." "Ah, there it is, the bathroom." "Better open the door." "The door's open, nice." "Gonna pull my trousers down now." "Sitting down." "Okay, here we go." "I needed that." "Okay, time to fl
December 23, 2025 at 10:26 AM
AAA video game character going to the toilet: "I'll take these stairs." "Ah, there it is, the bathroom." "Better open the door." "The door's open, nice." "Gonna pull my trousers down now." "Sitting down." "Okay, here we go." "I needed that." "Okay, time to fl
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
The series concludes this week. Check it out!
The NIER AUTOMATA analysis continues! Existence precedes essence. Sartre's philosophy is further explored throughout — a rallying cry for some, an aching lie for others. We all need a God worth dying for. This episode covers through both endings A and B. Hope you love the show today. Links below!⬇️
December 22, 2025 at 1:46 PM
The series concludes this week. Check it out!
Started a new one tonight- Death Howl by @theouterzone.bsky.social! Curious to see how soulslike ideas are put into deckbuilder. So far the art and atmosphere are great, the grid-based combat is engaging, and 3 hours disappeared in a flash.
Thanks to @11bitstudios.bsky.social for the review code!
Thanks to @11bitstudios.bsky.social for the review code!
December 23, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Started a new one tonight- Death Howl by @theouterzone.bsky.social! Curious to see how soulslike ideas are put into deckbuilder. So far the art and atmosphere are great, the grid-based combat is engaging, and 3 hours disappeared in a flash.
Thanks to @11bitstudios.bsky.social for the review code!
Thanks to @11bitstudios.bsky.social for the review code!
It's going to get even messier as those of us opposed to genAI (for a myriad of reasons) are forced to reexamine games where genAI use wasn't disclosed up front...almost how we reassess our relationship with our favorite art if the artists turn out to be shitheads after the fact. I'm so tired lol
Weird weekend, huh? Took a crack at breaking down the whole Clair Obscur genAI situation, and its bizarre fallout, as best as possible. My main takeaway right now is that people really need to figure out exactly what they're criticizing or it's going to get messy. www.polygon.com/clair-obscur...
The debate over gen AI in games is about to get a lot messier in 2026
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's GOTY retraction signals the start of something huge
www.polygon.com
December 22, 2025 at 8:21 PM
It's going to get even messier as those of us opposed to genAI (for a myriad of reasons) are forced to reexamine games where genAI use wasn't disclosed up front...almost how we reassess our relationship with our favorite art if the artists turn out to be shitheads after the fact. I'm so tired lol
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
Weird weekend, huh? Took a crack at breaking down the whole Clair Obscur genAI situation, and its bizarre fallout, as best as possible. My main takeaway right now is that people really need to figure out exactly what they're criticizing or it's going to get messy. www.polygon.com/clair-obscur...
The debate over gen AI in games is about to get a lot messier in 2026
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's GOTY retraction signals the start of something huge
www.polygon.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Weird weekend, huh? Took a crack at breaking down the whole Clair Obscur genAI situation, and its bizarre fallout, as best as possible. My main takeaway right now is that people really need to figure out exactly what they're criticizing or it's going to get messy. www.polygon.com/clair-obscur...
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
Matt and Geoff are joined by Chris Coplien of @retrohangover.bsky.social to discuss the Sega Saturn's complicated legacy, the ups and downs of the console's construction, and many of the great titles that are still only on the Sega Saturn.
funandgames.libsyn.com/episode-203-...
funandgames.libsyn.com/episode-203-...
December 19, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Matt and Geoff are joined by Chris Coplien of @retrohangover.bsky.social to discuss the Sega Saturn's complicated legacy, the ups and downs of the console's construction, and many of the great titles that are still only on the Sega Saturn.
funandgames.libsyn.com/episode-203-...
funandgames.libsyn.com/episode-203-...
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
This is awkward, but as of yesterday I'm no longer employed with Nightdive Studios. I'm currently looking for full-time work and would be happy to share more info via DMs. I'm also open to freelance work!
December 20, 2025 at 5:52 PM
This is awkward, but as of yesterday I'm no longer employed with Nightdive Studios. I'm currently looking for full-time work and would be happy to share more info via DMs. I'm also open to freelance work!
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
I do hope things like this send a message through the industry that Gen-ai use is bad for your game. As a critic who is against gen-ai it definitely gets messy. Do I throw out whole games for being caught & unknowingly praise those that just weren’t? 2026 is gonna be a hellscape for these thoughts
December 20, 2025 at 8:07 PM
I do hope things like this send a message through the industry that Gen-ai use is bad for your game. As a critic who is against gen-ai it definitely gets messy. Do I throw out whole games for being caught & unknowingly praise those that just weren’t? 2026 is gonna be a hellscape for these thoughts
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
I am so deeply sorry to be in the position to have to pull this lever again, but I just watched my car get towed away and I don't really know what else to do anymore.
More details in the update & description, but if you're able to help out or share, we would be grateful beyond words.
More details in the update & description, but if you're able to help out or share, we would be grateful beyond words.
Donate to Help Andrew & Savannah's Family Stay Afloat, organized by Andrew Elmore
Hey there! I'm Andrew, this is my wife Savannah. We have two kids, and we're… Andrew Elmore needs your support for Help Andrew & Savannah's Family Stay Afloat
gofund.me
December 19, 2025 at 11:54 PM
I am so deeply sorry to be in the position to have to pull this lever again, but I just watched my car get towed away and I don't really know what else to do anymore.
More details in the update & description, but if you're able to help out or share, we would be grateful beyond words.
More details in the update & description, but if you're able to help out or share, we would be grateful beyond words.
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
This is incredibly painful for me. I have never asked for help like this before. But I have had people reach out to me asking if they can help, so I am sharing my story and finally asking for help.
I've been lucky to have a lovely group of followers here, please share if you can, anything helps <3
I've been lucky to have a lovely group of followers here, please share if you can, anything helps <3
Donate to Help Natalie Recover From Medical Costs After Layoff, organized by Natalie Spitzel
Hi everyone,
For those who don't know me, my name is Nat… Natalie Spitzel needs your support for Help Natalie Recover From Medical Costs After Layoff
gofund.me
December 20, 2025 at 2:43 AM
This is incredibly painful for me. I have never asked for help like this before. But I have had people reach out to me asking if they can help, so I am sharing my story and finally asking for help.
I've been lucky to have a lovely group of followers here, please share if you can, anything helps <3
I've been lucky to have a lovely group of followers here, please share if you can, anything helps <3
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
I say this with zero irony: if you are even tangentially a part of a retro video game community, it is your civic duty to push back against this company and shun anyone who doesn't. This is fascism tapping gently at the door and as soon as you let it in, it's going to invite its friends.
December 19, 2025 at 5:01 PM
I say this with zero irony: if you are even tangentially a part of a retro video game community, it is your civic duty to push back against this company and shun anyone who doesn't. This is fascism tapping gently at the door and as soon as you let it in, it's going to invite its friends.
It's a pleasure as always to join Rick for this close look at Nier Automata!
The NIER AUTOMATA analysis continues! Existence precedes essence. Sartre's philosophy is further explored throughout — a rallying cry for some, an aching lie for others. We all need a God worth dying for. This episode covers through both endings A and B. Hope you love the show today. Links below!⬇️
December 19, 2025 at 5:29 PM
It's a pleasure as always to join Rick for this close look at Nier Automata!
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
YEAR IN REVIEW: The Best RPGs Of 2025
YEAR IN REVIEW: The Best RPGs Of 2025
Crowning the best RPG of 2025 is a hard task in what could be the genre's strongest year. Here are the year's best RPGs.
The post YEAR IN REVIEW: The Best RPGs Of 2025 appeared first on But Why Tho?.
dlvr.it
December 19, 2025 at 3:22 PM
YEAR IN REVIEW: The Best RPGs Of 2025
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
Hey hey! Gothic romantic horror season continues! Join me and @tftblpod.bsky.social as we chat all things Frankenstein (novel), Mary Shelley's dramatic life, differences between 1818 and 1831 editions, and critical analysis!
Big ol' episode, you don't want to miss it!
Big ol' episode, you don't want to miss it!
And finally it's time to hang at Jala-chan's Place! Today @jalachan.bsky.social is joined by Dave Jackson @tftblpod.bsky.social to discuss Mary Shelley's classic Gothic horror masterpiece, Frankenstein.
Check it out: www.jalachan.place/87
Check it out: www.jalachan.place/87
December 19, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Hey hey! Gothic romantic horror season continues! Join me and @tftblpod.bsky.social as we chat all things Frankenstein (novel), Mary Shelley's dramatic life, differences between 1818 and 1831 editions, and critical analysis!
Big ol' episode, you don't want to miss it!
Big ol' episode, you don't want to miss it!
Reposted by Dave | Tales from the Backlog
Pre-order the Retro Game Zine 2025 ANNUAL now! Shipping starts 12/31. $60 for 418 pages of retro gaming goodness.
This collection has an original cover by @wiloverton.bsky.social.
Read more about it and get your own copy from the link below!
pixelsandpolygons.net/products/ret...
This collection has an original cover by @wiloverton.bsky.social.
Read more about it and get your own copy from the link below!
pixelsandpolygons.net/products/ret...
December 17, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Pre-order the Retro Game Zine 2025 ANNUAL now! Shipping starts 12/31. $60 for 418 pages of retro gaming goodness.
This collection has an original cover by @wiloverton.bsky.social.
Read more about it and get your own copy from the link below!
pixelsandpolygons.net/products/ret...
This collection has an original cover by @wiloverton.bsky.social.
Read more about it and get your own copy from the link below!
pixelsandpolygons.net/products/ret...