Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
@cassiebara29.bsky.social
Media and Comms Lecturer at Unimelb 🏫 | ECR researching videogames, narrative complexity and pedagogy 🎮 | Deputy Director of MAGPIE 🐦⬛| DiGRAA Board Member 🌏 | Checkpoint Writer ✍️ | She/Her
https://linktr.ee/cbarkman
https://linktr.ee/cbarkman
Pinned
Narrative Complexity in Videogames
This thesis considers narrative complexity within the videogame medium. Narrative complexity refers to stories that are difficult to follow or hard to understand. I explore the connection between narr...
figshare.swinburne.edu.au
Earlier this year I submitted my PhD on narrative complexity in indie games, which you can now read online here: figshare.swinburne.edu.au/articles/the...
I'm definitely biased, but I think its kinda neat.
I'm definitely biased, but I think its kinda neat.
Finally got around to playing Wednesdays, a game where the heaviness of it's subject matter is only matched by how deftly it handles it (huge recommend).
Also sets the template for how to handle content warnings in videogames too, hoping other games will start to adopt similar mechanics.
Also sets the template for how to handle content warnings in videogames too, hoping other games will start to adopt similar mechanics.
November 15, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Finally got around to playing Wednesdays, a game where the heaviness of it's subject matter is only matched by how deftly it handles it (huge recommend).
Also sets the template for how to handle content warnings in videogames too, hoping other games will start to adopt similar mechanics.
Also sets the template for how to handle content warnings in videogames too, hoping other games will start to adopt similar mechanics.
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
Screen Australia is doing a massive research project on the current state of the screen and games industries in Australia. Local devs, please consider taking the time to complete their survey survey.alchemer.com/s3/8573365/S...
Screen Currency 2025 — Screen and Games Industry Survey
survey.alchemer.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Screen Australia is doing a massive research project on the current state of the screen and games industries in Australia. Local devs, please consider taking the time to complete their survey survey.alchemer.com/s3/8573365/S...
Has been an absolute joy to work on this, both as something very different to research but also for the opportunity to work more closely with the incredible @oddgoo.bsky.social.
MAGPIE has made a little game!
It is called Playful Paths and it is playable from TODAY as part of the Being Human Humanities festival at the University of Melbourne. It will be running from the 14th of November to the 30th.
It is called Playful Paths and it is playable from TODAY as part of the Being Human Humanities festival at the University of Melbourne. It will be running from the 14th of November to the 30th.
November 13, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Has been an absolute joy to work on this, both as something very different to research but also for the opportunity to work more closely with the incredible @oddgoo.bsky.social.
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
Hey all, we are extending the deadline for our 2026 issue to December 10, 2025📅This is an excellent chance if you have a paper you're working on right now but need just a bit of extra time!
We look forward to your submissions😉
We look forward to your submissions😉
Open Call for Papers 2025🥰📢
Press Start is currently seeking full-length game studies papers from current grad students/recent grads. Submit by November 10, 2025, for a potential spot in our 2026 issue!
More details below in this thread👇
#CallForPapers #GameStudies
Press Start is currently seeking full-length game studies papers from current grad students/recent grads. Submit by November 10, 2025, for a potential spot in our 2026 issue!
More details below in this thread👇
#CallForPapers #GameStudies
November 10, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Hey all, we are extending the deadline for our 2026 issue to December 10, 2025📅This is an excellent chance if you have a paper you're working on right now but need just a bit of extra time!
We look forward to your submissions😉
We look forward to your submissions😉
Everyone still needs to play despelote btw. Special game.
One thing we hear consistently about despelote is how much its writing resonates with people around the world—it's a personal story, in the best way.
See for yourself: ⚽️ despelote.game
See for yourself: ⚽️ despelote.game
November 7, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Everyone still needs to play despelote btw. Special game.
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
This seems outrageously cruel.
And just a handful of months before these folks would have been set to enjoy the release of one of the biggest games of their careers too.
The imbalance of power in the games industry remains utterly fucked.
And just a handful of months before these folks would have been set to enjoy the release of one of the biggest games of their careers too.
The imbalance of power in the games industry remains utterly fucked.
BREAKING: Yesterday Grand Theft Auto VI maker Rockstar Games fired dozens of people, all of whom were involved in union efforts. A British union calls it "blatant and ruthless" union-busting. Take-Two Interactive says it was due to misconduct.
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
‘Grand Theft Auto’ Studio Accused of Union Busting After Firings
Union says 30 and 40 people were terminated. Rockstar Games’ parent company cites ‘gross misconduct’
www.bloomberg.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:58 PM
This seems outrageously cruel.
And just a handful of months before these folks would have been set to enjoy the release of one of the biggest games of their careers too.
The imbalance of power in the games industry remains utterly fucked.
And just a handful of months before these folks would have been set to enjoy the release of one of the biggest games of their careers too.
The imbalance of power in the games industry remains utterly fucked.
I almost don't want to put this out in the world in fear of manifesting it, but after Xbox utterly buried Keeper's release I fear for Double Fine.
SCOOP: For the last two years, Microsoft has pushed Xbox to hit profit margins of 30%, an ambitious target that's far higher than the industry average.
This chase for profit has led Xbox to raise prices, cut thousands of jobs, and rethink everything.
Story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
This chase for profit has led Xbox to raise prices, cut thousands of jobs, and rethink everything.
Story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Microsoft Pushes Xbox Division to Hit Higher Profit Margins
Management’s goal of 30% profit margins for gaming has led to job losses, canceled projects
www.bloomberg.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:54 AM
I almost don't want to put this out in the world in fear of manifesting it, but after Xbox utterly buried Keeper's release I fear for Double Fine.
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
Reminder to Australian devs that @sifterhq.bsky.social does the lord's work every year by compiling every single Australian-made videogame they can find. You can submit your 2025 releases here: www.sifter.com.au/add-my-game-...
Add my game to SIFTER's Australian Made Games List
Have you released a game made in Australia this year? Use this form to let us know
www.sifter.com.au
October 20, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Reminder to Australian devs that @sifterhq.bsky.social does the lord's work every year by compiling every single Australian-made videogame they can find. You can submit your 2025 releases here: www.sifter.com.au/add-my-game-...
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
I am facilitating a workshop trying to heal the disease of racism, using an anti-racism game 'Between the lines', at the Being Human Festival 2025. Come along for a mindful engagement & fight racism. #beinghumanfestival2025 #Gamesforchange
events.unimelb.edu.au/arts/event/5....
events.unimelb.edu.au/arts/event/5....
Between the Lines
Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed to generate conversations around anti-racism. This workshop involves an online game, Betw...
events.unimelb.edu.au
October 13, 2025 at 5:28 AM
I am facilitating a workshop trying to heal the disease of racism, using an anti-racism game 'Between the lines', at the Being Human Festival 2025. Come along for a mindful engagement & fight racism. #beinghumanfestival2025 #Gamesforchange
events.unimelb.edu.au/arts/event/5....
events.unimelb.edu.au/arts/event/5....
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
Whether it's creators and designers or researchers and players, gaming communities show that the true value of games lies not just in the code - but in the collaborative worlds they build together 🎮
Tap through to read more → unimelb.me/46VD9wV
Tap through to read more → unimelb.me/46VD9wV
October 10, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Whether it's creators and designers or researchers and players, gaming communities show that the true value of games lies not just in the code - but in the collaborative worlds they build together 🎮
Tap through to read more → unimelb.me/46VD9wV
Tap through to read more → unimelb.me/46VD9wV
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
Parallels was great last night. Absolutely wild that Freeplay has been both the anchor and the beacon for experimental and independent game development in this country for 21 years now.
October 9, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Parallels was great last night. Absolutely wild that Freeplay has been both the anchor and the beacon for experimental and independent game development in this country for 21 years now.
Day one of PAX and I've already hit the floor.
The Checkpoint on JOY booth is all set up!
For all attendees of @paxaus.bsky.social, come find us upstairs as part of the Diversity Lounge to say hi to the Checkpoint crew!
For all attendees of @paxaus.bsky.social, come find us upstairs as part of the Diversity Lounge to say hi to the Checkpoint crew!
October 9, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Day one of PAX and I've already hit the floor.
Reviewing this game was actually a joy, not because it's good but just because of how eclectically interesting it is. Simultaneously recommend and warn you.
REVIEW: Dreams of Another
"...an eclectic kaleidoscope of bizarre artistic motifs, a fascinatingly surreal mood and a (possibly entirely unintentional) thematic density that is still worth treasuring amidst the haze of its voxel world."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2025...
"...an eclectic kaleidoscope of bizarre artistic motifs, a fascinatingly surreal mood and a (possibly entirely unintentional) thematic density that is still worth treasuring amidst the haze of its voxel world."
checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2025...
Dreams of Another Review - Sleepshooting
Dreams of Another offers an eclectic kaleidoscope of bizarre artistic motifs and a fascinatingly surreal mood.
checkpointgaming.net
October 8, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Reviewing this game was actually a joy, not because it's good but just because of how eclectically interesting it is. Simultaneously recommend and warn you.
Oh its me.
Today, video game stories come in all shapes and sizes 🎮
Dr Cassandra Barkman and A/Prof Eddie Paterson from the Faculty of Arts and MAGPIE (Melbourne Academic Games, Play and Interactive Entertainment) share how storytelling in games allows for diverse stories to be shared → unimelb.me/473I27w
Dr Cassandra Barkman and A/Prof Eddie Paterson from the Faculty of Arts and MAGPIE (Melbourne Academic Games, Play and Interactive Entertainment) share how storytelling in games allows for diverse stories to be shared → unimelb.me/473I27w
October 8, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Oh its me.
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
To coincide with Melbourne International Games Week, MAGPIE has put together a special report with @unimelb.bsky.social's Pursuit talking all about the effects gaming is having socially and culturally on the world around us.
pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/special-repo...
pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/special-repo...
All the world's a game
Around eighty per cent of Australians play video games – but the term 'gamer’ can exclude as much as it includes. From cosplay to LARPs, from exposing racism to storytelling, University of Melbourne e...
pursuit.unimelb.edu.au
October 8, 2025 at 1:05 AM
To coincide with Melbourne International Games Week, MAGPIE has put together a special report with @unimelb.bsky.social's Pursuit talking all about the effects gaming is having socially and culturally on the world around us.
pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/special-repo...
pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/special-repo...
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
The latest Video Game History Hour podcast talks to Dr. Stephanie Harkin, lecturer at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, about her research on video games in girls’ lifestyle magazines like Girl Gamer & Total Girl: gamehistory.org/episode-141-...
Episode 141: Hidden Advertising of Feminine Games | Video Game History Foundation
Phil Salvador interviews Dr. Stephanie Harkin, lecturer at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) School of Design Games Program in Australia, about her research on femininity in gaming, p...
gamehistory.org
October 2, 2025 at 7:59 PM
The latest Video Game History Hour podcast talks to Dr. Stephanie Harkin, lecturer at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, about her research on video games in girls’ lifestyle magazines like Girl Gamer & Total Girl: gamehistory.org/episode-141-...
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
My book is out! 💗
Girlhood Games: Gender, Identity and Coming of Age in Videogames is a 6-year-long labour of love for young adult stories, teen heroines in videogames and unnoticed girly game histories.
Thank you @livvy.itch.io for the beautiful cover!
www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi...
Girlhood Games: Gender, Identity and Coming of Age in Videogames is a 6-year-long labour of love for young adult stories, teen heroines in videogames and unnoticed girly game histories.
Thank you @livvy.itch.io for the beautiful cover!
www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi...
October 1, 2025 at 11:29 PM
My book is out! 💗
Girlhood Games: Gender, Identity and Coming of Age in Videogames is a 6-year-long labour of love for young adult stories, teen heroines in videogames and unnoticed girly game histories.
Thank you @livvy.itch.io for the beautiful cover!
www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi...
Girlhood Games: Gender, Identity and Coming of Age in Videogames is a 6-year-long labour of love for young adult stories, teen heroines in videogames and unnoticed girly game histories.
Thank you @livvy.itch.io for the beautiful cover!
www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi...
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
‼️Call for reviewers‼️
We're looking for three reviewers for an article concerning Pokémon and the deconstruction of the Hero's journey. Please check the attached image for the abstract. (1/2)
We're looking for three reviewers for an article concerning Pokémon and the deconstruction of the Hero's journey. Please check the attached image for the abstract. (1/2)
October 1, 2025 at 4:39 PM
‼️Call for reviewers‼️
We're looking for three reviewers for an article concerning Pokémon and the deconstruction of the Hero's journey. Please check the attached image for the abstract. (1/2)
We're looking for three reviewers for an article concerning Pokémon and the deconstruction of the Hero's journey. Please check the attached image for the abstract. (1/2)
Got to watch and play a secret early version of this and absolutely loved it (also incredible trailer), everyone go wishlist immediately.
Announcing... DOGPILE!!! ✨🦴
Dogpile is a roguelike deckbuilder about merging DOGS. Play dogs, get money, customize your dogs with special traits, refine your deck, PLAY MORE DOGS!
Free demo is live on Steam, WISHLIST NOW!!!
store.steampowered.com/app/3839300/...
Dogpile is a roguelike deckbuilder about merging DOGS. Play dogs, get money, customize your dogs with special traits, refine your deck, PLAY MORE DOGS!
Free demo is live on Steam, WISHLIST NOW!!!
store.steampowered.com/app/3839300/...
October 1, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Got to watch and play a secret early version of this and absolutely loved it (also incredible trailer), everyone go wishlist immediately.
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
New article in @theconversation.com today reflecting on Australia’s 2024 loot box regulations and how, 1 year later, there remains widespread non-compliance - and generally really confusing age ratings for mobile games on the App Stores!
theconversation.com/loot-boxes-a...
theconversation.com/loot-boxes-a...
Loot boxes are still rife in kids’ mobile games, despite ban on ‘gambling-like’ features
Games with ‘loot boxes’ should be classified for over-15s – but a new study shows many of the most popular mobile games completely ignore the rules.
theconversation.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:18 AM
New article in @theconversation.com today reflecting on Australia’s 2024 loot box regulations and how, 1 year later, there remains widespread non-compliance - and generally really confusing age ratings for mobile games on the App Stores!
theconversation.com/loot-boxes-a...
theconversation.com/loot-boxes-a...
Happy Hades II day to all who celebrate (I will see everyone in a week's time).
🌒HADES II v1.0 is OUT NOW!! 🌘
Battle beyond the Underworld in our bewitching sequel to the godlike roguelike. Go Kill Time!
Nintendo Switch 2: supergiant.games/h2switch2
Nintendo Switch: supergiant.games/h2switch
Steam: supergiant.games/h2steam
Epic Games Store: supergiant.games/h2egs
Battle beyond the Underworld in our bewitching sequel to the godlike roguelike. Go Kill Time!
Nintendo Switch 2: supergiant.games/h2switch2
Nintendo Switch: supergiant.games/h2switch
Steam: supergiant.games/h2steam
Epic Games Store: supergiant.games/h2egs
Hades II – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 - Nintendo Official Site
Buy Hades II – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition and shop other great Nintendo products online at the official My Nintendo Store.
supergiant.games
September 25, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Happy Hades II day to all who celebrate (I will see everyone in a week's time).
Reposted by Cassandra (Cass) Barkman
‼️Call for reviewers‼️
We are looking for three peer reviewers familiar with textual analysis and/or media philosophy for a manuscript titled "The Look of Gaming's Cognitive Bond" 📷 Please check the attached image for the abstract. (1/2)
We are looking for three peer reviewers familiar with textual analysis and/or media philosophy for a manuscript titled "The Look of Gaming's Cognitive Bond" 📷 Please check the attached image for the abstract. (1/2)
September 25, 2025 at 5:40 AM
‼️Call for reviewers‼️
We are looking for three peer reviewers familiar with textual analysis and/or media philosophy for a manuscript titled "The Look of Gaming's Cognitive Bond" 📷 Please check the attached image for the abstract. (1/2)
We are looking for three peer reviewers familiar with textual analysis and/or media philosophy for a manuscript titled "The Look of Gaming's Cognitive Bond" 📷 Please check the attached image for the abstract. (1/2)
Played this at PAX in 2023 and had an absolute blast (and still got the pin!). Great Aussie get by Devolver.
Name a more iconic duo than The Dungeon Experience and @devolverdigital.com - we'll wait.
@jacobjanerka.bsky.social @sboxle.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/news/2025/09...
@jacobjanerka.bsky.social @sboxle.bsky.social
checkpointgaming.net/news/2025/09...
Melbourne-made The Dungeon Experience releasing with Devolver Digital in 2026
Melbourne-based studio Bone Assembly announced that The Dungeon Experience is being published by Devolver Digital, releasing on PC in 2026.
checkpointgaming.net
September 23, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Played this at PAX in 2023 and had an absolute blast (and still got the pin!). Great Aussie get by Devolver.