Justin Spicer
@genxsaisquoi.bsky.social
Music & Gaming Journalist | Instructional Designer
Editor & Contributor: Casual Game Insider
Former hack for Polygon, AV Club, Bandcamp, KEXP, Tiny Mix Tapes/Cerberus, Ad Hoc, GAMA/Around the Table & more
Editor & Contributor: Casual Game Insider
Former hack for Polygon, AV Club, Bandcamp, KEXP, Tiny Mix Tapes/Cerberus, Ad Hoc, GAMA/Around the Table & more
I can remember little of Gen Con at this moment, save the great convos. Thankfully, @keithlaw.bsky.social let me chat his ear off & I told him to check out Duel for Cardia: "It's a terrible name for a good game". He agrees, but with actual substantive thought
www.endlessmode.com/tabletop/boa...
www.endlessmode.com/tabletop/boa...
Duel for Cardia: A Great Two-Player Game that Deserves a Better Name
Duel for Cardia is a fantastic two-player, capture-the-flag game that gets a ton of mileage out of its simple components.
www.endlessmode.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:29 PM
I can remember little of Gen Con at this moment, save the great convos. Thankfully, @keithlaw.bsky.social let me chat his ear off & I told him to check out Duel for Cardia: "It's a terrible name for a good game". He agrees, but with actual substantive thought
www.endlessmode.com/tabletop/boa...
www.endlessmode.com/tabletop/boa...
Let's just start a ubiquitous post of sad, depressing realism of the toll our current state of affairs is taking on a hobby of supposed escapism: board gaming.
@wisewizardgames.bsky.social announces a reduction in workforce: www.wisewizardgames.com/wise-wizard-...
@wisewizardgames.bsky.social announces a reduction in workforce: www.wisewizardgames.com/wise-wizard-...
Wise Wizard Games Business Update | Wise Wizard Games
www.wisewizardgames.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Let's just start a ubiquitous post of sad, depressing realism of the toll our current state of affairs is taking on a hobby of supposed escapism: board gaming.
@wisewizardgames.bsky.social announces a reduction in workforce: www.wisewizardgames.com/wise-wizard-...
@wisewizardgames.bsky.social announces a reduction in workforce: www.wisewizardgames.com/wise-wizard-...
Two excellent defensive plays by the Blue Jays.
November 2, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Two excellent defensive plays by the Blue Jays.
Games. Literature. Music. Film.
I mean, if you know me from 20 years of freelance writing for web and magazines, you know words like "indie," "underground", "self-published/released/DIY" are ethos. If you jam Econo, I jam with you. But you should go to Space Biff first, especially for long form.
I mean, if you know me from 20 years of freelance writing for web and magazines, you know words like "indie," "underground", "self-published/released/DIY" are ethos. If you jam Econo, I jam with you. But you should go to Space Biff first, especially for long form.
Personally, I care about your indie game and will treat it with the same care and respect that I would give to any title from a big publisher. (And, usually, more care and respect.)
October 24, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Games. Literature. Music. Film.
I mean, if you know me from 20 years of freelance writing for web and magazines, you know words like "indie," "underground", "self-published/released/DIY" are ethos. If you jam Econo, I jam with you. But you should go to Space Biff first, especially for long form.
I mean, if you know me from 20 years of freelance writing for web and magazines, you know words like "indie," "underground", "self-published/released/DIY" are ethos. If you jam Econo, I jam with you. But you should go to Space Biff first, especially for long form.
Twilight Override is better than any Wilco album in the last 20 years. And it makes me irrationally upset. Tweedy, this is magic & why aren't you making it with Wilco? Some great songs here & there w/ that wonderful band but not a complete album like this. TO is 30(!) completely wonderful gems.
October 24, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Twilight Override is better than any Wilco album in the last 20 years. And it makes me irrationally upset. Tweedy, this is magic & why aren't you making it with Wilco? Some great songs here & there w/ that wonderful band but not a complete album like this. TO is 30(!) completely wonderful gems.
These echo my thoughts after playing twice at Gen Con. I like plenty of Jamey/SM designs & Vantage is a giant step up in the storytelling decision space, but it's still missing finality. Maybe it's just my instructional designer's mind at work. But this game should now be the iterative step forward.
Vantage is a perfect game. Naturally, I had to find problems with it.
October 18, 2025 at 2:11 PM
These echo my thoughts after playing twice at Gen Con. I like plenty of Jamey/SM designs & Vantage is a giant step up in the storytelling decision space, but it's still missing finality. Maybe it's just my instructional designer's mind at work. But this game should now be the iterative step forward.
Columbus Day, the holiday invented for all the men who couldn't read a map and refused to ask for directions.
October 12, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Columbus Day, the holiday invented for all the men who couldn't read a map and refused to ask for directions.
Honor's End from IV Studios feels incomplete, as if they had a solid idea & because of the tariffs incurred getting Brink to the U.S (w/ Realm of Reckoning already planned), they decided to rush this to market to offset costs for relief. Not the first publisher to use this tactic nor is it wrong.
October 9, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Honor's End from IV Studios feels incomplete, as if they had a solid idea & because of the tariffs incurred getting Brink to the U.S (w/ Realm of Reckoning already planned), they decided to rush this to market to offset costs for relief. Not the first publisher to use this tactic nor is it wrong.
Good morning @mirrorindy.org @indianacapitalchronicle.com Long time, first time. Have you thought about covering the possible impacts of a Nexstar/TEGNA merger on Indy media vis-à-vis the whole Jimmy Kimmel fiasco? I've included my words on it here, but it should come from better minds than mine.
September 24, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Good morning @mirrorindy.org @indianacapitalchronicle.com Long time, first time. Have you thought about covering the possible impacts of a Nexstar/TEGNA merger on Indy media vis-à-vis the whole Jimmy Kimmel fiasco? I've included my words on it here, but it should come from better minds than mine.
As a more than casual Mariners fan, I've been conditioned that it's going to fall apart in the post season. However, hot damn Cal. Great job J.P. I see you Julio. Can't spell Bryan Woo without the letter K (it's silent & invisible). It's been a fun regular season & hope they stay finishing strong.
September 22, 2025 at 1:33 AM
As a more than casual Mariners fan, I've been conditioned that it's going to fall apart in the post season. However, hot damn Cal. Great job J.P. I see you Julio. Can't spell Bryan Woo without the letter K (it's silent & invisible). It's been a fun regular season & hope they stay finishing strong.
Whoever is writing the script for the NFL this week needs to submit for Emmy consideration.
September 21, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Whoever is writing the script for the NFL this week needs to submit for Emmy consideration.
I want to use Pablo Torre as an example of how skepticism is askew in this nation. A true journalist who is SHOWING HIS WORK, and yet people in his profession who should accept that paper trail won't either out of a) jealousy or bias, b) fear, or c) fealty. It speaks to America's climate as a whole.
September 18, 2025 at 12:47 PM
I want to use Pablo Torre as an example of how skepticism is askew in this nation. A true journalist who is SHOWING HIS WORK, and yet people in his profession who should accept that paper trail won't either out of a) jealousy or bias, b) fear, or c) fealty. It speaks to America's climate as a whole.
What is doing with Cross Bronx Expressway & turning historical @gmtgames.bsky.social canon on its ear, is excellent. This podcast as one last punctuation before CBX hits mailboxes (mine included) & shelves is something straight out of Snap Judgment. Hope he stays in this space & invades others
have to say this would not have been possible without the help of @hannahrcmc.bsky.social and @capodice.bsky.social from @civics101pod.bsky.social
thank yall so much for your support.
thank yall so much for your support.
“the story of the #crossbronxexpressway is a lens through which we can better understand our modern world.”
pre-orders charging means the game ships soon. i recorded a podcast called endnotes to hold folk over while they wait for it to arrive.
@gmtgames.bsky.social
[ link below]
pre-orders charging means the game ships soon. i recorded a podcast called endnotes to hold folk over while they wait for it to arrive.
@gmtgames.bsky.social
[ link below]
September 17, 2025 at 5:07 PM
What is doing with Cross Bronx Expressway & turning historical @gmtgames.bsky.social canon on its ear, is excellent. This podcast as one last punctuation before CBX hits mailboxes (mine included) & shelves is something straight out of Snap Judgment. Hope he stays in this space & invades others
Schrodinger's Fascism
You want to be alive, but they want you dead. We’re a new, well, funded democratic group that thinks you can meet them halfway.
September 17, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Schrodinger's Fascism
The first modern prestige show wasn't born on HBO, wasn't forged by David Milch, wasn't a cop show, etc.
It was Roc in the raw days of Fox, and it's a shame Charles Dutton and that ensemble cast doesn't get its flowers.
It was Roc in the raw days of Fox, and it's a shame Charles Dutton and that ensemble cast doesn't get its flowers.
August 27, 2025 at 1:34 PM
The first modern prestige show wasn't born on HBO, wasn't forged by David Milch, wasn't a cop show, etc.
It was Roc in the raw days of Fox, and it's a shame Charles Dutton and that ensemble cast doesn't get its flowers.
It was Roc in the raw days of Fox, and it's a shame Charles Dutton and that ensemble cast doesn't get its flowers.
Beastie Boys - "So Whatcha Want"
That mfer scratch edit is immense, and is more impactful than the actual word.
That mfer scratch edit is immense, and is more impactful than the actual word.
songs where the radio edit is superior to the album version
i'll go first, Third Eye Blind "Semi-Charmed Life"
i'll go first, Third Eye Blind "Semi-Charmed Life"
August 23, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Beastie Boys - "So Whatcha Want"
That mfer scratch edit is immense, and is more impactful than the actual word.
That mfer scratch edit is immense, and is more impactful than the actual word.
Let's talk the whimper of the Blood Rage: Valhalla launch. It's clear Tycoon, in an effort to recoup what they paid to get the rights for Blood Rage from CMON, just took what CMON gave them & put it on Gamefound nearly as-is. $600k raised in 48 hrs is expected, but Tycoon gonna Tycoon.
August 21, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Let's talk the whimper of the Blood Rage: Valhalla launch. It's clear Tycoon, in an effort to recoup what they paid to get the rights for Blood Rage from CMON, just took what CMON gave them & put it on Gamefound nearly as-is. $600k raised in 48 hrs is expected, but Tycoon gonna Tycoon.
Beyond TERF propaganda, Boyne's a hack w/ numerous accounts of inaccuracies that riddle his previous work & should discredit him ad infinitum.
How can the Polari can continue after this-- their credibility is in tatters. Unfortunately, plenty of outlets will continue to platform Boyne's vitriol.
How can the Polari can continue after this-- their credibility is in tatters. Unfortunately, plenty of outlets will continue to platform Boyne's vitriol.
August 18, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Beyond TERF propaganda, Boyne's a hack w/ numerous accounts of inaccuracies that riddle his previous work & should discredit him ad infinitum.
How can the Polari can continue after this-- their credibility is in tatters. Unfortunately, plenty of outlets will continue to platform Boyne's vitriol.
How can the Polari can continue after this-- their credibility is in tatters. Unfortunately, plenty of outlets will continue to platform Boyne's vitriol.
A Place for All My Book from @smirkanddagger.bsky.social may be one of my favorite solo puzzle games. The apparatus of having cards from Penelope's Rival deck shuffled back based on the little projects you complete makes when you complete them matter.
August 16, 2025 at 9:20 PM
A Place for All My Book from @smirkanddagger.bsky.social may be one of my favorite solo puzzle games. The apparatus of having cards from Penelope's Rival deck shuffled back based on the little projects you complete makes when you complete them matter.
A week removed from Gen Con & I want to thank all the publishers who meet w/ me & appreciate that I ask tough questions. I ask fun questions too, but that they also entertain those tough questions & trust me with their answers, because they always strive to be honest and truthful.
August 8, 2025 at 12:33 PM
A week removed from Gen Con & I want to thank all the publishers who meet w/ me & appreciate that I ask tough questions. I ask fun questions too, but that they also entertain those tough questions & trust me with their answers, because they always strive to be honest and truthful.
Hot damn, a DNT email comes from the ether into the inbox. Some Tynan lo-fi drone to celebrate 20 years of DNT via his Sir Tad nom de guerre. It's been a dusty minute, but I've taken my Benadryl.
sirtad.bandcamp.com/album/genera...
sirtad.bandcamp.com/album/genera...
Generation Joint, by Sir Tad
24 track album
sirtad.bandcamp.com
August 4, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Hot damn, a DNT email comes from the ether into the inbox. Some Tynan lo-fi drone to celebrate 20 years of DNT via his Sir Tad nom de guerre. It's been a dusty minute, but I've taken my Benadryl.
sirtad.bandcamp.com/album/genera...
sirtad.bandcamp.com/album/genera...
Day 3 of #gencon2025 was much like the other two, but my review began taking shape. And I remembered how appreciative I am of the people who come to my state for this event, and the publishers, designers, artists, and creators who pour themselves into this.
August 4, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Day 3 of #gencon2025 was much like the other two, but my review began taking shape. And I remembered how appreciative I am of the people who come to my state for this event, and the publishers, designers, artists, and creators who pour themselves into this.
Day 2 of #GenCon2025 I would love to amp you up abt more awesome games & not get political, but the job numbers & the market & labor stat fallout all correlate to fewer games, increased costs to you & publishers, & many games stuck overseas & Asian & EU games not being localized.
August 2, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Day 2 of #GenCon2025 I would love to amp you up abt more awesome games & not get political, but the job numbers & the market & labor stat fallout all correlate to fewer games, increased costs to you & publishers, & many games stuck overseas & Asian & EU games not being localized.
Going to try to deliver some onsite #GenCon2025 reporting, starting by immersing myself in the experience of the Running of the Nerds for the first time in long while. When in Pamplona, one must run with the bulls...
July 31, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Going to try to deliver some onsite #GenCon2025 reporting, starting by immersing myself in the experience of the Running of the Nerds for the first time in long while. When in Pamplona, one must run with the bulls...