Nick Calandra
@nickjcal.bsky.social
Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of @secondwindgroup.com Creating the video series Unpacked, and working on secret projects. Former Editor in Chief of The Escapist.
Email: nick.calandra@secondwindgroup.com
Email: nick.calandra@secondwindgroup.com
Pinned
Nick Calandra
@nickjcal.bsky.social
· Jan 3
And that's my first game of 2025 completed with Roboquest.
What a gem of a game.
Final boss is hard as nails, but did enough runs with enough unlocks that I got a crazy overpower build in the end.
Will definitely be returning for more runs later.
What a gem of a game.
Final boss is hard as nails, but did enough runs with enough unlocks that I got a crazy overpower build in the end.
Will definitely be returning for more runs later.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Hell Clock – Major Update 1.2 is LIVE! 🔥
⚔️ Move & attack with the new Movement system
✨ All 52 Constellations unlocked
🛡️ New community Uniques
🔍 Search added to Constellations + Bell screens
🛠️ QoL Improvements
📜 Full Patch Notes: store.steampowered.com/news/app/178...
#OTKGamesExpo | #HellClock
⚔️ Move & attack with the new Movement system
✨ All 52 Constellations unlocked
🛡️ New community Uniques
🔍 Search added to Constellations + Bell screens
🛠️ QoL Improvements
📜 Full Patch Notes: store.steampowered.com/news/app/178...
#OTKGamesExpo | #HellClock
November 22, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Hell Clock – Major Update 1.2 is LIVE! 🔥
⚔️ Move & attack with the new Movement system
✨ All 52 Constellations unlocked
🛡️ New community Uniques
🔍 Search added to Constellations + Bell screens
🛠️ QoL Improvements
📜 Full Patch Notes: store.steampowered.com/news/app/178...
#OTKGamesExpo | #HellClock
⚔️ Move & attack with the new Movement system
✨ All 52 Constellations unlocked
🛡️ New community Uniques
🔍 Search added to Constellations + Bell screens
🛠️ QoL Improvements
📜 Full Patch Notes: store.steampowered.com/news/app/178...
#OTKGamesExpo | #HellClock
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Greene: I will be resigning from office, with my last day being January 5, 2026.
November 22, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Greene: I will be resigning from office, with my last day being January 5, 2026.
Cracking up at this from our Discord right now lol.
I'll let you guess what the context is 😂
I'll let you guess what the context is 😂
November 21, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Cracking up at this from our Discord right now lol.
I'll let you guess what the context is 😂
I'll let you guess what the context is 😂
Reposted by Nick Calandra
I remember a time where end of November - December was relatively quiet for releases.
I had time to work on the backlog, time to reflect on the year's releases and now... we just got three new review codes in our inbox, multiple alpha previews and demos.
I love it, but also please send help.
I had time to work on the backlog, time to reflect on the year's releases and now... we just got three new review codes in our inbox, multiple alpha previews and demos.
I love it, but also please send help.
a close up of a man in a spiderman suit making a face .
ALT: a close up of a man in a spiderman suit making a face .
media.tenor.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:45 PM
I remember a time where end of November - December was relatively quiet for releases.
I had time to work on the backlog, time to reflect on the year's releases and now... we just got three new review codes in our inbox, multiple alpha previews and demos.
I love it, but also please send help.
I had time to work on the backlog, time to reflect on the year's releases and now... we just got three new review codes in our inbox, multiple alpha previews and demos.
I love it, but also please send help.
It's weird how defensive people very "for" AI get when you even slightly criticize how it's being used.
I think the vast majority of people understand the nuance of it being a tool, but want it regulated, don't want it used to replace human creativity, and don't want it used to enrich the wealthy.
I think the vast majority of people understand the nuance of it being a tool, but want it regulated, don't want it used to replace human creativity, and don't want it used to enrich the wealthy.
November 21, 2025 at 5:40 PM
It's weird how defensive people very "for" AI get when you even slightly criticize how it's being used.
I think the vast majority of people understand the nuance of it being a tool, but want it regulated, don't want it used to replace human creativity, and don't want it used to enrich the wealthy.
I think the vast majority of people understand the nuance of it being a tool, but want it regulated, don't want it used to replace human creativity, and don't want it used to enrich the wealthy.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Banger video. Came out of it more hopeful than I had assumed because, apparently, there are a few people still locked into the reality that AI is not actually a creative force or an artistic entity. I can only hope that understanding comes quickly.
In the latest episode of Unpacked, @nickjcal.bsky.social looks into why it seems like the only people really championing AI in game development are the ones who'll profit from it.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwbs...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwbs...
Don’t Let the Gaming Executives Normalize AI | Unpacked
YouTube video by Second Wind
www.youtube.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Banger video. Came out of it more hopeful than I had assumed because, apparently, there are a few people still locked into the reality that AI is not actually a creative force or an artistic entity. I can only hope that understanding comes quickly.
The headlines I’ve been reading over the past week are some of the most out of touch nonsense I’ve seen from gaming executives in all of my time covering games… and that’s saying something.
In the latest episode of Unpacked, @nickjcal.bsky.social looks into why it seems like the only people really championing AI in game development are the ones who'll profit from it.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwbs...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwbs...
Don’t Let the Gaming Executives Normalize AI | Unpacked
YouTube video by Second Wind
www.youtube.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:11 PM
The headlines I’ve been reading over the past week are some of the most out of touch nonsense I’ve seen from gaming executives in all of my time covering games… and that’s saying something.
Finally getting moving on getting my industry focused podcast prepped on Second Wind.
Gotten a couple episodes lined-up already with great guests.
I’ve been listening to a lot of John Stewart’s “The Weekly Show” as my inspiration for the vibe I’m going for with this.
Quite excited about it.
Gotten a couple episodes lined-up already with great guests.
I’ve been listening to a lot of John Stewart’s “The Weekly Show” as my inspiration for the vibe I’m going for with this.
Quite excited about it.
November 21, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Finally getting moving on getting my industry focused podcast prepped on Second Wind.
Gotten a couple episodes lined-up already with great guests.
I’ve been listening to a lot of John Stewart’s “The Weekly Show” as my inspiration for the vibe I’m going for with this.
Quite excited about it.
Gotten a couple episodes lined-up already with great guests.
I’ve been listening to a lot of John Stewart’s “The Weekly Show” as my inspiration for the vibe I’m going for with this.
Quite excited about it.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
NEW: Ubisoft has not been sold, nor has it collapsed.
The week-long delay in its corporate earnings, the subject of much speculation, was due to--are you sitting down?-- financial reporting technicalities regarding two unspecified partnerships.
www.gamefile.news/p/ubisoft-de...
The week-long delay in its corporate earnings, the subject of much speculation, was due to--are you sitting down?-- financial reporting technicalities regarding two unspecified partnerships.
www.gamefile.news/p/ubisoft-de...
Speculation around Ubisoft earnings delay proves unfounded
It was an accounting issue involving new auditors and the reporting of revenue from two unspecified partnerships, the company said.
www.gamefile.news
November 21, 2025 at 10:18 AM
NEW: Ubisoft has not been sold, nor has it collapsed.
The week-long delay in its corporate earnings, the subject of much speculation, was due to--are you sitting down?-- financial reporting technicalities regarding two unspecified partnerships.
www.gamefile.news/p/ubisoft-de...
The week-long delay in its corporate earnings, the subject of much speculation, was due to--are you sitting down?-- financial reporting technicalities regarding two unspecified partnerships.
www.gamefile.news/p/ubisoft-de...
I love seeing these smaller indie teams "level-up" in real time.
I'm always excited during showcases to see a studio logo from a team I've followed for years reveal a big new project they've been toiling away on quietly.
Good showcase from Xbox today.
I'm always excited during showcases to see a studio logo from a team I've followed for years reveal a big new project they've been toiling away on quietly.
Good showcase from Xbox today.
November 20, 2025 at 6:35 PM
I love seeing these smaller indie teams "level-up" in real time.
I'm always excited during showcases to see a studio logo from a team I've followed for years reveal a big new project they've been toiling away on quietly.
Good showcase from Xbox today.
I'm always excited during showcases to see a studio logo from a team I've followed for years reveal a big new project they've been toiling away on quietly.
Good showcase from Xbox today.
Wow wow, that team really made a step up.
Raji: Kaliyuga is far from a simple sequel to Raji: An Ancient Epic - it's a whole new game (and genre) entirely. Find out more after its world premiere: #XboxPartnerPreview news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...
Xbox Partner Preview | Raji: Kaliyuga – Breaking Down a Sequel Adding So Much More Than a New Story - Xbox Wire
We’re thrilled to reveal a sequel to Raji: An Ancient Epic, the multi award winning indie action-adventure title set in ancient India, Raji: Kaliyuga.
news.xbox.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Wow wow, that team really made a step up.
Heh, this is a good headline.
Krafton CEO says, well, yes, he did consult with ChatGPT on the Subnautica 2 mess, and also deleted some of those queries, but he had a good reason: He didn't want OpenAI finding out about it
Changhan Kim said during testimony that he used ChatGPT "like Google Search."
www.pcgamer.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Heh, this is a good headline.
Big agree.
Maybe not my GOTY, but very overlooked.
Maybe not my GOTY, but very overlooked.
November 20, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Big agree.
Maybe not my GOTY, but very overlooked.
Maybe not my GOTY, but very overlooked.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Death Howl launches December 9 for PC, in 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch
Soulslike deckbuilder Death Howl will launch for PC via Steam on December 9, followed by PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Switch in 2026, publisher 11 bit studios and developer The Outer Zone announced.
Soulslike deckbuilder Death Howl will launch for PC via Steam on December 9, followed by PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Switch in 2026, publisher 11 bit studios and developer The Outer Zone announced.
Death Howl launches December 9 for PC, in 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch
Soulslike deckbuilder Death Howl will launch for PC via Steam on December 9, followed by PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Switch in 2026, publisher 11 bit studios and developer The Outer Zone announced.
www.gematsu.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Death Howl launches December 9 for PC, in 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch
Soulslike deckbuilder Death Howl will launch for PC via Steam on December 9, followed by PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Switch in 2026, publisher 11 bit studios and developer The Outer Zone announced.
Soulslike deckbuilder Death Howl will launch for PC via Steam on December 9, followed by PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Switch in 2026, publisher 11 bit studios and developer The Outer Zone announced.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
I’m super happy to officially announce our next project, spearheaded by @threeohfour.bsky.social!
“Gilt” is a sci-fi/fantasy game about a priest haunted by a dying God.
Learn more (and wishlist!) over here:
store.steampowered.com/app/3979770
“Gilt” is a sci-fi/fantasy game about a priest haunted by a dying God.
Learn more (and wishlist!) over here:
store.steampowered.com/app/3979770
Gilt on Steam
Embark on a quest of redemption across the planet of Gilt to restore a disillusioned priest's faith, a dying God's power, and the waning hope of a people who have forgotten how to believe. A sci-fi fa...
store.steampowered.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:58 PM
I’m super happy to officially announce our next project, spearheaded by @threeohfour.bsky.social!
“Gilt” is a sci-fi/fantasy game about a priest haunted by a dying God.
Learn more (and wishlist!) over here:
store.steampowered.com/app/3979770
“Gilt” is a sci-fi/fantasy game about a priest haunted by a dying God.
Learn more (and wishlist!) over here:
store.steampowered.com/app/3979770
AI is straight up rotting people’s brains.
… how incompetent do you have to be to consult with an AI chatbot over your own lawyers for something like this.
… how incompetent do you have to be to consult with an AI chatbot over your own lawyers for something like this.
NEW: While being cross-examined on Nov 18, Krafton CEO Changhan Kim said he used ChatGPT to figure out what rights the publisher had after being told Unknown Worlds co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire were not involved with Subnautica 2.
Kim said he uses the tool like a 'Google Search.'
Kim said he uses the tool like a 'Google Search.'
November 19, 2025 at 6:40 PM
AI is straight up rotting people’s brains.
… how incompetent do you have to be to consult with an AI chatbot over your own lawyers for something like this.
… how incompetent do you have to be to consult with an AI chatbot over your own lawyers for something like this.
Wanna get back into this.
Hope more people give it a go, it's a lot of fun.
Hope more people give it a go, it's a lot of fun.
A new, free major update for #Wildgate is live!
Wildgate: Emergence includes:
🗺 New Game Modes: Treasure Hunt + Fleet Battle
🚀 New Ship: The Outlaw
🌌 New Prospector: Charlie
🎇 and MUCH more...
Check patch notes in bio for details!
Wildgate: Emergence includes:
🗺 New Game Modes: Treasure Hunt + Fleet Battle
🚀 New Ship: The Outlaw
🌌 New Prospector: Charlie
🎇 and MUCH more...
Check patch notes in bio for details!
November 19, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Wanna get back into this.
Hope more people give it a go, it's a lot of fun.
Hope more people give it a go, it's a lot of fun.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
As we prep for 2026, we're looking for new sponsors for Second Wind!
We offer affordable rates and create really fun custom ads our audience actually like to watch instead of skip.
Email in bio.
Our work for hire arm @lostandfound.media is also open for new marketing projects for 2026!
We offer affordable rates and create really fun custom ads our audience actually like to watch instead of skip.
Email in bio.
Our work for hire arm @lostandfound.media is also open for new marketing projects for 2026!
November 18, 2025 at 4:31 PM
As we prep for 2026, we're looking for new sponsors for Second Wind!
We offer affordable rates and create really fun custom ads our audience actually like to watch instead of skip.
Email in bio.
Our work for hire arm @lostandfound.media is also open for new marketing projects for 2026!
We offer affordable rates and create really fun custom ads our audience actually like to watch instead of skip.
Email in bio.
Our work for hire arm @lostandfound.media is also open for new marketing projects for 2026!
I have a feeling the country at large isn't going to stand for this level of open corruption much longer...
Bondi on the Epstein investigations that Trump demanded: "We're not gonna say anything else on that because now it is a pending investigation in SDNY"
November 19, 2025 at 4:48 PM
I have a feeling the country at large isn't going to stand for this level of open corruption much longer...
Wow. This just jumped up my most anticipated list. Combat looks super weighty and brutal.
Voice work of the main character needs some updating, but overall, really love the look of this.
Voice work of the main character needs some updating, but overall, really love the look of this.
Fatekeeper - Official Gameplay Reveal Trailer
YouTube video by IGN
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Wow. This just jumped up my most anticipated list. Combat looks super weighty and brutal.
Voice work of the main character needs some updating, but overall, really love the look of this.
Voice work of the main character needs some updating, but overall, really love the look of this.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Don’t forget! Songs of Silence is FREE right now on the Epic Games Store!
There’s only one day left to claim it for FREE!
🔥 Grab your copy while you still can!
There’s only one day left to claim it for FREE!
🔥 Grab your copy while you still can!
November 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Don’t forget! Songs of Silence is FREE right now on the Epic Games Store!
There’s only one day left to claim it for FREE!
🔥 Grab your copy while you still can!
There’s only one day left to claim it for FREE!
🔥 Grab your copy while you still can!
My childhood.
November 19, 2025 at 2:03 AM
My childhood.
Reposted by Nick Calandra
Dear Bluesky friends, I have an assignment for you as I go off to sleep - I'd love for our courtroom drama deckbuilder about bringing the power to justic to get as many eyes on it as possible in one night. Please spread it far and wide, and follow us. Surprise me! 😍🥰 #IndieDev #GameDev #IndieGames
Earlier this year, we released our debut trailer at Wholesome Direct! We’ve had a load of new followers since then, so in case you missed it, please check out our trailer!
You can follow All Will Rise on our #Kickstarter now: www.kickstarter.com/projects/spe...
#IndieGame #IndieDev #GameDev
You can follow All Will Rise on our #Kickstarter now: www.kickstarter.com/projects/spe...
#IndieGame #IndieDev #GameDev
November 18, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Dear Bluesky friends, I have an assignment for you as I go off to sleep - I'd love for our courtroom drama deckbuilder about bringing the power to justic to get as many eyes on it as possible in one night. Please spread it far and wide, and follow us. Surprise me! 😍🥰 #IndieDev #GameDev #IndieGames