Sign in

Francisco Dominguez

@dominguezf.bsky.social
671 followers 1.1K following 315 posts

Writes about games sometimes. Bylines: New York Times, IGN, Epic Games, PC Gamer, Polygon, Slate, Nintendo Life. Fjdwrites(at)gmail.com muckrack.com/francisco-dominguez-3

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Chris Tapsell @christapsell.bsky.social · 24m
An excellet report here from @connormakar.bsky.social on the brewing situation at Gears studio The Coalition, where - unsurprisingly - there seems to be rapidly vanishing trust between developers (who have been "crunching hard") and their parent company.
11813
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
James Archer @jamesandstuff.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Games and tech freelancers : I am once again asking for freelance pitches for PC hardware features (not reviews or guides, sorry!) on RPS. Email's in bio, genAI users need not apply (it's much, much easier to spot than you think)
31815
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Edmond Tran @edmondtran.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Needless to say I am very fucking proud that Maddie took this one out! Maddie’s work is tremendous, her writing is sharp and funny. She has big ideas and is willing to reach for the sky. She was still studying when she came on board last year! Remarkable young journalist! So far to go!!
1483
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Gareth DAMIAN MARTIN | Jump Over the Age @jumpovertheage.com · 29/09/2026
Andrey Surnov's concept work for Jusant in my brain again this morning. Can't think of a game set among ruins that made me more desperate to see more of its world. So few games manage such an original and rich aesthetic, so sad the team never got to make more.
Jusant Concept, Andrey SurnovJusant Concept, Andrey SurnovJusant Concept, Andrey SurnovJusant Concept, Andrey Surnov
17779182
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Critical Distance | Where’s all the good writing about games? @critdistance.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
This week: Ace Combat, Resident Evil, Sonic CD, and lots more: critical-distance.com/2026/09/27/s...
critical-distance.com
September 27th
Welcome back readers. As we move into the back quarter of the year, it’s time for us to start thinking about our annual Year In Videogames Blogging recap. This is always a major undertaking, …
03117
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Jank @jank.cool · 27/09/2026
Stay where you are. Don't move. Read these good articles about videogames. www.jank.cool/the-lie-in-35/
jank.cool
The Lie-In
Links worth clicking
1152
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Will Borger @edgarallanbro.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
We didn't have enough time with the multiplayer pre-release for me to feel comfortable giving this a final score, but I have played Ace Combat 8's campaign and it is both an incredible game you can play and a pretty remarkable anti-war war story. Very pleased with how this one came out.
ign.com
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Is a Remarkable Achievement, With a Memorable Story and the Best Aerial Combat the Series Has Ever Had - IGN Review
The best aerial combat the series has ever had alongside some of its best mission design.
68018
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Jinxtor @jintor.itch.io · 25/09/2026
been waiting all week to post this. my ace combat 8 review is now live www.theguardian.com/games/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve review – brilliant aerial combat game fulfils the Top Gun fantasy
The game generates blood-pumping moments as you twist, turn and weave through the skies, while your locked-on missiles speed away to obliterate an enemy plane
46716
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Here's today's column on the astonishing, ongoing mistreatment of people with #ME/CFS. Please spread it far and wide: the only thing which can break the media's wall of indifference is seeing an article about the issue go viral. Thank you. 1/2 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Abandoned, dismissed and gaslighted: there is no excuse for the way ME sufferers have been betrayed | George Monbiot
Changes in guidance and science seem to have little impact on millions of devastated lives. It’s a social crisis playing out behind closed doors, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
17925191714
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Brad Shankar @bradshankar.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Jennifer Hale once told me Canadians need to champion ourselves more. I wholeheartedly agree. Over the past few months, I reached out to dozens of Canadian devs to learn their favourite Canadian games. Their varied responses offer a wonderful spotlight on some of the incredible talent we have here.🍁
mobilesyrup.com
These are must-play Canadian games, according to Canadian devs
As Canadians, we don't champion ourselves enough, so we asked dozens of game developers to do just that.
10547218
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Ana Diaz @pokachee.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Very random (but important) question: What are your favorite non-profits doing work in media, journalism, and (for my own interests) video games? Looking to get a better idea of the kind of work happening out there for a larger project. Likes and RTs appreciated.✨
74123
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
This Week in Videogames @thisweekinvideogames.com · 21/09/2026
Why has Japan been relatively insulated from the global games industry crisis? Japanese industry consultant @serkantoto.bsky.social, expat developer @liambme.bsky.social, and a Japanese game studies professor tell us about protection laws, domestic bias, slow-growth mindsets and the cost of living.
thisweekinvideogames.com
(Still) Made In Japan: The View From A Flourishing Games Industry
Experts and developers involved in the Japanese game industry weigh in on how the country has been largely insulated from global issues of funding and layoffs.
09222
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Joshua Rivera @jmrivera.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
oh this is up! I wrote an essay about how video games keep track of the hours you spend playing them, and how I find that vulgar
713135
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Jordan Oloman @oloman.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Sorry to get real on main, but after losing my hearing, I often end up in negative headspace ruts about my ability to do my job because events and in-person interviews are so much harder and more anxiety-inducing. With that in mind, it means a lot to me to be able to publish something like this!
37112
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I didn't expect my GameSpot debut to tackle neo-feudalism, class solidarity and how The Blood of Dawnwalker's take on power and exploitation makes it a very fitting fantasy for our times. But I'm glad it turned out that way.
04210
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Mike Diver @mikediver.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Hey, listen? It's me on the Back Page. A pleasure to appear on one of my own favourite podcasts, one of my few regular listens - so obviously I've not listened to this one, because that'd be too weird. Thanks so much to Samuel and Matthew for having me on to waffle about Vice, Aliens and Beatles.
0273
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Edmond Tran @edmondtran.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
If you wanted an in-depth look at why the Japanese games industry seems to be doing well amid everything, here's something @dominguezf.bsky.social has been working on for a while. He reached out to many people to try and get some local thoughts. Few wanted to chat, but we did get some great folks.
1194
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Erika Ishii @erikaishii.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I was already honored to be a voice in their game, but now I’m DOUBLY grateful to have @doublefine.com’s continued support as they unabashedly celebrate our collab! (And please don’t worry. While my success & public joy seem to be upsetting to some, I feel like I’m getting to live my dream life!)
364116131487
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Japan’s cautious approach to growth and staff retention once seemed old-fashioned and unambitious. Against a backdrop of AAA failed gambles, gratuitous executive compensation and uncontrolled costs, I spoke to experts who explained why that conservative stance has never felt more modern.
0118
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Jessica Cogswell 🌸 @jessicogs.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Have I mentioned I can’t stop thinking about The Blood of Dawnwalker? Anyways, one of my favorite bits of writing on it just went live and I NEED to share it @dominguezf.bsky.social’s first byline for GameSpot and man, he absolutely knocked it park with this one 🖤 www.gamespot.com/articles/the...
gamespot.com
The Blood Of Dawnwalker Wants You To Eat The Rich--Literally
Toss a coin to your Coen. He needs it more than Geralt ever did.
37910
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I didn't expect my GameSpot debut to tackle neo-feudalism, class solidarity and how The Blood of Dawnwalker's take on power and exploitation makes it a very fitting fantasy for our times. But I'm glad it turned out that way.
04210
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Japan’s cautious approach to growth and staff retention once seemed old-fashioned and unambitious. Against a backdrop of AAA failed gambles, gratuitous executive compensation and uncontrolled costs, I spoke to experts who explained why that conservative stance has never felt more modern.
0118
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I chatted to Marvel's Wolverine lead Liam McIntyre about avoiding imitation, and the many absurdities that come with giving your face to a videogame protagonist. www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09...
abc.net.au
Liam McIntyre used to work at EB Games. Now he's the face of Wolverine
From the bizarre nature of shooting for games, to the pressure to live up to Hugh Jackman, Liam Mcintyre explains how it felt to become Wolverine.
061
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I chatted to Marvel's Wolverine lead Liam McIntyre about avoiding imitation, and the many absurdities that come with giving your face to a videogame protagonist. www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09...
abc.net.au
Liam McIntyre used to work at EB Games. Now he's the face of Wolverine
From the bizarre nature of shooting for games, to the pressure to live up to Hugh Jackman, Liam Mcintyre explains how it felt to become Wolverine.
061
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
gamera obscura @ohrobin.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
incredibly well-done resident evil teaser from a movie theater
80169125715
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Knowledge @edgeknowledge.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Today we're publishing Edge 428's cover story (all 7,000 words of it), written by Alex Spencer. The wide-ranging piece on the current state of the industry and potential fixes contains an interview with Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney, a quote from which was widely cited earlier this month.
knowledge.edge-online.com
The game industry is broken – can we fix it?
061
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Leah J. Williams @legenette.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
screen aus has funded a new cohort of australian games!! really happy to see night shift: 1999 in the list but all sound like bangers.
screenhub.com.au
Screen Australia announces $2.1 million in funding for 41 video games projects | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games
Screen Australia has announced $2.1 million in games funding, provided through the Games Production and Emerging Gamemakers programs.
14114
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
@gameism.bsky.social Hey, would you be interested in chatting about high chair boss design for a ThisWeekInVideogames article? It's such a oddly specific yet enduring convention and I'd love to get your thoughts. Feel free to email fjdwrites(at)gmail.com or DM if you're interested.
100
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Stephanie Harkin @saharkin.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Come chat with me about feminine computer creativity :) Did you make experimental hobbyist games? Did you mod the sims? Did you make Neopets fan sites? Are you Australian and over 18yo?
A participant recruitment flyer for a research project on feminine computer creativity. An image of a Sims house and a Neopets character are included on the poster.

The callout reads:
"I am looking to talk with people who used computers for hobbyist non- commercial feminine creativity relevant to games. All interpretations
of femininity are welcome. This project aims to learn more about feminine tech-competency and feminine game cultures that have
been overlooked in games histories."
45240
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Adam Vian @sfbdim.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
store.steampowered.com/app/1696770/...
store.steampowered.com
The Mermaid Mask on Steam
An impossible locked-room murder: Captain Mortuga lies dead beside an ancient cauldron aboard the world’s strangest submarine, crewed by sketchy suspects. A handcrafted point-and-click with sharp humo...
8604202
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Aftermath @aftermath.site · 14/09/2026
IGN's ownership chooses busiest time for games media in years to lay a bunch of people off: aftermath.site/ign-layoffs-al...
12637191
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Dominic Tarason @dominictarason.com · 14/09/2026
It's TIME! TO! GET! HYPE! Today, I get to proudly unveil Steam Hype, the project I've been working on with the help of @hookshot.media for the past two and a half months. A new PC gaming site which aims to demystify PC gaming, cut through the 100+ daily releases and spotlight indies as much as AAA
steamhype.com
Steam Hype
Steam Hype is your go-to destination for discovering the latest, greatest, and most talked-about games on Steam.
1022748955
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Dave Gilbert @wadjeteyegames.com · 14/09/2026
The "Adults Only" ranking has been removed from Nighthawks! Everything is set for launch on the 22nd! Phew. What a roller coaster. Thank you everyone for your amazing support while we got this sorted. If you weren't able to wishlist before, now you can! store.steampowered.com/app/1221950/...
561762378
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Richard Cobbett @richardcobbett.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Yes, much as I hate to turn down possible buyers, if you acquire Nighthawks specifically for the sexy, you will swiftly be disappointed that it consists of a couple of butts and some largely comedic romance sequences with conveniently placed hands or scenery.
712528
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I checked out Final Fantasy VII Revelation. Gaia from the skies and Wutai from the pagoda rooftops were the series at its spectacular best. But FITS may risk diluting the Remake trilogy's impressively well-defined character specialisation.
032
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I've always found it particularly galling how the Remake trilogy's multiverse focus undermined the slam dunk environmentalist argument "there's no Planet B".
180
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Niv M. Sultan @nivmsultan.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
extremely grim to feign concern about climate change being too topical when there'll be no planet to enjoy "entertainment" on when climate change's moment passes
072
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I checked out Final Fantasy VII Revelation. Gaia from the skies and Wutai from the pagoda rooftops were the series at its spectacular best. But FITS may risk diluting the Remake trilogy's impressively well-defined character specialisation.
032
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
CJ Melendez @cjmelendez.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
You likely heard about Mimic due to the unfortunate laptop theft at gamescom. To make up for those lost meetings and bring some attention to how awesome the game actually is, we'll be hosting previews later this month. If you're interested, hit me up! store.steampowered.com/app/2606850/...
1199
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Design Room @designroom.site · 09/09/2026
We're open for freelance pitches! Have any ideas for oral histories, roundtables, Q&As, or other stories that feel in line with what we've published so far? Feel free to DM. Rates typically range from $250-$750.
15232
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
I can absolutely give my wholehearted support to OoT being the trojan horse for a Zelda dungeon revival (and an excuse for a symphonic adaptation of an all-timer soundtrack).
030
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Jordan Oloman @oloman.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Here's my write-up from the Japanese premiere of Backrooms, where @hideokojimaen.bsky.kojimaproductions.jp & Kane Parsons talked about analogue media, liminal horror & Kane's roots in the Source Engine. postmode.org/hideo-kojima...
postmode.org
“I made Metal Gear at 23. A24 didn't call me until I was 59": Hideo Kojima & Kane Parsons at the Japanese premiere of Backrooms
What Kojima saw in Backrooms — an empty furniture store, an empty Shibuya crossing — and what a childhood in the Source Engine does to a person.
58023
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Kris Moyse @krismoyse.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Hi, I’m now the News Editor at ⭐️Time Extension!⭐️ Will be delivering daily news & curios plucked from the sphere of classic (and modern/classic) gaming. Finally my sick Road Avenger skills are paying off Thankyou to Hookshot for this opportunity & to *all* my friends for your treasured support 🖤
4215421
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Lewis Gordon @lewisgordon.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The piece features veteran producers Masachika Kawata and Akihito Kadowaki, Way of the Sword director Satoru Nihei, and rising star Naoto Oyama. Plus analyst @serkantoto.bsky.social and action aficionados @edgarallanbro.bsky.social and @mattleone.bsky.social. www.theringer.com/2026/09/03/v...
theringer.com
How Capcom Cracked the Code of Game Development
The video game industry is in turmoil, but 2026 could be Capcom’s career year. How does the company behind ‘Resident Evil Requiem,’ ‘Pragmata,’ and ‘Onimusha: Way of the Sword’ keep pumping out hits?
2204
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
I'd forgotten what an astonishingly good writer Pat is. Strongly recommend reading his thoughts on mastery vs escapism. "Weightlifters use heavy weights to create microscopic tears in their muscles so their bodies will fix the tears and make the muscles stronger; games can do that to our souls."
patreon.com
On opiates | Patrick Miller
First, some admin: My work has escaped containment over the last week, and I fully expect some lingering haters to stop by from time to time
010
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
covergeek @covergeek.com · 03/09/2026
REVIEW // The Blood of Dawnwalker proves it’s not in thrall to its RPG sire with a daringly original debut Read our full review: covergeek.com/the-blood-of...
022
Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
I reviewed Blood of the Dawnwalker for @covergeek.com, and found it mostly transcends its superficial Witcherisms with some stellar swordplay and admirably complex worldbuilding. covergeek.com/the-blood-of...
covergeek.com
REVIEW // The Blood of Dawnwalker proves it’s not in thrall to its RPG sire with a daringly original debut
Like a vampiric sire turns a hapless mortal to their own purposes, Rebel Wolves have taken the body of a modern-day RPG classic and turned it into something strange and new.
093
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
I love that this is how I found out Starmer stepped down as an MP
362578485
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Chris Plante @plante.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Game publishers want the staffing of film and TV without the unions that make gig-to-gig work a viable living and a sustainable business.
91349396
Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Will Borger @edgarallanbro.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
I'm honored to be the cover story at @unwinnable.com. I wrote about the revolutionary politics of Final Fantasy X, the way systems sustain themselves at all costs, and having the strength to burn the world down so you can find the future in the ashes. Happy 25th to one of the greatest.
27230