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Francisco Dominguez

@dominguezf.bsky.social
680 followers 1.1K following 316 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

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Reposted by Francisco Dominguez
Jam Walker @jamwa.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
I'm talking Freeplay over on Infinite Lives today:
infinitelives.substack.com
“People love this event”: Parallels returns despite funding cut
Sony President Shuhei Yoshida once heralded the Melbourne showcase as one of his favourite gaming industry events. It’s back, but thanks to a mammoth effort from Freeplay’s board.
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Joel Morris @gralefrit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
If we were told how much benefit our country collectively gets from people making stuff up out of their heads, a truly socially mobile option, we wouldn’t know our proper place. It’s why they’ve made the arts almost impossible to pursue for ordinary people. Get back on your trawler, prole scum.
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racosteau37.bsky.social @racosteau37.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Loved reading this piece on Blood of Dawnwalker by @dominguezf.bsky.social 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.
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Jeremy Peel @jeremypeel.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Every month Failbetter invites a guest writer from the wider world of games and fiction to contribute a subscriber story. They’re brave and weird and funny and choice-driven and perhaps they could become a welcome part of your routine too. www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/fa...
pcgamer.com
Fallen London is where the writers of Baldur's Gate 3, Dishonored and Stellaris come to let their hair down
These interactive short stories are too bold and surprising to stay secret.
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Jess Reyes @luckychanjr.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Long time no talk, here to shout about my second IGN 9 for Fields of Mistria 🌟 www.ign.com/articles/fie...
ign.com
After 80-Plus Hours, Fields of Mistria 1.0 Proves To Be an Impressive, Charming Fantasy Farming Sim
The already great farming sim gameplay is uplifted by charming characters, the interactions you can have with them, and the magical town of Mistria itself, all of which come together wonderfully in Fi...
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Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I chatted to a boss design consultant about a boss archetype staple that everyone recognises but never had a widely-agreed name.
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ashley bardhan @ashleybardhan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
today was my first day being OFFICIALLY laid off, and my first @gamespot.com byline.... what a coincidence! 🦋 www.gamespot.com/articles/sil...
gamespot.com
Silent Hill-Like Uses Phones To Parry, Because Even Anime Girls Know Tech Is A Weapon
Signal Veil trades steel pipes for flip phones
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Lewis Gordon @lewisgordon.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Thrilled this one is finally up: for the New York Times, I spoke to @molleindustria.org about his very funny, very revolutionary eco-socialist, open-world adventure, Future? No Thanks! 🎁 link: www.nytimes.com/2026/10/02/a...
nytimes.com
In This Utopian Video Game, It’s Always Sunny in Pittsburgh (Gift Article)
An academic’s miniature Grand Theft Auto goes beyond critiquing capitalism to show what might come after.
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CONTINUE Magazine @continuemag.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
IT'S GAMES WEEK+!!!!!! CONTINUE 01 is here. We made a magazine to celebrate and interrogate videogames and culture. It's print. It's tangible. It's real. It's available to purchase now. Regular Edition -- shop.acmi.net.au/products/con... Special Edition -- shop.acmi.net.au/products/con...
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Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I chatted to a boss design consultant about a boss archetype staple that everyone recognises but never had a widely-agreed name.
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Ashley Schofield is looking for work! 🐉 @ashlikeadragon.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
new feature! back on RPS! i don't like deadpool in his contemporary form. i do, however, like deadpool in tokon quite a lot, as someone plugged into the FGC. please give it a read! this was really fun to work on, and i'm grateful to RPS for taking on a kinda niche pitch 💜
rockpapershotgun.com
The importance of being earnest: How Marvel Tōkon's Deadpool trades ridicule for fighting game reverence
By embracing fighting game culture, the Deadpool of Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is a much more likeable presence than his cross-media counterparts.
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Chris Tapsell @christapsell.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
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.
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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)
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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!!
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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
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Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
As someone pitching post-launch op-eds, it's hard to find the right window. It felt Clair Obscur's big twist op-eds came immediately after release. It's an artificially compressed window that doesn't line up with how quickly many players progress. For FE/Zero Company, that may be a month later!
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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, …
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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
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Zombies. The undead. You know, ghouls. @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.
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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
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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
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Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Thanks for covering this. Social withdrawal, inappropriate medical treatment, and demoralising benefits tests for variable energy/mobility all applied to my mum with ME/CFS. She'd rest all week ahead of assessments, then they'd rate her as mobile and not needing support when they tested walking.
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Boo-rad 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.
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Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Play for the Planet and Games for Change are two good ones in the games space.
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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.✨
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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.
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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
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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!
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Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I want to see the version where your sword shrinks every day until it's the size of a needle. I completely forgot about the torch! (Accidentally put brightness too high to need it I guess)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!)
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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.
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Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Done. Hope X's doubtlessly AI'd to the gills moderation system does something.
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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.
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Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Thank you for giving it a home! I really enjoyed working on this.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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gamera obscura october edition @ohrobin.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
incredibly well-done resident evil teaser from a movie theater
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Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Completely understand, thanks for letting me know (and introducing me to the term "high-chair boss").
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Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Hi @gameism.bsky.social, just following up on this interview request for ThisWeekInVideogames (in case your Bsky notifications were flooded last time round)
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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."
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Francisco Dominguez @dominguezf.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Physical editions are usually my preference, I'd missed there's a delay for those!
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