A sudden creative burst

Oh hai, I’ve been busy.

I’ve had a few commissioned pieces published across various websites in recent months. If anyone is interested here’s a summary. Thanks to the commissioning editors.

#1. ACMI - The golden era of video game magazines

People think of video game magazines as dumb and disposable, but for a generation of kids growing up in the 80s and 90s they there a foundational text. We read them cover to cover, not realising they they would subtly influence our world view. Or to put it another way, women had Dolly and Girlfriend growing up. Guys had Mean Machines and EGM. Read more via ACMI.

#2. Time Extension - Planes, trains and Yakuza: My ill-fated journey into the Japanese shmup underground

Ostensibly, this is about an ill-fated interview with a Japanese shmup developer. But the article is really about the changing nature of games development at the end of the 00s (aughties?) and how Japan struggled as the industry grew and the centre of gravity shifted west. Read more via Time Extension.

#3. Games Hub - How PlayStation and club culture forever changed gaming’s image

Video game magazines used to be aimed at kids. But when Sony and club culture converged in the 90s to market the original Playstation that all changed. This one is for everyone who remembers Lara Croft appearing on the cover of The Face. Read more via Games Hub.