Luke Mitchell 🎮🐻
@checkpointboss.bsky.social
610 followers 350 following 140 posts
🏳️‍🌈He/Him. PR at Zero Latency VR | Editor-in-Chief, Checkpoint Gaming - @CheckpointAU | Award winning journalist & radio producer who sometimes brags.
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checkpointboss.bsky.social
With lots of new followers, I should introduce myself!

Hi, I’m Luke, I’m a big gay bear in Melbourne. I run a queer/aussie focused video game radio show and website, @checkpointau.bsky.social, which just had its 10th birthday!!

I also do global PR & Comms for Zero Latency VR.

Nice to meet you 🥰
checkpointboss.bsky.social
❤️ thanks to everyone who came along and checked it out, and for the incredibly kind words afterward.

🧵(4/4)
checkpointboss.bsky.social
I’m stoked, and it was a fantastic addition to my PAX weekend - the expo that I love so much right here in Melbourne every year.

Queer voices are important - not just in games journalism, but ALL journalism - and I’m thrilled to be even a small part of leading that charge.

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checkpointboss.bsky.social
I’m super proud of what I’ve built (with the help of my wonderful team)… and today, we had a packed house at our panel; they had to turn people away due to capacity.

Then, we nailed it! Important conversation and insights, and 5 fabulous people all sharing their experiences from the heart.

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checkpointboss.bsky.social
So today I hosted a panel called “Out, Loud and Critical: Queer Journalists Changing Games Media”.

Since starting Checkpoint Gaming 11(!) years ago, focusing on the importance of queer voices in the video game industry has been paramount.

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checkpointboss.bsky.social
Once again, thrilled to have roped in a bunch of incredibly talented people to have meaningful discussions during @paxaus.bsky.social 🥰
checkpointau.bsky.social
PANEL ALERT!!

Saturday, 12:30pm PAX Together Theatre - Out, Loud, and Critical: Queer Journalists Changing Games Media

Join host @checkpointboss.bsky.social and awesome journos @alicedkc.bsky.social, @nomibelle.bsky.social, @jesszam.bsky.social and @sifterhq.bsky.social for a brilliant discussion!
checkpointboss.bsky.social
The Life of a Showgirl is fine, but I think she forgot to include an actual memorable hit on there? It all just blends.
checkpointboss.bsky.social
I loved Good Boy.

It’s rare for a movie to offer something completely different, and seeing horror from the perspective of a dog made for a terrifying, uncomfortable and compelling watch.

Indy is easily the best pet actor in history. A must see for anybody who loves dogs.
checkpointboss.bsky.social
2025 Finished Game #31 - Wheel World

A little open world racing game with a lot of heart, a neat sense of humor, lo-fi beats and gorgeous visuals. Riding around with my ghost demon pal made for a lovely couple of afternoons over a lazy weekend that was much needed!
checkpointboss.bsky.social
2025 Finished Game #30 - I AM YOUR BEAST

A super entertaining way to spend a couple of hours. Challenging, frustrating, fast-paced and fabulous. If I was a speed runner I’d have a field day with this. Cool stuff!
checkpointboss.bsky.social
2025 Finished Game #29 - DOOM: The Dark Ages

Always a fun franchise, but this one dragged on a little bit too long for me! Still love ripping and tearing through demons, and I enjoyed it, but the flying bits and giant-demon bits weren’t the best.
checkpointboss.bsky.social
2025 Finished Game #28 - Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping

Another super cute and satisfying puzzle mystery game. I hope they keep making more Duck Detective games, they’re so wholesome and satisfying to play through in an afternoon. Love!
checkpointboss.bsky.social
2025 Finished Game #26 and #27 - Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

Really enjoyed this underrated gem from DONTNOD. They really nailed how young people interact with one another, the importance of friendship and how we change as we grow older. Really queer, and really neat.
checkpointboss.bsky.social
Finished Game #25 - Donkey Kong Bananza

BANANA!! I really love this game, just so gratifying smashing through everything, and it’s packed with collectibles and personality.

Full review from me:

checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2025...
checkpointboss.bsky.social
Finished Game #24 - Super Mario Bros. Wonder

I grabbed this during a tough time in my life, and never went back to it… until now.

It truly is a fantastic Mario game, looking forward to the Switch 2 upgrade/expansion next year! Also pls put Wonder Flowers in the next 3D Mario, thx.
checkpointboss.bsky.social
Finished Game #23 - Section 13

This game is… fine. Ran through it with some buddies and had a decent time but it’s a fairly forgettable experience compared with so many other greats in the twin-stick shooter genre.
checkpointboss.bsky.social
2025 Finished Game #22 - Mario Kart World

(Forgot about the list, let’s catch up!)

Mario Kart World is fantastic! But it’s also just more Mario Kart! Knockout Tour is amazing and overall this has become another regular go-to for game nights.

My full review:

checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2025...
checkpointboss.bsky.social
Anyway here’s my golden child looking adorable 🦮
checkpointboss.bsky.social
Been a while since I’ve reviewed two games at once, but it’s rare that two franchises I care deeply about release in short succession.

Oh well… here we go!! 🤪
checkpointboss.bsky.social
Fans vs. Favorites is a must-watch masterclass.
checkpointboss.bsky.social
But then it’s like what if nobody cares? And maybe that’s fine too, I’ll just talk to myself like I normally do I suppose and record it for prosperity 😂
checkpointboss.bsky.social
Late night thoughts: Should I try streaming for the first time? Use my platform to spotlight cool indie games, or something? Is it too late or am I too old to join the streaming game?

I’ve seen a couple of awesome people in my life give it a crack recently and I’m like… why not? Maybe?
checkpointboss.bsky.social
Freshness is actually pretty great with chains over there; these ones too, from In-n-Out, fresh ingredients and good burgs
checkpointboss.bsky.social
Shake Shack did not disappoint!!
checkpointboss.bsky.social
Still reeling from the absolutely fantastic, epic, life-changing week I had in L.A.

Heading into the office today is gonna be tough, so I’m just gonna repeatedly cycle through all the photos of amazing people, experiences and food I got to have last week. ❤️