James O’Connor
@jickle.net
Narrative designer, writer, editor, critic, consultant and mock reviewer for hire! Author of Untitled Goose Game for Boss Fight Books and (unannounced second book)! Winner of some awards! jamesoconnorau at gmail.
Pinned
James O’Connor
@jickle.net
· May 30
New pinned post! I am an:
-Author (second book in the works)
-Narrative designer and game writer
-Award-winning critic and journalist
-Mock reviewer, narrative consultant and script editor seeking new clients (jamesoconnorau at gmail dot com to discuss rates!)
-Copywriter, if the pay's not bad
-Author (second book in the works)
-Narrative designer and game writer
-Award-winning critic and journalist
-Mock reviewer, narrative consultant and script editor seeking new clients (jamesoconnorau at gmail dot com to discuss rates!)
-Copywriter, if the pay's not bad
I have gone back to Yakuza 0 - a game I never finished - and the pure vibes of holding the walk button and slowly walking down a bustling street are off the charts
January 10, 2026 at 1:23 AM
I have gone back to Yakuza 0 - a game I never finished - and the pure vibes of holding the walk button and slowly walking down a bustling street are off the charts
A truuuuuly cool game
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance drops onto Switch 2 Nintendo Classics today, soundtrack on Nintendo Music too www.vooks.net/fire-e...
January 9, 2026 at 1:43 AM
A truuuuuly cool game
You expect to change and grow as you age, but I am 38 now and honestly very pleased to hear that a fifth Jackass movie is coming this year
January 8, 2026 at 5:10 AM
You expect to change and grow as you age, but I am 38 now and honestly very pleased to hear that a fifth Jackass movie is coming this year
In previous years I've been a big fan of the Adelaide Festival and have attended Writer's Week regularly - but this year they might as well go ahead and cancel the whole thing. A nonsense decision made by, best case scenario, pathetic cowards. www.adelaidefestival.com.au/news/2025/ad...
Adelaide Festival Board Statement
www.adelaidefestival.com.au
January 8, 2026 at 3:11 AM
In previous years I've been a big fan of the Adelaide Festival and have attended Writer's Week regularly - but this year they might as well go ahead and cancel the whole thing. A nonsense decision made by, best case scenario, pathetic cowards. www.adelaidefestival.com.au/news/2025/ad...
A cool thing about games is that sometimes even when I'm playing a bad one I still find myself thinking "but someone built this whole virtual world and now I'm moving through it??? That's so cool!"
January 7, 2026 at 4:13 AM
A cool thing about games is that sometimes even when I'm playing a bad one I still find myself thinking "but someone built this whole virtual world and now I'm moving through it??? That's so cool!"
2020: trick question, not a real year, did not happen / Da 5 Bloods
2021: Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0 (sorry, very James pick)
2022: Everything Everywhere All At Once
2023: The Zone of Interest
2024: Challengers
2025: No Other Choice
2021: Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0 (sorry, very James pick)
2022: Everything Everywhere All At Once
2023: The Zone of Interest
2024: Challengers
2025: No Other Choice
60% of the way through the decade, what are your fav movies?
2020: Shiva Baby
2021: Licorice Pizza
2022: Decision to Leave/Nope
2023: Asteroid City
2024: I Saw The TV Glow
2025: Sinners*
*I barely saw anything from 2025 and this will be surpassed as soon as I catch something great
2020: Shiva Baby
2021: Licorice Pizza
2022: Decision to Leave/Nope
2023: Asteroid City
2024: I Saw The TV Glow
2025: Sinners*
*I barely saw anything from 2025 and this will be surpassed as soon as I catch something great
January 2, 2026 at 8:40 AM
2020: trick question, not a real year, did not happen / Da 5 Bloods
2021: Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0 (sorry, very James pick)
2022: Everything Everywhere All At Once
2023: The Zone of Interest
2024: Challengers
2025: No Other Choice
2021: Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0 (sorry, very James pick)
2022: Everything Everywhere All At Once
2023: The Zone of Interest
2024: Challengers
2025: No Other Choice
I had a dream that I was at a preview event for Control 2, but I accidentally exited out of the demo on the Steam Deck I was given to play it on and could not find a way back into it, plus I had no commission and started doing the maths on just how little money I could make if everything went right
January 1, 2026 at 10:15 PM
I had a dream that I was at a preview event for Control 2, but I accidentally exited out of the demo on the Steam Deck I was given to play it on and could not find a way back into it, plus I had no commission and started doing the maths on just how little money I could make if everything went right
I saw 41 new release films in 2025, which is a lower number than I would like. Here is my top 16. Thank you.
December 31, 2025 at 12:38 AM
I saw 41 new release films in 2025, which is a lower number than I would like. Here is my top 16. Thank you.
There is only one right way to react to the death of this wonderful actor: shiiiiiiiiiiiieeeet. deadline.com/2025/12/isia...
Isiah Whitlock Jr. Dies: ‘The Wire’ Actor & Frequent Spike Lee Collaborator Was 71
Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., known for his roles in The Wire, Veep, Your Honor and The Residence and a number of Spike Lee movies, passed away Dec. 30.
deadline.com
December 30, 2025 at 11:13 PM
There is only one right way to react to the death of this wonderful actor: shiiiiiiiiiiiieeeet. deadline.com/2025/12/isia...
I know this is a dead horse but it deserves further beatings - this final season of Stranger Things is truly one of the most inert pieces of work I’ve ever convinced myself to endure. The television equivalent of trying to take a sip from an empty cup.
(I hope that animated series works though)
(I hope that animated series works though)
December 29, 2025 at 11:21 AM
I know this is a dead horse but it deserves further beatings - this final season of Stranger Things is truly one of the most inert pieces of work I’ve ever convinced myself to endure. The television equivalent of trying to take a sip from an empty cup.
(I hope that animated series works though)
(I hope that animated series works though)
Back to the Future is a holiday movie series, in that they are all about trying to get back home (3.5 is maybe a bit generous for Olive the Other Reindeer but I was blinded by the Michael Stipe cameo and song)
December 26, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Back to the Future is a holiday movie series, in that they are all about trying to get back home (3.5 is maybe a bit generous for Olive the Other Reindeer but I was blinded by the Michael Stipe cameo and song)
Reposted by James O’Connor
It has been a little while since I have written a big opinion piece for GameSpot, but I’m on there today talking about my beloved The Hundred Line www.gamespot.com/articles/the...
The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy's Enormous Size Was A Huge Risk - But It Paid Off
The Hundred Line's developer almost went bankrupt making it, but the quality and success of the game fills me with hope.
www.gamespot.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:57 PM
It has been a little while since I have written a big opinion piece for GameSpot, but I’m on there today talking about my beloved The Hundred Line www.gamespot.com/articles/the...
It has been a little while since I have written a big opinion piece for GameSpot, but I’m on there today talking about my beloved The Hundred Line www.gamespot.com/articles/the...
The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy's Enormous Size Was A Huge Risk - But It Paid Off
The Hundred Line's developer almost went bankrupt making it, but the quality and success of the game fills me with hope.
www.gamespot.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:57 PM
It has been a little while since I have written a big opinion piece for GameSpot, but I’m on there today talking about my beloved The Hundred Line www.gamespot.com/articles/the...
The one position that crosses all political lines this Christmas, that everyone can agree on, is that Elon Musk is a stupid cunt
December 25, 2025 at 4:24 AM
The one position that crosses all political lines this Christmas, that everyone can agree on, is that Elon Musk is a stupid cunt
It is *very* important that you play Paradise Killer, truly one of my all-time favourite games
Paradise Killer is currently FREE on Epic Games Store as one of their festive free games! 😱
May the Silent Goat walk with you!
💗💜💙
https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/paradise-killer-c3ea1c
May the Silent Goat walk with you!
💗💜💙
https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/paradise-killer-c3ea1c
December 23, 2025 at 12:50 AM
It is *very* important that you play Paradise Killer, truly one of my all-time favourite games
It is a real treat to go to the cinema and see a new Avatar movie! Every time!
December 22, 2025 at 9:25 AM
It is a real treat to go to the cinema and see a new Avatar movie! Every time!
Reposted by James O’Connor
If you use generative AI to "explore ideas" you are mentally weaker than even the smallest child. If you feel that you need generative AI to "structure your thoughts" you lack the confidence of an 8 year old. If you feel shame about your diminished inner world, you should. You're bad at daydreaming
December 21, 2025 at 11:50 PM
If you use generative AI to "explore ideas" you are mentally weaker than even the smallest child. If you feel that you need generative AI to "structure your thoughts" you lack the confidence of an 8 year old. If you feel shame about your diminished inner world, you should. You're bad at daydreaming
I have at *least* a fondness for all of these games, but Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo, which I got to serve as script editor on, is particularly special to me.
Save BIG on our newest games and classic titles in the Steam Winter sale, featuring some of our biggest discounts EVER! ❄️
🎸 Afterlove EP - 40% off
🐍 Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo - 40% off
💫 Citizen Sleeper 2 - 33% off
💥 Wander Stars - 33% off
See all the discounts below 👇
bit.ly/3BHQ7Tq
🎸 Afterlove EP - 40% off
🐍 Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo - 40% off
💫 Citizen Sleeper 2 - 33% off
💥 Wander Stars - 33% off
See all the discounts below 👇
bit.ly/3BHQ7Tq
December 19, 2025 at 1:10 AM
I have at *least* a fondness for all of these games, but Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo, which I got to serve as script editor on, is particularly special to me.
Reposted by James O’Connor
I spoke to a dozen professional concept artists working in games about whether generative AI image tools have made their jobs easier, even if it's just used in "very early ideation stages."
Zero said "yes." Most said it made their job harder.
I learnt a lot about concept artists. You should too!
Zero said "yes." Most said it made their job harder.
I learnt a lot about concept artists. You should too!
We spoke to a dozen professional concept artists who are currently or have previously worked in game development about whether generative AI image tools have made their jobs any easier.
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Concept Artists Say Generative AI References Only Make Their Jobs Harder
“The ‘early ideation stages’, when worlds are being fleshed out by writers and artists, are literally crucial to the development of a game’s vision,” said one artist.
thisweekinvideogames.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:07 PM
I spoke to a dozen professional concept artists working in games about whether generative AI image tools have made their jobs easier, even if it's just used in "very early ideation stages."
Zero said "yes." Most said it made their job harder.
I learnt a lot about concept artists. You should too!
Zero said "yes." Most said it made their job harder.
I learnt a lot about concept artists. You should too!
I will have a little piece in here! Very pleased to be part of something this cool (and to have any sort of affiliation with Inkle, one of the most interesting game development teams in the world)
Interested in game-writing?
In early 2026 we'll be publishing a kaleidoscope: short articles by 100+ game writers - experts, freelancers, and juniors - about the craft.
~1/3 of them are in: multiple bangers, from some very famous names and games.
Sign up to be notified when it's ready here:
In early 2026 we'll be publishing a kaleidoscope: short articles by 100+ game writers - experts, freelancers, and juniors - about the craft.
~1/3 of them are in: multiple bangers, from some very famous names and games.
Sign up to be notified when it's ready here:
Sign up for news about the Game Writing Kaleidoscope
In early 2026 we’ll be publishing The Game Narrative Kaleidoscope, a collection of over 100 short essays by game writers about writing.
Featuring some very famous names, some highly experienced free...
forms.gle
December 17, 2025 at 11:06 AM
I will have a little piece in here! Very pleased to be part of something this cool (and to have any sort of affiliation with Inkle, one of the most interesting game development teams in the world)
“Nostalgia can be dangerous when it’s up close. I don’t exactly know what I mean by that, but it feels true.”
That is the most Stephen King-y pair of sentences imaginable
That is the most Stephen King-y pair of sentences imaginable
December 17, 2025 at 4:47 AM
“Nostalgia can be dangerous when it’s up close. I don’t exactly know what I mean by that, but it feels true.”
That is the most Stephen King-y pair of sentences imaginable
That is the most Stephen King-y pair of sentences imaginable
It was fun to write about all of these game-to-movie adaptations and ponder the question: what if a *few* of these end up being okay? www.screenhub.com.au/news/feature...
Video game movie adaptations: everything to look forward to in 2026 | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games
Video game-to-movie adaptations can be a roll of the dice. Here are a few thoughts about what to expect in 2026 and whether they look any good.
www.screenhub.com.au
December 17, 2025 at 12:07 AM
It was fun to write about all of these game-to-movie adaptations and ponder the question: what if a *few* of these end up being okay? www.screenhub.com.au/news/feature...
Saw this film a few months ago and it was my favourite movie of the year. This is king shit.
“On behalf of Director Park Chan-wook's new film, we are cordially inviting all Fortune 500 CEOs to a special screening of NO OTHER CHOICE.
This is truly a film that speaks to our gracious executive leaders and the culture they have cultivated.”
Beast mode shit.
This is truly a film that speaks to our gracious executive leaders and the culture they have cultivated.”
Beast mode shit.
December 16, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Saw this film a few months ago and it was my favourite movie of the year. This is king shit.
Sometimes you see a clip from an old PS2 game like this and all you can do is sigh and say “we really did have it good”
December 16, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Sometimes you see a clip from an old PS2 game like this and all you can do is sigh and say “we really did have it good”
I recently watched through all of the Final Destination movies. Here is my ranking, formatted in the most annoying way possible:
1. 6
2. 2
3. 3
4. 5
5: 1
6: 4 (the only one that is actually bad)
1. 6
2. 2
3. 3
4. 5
5: 1
6: 4 (the only one that is actually bad)
December 15, 2025 at 10:41 PM
I recently watched through all of the Final Destination movies. Here is my ranking, formatted in the most annoying way possible:
1. 6
2. 2
3. 3
4. 5
5: 1
6: 4 (the only one that is actually bad)
1. 6
2. 2
3. 3
4. 5
5: 1
6: 4 (the only one that is actually bad)