Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
@mushwrites.bsky.social
Freelance writer on all things videogames.
https://buttonmusher.substack.com/
Reach out at goncalofrlsantos22[at]gmail[dot]com.
https://buttonmusher.substack.com/
Reach out at goncalofrlsantos22[at]gmail[dot]com.
Pinned
"We were worried about how our Monster Sanctuary community would react to the change in genre"- moi rai games' community-first approach to game development with Aethermancer
Interview with the studio behind indie hit Monster Sanctuary on how they're striking a balance between innovating and staying true to the community they've built as they develop Aethermancer.
buttonmusher.substack.com
"We were worried about how our Monster Sanctuary community would react to the change in genre"- moi rai games' community-first approach to game development with Aethermancer
How @moiraigames.bsky.social are striking a balance between innovating and staying true to the community they've built.
How @moiraigames.bsky.social are striking a balance between innovating and staying true to the community they've built.
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
I’m an experienced game critic/journalist looking for work! I’d love to continue writing about games, but I’d happily consider PR, consulting, narrative, or non-gaming editorial work. I have experience hosting and producing podcasts, and I’m comfortable on mic and camera.
Portfolio/email in bio! 🧵
Portfolio/email in bio! 🧵
January 20, 2026 at 7:24 PM
I’m an experienced game critic/journalist looking for work! I’d love to continue writing about games, but I’d happily consider PR, consulting, narrative, or non-gaming editorial work. I have experience hosting and producing podcasts, and I’m comfortable on mic and camera.
Portfolio/email in bio! 🧵
Portfolio/email in bio! 🧵
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
❄️⛸️❄️It was amazing to show the first peek of the game to people at @mivsmagfest.bsky.social ❄️⛸️❄️
January 15, 2026 at 9:28 PM
❄️⛸️❄️It was amazing to show the first peek of the game to people at @mivsmagfest.bsky.social ❄️⛸️❄️
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
Four more Steam reviews and we'll hit the 200 reviews mark.
It doesn't mean anything but it's a nice round number and who doesn't love nice round numbers? 🙂
store.steampowered.com/app/2747770/...
It doesn't mean anything but it's a nice round number and who doesn't love nice round numbers? 🙂
store.steampowered.com/app/2747770/...
Wednesdays on Steam
"The hardest part is not to speak up. It’s being heard." Part video game, part graphic novel, Wednesdays seeks to raise awareness about child sexual abuse through a surprisingly hope-filled ...
store.steampowered.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:14 AM
Four more Steam reviews and we'll hit the 200 reviews mark.
It doesn't mean anything but it's a nice round number and who doesn't love nice round numbers? 🙂
store.steampowered.com/app/2747770/...
It doesn't mean anything but it's a nice round number and who doesn't love nice round numbers? 🙂
store.steampowered.com/app/2747770/...
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
here for all of the sites mentioned, but i would also like to add @stopcar.ing, @unwinnable.com, @startmenu.bsky.social, @intothespine.bsky.social, @noescapevg.com, @bpmonthly.bsky.social, @bloomedwings.bsky.social, @innerspiral.lol, @mads.haus and @deletedsavesmag.bsky.social 💜
SEO-funded games journalism is in freefall with no floor and it's up to you now to fund quality coverage out of pocket. Support @aftermath.site, @remapradio.bsky.social, @secondwindgroup.com, @vgbees.com, @rogue.site, @skyboxcritics.com, @bloodgodpod.bsky.social, @mothership.blog, @3ma.bsky.social
January 16, 2026 at 9:23 PM
here for all of the sites mentioned, but i would also like to add @stopcar.ing, @unwinnable.com, @startmenu.bsky.social, @intothespine.bsky.social, @noescapevg.com, @bpmonthly.bsky.social, @bloomedwings.bsky.social, @innerspiral.lol, @mads.haus and @deletedsavesmag.bsky.social 💜
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
SEO-funded games journalism is in freefall with no floor and it's up to you now to fund quality coverage out of pocket. Support @aftermath.site, @remapradio.bsky.social, @secondwindgroup.com, @vgbees.com, @rogue.site, @skyboxcritics.com, @bloodgodpod.bsky.social, @mothership.blog, @3ma.bsky.social
January 16, 2026 at 8:05 PM
SEO-funded games journalism is in freefall with no floor and it's up to you now to fund quality coverage out of pocket. Support @aftermath.site, @remapradio.bsky.social, @secondwindgroup.com, @vgbees.com, @rogue.site, @skyboxcritics.com, @bloodgodpod.bsky.social, @mothership.blog, @3ma.bsky.social
A fantastic piece about one of the most unique gaming experiences out there.
In the most realistic zombie apocalypse, your biggest enemy truly is boredom.
In the most realistic zombie apocalypse, your biggest enemy truly is boredom.
Our Curios issue continues with @edwardsmithwriter.bsky.social on Project Zomboid. Read it right here: bulletpointsmonthly.com/2026/01/14/p...
January 14, 2026 at 3:40 PM
A fantastic piece about one of the most unique gaming experiences out there.
In the most realistic zombie apocalypse, your biggest enemy truly is boredom.
In the most realistic zombie apocalypse, your biggest enemy truly is boredom.
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
Hello, it is time for the Annual Tweet! Are you working on a COOL, NEAT, and perhaps even EXTREMELY WEIRD video game that'll be launching in 2026?
If the answer is YES then let me know in the replies below!
I want to get eyes on some coverage candidates before the year begins to consume us all.
If the answer is YES then let me know in the replies below!
I want to get eyes on some coverage candidates before the year begins to consume us all.
January 13, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Hello, it is time for the Annual Tweet! Are you working on a COOL, NEAT, and perhaps even EXTREMELY WEIRD video game that'll be launching in 2026?
If the answer is YES then let me know in the replies below!
I want to get eyes on some coverage candidates before the year begins to consume us all.
If the answer is YES then let me know in the replies below!
I want to get eyes on some coverage candidates before the year begins to consume us all.
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
We traveled back up to Edinburgh to be there as Rockstar Games and its fired union members took their case to court:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnui...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnui...
Rockstar vs. Union: We Went to Court and Saw the Evidence
YouTube video by People Make Games
www.youtube.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:54 PM
We traveled back up to Edinburgh to be there as Rockstar Games and its fired union members took their case to court:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnui...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnui...
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
Patrick Dane's final piece for This Week in Videogames was his 2025 Game of the Year list, which he tackled with great enthusiasm and excitement.
As an avid follower of live-service games, he was eager to make sure the standout titles in the space this year received their due.
Thank you, Patrick.
As an avid follower of live-service games, he was eager to make sure the standout titles in the space this year received their due.
Thank you, Patrick.
Patrick Dane's Top 5 Games of the Year
News editor and live-service die-hard Patrick Dane shares his favourite games from 2025, not all of which have been "officially" released.
thisweekinvideogames.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:15 PM
Patrick Dane's final piece for This Week in Videogames was his 2025 Game of the Year list, which he tackled with great enthusiasm and excitement.
As an avid follower of live-service games, he was eager to make sure the standout titles in the space this year received their due.
Thank you, Patrick.
As an avid follower of live-service games, he was eager to make sure the standout titles in the space this year received their due.
Thank you, Patrick.
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
New year, new thread of gaming/tech/entertainment writing opportunities! Including full-time, freelance, and mock review things when I find them.
Things I've found in January 2026 are below - please do share and tell a friend 💛
Things I've found in January 2026 are below - please do share and tell a friend 💛
January 5, 2026 at 1:02 PM
New year, new thread of gaming/tech/entertainment writing opportunities! Including full-time, freelance, and mock review things when I find them.
Things I've found in January 2026 are below - please do share and tell a friend 💛
Things I've found in January 2026 are below - please do share and tell a friend 💛
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
if there are any sites looking for a freelancer to review/cover yakuza kiwami 3 who has also reviewed infinite wealth + pirate yakuza and wrote about the series at length in the past, i'm truly the girl for it 💜
aware this is a little early
shares appreciated 💜
aware this is a little early
shares appreciated 💜
December 22, 2025 at 10:49 AM
if there are any sites looking for a freelancer to review/cover yakuza kiwami 3 who has also reviewed infinite wealth + pirate yakuza and wrote about the series at length in the past, i'm truly the girl for it 💜
aware this is a little early
shares appreciated 💜
aware this is a little early
shares appreciated 💜
youtu.be/icR8vvu5UuY?... a comprehensive and nuanced piece of criticism of gen-AI in videogames and condensed into an 11 minute video, great stuff.
I Was Wrong About Ethical AI in Games
YouTube video by Laura Fryer
youtu.be
December 21, 2025 at 11:49 AM
youtu.be/icR8vvu5UuY?... a comprehensive and nuanced piece of criticism of gen-AI in videogames and condensed into an 11 minute video, great stuff.
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
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 9:06 PM
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...
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
Buried in this article are FIVE DIFFERENT WIP versions of Begin Again. Unbelievably cool.
December 20, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Buried in this article are FIVE DIFFERENT WIP versions of Begin Again. Unbelievably cool.
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
Ending the work year feeling very thankful and unbelievably privileged to have worked with so many great people and talented teams who've trusted me with their games as a freelancer.
Shoutout to all of the press and creator pals who've believed in those titles and have shown them some love, too 💛
Shoutout to all of the press and creator pals who've believed in those titles and have shown them some love, too 💛
December 19, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Ending the work year feeling very thankful and unbelievably privileged to have worked with so many great people and talented teams who've trusted me with their games as a freelancer.
Shoutout to all of the press and creator pals who've believed in those titles and have shown them some love, too 💛
Shoutout to all of the press and creator pals who've believed in those titles and have shown them some love, too 💛
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
I love handing over Game of the Year to VGIM readers. A small way for the community to show some love to the games that mattered to them.
The excellent @georgeosborn.bsky.social has selected a handful of his readers' GOTY reviews (and had the goodness in his heart to publish mine) for one of the final VGIM's of the year.
What esteemed company I am in!
This is a great read.
www.videogamesindustrymemo.com/p/vgim-game-...
What esteemed company I am in!
This is a great read.
www.videogamesindustrymemo.com/p/vgim-game-...
VGIM Game of the Year 2025, 18/12/2025
Clair Obscur, Blue Prince, Silksong, and Mario Kart all made the good list
www.videogamesindustrymemo.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:02 AM
I love handing over Game of the Year to VGIM readers. A small way for the community to show some love to the games that mattered to them.
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
the good news is that the media attention and support from an audience has helped Horses do well enough that Santa Ragione has been able to pay all its owed royalties and loans. so it's not in debt.
the bad news is it's still not enough to keep the studio together.
www.ign.com/articles/hor...
the bad news is it's still not enough to keep the studio together.
www.ign.com/articles/hor...
Horses Sells Over 18k Copies, Pays Back Loans and Royalties Despite Removal From Steam and Epic - IGN
Horses, the indie horror game that was banned from both Steam and the Epic Games Store ahead of its launch two weeks ago, has nonetheless managed to sell over 18,000 copies, says publisher Santa Ragio...
www.ign.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:09 PM
the good news is that the media attention and support from an audience has helped Horses do well enough that Santa Ragione has been able to pay all its owed royalties and loans. so it's not in debt.
the bad news is it's still not enough to keep the studio together.
www.ign.com/articles/hor...
the bad news is it's still not enough to keep the studio together.
www.ign.com/articles/hor...
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
Subscribe to Unwinnable before the end of the year and get all the 2025 issues free! That's twelve issues of Unwinnable Monthly AND twelve issues of Exploits for five clams. Feed your brain over the holidays!
unwinnable.com/subscribe/
(@unwinnable.com)
unwinnable.com/subscribe/
(@unwinnable.com)
December 17, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Subscribe to Unwinnable before the end of the year and get all the 2025 issues free! That's twelve issues of Unwinnable Monthly AND twelve issues of Exploits for five clams. Feed your brain over the holidays!
unwinnable.com/subscribe/
(@unwinnable.com)
unwinnable.com/subscribe/
(@unwinnable.com)
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
If I had known the two paragraphs about genAI in my article today would be so controversial, I would have expanded them a bit! Here's a rough transcript of the relevant portion of my interview with Swen Vincke, so everyone has all the context. (Full article here: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...)
December 16, 2025 at 11:52 PM
If I had known the two paragraphs about genAI in my article today would be so controversial, I would have expanded them a bit! Here's a rough transcript of the relevant portion of my interview with Swen Vincke, so everyone has all the context. (Full article here: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...)
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
this interview is essential reading for SILENT HILL fans 🐜🦟🦗 i know i wrote it 🤧 but 😇😈 silent hill f producer motoi okamoto and scriptwriter ryukishi07 were just so honest with me about their vision for the franchise, and what they need from you...
www.gamesradar.com/games/silent...
www.gamesradar.com/games/silent...
Silent Hill f writer knows you don't really want to see "a happily ever after," and the game's horrific portrayal of young womanhood makes it my GOTY
Year in Review 2025 | Konami returns to Silent Hill with a steel pipe and a wedding veil
www.gamesradar.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:18 PM
this interview is essential reading for SILENT HILL fans 🐜🦟🦗 i know i wrote it 🤧 but 😇😈 silent hill f producer motoi okamoto and scriptwriter ryukishi07 were just so honest with me about their vision for the franchise, and what they need from you...
www.gamesradar.com/games/silent...
www.gamesradar.com/games/silent...
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
I know the holidays are the worst for hiring but I'm still looking for work :')
my website goes into detail on my contributions to Civ VII, MMS, and Hindsight: emmkid.info
I'm quick, adaptable, and eager to learn from smart people who enjoy abusing custom slack emotes
my website goes into detail on my contributions to Civ VII, MMS, and Hindsight: emmkid.info
I'm quick, adaptable, and eager to learn from smart people who enjoy abusing custom slack emotes
December 12, 2025 at 4:15 PM
I know the holidays are the worst for hiring but I'm still looking for work :')
my website goes into detail on my contributions to Civ VII, MMS, and Hindsight: emmkid.info
I'm quick, adaptable, and eager to learn from smart people who enjoy abusing custom slack emotes
my website goes into detail on my contributions to Civ VII, MMS, and Hindsight: emmkid.info
I'm quick, adaptable, and eager to learn from smart people who enjoy abusing custom slack emotes
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
@alphanomos.bsky.social is a delight and you should be playing the demo right now (especially if you've been itching for something similar to Hifi Rush)!
✍️ Brawling On The Beat @aiig.bsky.social
✍️ Brawling On The Beat @aiig.bsky.social
Brawling On Beat: Alpha Nomos
Beat the cursed toys on beat in this rhythm roguelite arena fighting game.
open.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:28 PM
@alphanomos.bsky.social is a delight and you should be playing the demo right now (especially if you've been itching for something similar to Hifi Rush)!
✍️ Brawling On The Beat @aiig.bsky.social
✍️ Brawling On The Beat @aiig.bsky.social
Reposted by Gonçalo Santos- Freelance Journalist Available For Work
My review of Scrabdackle, a special game almost solely made by an ambitious, talented maniac called @jakefriend.bsky.social .
Not only is Scrabdackle fun to say, it is incredibly fun to play. My personal pick for 2025's hidden gem. Congratulations to jake and @fellowtraveller.games.
Not only is Scrabdackle fun to say, it is incredibly fun to play. My personal pick for 2025's hidden gem. Congratulations to jake and @fellowtraveller.games.
Scrabdackle- The Best Metroidvania You've Never Heard of
How jakefriend (and friends) scribbled an unexpectedly complex world into existence.
open.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:14 PM
My review of Scrabdackle, a special game almost solely made by an ambitious, talented maniac called @jakefriend.bsky.social .
Not only is Scrabdackle fun to say, it is incredibly fun to play. My personal pick for 2025's hidden gem. Congratulations to jake and @fellowtraveller.games.
Not only is Scrabdackle fun to say, it is incredibly fun to play. My personal pick for 2025's hidden gem. Congratulations to jake and @fellowtraveller.games.
My review of Scrabdackle, a special game almost solely made by an ambitious, talented maniac called @jakefriend.bsky.social .
Not only is Scrabdackle fun to say, it is incredibly fun to play. My personal pick for 2025's hidden gem. Congratulations to jake and @fellowtraveller.games.
Not only is Scrabdackle fun to say, it is incredibly fun to play. My personal pick for 2025's hidden gem. Congratulations to jake and @fellowtraveller.games.
Scrabdackle- The Best Metroidvania You've Never Heard of
How jakefriend (and friends) scribbled an unexpectedly complex world into existence.
open.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:14 PM
My review of Scrabdackle, a special game almost solely made by an ambitious, talented maniac called @jakefriend.bsky.social .
Not only is Scrabdackle fun to say, it is incredibly fun to play. My personal pick for 2025's hidden gem. Congratulations to jake and @fellowtraveller.games.
Not only is Scrabdackle fun to say, it is incredibly fun to play. My personal pick for 2025's hidden gem. Congratulations to jake and @fellowtraveller.games.
Not one, but two classic literature quotes in a review of a Doom 2 total conversion mod. Beautiful
TOTAL CHAOS — a game title that requires you growl it like kurt russell — made me want to puke and quote lord byron ⛄ that's kinda what the long nights of winter inspire, too @apogeeent.com
www.gamesradar.com/games/horror...
www.gamesradar.com/games/horror...
Nearly 10 years later, Doom 2 mod Total Chaos is reborn as a standalone horror FPS I'll be playing all winter, and it makes Silent Hill look like a rom-com
Indie Spotlight | Sam Prebble's gothic Doom 2 mod is now bigger, darker, and more haunting than ever
www.gamesradar.com
December 5, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Not one, but two classic literature quotes in a review of a Doom 2 total conversion mod. Beautiful