Kareem
@shadetooth.bsky.social
Dialogue Lead @ Insomniac Games
he/him
he/him
Pinned
Kareem
@shadetooth.bsky.social
· Nov 19
A question I often get: "So what's a Dialogue Lead? What is it you actually do?" I'm happy to break it down:
Game audio can be divided into three categories; music, sound effects, and dialogue. On the dialogue team our priority is to ensure that all spoken content sounds believable and immersive.
Game audio can be divided into three categories; music, sound effects, and dialogue. On the dialogue team our priority is to ensure that all spoken content sounds believable and immersive.
Reposted by Kareem
The layoffs across games and games journalism have been disproportionately affecting the women in the industry, and even more so, black women.
Support the indies that champion their voices before it's too late (& please share more in the replies)
@aftermath.site @mothership.blog
Support the indies that champion their voices before it's too late (& please share more in the replies)
@aftermath.site @mothership.blog
"Racist people are firing and laying off Black women at three times the rate of other women."
😬Yikes! It sounds bad when you say it like that!
"Black women are losing jobs at 3 times the rate."
Much better! Makes it sound like the Black women just need to be more careful or better at their jobs!
😬Yikes! It sounds bad when you say it like that!
"Black women are losing jobs at 3 times the rate."
Much better! Makes it sound like the Black women just need to be more careful or better at their jobs!
Black Women Are Losing Jobs At Three Times The Rate Of Other Women | Essence
New labor data shows Black women accounted for a disproportionate share of job losses across 2025, especially in federal, education, and care-sector roles.
www.essence.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:57 PM
The layoffs across games and games journalism have been disproportionately affecting the women in the industry, and even more so, black women.
Support the indies that champion their voices before it's too late (& please share more in the replies)
@aftermath.site @mothership.blog
Support the indies that champion their voices before it's too late (& please share more in the replies)
@aftermath.site @mothership.blog
Reposted by Kareem
Over 1,000 Ubisoft workers around the world have walked off the job.
In response to a return-to-office mandate, layoffs, and the cancellation of several games, workers launched a three-day strike.
The workers walked out in response to five French unions issuing the strike call.
In response to a return-to-office mandate, layoffs, and the cancellation of several games, workers launched a three-day strike.
The workers walked out in response to five French unions issuing the strike call.
Ubisoft workers are on strike: 'We are treated like children'
The strike comes after the publisher revealed plans to cut up to 200 jobs and ordered remote workers back into the office
www.polygon.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Over 1,000 Ubisoft workers around the world have walked off the job.
In response to a return-to-office mandate, layoffs, and the cancellation of several games, workers launched a three-day strike.
The workers walked out in response to five French unions issuing the strike call.
In response to a return-to-office mandate, layoffs, and the cancellation of several games, workers launched a three-day strike.
The workers walked out in response to five French unions issuing the strike call.
Reposted by Kareem
Reposted by Kareem
HOLY SHIT this trailer is amazing.
1) Mark of the Ninja vibes
2) Afrofuturism
3) Anti-colonial hijinks
Let's fucking go!
1) Mark of the Ninja vibes
2) Afrofuturism
3) Anti-colonial hijinks
Let's fucking go!
“Please enjoy the museum”:
Relooted is OUT NOW!
Please share!
Relooted is OUT NOW!
Please share!
February 10, 2026 at 5:41 PM
HOLY SHIT this trailer is amazing.
1) Mark of the Ninja vibes
2) Afrofuturism
3) Anti-colonial hijinks
Let's fucking go!
1) Mark of the Ninja vibes
2) Afrofuturism
3) Anti-colonial hijinks
Let's fucking go!
Reposted by Kareem
See you there! @geekyfriedrice.bsky.social @awintory.bsky.social
gdconf.com
Get 10% off Festival and Game Changer passes with promotional code SPKGDC26_EkV9clVV
gdconf.com
Get 10% off Festival and Game Changer passes with promotional code SPKGDC26_EkV9clVV
January 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM
See you there! @geekyfriedrice.bsky.social @awintory.bsky.social
gdconf.com
Get 10% off Festival and Game Changer passes with promotional code SPKGDC26_EkV9clVV
gdconf.com
Get 10% off Festival and Game Changer passes with promotional code SPKGDC26_EkV9clVV
Happy Black History Month! Here's my list of assorted Black History facts that I find myself thinking about all the time.
I'm thinking about creating a new daily thread this year with powerful quotes from Black leaders and innovators. We'll see if I have the energy.
I'm thinking about creating a new daily thread this year with powerful quotes from Black leaders and innovators. We'll see if I have the energy.
Back on the old short-form social media site, I had a thread of 28 facts I liked to share during Black History Month, one for every day. The topic is still important to me so I'll start re-writing them here and hope they find a new audience.
It's February! Happy Black History Month!
It's February! Happy Black History Month!
February 2, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Happy Black History Month! Here's my list of assorted Black History facts that I find myself thinking about all the time.
I'm thinking about creating a new daily thread this year with powerful quotes from Black leaders and innovators. We'll see if I have the energy.
I'm thinking about creating a new daily thread this year with powerful quotes from Black leaders and innovators. We'll see if I have the energy.
Reposted by Kareem
Shout out to all the amazing Black game developers, media, and creatives across every part of making games. I’m rooting for y’all year-round.
Go follow Black folks making games. We’re often ignored, then imitated. Tag some Black devs below and follow the ones you don’t know yet.
Go follow Black folks making games. We’re often ignored, then imitated. Tag some Black devs below and follow the ones you don’t know yet.
February 1, 2026 at 5:12 PM
Shout out to all the amazing Black game developers, media, and creatives across every part of making games. I’m rooting for y’all year-round.
Go follow Black folks making games. We’re often ignored, then imitated. Tag some Black devs below and follow the ones you don’t know yet.
Go follow Black folks making games. We’re often ignored, then imitated. Tag some Black devs below and follow the ones you don’t know yet.
One aspect of hip hop that I don't see much discussion around is when artists reference past rap songs in their lyrics. For example in the J Cole song Sparks Will Fly he says:
"I love you like a fat kid loves cake and shit, I love you like a bad kid loves breaking shit."
youtu.be/aLNksgXTSKc?...
"I love you like a fat kid loves cake and shit, I love you like a bad kid loves breaking shit."
youtu.be/aLNksgXTSKc?...
Sparks Will Fly
YouTube video by J. Cole - Topic
youtu.be
January 24, 2026 at 9:13 AM
One aspect of hip hop that I don't see much discussion around is when artists reference past rap songs in their lyrics. For example in the J Cole song Sparks Will Fly he says:
"I love you like a fat kid loves cake and shit, I love you like a bad kid loves breaking shit."
youtu.be/aLNksgXTSKc?...
"I love you like a fat kid loves cake and shit, I love you like a bad kid loves breaking shit."
youtu.be/aLNksgXTSKc?...
Reposted by Kareem
Are you a writer or narrative designer attending GDC? For the first time, GDC is hosting a Narrative Portfolio Review Workshop! I've assembled a literal dream team of Senior/Lead narrative folks to review portfolios, so bring your materials!
Deets: schedule.gdconf.com/session/narr...
Deets: schedule.gdconf.com/session/narr...
January 16, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Are you a writer or narrative designer attending GDC? For the first time, GDC is hosting a Narrative Portfolio Review Workshop! I've assembled a literal dream team of Senior/Lead narrative folks to review portfolios, so bring your materials!
Deets: schedule.gdconf.com/session/narr...
Deets: schedule.gdconf.com/session/narr...
Reposted by Kareem
Feeling nostalgic. 15 yrs of my studios:
1. Not pictured (2009-2011): South Korea. Cheap table, 44.1k interface, SM57 mic, overheating shoebox PC. I recorded my first solo album here & started working with @smartereveryday.bsky.social
ashellinthepit.bandcamp.com/album/the-ma...
1. Not pictured (2009-2011): South Korea. Cheap table, 44.1k interface, SM57 mic, overheating shoebox PC. I recorded my first solo album here & started working with @smartereveryday.bsky.social
ashellinthepit.bandcamp.com/album/the-ma...
January 11, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Feeling nostalgic. 15 yrs of my studios:
1. Not pictured (2009-2011): South Korea. Cheap table, 44.1k interface, SM57 mic, overheating shoebox PC. I recorded my first solo album here & started working with @smartereveryday.bsky.social
ashellinthepit.bandcamp.com/album/the-ma...
1. Not pictured (2009-2011): South Korea. Cheap table, 44.1k interface, SM57 mic, overheating shoebox PC. I recorded my first solo album here & started working with @smartereveryday.bsky.social
ashellinthepit.bandcamp.com/album/the-ma...
Reposted by Kareem
Heading into 2026, I'm still looking for fulltime or contract work as a senior writer or narrative designer. If you need someone who can write sharp characters, poetic prose, and emotional stories, I'm available! You can find my portfolio here: www.hazelmonforton.com
December 28, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Heading into 2026, I'm still looking for fulltime or contract work as a senior writer or narrative designer. If you need someone who can write sharp characters, poetic prose, and emotional stories, I'm available! You can find my portfolio here: www.hazelmonforton.com
A great article that I generally agree with, especially this quote from Tim Friedlander:
December 27, 2025 at 2:20 AM
A great article that I generally agree with, especially this quote from Tim Friedlander:
Reposted by Kareem
Yeah. When I was in school I was big into “networking”, I would read networking guides, constantly redo my business card, think about how to stand out, etc
I made a lot of linkedin connections!
…None of which have ever been even 1% useful.
That whole concept is worthless
I made a lot of linkedin connections!
…None of which have ever been even 1% useful.
That whole concept is worthless
Just gonna say this again for games sphere cus we get the same question:
Networking doesn't mean schmoozing up to famous people, it means making friends with your peers. Then in 10 years, 20, one of you might be famous? And sure you're still helping each other cus well yeah friends.
Make. Friends.
Networking doesn't mean schmoozing up to famous people, it means making friends with your peers. Then in 10 years, 20, one of you might be famous? And sure you're still helping each other cus well yeah friends.
Make. Friends.
Talking to one of these types at a con who asked how I 'got in' with so many 'famous writers' who I'd been talking to and I said "we made friends before anyone knew who we were decades ago by striking up interesting conversations and enjoying each other's company" and he kept re-asking the question.
December 27, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Yeah. When I was in school I was big into “networking”, I would read networking guides, constantly redo my business card, think about how to stand out, etc
I made a lot of linkedin connections!
…None of which have ever been even 1% useful.
That whole concept is worthless
I made a lot of linkedin connections!
…None of which have ever been even 1% useful.
That whole concept is worthless
I have completed a 4th draft of a Light Novel I've been working on for years. I'm really happy with how the story has turned out and I'm ready for Beta Readers.
If any mutuals would like to read it and give me feedback please let me know!🧵
If any mutuals would like to read it and give me feedback please let me know!🧵
December 23, 2025 at 1:24 AM
I have completed a 4th draft of a Light Novel I've been working on for years. I'm really happy with how the story has turned out and I'm ready for Beta Readers.
If any mutuals would like to read it and give me feedback please let me know!🧵
If any mutuals would like to read it and give me feedback please let me know!🧵
My 3 y.o. saw this album art on my phone while we were listening to music and asked me:
"Papa, is that your brother?"
"Papa, is that your brother?"
December 14, 2025 at 3:49 AM
My 3 y.o. saw this album art on my phone while we were listening to music and asked me:
"Papa, is that your brother?"
"Papa, is that your brother?"
I would give an award to the people who write meaningful documentation that solves problems long after they've left a company.
Gamedevs don’t get enough appreciation for what they do, and often the biggest impact comes from people the public never hears about.
Which gamedevs would YOU give an award to, and for what?
Which gamedevs would YOU give an award to, and for what?
December 12, 2025 at 12:21 AM
I would give an award to the people who write meaningful documentation that solves problems long after they've left a company.
Reposted by Kareem
This really is a must read for anyone in academia.
December 7, 2025 at 5:12 PM
This really is a must read for anyone in academia.
How do you know you're in a fancy mall? There are signs...
December 2, 2025 at 6:46 PM
How do you know you're in a fancy mall? There are signs...
Reposted by Kareem
Two months after firing over Charlie Kirk comments, Ghost of Yotei dev blames harassment campaign, not 'bad joke'
aftermath.site/sucker-punch-c...
aftermath.site/sucker-punch-c...
November 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Two months after firing over Charlie Kirk comments, Ghost of Yotei dev blames harassment campaign, not 'bad joke'
aftermath.site/sucker-punch-c...
aftermath.site/sucker-punch-c...
Reposted by Kareem
A Knight’s Tale is a sports anime
a man is holding a sword in his hand and saying `` william ! ''
ALT: a man is holding a sword in his hand and saying `` william ! ''
media.tenor.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:11 AM
A Knight’s Tale is a sports anime
Audio (sound effects, music, and dialogue) has a weird relationship with temp assets, mostly because of issues revolving around human psychology.
Problem #1: How do you communicate that something you're hearing is temp?
Problem #1: How do you communicate that something you're hearing is temp?
The annoying thing about the "oh we left a placeholder" generative AI slop excuse is that that is EXACTLY NOT how you should be using placeholders. Anything "not obviously terrible with a panicked hurried half-awake glance" is getting shipped.
In gamedev, if you're using a placeholder asset, best practices involve marking it as placeholder so garishly and offensively clearly PLACEHOLDER that you can't possibly miss it. Also flagging that asset in the dev process so it can be identified quickly before the final build.
November 19, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Audio (sound effects, music, and dialogue) has a weird relationship with temp assets, mostly because of issues revolving around human psychology.
Problem #1: How do you communicate that something you're hearing is temp?
Problem #1: How do you communicate that something you're hearing is temp?
Reposted by Kareem
If your game has voice acting, then working with the voice actors is half of your writing process. It's not complete until you've heard it interpreted and reimagined by a voice actor. And they always reimagine it in ways that elevate the writing, in ways you never would have imagined yourself.
November 11, 2025 at 2:52 PM
If your game has voice acting, then working with the voice actors is half of your writing process. It's not complete until you've heard it interpreted and reimagined by a voice actor. And they always reimagine it in ways that elevate the writing, in ways you never would have imagined yourself.
All these people were trying to do was make sure they could continue to work at a massive game studio in a safe and fair environment.
If you love videogames you should be outraged. People make games, not corporations.
youtu.be/c9nOwjeznjI?...
If you love videogames you should be outraged. People make games, not corporations.
youtu.be/c9nOwjeznjI?...
The Rockstar Workers Fired Before They Could Finish GTA 6
YouTube video by People Make Games
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 6:08 AM
All these people were trying to do was make sure they could continue to work at a massive game studio in a safe and fair environment.
If you love videogames you should be outraged. People make games, not corporations.
youtu.be/c9nOwjeznjI?...
If you love videogames you should be outraged. People make games, not corporations.
youtu.be/c9nOwjeznjI?...
Reposted by Kareem
Chatting with Future Class inductees for my latest at @theguardian.com. They paint a pretty clear picture of the perils of performative allyship.
Thanks to all who spoke with me, and always, to Keza for the chance to do important work!
Thanks to all who spoke with me, and always, to Keza for the chance to do important work!
“Don’t gather some of the most brilliant activists in the industry, treat us like crap, and then expect us to do nothing about it.” After the Game Awards cancelled its Future Class programme, @alyssamerc.bsky.social talked to its former honorees
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/n...
“We were effectively props”: young stars of game development feel let down by the ‘gaming Oscars’
Announced in 2020 by the Game Awards as an inclusive programme for the industry’s next generation, the Future Class initiative has now been discontinued. Inductees describe clashes with organisers and...
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Chatting with Future Class inductees for my latest at @theguardian.com. They paint a pretty clear picture of the perils of performative allyship.
Thanks to all who spoke with me, and always, to Keza for the chance to do important work!
Thanks to all who spoke with me, and always, to Keza for the chance to do important work!
Reposted by Kareem
One of the things I’m most proud of at my time at Bungie was creating Veteran Vanguard there, especially as a veteran myself that really struggled coming back to civilian life at first.
I ugly-cried in the best way seeing this, love it 🥹😭
I ugly-cried in the best way seeing this, love it 🥹😭
In honor of Veterans and Military Families Month, donate $10 through the Bungie Foundation campaign by November 30, and receive the new Tribute to Bravery emblem. Funds raised will support Gold Star Gamers & @stackup.org.
Get your emblem now at bung.ie/VAMF2025
Get your emblem now at bung.ie/VAMF2025
November 4, 2025 at 1:15 AM
One of the things I’m most proud of at my time at Bungie was creating Veteran Vanguard there, especially as a veteran myself that really struggled coming back to civilian life at first.
I ugly-cried in the best way seeing this, love it 🥹😭
I ugly-cried in the best way seeing this, love it 🥹😭