Catherine (she/they)
@catherinemasters.bsky.social
Writing about games and more @theavclubgames.bsky.social
Memory Card : https://linktr.ee/rin.but.online
Email : [username]@proton.me
Signal : @rin.411
Icon by @redbird-art.bsky.social
Memory Card : https://linktr.ee/rin.but.online
Email : [username]@proton.me
Signal : @rin.411
Icon by @redbird-art.bsky.social
Pinned
With a major update for 2020's New Horizons arriving in January, Animal Crossing remains committed to a direction that overlooks what used to make the series special. www.avclub.com/animal-cross...
Animal Crossing lost a bit of its soul when it turned the player into a god
With a major update for 2020's New Horizons arriving in January, Animal Crossing continues to stray from what once made it special.
www.avclub.com
My first opinion piece for @theavclubgames.bsky.social! I've played a lot of every Animal Crossing since New Horizons came out and wanted to share my thoughts about the current direction in light of the new 3.0 update.
Reposted by Catherine (she/they)
if makima was an orange she'd look like this
November 30, 2025 at 7:26 PM
if makima was an orange she'd look like this
Bit late to this, but thanks for including my Animal Crossing retrospective as part of last week's roundup!
This week: genre talk, gay Dragonball, Zelda Musou musings, and more:
critical-distance.com/2025/11/23/n...
critical-distance.com/2025/11/23/n...
critical-distance.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Bit late to this, but thanks for including my Animal Crossing retrospective as part of last week's roundup!
Reposted by Catherine (she/they)
November 26, 2025 at 11:36 PM
New feature for @theavclubgames.bsky.social covering Demonschool's detailed credits by @brandon.insertcredit.com in the context of an industry so eager to keep things behind the curtain. Love to see it!
www.avclub.com/demonschool-...
www.avclub.com/demonschool-...
Insert credit: Games still struggle to credit the people who actually make them
Demonschool doesn't just credit its designers; it explains what their job actually means. Both are rare for a medium that still doesn't credit its works.
www.avclub.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:02 PM
New feature for @theavclubgames.bsky.social covering Demonschool's detailed credits by @brandon.insertcredit.com in the context of an industry so eager to keep things behind the curtain. Love to see it!
www.avclub.com/demonschool-...
www.avclub.com/demonschool-...
Reposted by Catherine (she/they)
Do you find yourself exhausted by having to create titles, puns, and names for things in your games?
⭐ Here is my small suite of websites that I find super useful when writing! ⭐
(disclaimer: I am pretty confident these are all genAI-free. I've certainly been using them since before genAI)
⭐ Here is my small suite of websites that I find super useful when writing! ⭐
(disclaimer: I am pretty confident these are all genAI-free. I've certainly been using them since before genAI)
November 25, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Do you find yourself exhausted by having to create titles, puns, and names for things in your games?
⭐ Here is my small suite of websites that I find super useful when writing! ⭐
(disclaimer: I am pretty confident these are all genAI-free. I've certainly been using them since before genAI)
⭐ Here is my small suite of websites that I find super useful when writing! ⭐
(disclaimer: I am pretty confident these are all genAI-free. I've certainly been using them since before genAI)
Wrote up the Golden Joystick Awards for @theavclubgames.bsky.social after hearing Jennifer English's heart-warming speech on finding "queer joy" while working on BG3 and how it inspired her performance as Maelle.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won seven awards at last night's Golden Joystick Awards, highlighted by Jennifer English's victory speech on the power of "queer joy." www.avclub.com/golden-joyst...
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 cleans up at the Golden Joystick Awards
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won seven awards at last night's Golden Joystick Awards, highlighted by Jennifer English's victory speech.
www.avclub.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Wrote up the Golden Joystick Awards for @theavclubgames.bsky.social after hearing Jennifer English's heart-warming speech on finding "queer joy" while working on BG3 and how it inspired her performance as Maelle.
My first opinion piece for @theavclubgames.bsky.social! I've played a lot of every Animal Crossing since New Horizons came out and wanted to share my thoughts about the current direction in light of the new 3.0 update.
With a major update for 2020's New Horizons arriving in January, Animal Crossing remains committed to a direction that overlooks what used to make the series special. www.avclub.com/animal-cross...
Animal Crossing lost a bit of its soul when it turned the player into a god
With a major update for 2020's New Horizons arriving in January, Animal Crossing continues to stray from what once made it special.
www.avclub.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:23 AM
My first opinion piece for @theavclubgames.bsky.social! I've played a lot of every Animal Crossing since New Horizons came out and wanted to share my thoughts about the current direction in light of the new 3.0 update.
An unfortunate follow-up to my first piece for the site. Remembering @burgerbecky.bsky.social after her passing yesterday.
Rebecca Heineman, a legendary game designer and 1980 national Space Invaders champion, has died. www.avclub.com/rebecca-hein...
R.I.P. Rebecca Heineman, legendary game designer and trailblazer
Rebecca Heineman, a legendary game designer and 1980 national Space Invaders champion, has died after a short battle with cancer.
www.avclub.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:05 PM
An unfortunate follow-up to my first piece for the site. Remembering @burgerbecky.bsky.social after her passing yesterday.
Had the chance to go to a @liamsharp.bsky.social signing at my local comic shop today. It was great to speak with him and he was gracious with his time. Even signed my copy of ORE I brought with me!
November 15, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Had the chance to go to a @liamsharp.bsky.social signing at my local comic shop today. It was great to speak with him and he was gracious with his time. Even signed my copy of ORE I brought with me!
Reposted by Catherine (she/they)
With the loneliness epidemic on the rise, we could use the Nintendo 3DS's StreetPass feature and the sense of togetherness it fostered more than ever. @faroukk.bsky.social on the decline of physical community in gaming:
I Miss Nintendo 3DS StreetPass, and Games as Physical Community
With the loneliness epidemic on the rise, the Nintendo 3DS StreetPass and its sense of in-person community is sorely missed.
www.endlessmode.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:14 PM
With the loneliness epidemic on the rise, we could use the Nintendo 3DS's StreetPass feature and the sense of togetherness it fostered more than ever. @faroukk.bsky.social on the decline of physical community in gaming:
Pretty proud of my latest article for @endlessmode.bsky.social covering the farce that is TGA's handling of their Future Class program.
The Game Awards has put its Future Class program on hold following 2023's Class co-signing a letter protesting the Palestinian genocide.
The Game Awards Puts Future Class Program On Hold
The Game Awards has put its Future Class program on hold following 2023's Class co-signing a letter protesting the Palestinian genocide.
www.endlessmode.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Pretty proud of my latest article for @endlessmode.bsky.social covering the farce that is TGA's handling of their Future Class program.
Reposted by Catherine (she/they)
anyway for my fellow devs I recommend filling out the state of the industry survey, it's imperfect but about as good as we get in trying to get a yearly pulse of the industry
gdconf.typeform.com/SOTI26
gdconf.typeform.com/SOTI26
2026 State of the Game Industry
The gaming industry's most comprehensive annual survey is back, and we're casting a wider net than ever before. Whether you're a developer, executive, investor, marketer, educator, or any other profes...
gdconf.typeform.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:41 PM
anyway for my fellow devs I recommend filling out the state of the industry survey, it's imperfect but about as good as we get in trying to get a yearly pulse of the industry
gdconf.typeform.com/SOTI26
gdconf.typeform.com/SOTI26
Reposted by Catherine (she/they)
Last chance to turn it off.
On Monday, November 3rd, Microsoft will start using your LinkedIn data for AI training. And remember, you're opted in by default.
To toggle it off 👉 Account - Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement.
On Monday, November 3rd, Microsoft will start using your LinkedIn data for AI training. And remember, you're opted in by default.
To toggle it off 👉 Account - Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement.
October 31, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Last chance to turn it off.
On Monday, November 3rd, Microsoft will start using your LinkedIn data for AI training. And remember, you're opted in by default.
To toggle it off 👉 Account - Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement.
On Monday, November 3rd, Microsoft will start using your LinkedIn data for AI training. And remember, you're opted in by default.
To toggle it off 👉 Account - Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement.
Reposted by Catherine (she/they)
Fortnite is getting a new type of cosmetic: Sidekicks are animal-ish pets that you apparently take with you into battle? But... only you... can see them? And for real, actual money? I dunno. www.endlessmode.com/video-games/...
Fortnite Wants You to Pay for Little Animal Friends
Fortnite is getting a new type of cosmetic: Sidekicks are animal-ish pets that you apparently take with you into battle? I dunno.
www.endlessmode.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Fortnite is getting a new type of cosmetic: Sidekicks are animal-ish pets that you apparently take with you into battle? But... only you... can see them? And for real, actual money? I dunno. www.endlessmode.com/video-games/...
If you know me, you've probably heard me talk to this effect to no end. Enjoy most of my BDS thoughts in one place!
Halo's coming to the PlayStation for the first time. No matter what console you play the remake Halo: Campaign Evolved on, though, its publisher Microsoft remains under BDS boycott. www.endlessmode.com/article/halo...
Halo Remake Coming to Both Xbox and PlayStation, as BDS Boycott Remains in Effect
Halo's coming to the PlayStation for the first time. No matter what console you play the remake Halo: Campaign Evolved on, though, its publisher Microsoft remains under BDS boycott.
www.endlessmode.com
October 27, 2025 at 10:44 PM
If you know me, you've probably heard me talk to this effect to no end. Enjoy most of my BDS thoughts in one place!
Today's article from me: as AI and games get further intertwined, EA partners with the Stable Diffusion company to "to reimagine how games are made" ahead of their $20 billion buyout debt.
EA and Stability AI are teaming up in a partnership only a C suite could get excited about. www.endlessmode.com/article/ea-a...
EA AI Uh-Oh: EA and Stability AI Are Teaming Up
EA and Stability AI are teaming up in a partnership only a C suite could get excited about.
www.endlessmode.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Today's article from me: as AI and games get further intertwined, EA partners with the Stable Diffusion company to "to reimagine how games are made" ahead of their $20 billion buyout debt.
Reposted by Catherine (she/they)
Today, Nintendo hosted a second Direct for the upcoming Kirby Air Riders. Here's everything they covered during the presentation. www.endlessmode.com/article/kirb...
Everything You Need to Know From Today’s Kirby Air Riders Direct
Today, Nintendo hosted a second Direct for the upcoming Kirby Air Riders. Here's everything they covered during the presentation.
www.endlessmode.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Today, Nintendo hosted a second Direct for the upcoming Kirby Air Riders. Here's everything they covered during the presentation. www.endlessmode.com/article/kirb...
Reposted by Catherine (she/they)
Rebecca Heineman, a notable game designer and former Space Invaders world champion, has started a GoFundMe for her battle with cancer. www.endlessmode.com/video-games/...
Industry Legend Rebecca Heineman Reveals Cancer Diagnosis, Launches GoFundMe Campaign
Rebecca Heineman, a legendary game designer and former Space Invaders world champion, has started a GoFundMe for her battle with cancer.
www.endlessmode.com
October 7, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Rebecca Heineman, a notable game designer and former Space Invaders world champion, has started a GoFundMe for her battle with cancer. www.endlessmode.com/video-games/...
I'm doing an internship at @endlessmode.bsky.social! Here's my first article : www.endlessmode.com/video-games/...
Industry Legend Rebecca Heineman Reveals Cancer Diagnosis, Launches GoFundMe Campaign
Rebecca Heineman, a legendary game designer and former Space Invaders world champion, has started a GoFundMe for her battle with cancer.
www.endlessmode.com
October 7, 2025 at 5:40 PM
I'm doing an internship at @endlessmode.bsky.social! Here's my first article : www.endlessmode.com/video-games/...
www.rinbutonline.com/baby-steps-d...
@devolverdigital.com secretly gave out copies of Baby Steps on launch day, and I'm here to tell you the details on #MemoryCard.
Also, this will be my last article for a while because...
@devolverdigital.com secretly gave out copies of Baby Steps on launch day, and I'm here to tell you the details on #MemoryCard.
Also, this will be my last article for a while because...
Baby Steps : Devolver's Secret Code Giveaway
On the 23rd of September, Baby Steps – the long-awaited collaboration between Maxi Boch (A City Sleeps), Gabe Cuzzillo (Ape Out) and Bennett Foddy (QWOP) – released. As part of the launch, publisher D...
www.rinbutonline.com
October 7, 2025 at 4:02 PM
www.rinbutonline.com/baby-steps-d...
@devolverdigital.com secretly gave out copies of Baby Steps on launch day, and I'm here to tell you the details on #MemoryCard.
Also, this will be my last article for a while because...
@devolverdigital.com secretly gave out copies of Baby Steps on launch day, and I'm here to tell you the details on #MemoryCard.
Also, this will be my last article for a while because...
www.rinbutonline.com/interview-ma...
Back in February at #FísGamesSummit, I had the chance to interview Maezza Romero of @romerogames.bsky.social about community management on #MemoryCard.
(Keep in mind that this was done long before the studio's recent turmoil...I've been busy.)
Back in February at #FísGamesSummit, I had the chance to interview Maezza Romero of @romerogames.bsky.social about community management on #MemoryCard.
(Keep in mind that this was done long before the studio's recent turmoil...I've been busy.)
Interview : Maezza Romero on Community Management at Romero Games
Back in February, I had the opportunity to attend the FÍS Games Summit in Galway, Ireland. I’ve covered the bulk of my trip already but haven’t written up all of the talks and other things I took part...
www.rinbutonline.com
August 10, 2025 at 3:34 PM
www.rinbutonline.com/interview-ma...
Back in February at #FísGamesSummit, I had the chance to interview Maezza Romero of @romerogames.bsky.social about community management on #MemoryCard.
(Keep in mind that this was done long before the studio's recent turmoil...I've been busy.)
Back in February at #FísGamesSummit, I had the chance to interview Maezza Romero of @romerogames.bsky.social about community management on #MemoryCard.
(Keep in mind that this was done long before the studio's recent turmoil...I've been busy.)
Boycotting : it's free and easy!
And I've obviously been saying this a lot lately, but BDS does not expect anyone to drop everything made by Microsoft all at once. They pick very specific targets in order to get as wide a coalition as possible, and in the case of Xbox, even suggest different tiers of engagement.
August 7, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Boycotting : it's free and easy!
Reposted by Catherine (she/they)
VILE: Exhumed may be banned for sale, but I refuse to let that stop people from playing the game.
It’s now available, for free, at WWW.VILEISBANNED.COM
Please share the site, share the game, and fuck anyone who tries to control storytelling and expression.
It’s now available, for free, at WWW.VILEISBANNED.COM
Please share the site, share the game, and fuck anyone who tries to control storytelling and expression.
August 5, 2025 at 5:06 PM
VILE: Exhumed may be banned for sale, but I refuse to let that stop people from playing the game.
It’s now available, for free, at WWW.VILEISBANNED.COM
Please share the site, share the game, and fuck anyone who tries to control storytelling and expression.
It’s now available, for free, at WWW.VILEISBANNED.COM
Please share the site, share the game, and fuck anyone who tries to control storytelling and expression.
Just updated the article with quotes from @transcenders.bsky.social, @ninamarie.bsky.social and some more cases of games impacted by this ongoing struggle.
Will probably put out an article about the payment processor's statements and such in the near future. Get in touch if you've been ringing!
Will probably put out an article about the payment processor's statements and such in the near future. Get in touch if you've been ringing!
www.rinbutonline.com/the-impact-o...
This past week, @itch.io de-indexed thousands of games from its site after payment providers threatened to pull their support. For #MemoryCard, I've reached out to developers impacted by this for their thoughts.
This past week, @itch.io de-indexed thousands of games from its site after payment providers threatened to pull their support. For #MemoryCard, I've reached out to developers impacted by this for their thoughts.
The Impact of the Itch De-Indexings
CW : This article discusses lobbyists using games depicting rape and incest as a core part of their platform. It also expresses concern for the rollback of LGBTQ rights and personal freedoms.
NB : I ...
www.rinbutonline.com
August 5, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Just updated the article with quotes from @transcenders.bsky.social, @ninamarie.bsky.social and some more cases of games impacted by this ongoing struggle.
Will probably put out an article about the payment processor's statements and such in the near future. Get in touch if you've been ringing!
Will probably put out an article about the payment processor's statements and such in the near future. Get in touch if you've been ringing!
Reminder to reach out! I've had some emails back so I'll be updating the article with some more stories in a few days.
If you have also been impacted by the Itch de-indexings and want to go on the record, don't hesitate to reach out at the email in my bio for an updated or future article. (Wanted to get this out while the issue was hot so some cases were cut.)
July 28, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Reminder to reach out! I've had some emails back so I'll be updating the article with some more stories in a few days.