leah isobel
@humblepopstar.bsky.social
video games & music journalist w @48hills.bsky.social , @singlesjukebox.bsky.social and very occasionally @superjumpmagazine.com
i'm just chilling in the panopticon
i'm just chilling in the panopticon
Pinned
leah isobel
@humblepopstar.bsky.social
· Jul 22
Leah isobel's homepage
leahisobel.neocities.org
hello! this is an introductory post. i am a writer writing about video games and music in the bay area, with a particular interest in how artists adapt to and change the systems they work within. i want to end this post with something pithy and cute but i can't think of anything. here's my website-
merry christmas to all <3
Coco Goes to K Mart aka The Search for Celestial Seasonings Tension Tamer Tea
YouTube video by Coco Peru
www.youtube.com
December 25, 2025 at 8:58 PM
merry christmas to all <3
it is my duty to inform you that it is, once again, Casper Time. please adjust your clocks accordingly
December 22, 2025 at 5:32 PM
it is my duty to inform you that it is, once again, Casper Time. please adjust your clocks accordingly
Reposted by leah isobel
This week: We're taking a one-week break! But not this week. That's next week. This week we have 15 new reads to share. Please enjoy:
critical-distance.com/2025/12/21/d...
critical-distance.com/2025/12/21/d...
critical-distance.com
December 21, 2025 at 6:55 PM
This week: We're taking a one-week break! But not this week. That's next week. This week we have 15 new reads to share. Please enjoy:
critical-distance.com/2025/12/21/d...
critical-distance.com/2025/12/21/d...
Reposted by leah isobel
Is there another single from 2025 you wish we hadn't missed out on? Let us know and we will cover some of them in January!
Details here if you want to write something to go with your choice: thesinglesjukebox.com/readers-week...
You can also reply here with your song suggestions!
Details here if you want to write something to go with your choice: thesinglesjukebox.com/readers-week...
You can also reply here with your song suggestions!
Readers’ Week 2025 – The Singles Jukebox
thesinglesjukebox.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Is there another single from 2025 you wish we hadn't missed out on? Let us know and we will cover some of them in January!
Details here if you want to write something to go with your choice: thesinglesjukebox.com/readers-week...
You can also reply here with your song suggestions!
Details here if you want to write something to go with your choice: thesinglesjukebox.com/readers-week...
You can also reply here with your song suggestions!
#PeoplesPop25 7/7 jane remover - ‘dancing with your eyes closed’
the 2025 experience: gross, ugly, and bruising, but with a fleet-footed thrill. a cannonball into the grimy digital pool of modern life.
the 2025 experience: gross, ugly, and bruising, but with a fleet-footed thrill. a cannonball into the grimy digital pool of modern life.
December 19, 2025 at 8:36 PM
#PeoplesPop25 7/7 jane remover - ‘dancing with your eyes closed’
the 2025 experience: gross, ugly, and bruising, but with a fleet-footed thrill. a cannonball into the grimy digital pool of modern life.
the 2025 experience: gross, ugly, and bruising, but with a fleet-footed thrill. a cannonball into the grimy digital pool of modern life.
#PeoplesPop25 6/7 dijon - ‘yamaha’
a song that feels like it’s about to shatter at any given moment - or, more accurately, a song that is in the process of shattering and reforming simultaneously, forever. truly nutso.
a song that feels like it’s about to shatter at any given moment - or, more accurately, a song that is in the process of shattering and reforming simultaneously, forever. truly nutso.
December 18, 2025 at 7:19 PM
#PeoplesPop25 6/7 dijon - ‘yamaha’
a song that feels like it’s about to shatter at any given moment - or, more accurately, a song that is in the process of shattering and reforming simultaneously, forever. truly nutso.
a song that feels like it’s about to shatter at any given moment - or, more accurately, a song that is in the process of shattering and reforming simultaneously, forever. truly nutso.
Reposted by leah isobel
Delighted to see this piece up! Massive thank you to all the women who shared their experience with me for this 🖤
www.gamesindustry.biz/a-decade-on-...
www.gamesindustry.biz/a-decade-on-...
A decade on from Gamergate, how has the games industry changed for women?
Some of gaming's most influential women share their experiences, along with what still needs to be done
www.gamesindustry.biz
December 17, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Delighted to see this piece up! Massive thank you to all the women who shared their experience with me for this 🖤
www.gamesindustry.biz/a-decade-on-...
www.gamesindustry.biz/a-decade-on-...
#PeoplesPop25 5/7 ifeye - ‘r u okay?’
a shimmering, goofy, consistently surprising bauble of a pop song. saving the real hook for the midpoint is the kind of kooky chutzpah i love.
a shimmering, goofy, consistently surprising bauble of a pop song. saving the real hook for the midpoint is the kind of kooky chutzpah i love.
December 17, 2025 at 5:17 PM
#PeoplesPop25 5/7 ifeye - ‘r u okay?’
a shimmering, goofy, consistently surprising bauble of a pop song. saving the real hook for the midpoint is the kind of kooky chutzpah i love.
a shimmering, goofy, consistently surprising bauble of a pop song. saving the real hook for the midpoint is the kind of kooky chutzpah i love.
Reposted by leah isobel
Fallout Season 2 starts tomorrow. In true insert credit fashion, we had to find out the answer to the big question on everyone's mind: What level was Lucy by the end of season 1?
Thanks to the hard work of @iantothemax.bsky.social we now have the answer, just in time for her journey to New Vegas.
Thanks to the hard work of @iantothemax.bsky.social we now have the answer, just in time for her journey to New Vegas.
What is Lucy's level by the end of Fallout (TV)?
[Editor’s note: I commissioned this article from Ian Walker over a year ago upon learning he had pitched it to multiple outlets only to find nobody was buying. I then, due to various circumstances, sa...
insertcredit.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Fallout Season 2 starts tomorrow. In true insert credit fashion, we had to find out the answer to the big question on everyone's mind: What level was Lucy by the end of season 1?
Thanks to the hard work of @iantothemax.bsky.social we now have the answer, just in time for her journey to New Vegas.
Thanks to the hard work of @iantothemax.bsky.social we now have the answer, just in time for her journey to New Vegas.
Reposted by leah isobel
Tomorrow, the House of Representatives will vote on a bill that bans gender-affirming medical care for any transgender person under 18, and threatens any medical professional providing this care to youth with 10 years in prison.
Tell Congress to protect trans youth and vote NO.
Tell Congress to protect trans youth and vote NO.
Protect Trans Care Now
As wave after wave of extreme measures to criminalize and strip trans people of rights and safety continue, tell Congress to act.
action.aclu.org
December 16, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Tomorrow, the House of Representatives will vote on a bill that bans gender-affirming medical care for any transgender person under 18, and threatens any medical professional providing this care to youth with 10 years in prison.
Tell Congress to protect trans youth and vote NO.
Tell Congress to protect trans youth and vote NO.
Reposted by leah isobel
Did an interview about Slug World, GDC, and the stupid 'B2B festival' rebrand... did i snap?
December 16, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Did an interview about Slug World, GDC, and the stupid 'B2B festival' rebrand... did i snap?
my latest for 48 hills! thinking about gdc as a barometer for the industry at large; who is the conference for, what do its priorities say about where the industry is going, and how can it serve developers - or, how can developers serve themselves?
In an industry buffeted by seemingly endless layoffs and controversial emerging technologies, what is the purpose of #GamingDevelopersConference? ✏️ @humblepopstar.bsky.social
Turbulence around Gaming Developers Conference rebrand reflects changing industry - 48 hills
Mega-event becomes 'festival' and offers luxe ticket packages amid AI boom and bust of industry layoffs.
48hills.org
December 16, 2025 at 6:49 PM
my latest for 48 hills! thinking about gdc as a barometer for the industry at large; who is the conference for, what do its priorities say about where the industry is going, and how can it serve developers - or, how can developers serve themselves?
#PeoplesPop25 4/7 jai'len josey - 'new girl'
2 minutes of cartoon-dog horny sounds with a masterclass vocal performance on top. sexy, weird, scary, awesome. she should be massive.
2 minutes of cartoon-dog horny sounds with a masterclass vocal performance on top. sexy, weird, scary, awesome. she should be massive.
December 16, 2025 at 5:46 PM
#PeoplesPop25 4/7 jai'len josey - 'new girl'
2 minutes of cartoon-dog horny sounds with a masterclass vocal performance on top. sexy, weird, scary, awesome. she should be massive.
2 minutes of cartoon-dog horny sounds with a masterclass vocal performance on top. sexy, weird, scary, awesome. she should be massive.
#PeoplesPop25 3/7 kim petras- ‘freak it’
more retrenchment than reinvention, but after years spent trying to make her transness into pop product, it’s refreshing and thrilling to hear her making music for gay people again. the nonchalant/arrondissement rhyme slays.
more retrenchment than reinvention, but after years spent trying to make her transness into pop product, it’s refreshing and thrilling to hear her making music for gay people again. the nonchalant/arrondissement rhyme slays.
December 15, 2025 at 6:22 PM
#PeoplesPop25 3/7 kim petras- ‘freak it’
more retrenchment than reinvention, but after years spent trying to make her transness into pop product, it’s refreshing and thrilling to hear her making music for gay people again. the nonchalant/arrondissement rhyme slays.
more retrenchment than reinvention, but after years spent trying to make her transness into pop product, it’s refreshing and thrilling to hear her making music for gay people again. the nonchalant/arrondissement rhyme slays.
#PeoplesPop25 2/7 pinkpantheress - 'stateside'
fancy that has more immediate and kitschy pleasures ('illegal' almost got this spot) but 'stateside' is its songiest song, and the one that best marries her psychotic-introvert past persona with her camp present.
fancy that has more immediate and kitschy pleasures ('illegal' almost got this spot) but 'stateside' is its songiest song, and the one that best marries her psychotic-introvert past persona with her camp present.
December 14, 2025 at 5:59 PM
#PeoplesPop25 2/7 pinkpantheress - 'stateside'
fancy that has more immediate and kitschy pleasures ('illegal' almost got this spot) but 'stateside' is its songiest song, and the one that best marries her psychotic-introvert past persona with her camp present.
fancy that has more immediate and kitschy pleasures ('illegal' almost got this spot) but 'stateside' is its songiest song, and the one that best marries her psychotic-introvert past persona with her camp present.
#PeoplesPop25 1/7 katseye - 'gnarly'
katseye are new enough that they can still believe in things like dreams and pop music. if 'gabriela' is any indication then this is their last gasp of true humanity. so, of course, it's a fucking racket!
katseye are new enough that they can still believe in things like dreams and pop music. if 'gabriela' is any indication then this is their last gasp of true humanity. so, of course, it's a fucking racket!
KATSEYE (캣츠아이) "Gnarly" Official MV
YouTube video by HYBE LABELS
youtu.be
December 13, 2025 at 6:50 PM
#PeoplesPop25 1/7 katseye - 'gnarly'
katseye are new enough that they can still believe in things like dreams and pop music. if 'gabriela' is any indication then this is their last gasp of true humanity. so, of course, it's a fucking racket!
katseye are new enough that they can still believe in things like dreams and pop music. if 'gabriela' is any indication then this is their last gasp of true humanity. so, of course, it's a fucking racket!
he enjoys his new condo. it is a good place to judge us from
December 12, 2025 at 11:54 PM
he enjoys his new condo. it is a good place to judge us from
we are all moth. if you’re reading this you’re already moth
#THETWEN2IE5
DAY 11 of the PARADE
2022 (16/?)
11.1 (59/138)
LIA LIA
'I'M A MOTH!!'
Germany
1 x 11 (unranked)
10 x HM (6th of 13 with 10+ HMs)
One of those rare times where the PPP consensus leaves me somewhat quizzical (another one coming later today).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7zH...
DAY 11 of the PARADE
2022 (16/?)
11.1 (59/138)
LIA LIA
'I'M A MOTH!!'
Germany
1 x 11 (unranked)
10 x HM (6th of 13 with 10+ HMs)
One of those rare times where the PPP consensus leaves me somewhat quizzical (another one coming later today).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7zH...
LIA LIA - I'm a Moth!!
YouTube video by LIA LIA
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:28 PM
we are all moth. if you’re reading this you’re already moth
second best band on earth is back baby!!!
Sweet Pill - No Control (Official Music Video) [4K]
YouTube video by Sweet Pill
www.youtube.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:14 PM
second best band on earth is back baby!!!
anodyne 2, before the green moon, sylvie lime, celeste, kentucky route zero, automaton lung…
Best Indie Game of all time but you cannot say Hollow Knight or Stardew Valley
December 8, 2025 at 4:34 PM
anodyne 2, before the green moon, sylvie lime, celeste, kentucky route zero, automaton lung…
Reposted by leah isobel
Angeline Era is OUT NOW!!!
🔍Every level hidden in plain sight…
🗺️… chart your own path through the world!
⚔️Tons of thrilling combat, mysterious places…
👼… and a soul-shattering story!
GET IT HERE!!
store.steampowered.com/app/2393920/...
🔍Every level hidden in plain sight…
🗺️… chart your own path through the world!
⚔️Tons of thrilling combat, mysterious places…
👼… and a soul-shattering story!
GET IT HERE!!
store.steampowered.com/app/2393920/...
December 8, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Angeline Era is OUT NOW!!!
🔍Every level hidden in plain sight…
🗺️… chart your own path through the world!
⚔️Tons of thrilling combat, mysterious places…
👼… and a soul-shattering story!
GET IT HERE!!
store.steampowered.com/app/2393920/...
🔍Every level hidden in plain sight…
🗺️… chart your own path through the world!
⚔️Tons of thrilling combat, mysterious places…
👼… and a soul-shattering story!
GET IT HERE!!
store.steampowered.com/app/2393920/...
how is this at all comfortable.
December 8, 2025 at 1:53 AM
how is this at all comfortable.
Reposted by leah isobel
You are ABSOLUTELY NOT going to regret listening to this bird:
A male rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) in winter plumage.
Ptarmigan is from Gaelic 'tarmachan' meaning "croaker". The p- was added when people mistakenly assumed it was a Greek word.
A bird forever warning people: "A werewolf!" (just in case of werewolves).
Ptarmigan is from Gaelic 'tarmachan' meaning "croaker". The p- was added when people mistakenly assumed it was a Greek word.
A bird forever warning people: "A werewolf!" (just in case of werewolves).
December 6, 2025 at 5:10 PM
You are ABSOLUTELY NOT going to regret listening to this bird:
halfway through the five hour durational edgelord trans movie
December 7, 2025 at 4:24 AM
halfway through the five hour durational edgelord trans movie
Reposted by leah isobel
