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Chris Kerr

@kerrblimey.bsky.social

1.5K followers 630 following 870 posts

I write about the games biz. News editor at Game Developer. Bylines in Edge, Stuff, and Wireframe. Tips: [email protected] / [email protected] / DMs open

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · Feb 20

Friendly reminder for game industry folk! If you have a news tip for Game Developer you can reach me confidentially on Signal using the QR code below. My DMs are also open and my email is [email protected].

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 16h

No problem! Thanks for pulling it together. I'm sure it'll help a lot of people.

Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 16h

Game devs! @aceottorney.bsky.social and the Deviant Legal team have published what looks to be a super helpful legal explainer that breaks down the ins and out of publishing agreements.

Lots of details on all the common clauses and terms you might find, and what they mean for you as a developer!

Game Developer @gamedeveloper.bsky.social · 16h

Deviant Legal just released an in-depth guide to publishing agreements

The European law firm wants to 'democratize access to legal knowledge' within the video game industry.

www.gamedeveloper.com

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 1d

On the flip side, I’ve also penned extremely damning and critical reports about major companies and haven’t been blacklisted (to my knowledge).

Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 1d

Let’s just say I have been asked, on very rare occasions, whether I’d allow internal comms to review copy before it heads to print.

My answer was obviously no—but the fact they asked is rather concerning.

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Reposted by Chris Kerr

Game Developer @gamedeveloper.bsky.social · 1d

Our news editor @kerrblimey.bsky.social has some advice for developers and PR reps looking to navigate the press slalom:

A quote from an article discussing how to engage with journalists that reads:

"No matter how cordial our correspondence, there might come a time when I have to report on you, your product, or your company in a way you no longer find beneficial or flattering. That is the job. Reporters are not an extension of your marketing department. We are not there to promote you, your product, or tailor headlines to meet your specific needs.

"Acknowledge this before you agree to an interview. Let the truth wash over you like a salve. You'll be better off for it."

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 2d

Ah! Thanks for that—very proud of our miscrediting coverage. Glad to hear it helped!

Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 2d

P.S. This is also why good PR reps and press training are worth their weight in gold!

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 2d

oh no! What an embarrassing faux pas!

Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 2d

To be clear, I'm not trying to call out anybody in particular, but I think it's important for comms teams and devs to prepare accordingly before engaging with journalists.

I've been surprised as how many times that evidently hasn't happened in recent months/years.

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 2d

Hello! I wrote this op-ed because I've fielded some awkward requests from devs and PR (who shall remain anonymous) this year and I think it's indicative of a wider issue in the game industry that stems from some folks not fully understanding the role of reporters.

THOUGHTS on Game Dev Dot Com:

Game Developer @gamedeveloper.bsky.social · 2d

Dear game developers, please remember what 'on the record' means

Let's discuss the role of journalists and journalism in the video game industry.

www.gamedeveloper.com

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Reposted by Chris Kerr

Nicole Carpenter @nicolecarpenter.bsky.social · 3d

i wrote about consume me for @theverge.com ✨

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 4d

What could go wrong?

Reposted by Chris Kerr

Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 5d

Fresh existential musings from my brain.

Game Developer @gamedeveloper.bsky.social · 5d

Baby Steps has me questioning my entire existence

Why am I doing this?

www.gamedeveloper.com

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 5d

Fresh existential musings from my brain.

Game Developer @gamedeveloper.bsky.social · 5d

Baby Steps has me questioning my entire existence

Why am I doing this?

www.gamedeveloper.com

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 5d

I must unsee those lyrics.

Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 5d

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 5d

I expect every video game corporation to spend millions attempting to brute force AI into workflows despite the protestations of employees before realizing you cannot use derivative tools to deliver originality.

Kotaku @kotakudotcom.bsky.social · 5d

Netflix Gaming is looking for someone to "evaluate opportunities to apply Gen AI across our portfolio and studios" https://kotaku.com/netflix-generative-ai-gaming-animal-crossing-studio-ghibli-2000631485

Netflix Will Pay You $840K To Figure Out How Gen AI Can Make Games Better

The person will be responsible for applying 'Gen AI across our portfolio and studios'

kotaku.com

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Reposted by Chris Kerr

Game Developer @gamedeveloper.bsky.social · 5d

Saudi Arabia welcomes EA, Starbreeze and Funcom make layoffs, and Xbox Game Pass unravels - Patch Notes #25

Plus: Peacemaker gives Epic Games a headache and Riot launches Game Dev Resource hub.

Saudi Arabia welcomes EA as Xbox Game Pass unravels

Plus: Peacemaker gives Epic Games a headache and Riot launches Game Dev Resource hub.

www.gamedeveloper.com

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 6d

This is a very good look.

Tom Warren @tomwarren.co.uk · 6d

Xbox consoles are now getting a fullscreen Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ad at boot, just a day after a 50% price hike was announced

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 6d

NEW: Starbreeze is laying off around 44 people (including contractors and full-time workers) after cancelling an upcoming D&D project that had been slated to launch next year.

The Swedish publisher is now going all-in on the Payday franchise, which has endured its own struggles of late.

Starbreeze making layoffs after scrapping D&D project

44 people are expected to lose their jobs, while others will be relocated internally.

www.gamedeveloper.com

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Reposted by Chris Kerr

Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 7d

It might be nothing, but when addressing possible culture concerns in an employee FAQ published after its buyout announcement, EA neglected to use the words 'diversity' and 'inclusion.'

The company said its values "remain unchanged," but I've reached out to clarify precisely what that means.

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 7d

Here’s your reminder that Microsoft spent almost SEVENTY BILLION DOLLARS on a merger in 2023.

Since then the company has made mass layoffs a routine affair, increased the price of console hardware (twice this year alone) and done the same with Xbox Game Pass.

Seems to be going well, then.

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 7d

I assume this was Baby Steps’ codename.

Reposted by Chris Kerr

Wario64 @wario64.bsky.social · 7d

the website to cancel Xbox Game Pass subscriptions is overloaded

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Chris Kerr @kerrblimey.bsky.social · 7d

I reckon the domino effect caused by Silksong-related delays should be over by 2030.

Eurogamer @eurogamer.bsky.social · 7d

Moonlighter 2 delayed to November due to overstuffed October release schedule

www.eurogamer.net/moonlighter-...

Moonlighter 2 artwork showing male character carrying a sword and backpack

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