ok how about friendscore instead of friendslop. friendslop sounds derogatory and so it’s therefore not a good term. be part of the solution people

My bestie has been looking for the right mix of story vs. management grind. I played @sovereigntower.bsky.social so much over the past week that I texted her "Perchance this is the glory" not even realizing I had gone full medieval lol. So fun. Congrats on launch @wildwits.games @curvegames.com!

The Punished Backlog@punishedbacklog.bsky.social · 3h ago

Our review of @sovereigntower.bsky.social is live! "The narrative is as rich as the kingdom you’ll end up leading. I had a blast wearing the crown," - @amandatien.bsky.social writes. Releases 8/6, developed by @wildwits.games, published by @curvegames.com. Read: punishedbacklog.com/sovereign-to...

Loved writing about games to consider for "a feminist canon" -@assassinscreed.ubisoft.com Odyssey, Citizen Sleeper @jumpovertheage.com, Mass Effect @bioware.bsky.social, Nancy Drew @herinteractive.bsky.social, Regency Love @teafortwostudios.bsky.social, Apex Legends, Pokémon Crystal, Harvest Moon.

Mothership@mothership.blog · 5d ago

We don't define the feminist games canon — nobody does! So we asked our contributors to share the games that have shaped their feminism. By @exalclaw.com @amandatien.bsky.social @applecider.bsky.social @nicoleclark.bsky.social @candemald.bsky.social and @saoirsestone.bsky.social!

I went hard on this feature about how freaking awesome it is to see Moneypenny get a glow-up in @007firstlight.bsky.social. From Spy Fox to Dame Judi Dench to DEI to Bond girls and bikinis, I talk abut it all at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social : punishedbacklog.com/moneypenny-0...

Moneypenny Finally Gets a Promotion in 007 First Light - The Punished Backlog

In their hit game 007 First Light, IO Interactive gives Moneypenny a computer science degree and a lot of responsibility.

punishedbacklog.com

We don't define the feminist games canon — nobody does! So we asked our contributors to share the games that have shaped their feminism. By @exalclaw.com @amandatien.bsky.social @applecider.bsky.social @nicoleclark.bsky.social @candemald.bsky.social and @saoirsestone.bsky.social!

What's in the feminist games canon?

It's complicated! But here are some recs from our regular contributors

mothership.blog

I wrote a note at the bottom of my review at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social to the devs @sfbdim.bsky.social @sfbtom.bsky.social; I have been editing my novel for years and it's a labor of love (AND PAIN lol). Please take pride and know that the hard work was worth it; you've made something awesome.

The Punished Backlog@punishedbacklog.bsky.social · last wk.

"The Mermaid Mask is the long-awaited sequel to Tangle Tower, and it raises the bar in every single way," writes @amandatien.bsky.social of the new indie game by @sfbdim.bsky.social @sfbtom.bsky.social (w/ art by @catherineunger.bsky.social!). Read our review: punishedbacklog.com/the-mermaid-...

My favorite games of the year so far 🫶 Loved rocking to vinyl with @waxheadsgame.bsky.social, being a spy in @007game.ioi.dk, solving the archive with TR-49 ( @inkle.co), fighting for justice in Esoteric Ebb (@chrisbodegard.bsky.social), & cooking din for Bigfoot in Creature Kitchen (@therat.zone).

The Punished Backlog@punishedbacklog.bsky.social · 2w ago

The Best Video Games of 2026 So Far - We rounded up 18 of our favorites, from the big AAA adventures to the indie gems. Games are highlighted in 🧵! punishedbacklog.com/best-video-g...

🧵: The Best Games of 2026 So Far - 007 First Light. "007 First Light has no business being this good." - @amandatien.bsky.social | Made by IO Interactive. @007game.ioi.dk

🧵 The Best Games of 2026 So Far - Creature Kitchen. "I was instantly obsessed with the cozy creepy cooking game... One of my favorite experiences of the year" - @amandatien.bsky.social | Made by @therat.zone

🧵The Best Games of 2026 So Far - Esoteric Ebb. "If you love Dungeons & Dragons or have ever been curious, then you have to try Esoteric Ebb. It’s one of the best written games I’ve played in years. Definitely going on my GOTY list!" - @amandatien.bsky.social | Made by @chrisbodegard.bsky.social

🧵: The Best Games of 2026 So Far - "TR-49 is one of the bravest games I’ve played. Not only does it do something really interesting with its gameplay and storytelling, but TR-49 takes a strong political stance." - @amandatien.bsky.social | Made by @inkle.co

🧵: The Best Games of 2026 So Far - "Wax Heads is by far the best shop sim of the year... It's a fine-tuned 'cozy punk narrative sim' that I couldn't wait to dive into again and again." - @amandatien.bsky.social | Made by @waxheadsgame.bsky.social @patattiemurray.bsky.social @curvegames.com

I've been thinking about the ending to THE FLAME IN THE FLOOD for 10 years (devs The Molasses Flood were absorbed by @cdprojektred.com; pub by @curvegames.com). So grateful that @mothership.blog @zoehhannah.com @midimyers.com gave me a chance to write about it. www.mothership.blog/why-an-indie...

Why an indie survival game gives me hope despite climate disaster

How to face the fears of our bleak future

mothership.blog

After seeing the trailer, I'm v. bummed that @paramountpictures.bsky.social pulled AVATAR AANG: THE LAST AIRBENDER from a theatrical release. There's so much talent on this; could contend for Best Animated Film! Let the millennials spend their nostalgia dollars! punishedbacklog.com/avatar-aang-...

Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender Deserves a Theater Release

The new Avatar movie would likely do great at the box office, so why is Paramount skimping out on its release?

punishedbacklog.com

In the wild west, don’t trust a man to do a woman’s job — especially if that woman is Sadie Adler. @amandatien.bsky.social on Red Dead Redemption 2's strong female NPC:

Sadie Adler is the unsung hero of Red Dead Redemption 2

While other women have to wait until a man invites them to side-saddle, Sadie always holds the reins of her own horse.

mothership.blog

!! that is so kind @zoehhannah.com! Thank you for the fantastic editing and opportunity with @mothership.blog. Loved getting to write about one of the best gals in the west! Also, @rockstargames.com, please give us the Sadie Adler RDR2 DLC we deserve/need.

Zoë Hannah is bisexual@zoehhannah.com · 4w ago

@amandatien.bsky.social is one of those writers who just has an endless well of ideas. Lucky for us, she likes bringing those ideas to Mothership. her latest: www.mothership.blog/sadie-adler-...

Grabbed DUNGEONS OF HINTERBERG by @microbirdgames.bsky.social @curvegames.com during the Steam Summer Sale (it's $6.89 until tomorrow!) and now I finally "get" dungeon crawlers. Such a fun time. 🗻 ⚔️Wrote about my adventures at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social. punishedbacklog.com/dungeons-of-...

Dungeons of Hinterberg Made Me Finally Appreciate Dungeon Crawlers

Dungeons of Hinterberg is a masterclass in creative level design, even if you're not normally a fan of puzzles or dungeons.

punishedbacklog.com

Such a fun episode even tho I do not follow not-E3s at all any more lol. Loved talking everything with the gang (ty @sam-martinelli.bsky.social for hosting!) but especially dreaming up mouse games (I have been coveting MOSS for years and can't wait for @polyarcgames.com's non-VR version!).

The Punished Backlog@punishedbacklog.bsky.social · last mo.

The latest episode of The Punished Podcast is here! This time, we dive into the Video Game Hype Cycle, E3 (and not-E3) showcases, and even make up our own showcase full of fake mouse games inspired by @polyarcgames.com 's Moss series. Check it out! punishedbacklog.com/podcast-vide...

Want some indie games to play this weekend? Try one of my top 10 fave demos from Steam Next Fest! Wrote about them at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social. Games in thread! punishedbacklog.com/best-demos-s...

Steam Next Fest June 2026: The Best New Indie Game Demos

From cozy to scary, swashbuckling to puzzles, check out our favorite demos from the June 2026 Steam Next Fest.

punishedbacklog.com

I have small girl/bird hands and while I love the @steamdeck.com, it's REALLY heavy for me as a #girlgamer. The Mechanism Gaming Pillow changed all of that. Read my non-sponsored, very pro recommendation of the Steam Deck Pillow at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social: punishedbacklog.com/the-mechanis...

The Mechanism Steam Deck Pillow Changed My Gaming Life - The Punished Backlog

The Steam Deck was so heavy to me that it hurt my shoulders and back. The Mechanism Gaming Pillow changed everything.

punishedbacklog.com

!! thank you @midimyers.com and @zoehhannah.com for giving me the opportunity to absolutely geek out about Dispatch and POV at @mothership.blog! I loved writing this. Thank you @nicholasherman.bsky.social & all of @adhocstudio.com for making such a dope game AND for answering all of my questions!

Maddy Myers 🏳️‍🌈@midimyers.com · 3mo ago

the one and only @amandatien.bsky.social asked the Dispatch studio how they feel about the "Invisigal bias" accusations (lol) and got some great answers, which are here along with her own analysis of how fans' perception of bias came to be www.mothership.blog/in-dispatch-...

The Game Boy Advance turned 25 this year! To celebrate this beloved handheld, @sam-martinelli.bsky.social rallied our writers to discuss the best games. (Also does this mean the GBA is retro? 👴👵) From Pokémon to Zelda to Kirby, check out our favorites here: punishedbacklog.com/best-game-bo...

I bought CREATURE KITCHEN (indie dev: @therat.zone) on a whim a few weeks ago. Even though I beat it in just a few hours, I'm still thinking about it. A v. unique #cozygame that brings new life to the genre! My review punishedbacklog.com/creature-kit... at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social

I'm obsessed with @nthcircle.bsky.social's OF THE DEVIL. I already forced someone to listen to my passionate conspiracy theory about the story's eventual ending lol. Need more episodes asap. Great find at #PAXEast2026 @davidsilbert.bsky.social! More on my love: punishedbacklog.com/of-the-devil...

I Desperately Need You To Try This Stylish, Ace Attorney-Like Indie

of the Devil, releasing episodically over the course of five episodes, is an excellent murder mystery game I can't stop thinking about.

punishedbacklog.com

I asked all the #girlgamers at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social to name their favorite femme video game characters a few years ago for Women's History Month. We've just updated the list with four new baddies. Who's your favorite? punishedbacklog.com/best-female-...

The 14 Best Female Video Game Characters, as Picked By Female Gamers - The Punished Backlog

Female video game writers reflect on the best female video game characters that inspire, challenge, and kick ass.

punishedbacklog.com

Had a blast chasing a milk pyramid scheme, talking to a wall, trying to flirt with an angel, eating trash, and trying to be a good person in ESOTERIC EBB by @chrisbodegard.bsky.social @rawfury.bsky.social. Check out my review at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social : punishedbacklog.com/esoteric-ebb...

Esoteric Ebb Review: A Natural 20 - The Punished Backlog

In our Esoteric Ebb review, find out why this funny CRPG is a fantastic spiritual successor to Disco Elysium.

punishedbacklog.com

My fave #AWP26 sesh was Prose, Poetry & Play: Game Design as a Literary Practice w/ @natmesnard.bsky.social, @brigittewinter.bsky.social, Erin Roberts, @sharangbiswas.bsky.social, @davering.bsky.social. I wrote a recap at @punishedbacklog.bsky.social: punishedbacklog.com/prose-poetry...

"Game Design as a Literary Practice": AWP Recap and Reflections

At AWP 2026, TTRPG writers gathered to discuss game design, creative writing, and the process of creating unique stories and experiences.

punishedbacklog.com

Honored that my deep obsession with Club Sunshine in Yakuza 0 could turn into a cogent set of thoughts at @mothership.blog! Thank you to Maddy and Zoë for the opportunity to write for them, and thank you @dancingmedievalist.bsky.social and @forthekids.space for gifting me this game!

Mothership@mothership.blog · 5mo ago

Amanda Tien analyzes a fan-favorite Like a Dragon mini-game in her first story for Mothership: "At Club Sunshine, I can make sure that women are taken care of." www.mothership.blog/yakuza-0-cab...