Reconnect Recap - w/e 1st February

Reviewing the week that's been over on Reconnect

Feb 02, 2026

Kia Ora folks!

Well it’s February already, and while some people might relish the fast passing of time, I’m not ready for it to be February already. That means I have only a few weeks to clear out of my apartment and plan a move to another country.

Needless to say, I’m feeling slightly stressed, but if everything goes to plan then I will no longer by penning this newsletter from Wellington New Zealand, instead I’ll be writing it in Melbourne, Australia. I’m trying not to panic too much.

In the meantime I have another Recap for you! Yes that’s right it’s your weekly edition of the Reconnect Recap, the companion newsletter to Reconnect, the games writing discovery platform.

This week we’re diving into Nintendo, 2025 analytics, writing trans characters, escapism, and so much more!

Let’s dig in.

If you missed an issue or just can’t wait until next week, feel free to dive into the archive. I also occasionally write my own thoughts on the industry which you can find here,

If you’re interested in seeing my other work, like my management blog, or following Reconnect on Bluesky, check out everything else that I do on my linktree.

Great Write Ups

Talking, Pokemon: This week in Video Games has a column called Parallax: Japan, all about Japanese culture. Their latest piece talks is about how Japans strongest cultural exports like Pokemon, have become so strong that they become a universal language.
Staff retention: Without a doubt Nintendo is one of the best gaming companies on the planet, I don’t even like Nintendo games and I can see that they are firing on all cylinders. But how? Well Aftermath has one of the key reasons…
From the Ashes: Splatoon is rare gem, it’s a new IP for Nintendo, comparably, and it’s been quite successful. But it wasn’t their first attempt at the game, TimeExtension explains how 20 years before, the seeds of Splatoon started.
A Swan Song: I try not to dwell on the negative of the industry, but no one has quite encapsulated one of the key issues we are experiencing like Post Games , they have accurately outlined one of the key pillars that’s currently crumbling.
Rollin’ on: The Saved Game recaps the history of Katamari and answers the question, does it still hold up? (OFC it does who doesn’t like rolling around).
From the Inside: I would argue that making 3D landscapes are easier than 2D, with anything less than 3 dimensions you really have to work hard to create depth and environment for players without it looking flat. Practice Flip dives into some great 2D game interiors.
Working Backwards: ObsoleteSony explains all about how the PS1 backwards compatibility worked on the PS2 and all the hoops, foibles, and issues one may run into today.
MMO Hunting: The Game Enjoyer is on the hunt for a new MMO, and is giving us an insight into there progress. Staring with turtles….
Writing Trans Characters: Harris Powell-Smith shares their process, and how it’s changed over time, on writing trans characters.
The year that was: GameDev Reports - powered by Xsolla has the full numbers for 2025, how much money was made, what games sold the most, and what games made the most.
Positive Escape: Fergus Halliday interviews Anna Zou, lead developer at Lemon Jolly Games to talk about their new game, Apothecary of City X. They dive into escapism and how the game serves as a way to make the player appreciate reality.

Fun Tidbits

Nubeo's Next Watch Pays Tribute To The ATARI 2600 1

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