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David W. Duffy

@olucaron.bsky.social

320 followers 500 following 530 posts

Lv. 42 • He/Him • Database Editor & Quiz Final Boss at TheGamer • Geordie in Seaton Canoe • Teacher in another life • [email protected]

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David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · Oct 19

Intro post!

I'm David, 41, and I work as the resident Database Editor at TheGamer. Lots of behind the scenes shenanigans.

Having spent a decade as an ESL teacher in Poland, I've now been in games for eight years across social media, community, marketing, and editorial.

A selfie of myself, sporting Newcastle United's 24-25 season away kit in navy and burgundy horizontal stripes - a callback to the great Entertainers team of 95-96.

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David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 5h

It took me about four hours to catch even a standard Dratini, wtf. 😂

David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 11h

The joke is on Google following my every move and trying to get an idea of who I am so they can serve 'tailored ads', when my search history is full of stuff like Dora: Rainforest Rescue, Full Metal Schoolgirl, Death By Scrolling, Swapmeat, Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis, and King of Meat.

David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 13h

My toxic trait is playing online multiplayer games, but on a PvE server where I can grow crops and drive around and nobody really needs healing much.

David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 13h

Got to love sleeping less than three hours because of existential dread, then waking up with more of it.

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Reposted by David W. Duffy

Jack Coleman @crustypants.bsky.social · 1d

Several of my colleagues were laid off today, and seeing the usual reaction from the usual people pushed me to write a blog post (how retro) about the sad state of online discourse: jackcrustycoleman.com/2025/10/22/l...

Layoffs, Empathy and Blind Hatred

An unfortunate state of affairs.

jackcrustycoleman.com

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Reposted by David W. Duffy

The Ghost of Will Borger @edgarallanbro.bsky.social · 1d

If anyone who was laid off from TheGamer today has a piece they were working on and need a home for, Skybox wants to hear from you, and we pay pretty well.

We can't make up for you being laid off, but we'll do what we can.

Jade King @konayma6.bsky.social · 1d

Valnet unfortunately let go of the entire TheGamer features team today alongside several other staff members.

Many incredibly talented and hard working writers I've had the pleasure of working with over the past several years.

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Reposted by David W. Duffy

Sam Woods @samwoods.bsky.social · 1d

We need to be angrier at how google is destroying the internet.

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David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 1d

Eric will be a huge asset to anyone. Hire Eric.

Your Buddy Eric Switzer @epicswitzer.bsky.social · 1d

After 6 years with TheGamer, Valnet has decided to shut down features and lay off the entire team, including me.

I don't know what's next for me but I intend to stay in games, whether that's at another outlet, consulting, or PR. If you have any leads, I'd appreciate any help

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Reposted by David W. Duffy

Andy Brown @andybrown202.bsky.social · 1d

This feels far too evergreen, but we're always open for feature pitches at [email protected], and my personal email is in bio.

I get to work with so many brilliant writers, and there's always room for more ❤️

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David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 1d

Sam is exceptional. Hire Sam.

Sam Hallahan @hallafyre.bsky.social · 1d

In light of being laid off from TheGamer today, I don't intend to let my passions die out. I'll continue to create work independently, and keep that excitement for whatever opportunities come my way in the future.

This was a dream career, and I'm not done with it yet.

Reposted by David W. Duffy

Jade King @konayma6.bsky.social · 1d

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Reposted by David W. Duffy

Andrew King @funnelchest94.bsky.social · 1d

I got laid off from TheGamer today, along with the entire Features team (go give
@epicswitzer.bsky.social
and
@hallafyre.bsky.social
a follow!)

Needless to say, I'm now looking for work. I'm open to roles in:

-Journalism
-PR
-Copywriting
-Copy editing
-Games writing
-Scriptwriting

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Reposted by David W. Duffy

Quinton O'Connor @quinton.bsky.social · 1d

I'll also say, and I'm sure this won't be the last laid-off TG staff member whose greatness I highlight today, but @hallafyre.bsky.social brings the sort of visionary spirit to a workplace that so many sites would benefit from. Sam sees things that I never would, and shapes them into fine words.

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David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 1d

Branden is amazing. Hire Branden.

Branden Lizardi @lizardrock.bsky.social · 1d

Unfortunately, my time as an Editor for TheGamer.com has come to an end.

I met some of the best coworkers I've ever had there, I learned and grew a lot.

If anyone is looking for a journo, especially for guides, reviews, VR, horror, and farming RPGs, I'd love to hear from you.

David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 2d

Why on earth does Dratini appear to have a 0.0000001% catch rate in Z-A? 😡

Reposted by David W. Duffy

Gepugg @gepugg.bsky.social · 3d

Not the best weekend, but really really proud and excited to share my Ninja Gaiden 4 review :) Definitely my Game of the Year, surprising no one - www.thegamer.com/ninja-gaiden...

Ninja Gaiden 4 Review - Greater Ninja

By delivering brutal combat, high challenge, and interesting characters, Ninja Gaiden 4 is almost everything I dreamed it would be.

www.thegamer.com

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David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 3d

Yeah, and we can't forget the primary audience for these games either. That it manages to capture the atmosphere is a wonder, really.

David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 3d

Yeah, I love the feel of it. But I want narrow streets, the sense of claustrophobia. I get why they can't do that though. Still, playing through is nicely nostalgic for me.

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David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 3d

Yeah, speaking to the NPCs in Lumiose definitely triggers memories of living in Paris. The only thing missing for me is the sense of space - it feels like there's a bit too much of it in Z-A.

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David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 3d

This might just be your best yet, Quinton. 😅

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David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 3d

That coming after no less than 37 true crime podcasts.

David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 3d

It's even funnier knowing that techincally, by birth, Haaland is also a Yorkshireman. 😆

David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 3d

The fact they posted that on Twitter specifically and not here speaks volumes, really.

David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 3d

Congrats!

David W. Duffy @olucaron.bsky.social · 3d

Aye, getting there. Was like 18 months ago, but it's still scary haha!