Into The Spine
@intothespine.bsky.social
Stories about video games and what they leave behind /// Patreon: http://patreon.com/intothespine /// Founder: @diegoarguello.bsky.social /// Email: [email protected] /// https://intothespine.com/
Pinned
Into The Spine
@intothespine.bsky.social
· Dec 30
Following the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 roundups, writers deconstruct the year with short stories.
This was 2024, told by 102 people.
intothespine.com/2024/12/30/s...
This was 2024, told by 102 people.
intothespine.com/2024/12/30/s...
Reposted by Into The Spine
Bonus is the first freelance piece I ever wrote, commissioned by @diegoarguello.bsky.social for @intothespine.bsky.social. Of course it was about fire emblem. Into the Spine has started the careers of so many— please support it!
Mad at School - Into The Spine
Fire Emblem: Three Houses plays completely different in Maddening Mode, and this led Emily Price to reflect in her reality as a teacher.
intothespine.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Bonus is the first freelance piece I ever wrote, commissioned by @diegoarguello.bsky.social for @intothespine.bsky.social. Of course it was about fire emblem. Into the Spine has started the careers of so many— please support it!
Reposted by Into The Spine
over the moon to be featured on spine! please give it a look :)
"But that’s too easy, isn’t it? It’s so easy that I never considered crawling into his skin."
Hiero de Lima (@lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social) explains why they chose to cosplay as Swansea from Mouthwashing despite looking nothing alike.
intothespine.com/2025/11/01/h...
Hiero de Lima (@lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social) explains why they chose to cosplay as Swansea from Mouthwashing despite looking nothing alike.
intothespine.com/2025/11/01/h...
Hopes, Dreams and Marzipan - Into The Spine
Hiero de Lima explains why they chose to cosplay as Swansea from Mouthwashing, despite looking completely different.
intothespine.com
November 1, 2025 at 8:07 PM
over the moon to be featured on spine! please give it a look :)
"But that’s too easy, isn’t it? It’s so easy that I never considered crawling into his skin."
Hiero de Lima (@lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social) explains why they chose to cosplay as Swansea from Mouthwashing despite looking nothing alike.
intothespine.com/2025/11/01/h...
Hiero de Lima (@lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social) explains why they chose to cosplay as Swansea from Mouthwashing despite looking nothing alike.
intothespine.com/2025/11/01/h...
Hopes, Dreams and Marzipan - Into The Spine
Hiero de Lima explains why they chose to cosplay as Swansea from Mouthwashing, despite looking completely different.
intothespine.com
November 1, 2025 at 5:59 PM
"But that’s too easy, isn’t it? It’s so easy that I never considered crawling into his skin."
Hiero de Lima (@lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social) explains why they chose to cosplay as Swansea from Mouthwashing despite looking nothing alike.
intothespine.com/2025/11/01/h...
Hiero de Lima (@lesbiankakyoin.bsky.social) explains why they chose to cosplay as Swansea from Mouthwashing despite looking nothing alike.
intothespine.com/2025/11/01/h...
Reposted by Into The Spine
Happy anniversary to this fragment story that I wrote for @intothespine.bsky.social! Now more than ever, the arts and humanities need our support. Thank you, @diegoarguello.bsky.social, for publishing it!
intothespine.com/2024/09/14/s...
intothespine.com/2024/09/14/s...
Showtime - Into The Spine
For this week's Fragments, Monique Barrow examines the importance of the arts Princess Peach: Showtime! in contrast to the real-life climate.
intothespine.com
September 14, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Happy anniversary to this fragment story that I wrote for @intothespine.bsky.social! Now more than ever, the arts and humanities need our support. Thank you, @diegoarguello.bsky.social, for publishing it!
intothespine.com/2024/09/14/s...
intothespine.com/2024/09/14/s...
Reposted by Into The Spine
very honored i had the chance to write this for into the spine!!
"And isn’t that the American dream? To have enough time and money to fulfill your goals, to do meaningful work without having to stress over bills? To be an important and beloved member of your community?"
@beewertheimer.com faces the realities of house flipping
intothespine.com/2025/09/06/g...
@beewertheimer.com faces the realities of house flipping
intothespine.com/2025/09/06/g...
Grasping for Agency - Into The Spine
As Bee Wertheimer grasps for agency before moving to a new apartment, House Flipper 2 has them reckoning with real-life house flipping.
intothespine.com
September 6, 2025 at 8:33 PM
very honored i had the chance to write this for into the spine!!
"And isn’t that the American dream? To have enough time and money to fulfill your goals, to do meaningful work without having to stress over bills? To be an important and beloved member of your community?"
@beewertheimer.com faces the realities of house flipping
intothespine.com/2025/09/06/g...
@beewertheimer.com faces the realities of house flipping
intothespine.com/2025/09/06/g...
Grasping for Agency - Into The Spine
As Bee Wertheimer grasps for agency before moving to a new apartment, House Flipper 2 has them reckoning with real-life house flipping.
intothespine.com
September 6, 2025 at 7:15 PM
"And isn’t that the American dream? To have enough time and money to fulfill your goals, to do meaningful work without having to stress over bills? To be an important and beloved member of your community?"
@beewertheimer.com faces the realities of house flipping
intothespine.com/2025/09/06/g...
@beewertheimer.com faces the realities of house flipping
intothespine.com/2025/09/06/g...
"The students noticed first: my pink backpack, pink bike helmet, pink sneakers. I didn’t start loud. It built slowly."
Jervon Perkins shares the story of Serenity Hart and learning to be seen in Final Fantasy XIV.
intothespine.com/2025/08/23/s...
Jervon Perkins shares the story of Serenity Hart and learning to be seen in Final Fantasy XIV.
intothespine.com/2025/08/23/s...
August 23, 2025 at 7:30 PM
"The students noticed first: my pink backpack, pink bike helmet, pink sneakers. I didn’t start loud. It built slowly."
Jervon Perkins shares the story of Serenity Hart and learning to be seen in Final Fantasy XIV.
intothespine.com/2025/08/23/s...
Jervon Perkins shares the story of Serenity Hart and learning to be seen in Final Fantasy XIV.
intothespine.com/2025/08/23/s...
Reposted by Into The Spine
haven't started responding to folks individually, but from a quick glance, the next couple of months might already be fully booked. if you wanted to pitch, i'd encourage you to do so by tomorrow at the latest (sorry that windows are this short - i can only field so many pitches)
spine is taking pitches again, ranging from short ($30 for 150-300 words) to longer form pieces ($60 for 500-700 words). *please* read the guidelines carefully, which now reflect the current monthly budget. i want to hear from bipoc and queer folks first and foremost.
intothespine.com/write-for-us/
intothespine.com/write-for-us/
Write for Spine - Into The Spine
Do you want to write for Into The Spine? Here's everything you need to know, including rates and what we're looking for at the moment.
intothespine.com
July 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
haven't started responding to folks individually, but from a quick glance, the next couple of months might already be fully booked. if you wanted to pitch, i'd encourage you to do so by tomorrow at the latest (sorry that windows are this short - i can only field so many pitches)
Reposted by Into The Spine
The best thing I've read all day:
intothespine.com/2020/09/22/h...
If you're not following @intothespine.bsky.social, I recommend you start!
intothespine.com/2020/09/22/h...
If you're not following @intothespine.bsky.social, I recommend you start!
A Letter to That One Shade in Hades - Into The Spine
Deep within the lustrous halls of Elysium, a letter is delivered by the God of Swiftness. It's written by Zagreus, addressed to a fan.
intothespine.com
July 10, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The best thing I've read all day:
intothespine.com/2020/09/22/h...
If you're not following @intothespine.bsky.social, I recommend you start!
intothespine.com/2020/09/22/h...
If you're not following @intothespine.bsky.social, I recommend you start!
Reposted by Into The Spine
spine is taking pitches again, ranging from short ($30 for 150-300 words) to longer form pieces ($60 for 500-700 words). *please* read the guidelines carefully, which now reflect the current monthly budget. i want to hear from bipoc and queer folks first and foremost.
intothespine.com/write-for-us/
intothespine.com/write-for-us/
Write for Spine - Into The Spine
Do you want to write for Into The Spine? Here's everything you need to know, including rates and what we're looking for at the moment.
intothespine.com
July 10, 2025 at 8:09 PM
spine is taking pitches again, ranging from short ($30 for 150-300 words) to longer form pieces ($60 for 500-700 words). *please* read the guidelines carefully, which now reflect the current monthly budget. i want to hear from bipoc and queer folks first and foremost.
intothespine.com/write-for-us/
intothespine.com/write-for-us/
"For those of us who struggle with mental health, it offers a sanctuary — a space to dream of a life that feels out of reach."
Jastine Beatrice Yap shares her story of playing The Sims 4 as a depressed queer, and turning 25.
intothespine.com/2025/07/10/t...
Jastine Beatrice Yap shares her story of playing The Sims 4 as a depressed queer, and turning 25.
intothespine.com/2025/07/10/t...
July 10, 2025 at 7:48 PM
"For those of us who struggle with mental health, it offers a sanctuary — a space to dream of a life that feels out of reach."
Jastine Beatrice Yap shares her story of playing The Sims 4 as a depressed queer, and turning 25.
intothespine.com/2025/07/10/t...
Jastine Beatrice Yap shares her story of playing The Sims 4 as a depressed queer, and turning 25.
intothespine.com/2025/07/10/t...
Reposted by Into The Spine
the site doesn't have the same sway as what people consider an independent outlet nowadays, but I've been running it since 2018 and i get pitches from new writers regularly. i'd love to continue giving them a home. there's a patreon if you want to support them! www.patreon.com/c/intothespine
Get more from Into The Spine on Patreon
creating stories, criticism, and reporting around video games
www.patreon.com
May 23, 2025 at 7:20 PM
the site doesn't have the same sway as what people consider an independent outlet nowadays, but I've been running it since 2018 and i get pitches from new writers regularly. i'd love to continue giving them a home. there's a patreon if you want to support them! www.patreon.com/c/intothespine
Reposted by Into The Spine
spine is back, albeit with a different schedule. time and budget constraints has led to a monthly piece instead. for context, most of the pieces on the site over the years i've commissioned out of pocket, and that's not longer possible. june and july are covered, but i'll open submissions soon
"An act that is supposed to deny uncertainty ironically becomes complicit in a rigid state of stagnation and exhaustion."
Zonghang Zhou (@zhzhou86.bsky.social) examines the meaning of repetition via Papers, Please, and Tang Shanjun's Sisyphean efforts.
intothespine.com/2025/05/23/t...
Zonghang Zhou (@zhzhou86.bsky.social) examines the meaning of repetition via Papers, Please, and Tang Shanjun's Sisyphean efforts.
intothespine.com/2025/05/23/t...
May 23, 2025 at 7:16 PM
spine is back, albeit with a different schedule. time and budget constraints has led to a monthly piece instead. for context, most of the pieces on the site over the years i've commissioned out of pocket, and that's not longer possible. june and july are covered, but i'll open submissions soon
"An act that is supposed to deny uncertainty ironically becomes complicit in a rigid state of stagnation and exhaustion."
Zonghang Zhou (@zhzhou86.bsky.social) examines the meaning of repetition via Papers, Please, and Tang Shanjun's Sisyphean efforts.
intothespine.com/2025/05/23/t...
Zonghang Zhou (@zhzhou86.bsky.social) examines the meaning of repetition via Papers, Please, and Tang Shanjun's Sisyphean efforts.
intothespine.com/2025/05/23/t...
May 23, 2025 at 7:09 PM
"An act that is supposed to deny uncertainty ironically becomes complicit in a rigid state of stagnation and exhaustion."
Zonghang Zhou (@zhzhou86.bsky.social) examines the meaning of repetition via Papers, Please, and Tang Shanjun's Sisyphean efforts.
intothespine.com/2025/05/23/t...
Zonghang Zhou (@zhzhou86.bsky.social) examines the meaning of repetition via Papers, Please, and Tang Shanjun's Sisyphean efforts.
intothespine.com/2025/05/23/t...
Reposted by Into The Spine
I can't believe it's been one year since I wrote this fragment story for @intothespine.bsky.social! I enjoyed writing about the music in Tears of the Kingdom. Thank you, again @diegoarguello.bsky.social, for the opportunity!
intothespine.com/2024/05/19/t...
intothespine.com/2024/05/19/t...
The Lonely Skies - Into The Spine
For this week's Fragments, Monique Barrow skydives into Hyrule's past, and future, in Tears of the Kingdom.
intothespine.com
May 19, 2025 at 7:52 PM
I can't believe it's been one year since I wrote this fragment story for @intothespine.bsky.social! I enjoyed writing about the music in Tears of the Kingdom. Thank you, again @diegoarguello.bsky.social, for the opportunity!
intothespine.com/2024/05/19/t...
intothespine.com/2024/05/19/t...
Reposted by Into The Spine
Very happy with this feature I did on Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo for @intothespine.bsky.social (thanks @diegoarguello.bsky.social) covering one of my favorite moments in the game.
"A fourth-wall break moment early on, however, quickly changed my mind."
Mikhail Madnani (@va11halla.bsky.social) is pulled into Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo by one specific sequence.
intothespine.com/2025/02/22/t...
Mikhail Madnani (@va11halla.bsky.social) is pulled into Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo by one specific sequence.
intothespine.com/2025/02/22/t...
February 23, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Very happy with this feature I did on Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo for @intothespine.bsky.social (thanks @diegoarguello.bsky.social) covering one of my favorite moments in the game.
"A fourth-wall break moment early on, however, quickly changed my mind."
Mikhail Madnani (@va11halla.bsky.social) is pulled into Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo by one specific sequence.
intothespine.com/2025/02/22/t...
Mikhail Madnani (@va11halla.bsky.social) is pulled into Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo by one specific sequence.
intothespine.com/2025/02/22/t...
February 22, 2025 at 6:23 PM
"A fourth-wall break moment early on, however, quickly changed my mind."
Mikhail Madnani (@va11halla.bsky.social) is pulled into Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo by one specific sequence.
intothespine.com/2025/02/22/t...
Mikhail Madnani (@va11halla.bsky.social) is pulled into Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo by one specific sequence.
intothespine.com/2025/02/22/t...
Reposted by Into The Spine
Happy publication anniversary to this fun little Paper Mario poem, published a little over a year ago by @diegoarguello.bsky.social & @intothespine.bsky.social. I've always loved Gourmet Guy's line about learning to bake at truck driving school--this poem is an ode to laughter 🚚🚚
I Know Where Princess Peach Keeps Her Dish Detergent - Into The Spine
For Gourmet Guy, from Paper Mario 64
intothespine.com
February 6, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Happy publication anniversary to this fun little Paper Mario poem, published a little over a year ago by @diegoarguello.bsky.social & @intothespine.bsky.social. I've always loved Gourmet Guy's line about learning to bake at truck driving school--this poem is an ode to laughter 🚚🚚
"Perhaps that's why this scene felt so angsty, because Vertin is me, and Schneider had said that to me. Schneider was bidding farewell, and I would no longer see her again."
Ree Summers explores a dialogue line in Reverse: 1999.
intothespine.com/2025/01/27/g...
Ree Summers explores a dialogue line in Reverse: 1999.
intothespine.com/2025/01/27/g...
January 27, 2025 at 7:19 PM
"Perhaps that's why this scene felt so angsty, because Vertin is me, and Schneider had said that to me. Schneider was bidding farewell, and I would no longer see her again."
Ree Summers explores a dialogue line in Reverse: 1999.
intothespine.com/2025/01/27/g...
Ree Summers explores a dialogue line in Reverse: 1999.
intothespine.com/2025/01/27/g...
Reposted by Into The Spine
happy 7th, @intothespine.bsky.social - and a massive shoutout to everybody who continues to choose the site as a place to share their stories
January 21, 2025 at 7:53 PM
happy 7th, @intothespine.bsky.social - and a massive shoutout to everybody who continues to choose the site as a place to share their stories
"I’m afraid, but my mouth isn’t. 'Would they see him if he was a little girl?'”
Autumn McGarr (@flamingo-teeth.bsky.social) shares their story about gardening in Sonic Adventure 2.
intothespine.com/2025/01/13/o...
Autumn McGarr (@flamingo-teeth.bsky.social) shares their story about gardening in Sonic Adventure 2.
intothespine.com/2025/01/13/o...
January 13, 2025 at 6:51 PM
"I’m afraid, but my mouth isn’t. 'Would they see him if he was a little girl?'”
Autumn McGarr (@flamingo-teeth.bsky.social) shares their story about gardening in Sonic Adventure 2.
intothespine.com/2025/01/13/o...
Autumn McGarr (@flamingo-teeth.bsky.social) shares their story about gardening in Sonic Adventure 2.
intothespine.com/2025/01/13/o...
Reposted by Into The Spine
intothespine.com/2024/12/30/s...
If you have not checked this out yet, please do!!
a vast collection of perspectives detailing the different pieces of media that defined their 2024
it's so varied, there's so many morsels to chew on, more games added to the backlog
If you have not checked this out yet, please do!!
a vast collection of perspectives detailing the different pieces of media that defined their 2024
it's so varied, there's so many morsels to chew on, more games added to the backlog
Stories of 2024 - Into The Spine
Following the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 roundups, writers look back at the year with short stories. This was 2024, told by 102 people.
intothespine.com
January 5, 2025 at 11:49 AM
intothespine.com/2024/12/30/s...
If you have not checked this out yet, please do!!
a vast collection of perspectives detailing the different pieces of media that defined their 2024
it's so varied, there's so many morsels to chew on, more games added to the backlog
If you have not checked this out yet, please do!!
a vast collection of perspectives detailing the different pieces of media that defined their 2024
it's so varied, there's so many morsels to chew on, more games added to the backlog
Reposted by Into The Spine
I got to gush about Nine Sols as part of Into the Spine's Stories of 2024. There's some great shoutouts to the best games of last year, so check it out!
Following the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 roundups, writers deconstruct the year with short stories.
This was 2024, told by 102 people.
intothespine.com/2024/12/30/s...
This was 2024, told by 102 people.
intothespine.com/2024/12/30/s...
January 4, 2025 at 4:05 AM
I got to gush about Nine Sols as part of Into the Spine's Stories of 2024. There's some great shoutouts to the best games of last year, so check it out!
Reposted by Into The Spine
I wrote a blurb for this! It’s about (surprise) Slay the Princess 💕
Following the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 roundups, writers deconstruct the year with short stories.
This was 2024, told by 102 people.
intothespine.com/2024/12/30/s...
This was 2024, told by 102 people.
intothespine.com/2024/12/30/s...
January 3, 2025 at 10:26 PM
I wrote a blurb for this! It’s about (surprise) Slay the Princess 💕
Reposted by Into The Spine
sharing again ahead of the weekend - i'm still grateful and honored by everyone's participation. if you haven't heard about spine, i've pubbed over 150 writers and counting, and there's a new piece every week. i cover most payments myself, but there's a patreon, too: www.patreon.com/c/intothespine
Following the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 roundups, writers deconstruct the year with short stories.
This was 2024, told by 102 people.
intothespine.com/2024/12/30/s...
This was 2024, told by 102 people.
intothespine.com/2024/12/30/s...
January 3, 2025 at 6:54 PM
sharing again ahead of the weekend - i'm still grateful and honored by everyone's participation. if you haven't heard about spine, i've pubbed over 150 writers and counting, and there's a new piece every week. i cover most payments myself, but there's a patreon, too: www.patreon.com/c/intothespine