James Batchelor
@jamesbatchelor.bsky.social
Comms Manager at @digitalbandidos.bsky.social. Runs Non-Violent Game of the Day (@nvgotd.bsky.social). Former journalist
Author (The Best Non-Violent Video Games, Wandless, Blow The House Down) www.jamesbatchelor.me
Father. Gamer. Soundtrack Nerd
Author (The Best Non-Violent Video Games, Wandless, Blow The House Down) www.jamesbatchelor.me
Father. Gamer. Soundtrack Nerd
Pinned
Important News: You can now pre-order The History of the Pokémon Games from @penandswordbooks.bsky.social!
💻The making of Gen 1-9
🎮Over 150+ games
🎙️Foreword by @theveronicat.bsky.social, the original Ash Ketchum
Also available via Amazon, Waterstones, etc
www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-History-...
💻The making of Gen 1-9
🎮Over 150+ games
🎙️Foreword by @theveronicat.bsky.social, the original Ash Ketchum
Also available via Amazon, Waterstones, etc
www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-History-...
A Wild Pokémon (Book) Appears!
First sighting of my upcoming book as an actual physical thing you'll be able to buy and read. Pre-order your copy now (please): www.jamesbatchelor.me
(And also Ryan Janes' upcoming Mario book. Treat yourself!)
First sighting of my upcoming book as an actual physical thing you'll be able to buy and read. Pre-order your copy now (please): www.jamesbatchelor.me
(And also Ryan Janes' upcoming Mario book. Treat yourself!)
November 10, 2025 at 6:18 PM
A Wild Pokémon (Book) Appears!
First sighting of my upcoming book as an actual physical thing you'll be able to buy and read. Pre-order your copy now (please): www.jamesbatchelor.me
(And also Ryan Janes' upcoming Mario book. Treat yourself!)
First sighting of my upcoming book as an actual physical thing you'll be able to buy and read. Pre-order your copy now (please): www.jamesbatchelor.me
(And also Ryan Janes' upcoming Mario book. Treat yourself!)
Reposted by James Batchelor
You heard 'em. "Not to be missed"!
Are you ready for Let Them Come: Onslaught's launch tomorrow?
Are you ready for Let Them Come: Onslaught's launch tomorrow?
Let Them Come: Onslaught is a new Survivors-like not to be missed.
Read our full review: buff.ly/ARMG0Os
Read our full review: buff.ly/ARMG0Os
November 10, 2025 at 5:41 PM
You heard 'em. "Not to be missed"!
Are you ready for Let Them Come: Onslaught's launch tomorrow?
Are you ready for Let Them Come: Onslaught's launch tomorrow?
My new book is here - and you can't read it! (Sorry)
I can finally give my daughter the book of short stories I've written about her (which means I can also give her brother the one I've been hiding since he was a toddler).
Also means I can finally focus solely on Wandless!
I can finally give my daughter the book of short stories I've written about her (which means I can also give her brother the one I've been hiding since he was a toddler).
Also means I can finally focus solely on Wandless!
November 9, 2025 at 11:37 AM
My new book is here - and you can't read it! (Sorry)
I can finally give my daughter the book of short stories I've written about her (which means I can also give her brother the one I've been hiding since he was a toddler).
Also means I can finally focus solely on Wandless!
I can finally give my daughter the book of short stories I've written about her (which means I can also give her brother the one I've been hiding since he was a toddler).
Also means I can finally focus solely on Wandless!
Lapland UK has a map showing Father Christmas' route around the world. Mexico seems to be on the naughty list 😬
November 8, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Lapland UK has a map showing Father Christmas' route around the world. Mexico seems to be on the naughty list 😬
Reposted by James Batchelor
SIPS AND SONNETS
In this visual novel, you run a tea shop in the British countryside and help customers with their problems through a mix of poetry and the obligatory hot beverages
[ PC / 2025 / Blue Tango Street ]
store.steampowered.com/app/3176190/...
In this visual novel, you run a tea shop in the British countryside and help customers with their problems through a mix of poetry and the obligatory hot beverages
[ PC / 2025 / Blue Tango Street ]
store.steampowered.com/app/3176190/...
November 8, 2025 at 8:57 AM
SIPS AND SONNETS
In this visual novel, you run a tea shop in the British countryside and help customers with their problems through a mix of poetry and the obligatory hot beverages
[ PC / 2025 / Blue Tango Street ]
store.steampowered.com/app/3176190/...
In this visual novel, you run a tea shop in the British countryside and help customers with their problems through a mix of poetry and the obligatory hot beverages
[ PC / 2025 / Blue Tango Street ]
store.steampowered.com/app/3176190/...
Reposted by James Batchelor
Creators, our partnership with Dare Drops kicks off soon! How many of our Let Them Come: Onslaught challenges can you complete?
Find out how to take part here: daredrop.com/e/let-them-c...
Find out how to take part here: daredrop.com/e/let-them-c...
November 7, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Creators, our partnership with Dare Drops kicks off soon! How many of our Let Them Come: Onslaught challenges can you complete?
Find out how to take part here: daredrop.com/e/let-them-c...
Find out how to take part here: daredrop.com/e/let-them-c...
Dammit! The longer Rockstar spends polishing GTA6, the longer we have to wait for this.
November 7, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Dammit! The longer Rockstar spends polishing GTA6, the longer we have to wait for this.
Reposted by James Batchelor
TALES OF THE SHIRE
One does not simply walk into the Shire. One must also decorates their Hobbit hole, build the town, cook, fish, forage, trade, and (most of all) relax
[ PC, PS5, XSX, Switch / 2025 / @wetaworkshop.bsky.social @privatedivision.com ]
talesoftheshire.com
One does not simply walk into the Shire. One must also decorates their Hobbit hole, build the town, cook, fish, forage, trade, and (most of all) relax
[ PC, PS5, XSX, Switch / 2025 / @wetaworkshop.bsky.social @privatedivision.com ]
talesoftheshire.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:53 PM
TALES OF THE SHIRE
One does not simply walk into the Shire. One must also decorates their Hobbit hole, build the town, cook, fish, forage, trade, and (most of all) relax
[ PC, PS5, XSX, Switch / 2025 / @wetaworkshop.bsky.social @privatedivision.com ]
talesoftheshire.com
One does not simply walk into the Shire. One must also decorates their Hobbit hole, build the town, cook, fish, forage, trade, and (most of all) relax
[ PC, PS5, XSX, Switch / 2025 / @wetaworkshop.bsky.social @privatedivision.com ]
talesoftheshire.com
Best review I've had so far. They truly get why I curated/wrote a book on non-violent video games, and run the account that inspired it. So chuffed with this.
"It’s not pushing pacifism; it’s about what interaction can mean beyond harm... These aren’t just 'safe' games for kids; they’re clever, inventive, and often deeply emotional experiences"
Amazing review from @thevideogamelibrary.org. Thank you!
thevideogamelibrary.substack.com/p/book-spotl...
Amazing review from @thevideogamelibrary.org. Thank you!
thevideogamelibrary.substack.com/p/book-spotl...
BOOK SPOTLIGHT - The Best Non-Violent Video Games
James Batchelor (2023); Pen & Sword Books - White Owl; Non-Fiction
thevideogamelibrary.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Best review I've had so far. They truly get why I curated/wrote a book on non-violent video games, and run the account that inspired it. So chuffed with this.
Cannot wait for this. Been waiting for a new Metroid Prime since 2007, and this looks like it's going to really scratch that itch
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fN5...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fN5...
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – Survive
YouTube video by Nintendo of America
www.youtube.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Cannot wait for this. Been waiting for a new Metroid Prime since 2007, and this looks like it's going to really scratch that itch
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fN5...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fN5...
Reposted by James Batchelor
SPOOKY EXPRESS
Cutesy horror-themed puzzle game where you need to build a railway line to take vampires, zombies and monsters home - and stranded humans to safety
[ PC, Mac, iOS, Android / 2025 / @draknek.bsky.social ]
spooky.express
Cutesy horror-themed puzzle game where you need to build a railway line to take vampires, zombies and monsters home - and stranded humans to safety
[ PC, Mac, iOS, Android / 2025 / @draknek.bsky.social ]
spooky.express
November 4, 2025 at 7:12 PM
SPOOKY EXPRESS
Cutesy horror-themed puzzle game where you need to build a railway line to take vampires, zombies and monsters home - and stranded humans to safety
[ PC, Mac, iOS, Android / 2025 / @draknek.bsky.social ]
spooky.express
Cutesy horror-themed puzzle game where you need to build a railway line to take vampires, zombies and monsters home - and stranded humans to safety
[ PC, Mac, iOS, Android / 2025 / @draknek.bsky.social ]
spooky.express
Reposted by James Batchelor
One week until launch! Prepare to fight for your life on a hostile alien world where even the planet is trying to kill you in Let Them Come: Onslaught by @tuataragames.com - launching Nov 11 for PC, PlayStation and Xbox.
Wishlist today! digitalbandidos.com/games/let-th...
Wishlist today! digitalbandidos.com/games/let-th...
November 4, 2025 at 6:37 PM
One week until launch! Prepare to fight for your life on a hostile alien world where even the planet is trying to kill you in Let Them Come: Onslaught by @tuataragames.com - launching Nov 11 for PC, PlayStation and Xbox.
Wishlist today! digitalbandidos.com/games/let-th...
Wishlist today! digitalbandidos.com/games/let-th...
Reposted by James Batchelor
Let Them Come: Onslaught is nearly here! We've teamed up with Dare Drops to create a range of skill-testing, alien-splatting challenges, and it all kicks off on Friday, November 7. Find out how to take part and sign up here:
daredrop.com/e/let-them-c...
daredrop.com/e/let-them-c...
November 4, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Let Them Come: Onslaught is nearly here! We've teamed up with Dare Drops to create a range of skill-testing, alien-splatting challenges, and it all kicks off on Friday, November 7. Find out how to take part and sign up here:
daredrop.com/e/let-them-c...
daredrop.com/e/let-them-c...
Reposted by James Batchelor
UNDUSTED: LETTERS FROM THE PAST
Help Adora restore a range of forgotten items to learn more about her family & the stories behind each object
[ PC, Switch / 2025 / 5minlab @togeproductions.bsky.social ]
Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/2891020/...
Switch: www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/...
Help Adora restore a range of forgotten items to learn more about her family & the stories behind each object
[ PC, Switch / 2025 / 5minlab @togeproductions.bsky.social ]
Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/2891020/...
Switch: www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/...
Undusted: Letters from the Past
A casual game in which you clean and restore dirty items. Enjoy the satisfying audiovisuals featuring sensually designed sounds and graphics.
www.nintendo.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:07 PM
UNDUSTED: LETTERS FROM THE PAST
Help Adora restore a range of forgotten items to learn more about her family & the stories behind each object
[ PC, Switch / 2025 / 5minlab @togeproductions.bsky.social ]
Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/2891020/...
Switch: www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/...
Help Adora restore a range of forgotten items to learn more about her family & the stories behind each object
[ PC, Switch / 2025 / 5minlab @togeproductions.bsky.social ]
Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/2891020/...
Switch: www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/...
Luigi's Mansion still stands up brilliantly, although I do have a new appreciation for how tight the controls became by Luigi's Mansion 3. Roll on LM4 for Switch 2!
October 31, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Luigi's Mansion still stands up brilliantly, although I do have a new appreciation for how tight the controls became by Luigi's Mansion 3. Roll on LM4 for Switch 2!
Thank you so much to The Video Game Library for adding my book to their collection. So glad it's helped the team has found some new games to play! (You can find even more at @nvgotd.bsky.social)
I’m finding at least one game per spread that I’m adding to my backlog with this book. 🎮
Thanks @jamesbatchelor.bsky.social @penandswordbooks.bsky.social for this awesome addition to our collection, and for the great game recs! 🙏
📚 Book Spotlight incoming…
Thanks @jamesbatchelor.bsky.social @penandswordbooks.bsky.social for this awesome addition to our collection, and for the great game recs! 🙏
📚 Book Spotlight incoming…
October 30, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Thank you so much to The Video Game Library for adding my book to their collection. So glad it's helped the team has found some new games to play! (You can find even more at @nvgotd.bsky.social)
I *think* I'm on the right train for Comic-Com. Not 100% sure
October 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM
I *think* I'm on the right train for Comic-Com. Not 100% sure
Big thanks to @archangelsoftworks.co.uk for the recommendation. Always open to suggestions for this account!
NOKOMA
Colourful number puzzle game. Tap a numbered tile to split it into smaller numbers, then tap matching numbers to clear the grid.
[ iOS, Android / 2024 / @owlnewworlds.games ]
owlnewworlds.games
Colourful number puzzle game. Tap a numbered tile to split it into smaller numbers, then tap matching numbers to clear the grid.
[ iOS, Android / 2024 / @owlnewworlds.games ]
owlnewworlds.games
October 23, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Big thanks to @archangelsoftworks.co.uk for the recommendation. Always open to suggestions for this account!
Reposted by James Batchelor
We are bringing our biggest ever Family Gaming Zone back to EGX! South Hall S1680.
Over 100 games to choose from with experts on hand to suggest titles, explain PEGI and parental controls for consoles, Roblox and PC. www.familygamingdatabase.com/Family+Gamin...
See you there? Shares welcome.
Over 100 games to choose from with experts on hand to suggest titles, explain PEGI and parental controls for consoles, Roblox and PC. www.familygamingdatabase.com/Family+Gamin...
See you there? Shares welcome.
October 21, 2025 at 4:36 PM
We are bringing our biggest ever Family Gaming Zone back to EGX! South Hall S1680.
Over 100 games to choose from with experts on hand to suggest titles, explain PEGI and parental controls for consoles, Roblox and PC. www.familygamingdatabase.com/Family+Gamin...
See you there? Shares welcome.
Over 100 games to choose from with experts on hand to suggest titles, explain PEGI and parental controls for consoles, Roblox and PC. www.familygamingdatabase.com/Family+Gamin...
See you there? Shares welcome.
Reposted by James Batchelor
MY CARD IS BETTER THAN YOUR CARD
Roguelike deckbuilder in which you create your own cards using stickers, each of which has a different effect to improve your score. Design your cards, then use them to duel!
[ PC / 2025 / @utustudios.com ]
store.steampowered.com/app/3617620/...
Roguelike deckbuilder in which you create your own cards using stickers, each of which has a different effect to improve your score. Design your cards, then use them to duel!
[ PC / 2025 / @utustudios.com ]
store.steampowered.com/app/3617620/...
October 21, 2025 at 6:10 PM
MY CARD IS BETTER THAN YOUR CARD
Roguelike deckbuilder in which you create your own cards using stickers, each of which has a different effect to improve your score. Design your cards, then use them to duel!
[ PC / 2025 / @utustudios.com ]
store.steampowered.com/app/3617620/...
Roguelike deckbuilder in which you create your own cards using stickers, each of which has a different effect to improve your score. Design your cards, then use them to duel!
[ PC / 2025 / @utustudios.com ]
store.steampowered.com/app/3617620/...
Refreshing my memory before I finally start writing book two. Apparently, this one is still a pretty good read! 😉
October 18, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Refreshing my memory before I finally start writing book two. Apparently, this one is still a pretty good read! 😉
Reposted by James Batchelor
PRETTY SWEET! HEALING GUARDIAN
In this cosy management sim, you play a Magical Girl using candy magic to balance people's emotions and improve their lives. Developed by an artist/designer who tried her hand at game dev
[ PC/ 2025 / @berrylemonadev.bsky.social ]
prettysweethealingguardian.carrd.co
In this cosy management sim, you play a Magical Girl using candy magic to balance people's emotions and improve their lives. Developed by an artist/designer who tried her hand at game dev
[ PC/ 2025 / @berrylemonadev.bsky.social ]
prettysweethealingguardian.carrd.co
October 18, 2025 at 5:06 PM
PRETTY SWEET! HEALING GUARDIAN
In this cosy management sim, you play a Magical Girl using candy magic to balance people's emotions and improve their lives. Developed by an artist/designer who tried her hand at game dev
[ PC/ 2025 / @berrylemonadev.bsky.social ]
prettysweethealingguardian.carrd.co
In this cosy management sim, you play a Magical Girl using candy magic to balance people's emotions and improve their lives. Developed by an artist/designer who tried her hand at game dev
[ PC/ 2025 / @berrylemonadev.bsky.social ]
prettysweethealingguardian.carrd.co
I've had mixed feelings about Z-A in the run up to launch, and now I think I'll give it a miss.
Sounds like my ideal Pokemon game would be the catching and exploration of Arceus, the new combat of Z-A, and the open world (but improved) of Violet/Scarlet. Fingers crossed for Gen 10?
Sounds like my ideal Pokemon game would be the catching and exploration of Arceus, the new combat of Z-A, and the open world (but improved) of Violet/Scarlet. Fingers crossed for Gen 10?
Pokémon Legends: Z-A | Critical Consensus
Real-time battles breathe life into the Legends sub-series, but troublesome graphics and limited exploration hinder Z-A's direction
www.gamesindustry.biz/pokemon-lege...
Real-time battles breathe life into the Legends sub-series, but troublesome graphics and limited exploration hinder Z-A's direction
www.gamesindustry.biz/pokemon-lege...
Pokémon Legends: Z-A | Critical Consensus
Real-time battles breathe life into the Legends sub-series, but troublesome graphics and limited exploration hinder Z-A's direction
www.gamesindustry.biz
October 17, 2025 at 1:22 PM
I've had mixed feelings about Z-A in the run up to launch, and now I think I'll give it a miss.
Sounds like my ideal Pokemon game would be the catching and exploration of Arceus, the new combat of Z-A, and the open world (but improved) of Violet/Scarlet. Fingers crossed for Gen 10?
Sounds like my ideal Pokemon game would be the catching and exploration of Arceus, the new combat of Z-A, and the open world (but improved) of Violet/Scarlet. Fingers crossed for Gen 10?