Liam Deane
@liamdeane.bsky.social
Games analyst at Omdia doing market research on the games industry development and technology ecosystem. Once Cork, now Amsterdam.
12. Hades II
Objectively superior to the original in almost every way which is not bad going when your predecessor is one of the best games ever. The only sliver of criticism I can manage is it being that bit more familiar inevitably means it doesn't quite have the same magic as the first time.
Objectively superior to the original in almost every way which is not bad going when your predecessor is one of the best games ever. The only sliver of criticism I can manage is it being that bit more familiar inevitably means it doesn't quite have the same magic as the first time.
November 11, 2025 at 6:46 PM
12. Hades II
Objectively superior to the original in almost every way which is not bad going when your predecessor is one of the best games ever. The only sliver of criticism I can manage is it being that bit more familiar inevitably means it doesn't quite have the same magic as the first time.
Objectively superior to the original in almost every way which is not bad going when your predecessor is one of the best games ever. The only sliver of criticism I can manage is it being that bit more familiar inevitably means it doesn't quite have the same magic as the first time.
Is the games industry profitable? Yes, and has been throughout the entire recent layoff wave. But profit margins did slide dramatically post-covid as costs shot up but revenue didn't keep pace. Margins have recovered since then, mostly thanks to reduced personnel costs.
October 23, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Is the games industry profitable? Yes, and has been throughout the entire recent layoff wave. But profit margins did slide dramatically post-covid as costs shot up but revenue didn't keep pace. Margins have recovered since then, mostly thanks to reduced personnel costs.
The American mind cannot comprehend a nice train
October 22, 2025 at 5:58 PM
The American mind cannot comprehend a nice train
11. Don't Get Your Hopes Up
Lovely little game of househunting in Amsterdam turned into a demented fever dream. A lot of delightful local touches if you know the city but should be relatable to anyone who's interacted with a major city property market in the last decade. Completely free on Steam!
Lovely little game of househunting in Amsterdam turned into a demented fever dream. A lot of delightful local touches if you know the city but should be relatable to anyone who's interacted with a major city property market in the last decade. Completely free on Steam!
October 1, 2025 at 6:55 PM
11. Don't Get Your Hopes Up
Lovely little game of househunting in Amsterdam turned into a demented fever dream. A lot of delightful local touches if you know the city but should be relatable to anyone who's interacted with a major city property market in the last decade. Completely free on Steam!
Lovely little game of househunting in Amsterdam turned into a demented fever dream. A lot of delightful local touches if you know the city but should be relatable to anyone who's interacted with a major city property market in the last decade. Completely free on Steam!
10. Mafia: The Old Country
Deeply derivative in many respects, though the setting is somewhat novel at least. But it looks great, is well written and generally well made and demands very little of you (including crucially of your time). Plenty to like overall.
Deeply derivative in many respects, though the setting is somewhat novel at least. But it looks great, is well written and generally well made and demands very little of you (including crucially of your time). Plenty to like overall.
September 30, 2025 at 3:49 PM
10. Mafia: The Old Country
Deeply derivative in many respects, though the setting is somewhat novel at least. But it looks great, is well written and generally well made and demands very little of you (including crucially of your time). Plenty to like overall.
Deeply derivative in many respects, though the setting is somewhat novel at least. But it looks great, is well written and generally well made and demands very little of you (including crucially of your time). Plenty to like overall.
9. Dune: Awakening
Really nails the Dune vibe both visually and through lots of clever design decisions encouraging you to buy into the world. But while it works surprisingly well as a survival MMO, I really wish this had been a single player RPG instead. I hope that game gets made some day.
Really nails the Dune vibe both visually and through lots of clever design decisions encouraging you to buy into the world. But while it works surprisingly well as a survival MMO, I really wish this had been a single player RPG instead. I hope that game gets made some day.
September 16, 2025 at 6:13 PM
9. Dune: Awakening
Really nails the Dune vibe both visually and through lots of clever design decisions encouraging you to buy into the world. But while it works surprisingly well as a survival MMO, I really wish this had been a single player RPG instead. I hope that game gets made some day.
Really nails the Dune vibe both visually and through lots of clever design decisions encouraging you to buy into the world. But while it works surprisingly well as a survival MMO, I really wish this had been a single player RPG instead. I hope that game gets made some day.
You're not actually doing yourself any favours by deluding yourself here
July 26, 2025 at 7:12 PM
You're not actually doing yourself any favours by deluding yourself here
8. Elden Ring
Yes I'm only just playing it now.
My first soulslike and I was worried it wouldn't be my bag and in some way it isn't (I hate that it's so obtuse you basically can't play it without a wiki). But overall, yeah, it's really good, just an incredible piece of game-making craft.
Yes I'm only just playing it now.
My first soulslike and I was worried it wouldn't be my bag and in some way it isn't (I hate that it's so obtuse you basically can't play it without a wiki). But overall, yeah, it's really good, just an incredible piece of game-making craft.
July 24, 2025 at 5:16 PM
8. Elden Ring
Yes I'm only just playing it now.
My first soulslike and I was worried it wouldn't be my bag and in some way it isn't (I hate that it's so obtuse you basically can't play it without a wiki). But overall, yeah, it's really good, just an incredible piece of game-making craft.
Yes I'm only just playing it now.
My first soulslike and I was worried it wouldn't be my bag and in some way it isn't (I hate that it's so obtuse you basically can't play it without a wiki). But overall, yeah, it's really good, just an incredible piece of game-making craft.
7. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Favourite game of the year so far. Has lots going for it but above all what stands out is the feeling of being fresh and distinctive on many levels: visually, narratively, mechanically. Makes me really wish we could have more AAA games this adventurous (won't happen).
Favourite game of the year so far. Has lots going for it but above all what stands out is the feeling of being fresh and distinctive on many levels: visually, narratively, mechanically. Makes me really wish we could have more AAA games this adventurous (won't happen).
June 15, 2025 at 6:16 PM
7. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Favourite game of the year so far. Has lots going for it but above all what stands out is the feeling of being fresh and distinctive on many levels: visually, narratively, mechanically. Makes me really wish we could have more AAA games this adventurous (won't happen).
Favourite game of the year so far. Has lots going for it but above all what stands out is the feeling of being fresh and distinctive on many levels: visually, narratively, mechanically. Makes me really wish we could have more AAA games this adventurous (won't happen).
6. Warhammer 40K: Boltgun.
Didn't really think this would be my bag but I had a blast. Good, dumb fun. OK, it does get a bit repetitive. It's not a long game but only just about avoids overstaying its welcome. Perfect "why not?" Game Pass game.
Didn't really think this would be my bag but I had a blast. Good, dumb fun. OK, it does get a bit repetitive. It's not a long game but only just about avoids overstaying its welcome. Perfect "why not?" Game Pass game.
May 22, 2025 at 8:08 PM
6. Warhammer 40K: Boltgun.
Didn't really think this would be my bag but I had a blast. Good, dumb fun. OK, it does get a bit repetitive. It's not a long game but only just about avoids overstaying its welcome. Perfect "why not?" Game Pass game.
Didn't really think this would be my bag but I had a blast. Good, dumb fun. OK, it does get a bit repetitive. It's not a long game but only just about avoids overstaying its welcome. Perfect "why not?" Game Pass game.
5. Avowed
Sort of wanted to like it more than I ultimately did. It's all very well executed and looks incredible but ultimately the stunning visual design doesn't quite make up for the plodding narrative and overfamiliar RPG mechanics. Really started to drag about halfway through for me.
Sort of wanted to like it more than I ultimately did. It's all very well executed and looks incredible but ultimately the stunning visual design doesn't quite make up for the plodding narrative and overfamiliar RPG mechanics. Really started to drag about halfway through for me.
May 7, 2025 at 4:47 PM
5. Avowed
Sort of wanted to like it more than I ultimately did. It's all very well executed and looks incredible but ultimately the stunning visual design doesn't quite make up for the plodding narrative and overfamiliar RPG mechanics. Really started to drag about halfway through for me.
Sort of wanted to like it more than I ultimately did. It's all very well executed and looks incredible but ultimately the stunning visual design doesn't quite make up for the plodding narrative and overfamiliar RPG mechanics. Really started to drag about halfway through for me.
4. Citizen Sleeper
Played mostly en route to/from GDC. This is more like what I was hoping for from Teenage Exocolonist. The writing is wonderfully atmospheric and cleverly mechanises the visual novel to create satisfying game loop despite "go talk to someone" being basically the only mechanic.
Played mostly en route to/from GDC. This is more like what I was hoping for from Teenage Exocolonist. The writing is wonderfully atmospheric and cleverly mechanises the visual novel to create satisfying game loop despite "go talk to someone" being basically the only mechanic.
March 22, 2025 at 5:14 PM
4. Citizen Sleeper
Played mostly en route to/from GDC. This is more like what I was hoping for from Teenage Exocolonist. The writing is wonderfully atmospheric and cleverly mechanises the visual novel to create satisfying game loop despite "go talk to someone" being basically the only mechanic.
Played mostly en route to/from GDC. This is more like what I was hoping for from Teenage Exocolonist. The writing is wonderfully atmospheric and cleverly mechanises the visual novel to create satisfying game loop despite "go talk to someone" being basically the only mechanic.
So I guess the semiconductor industry somehow survived the DeepSeek news that had already been public knowledge for a week before everyone started freaking out about it on Monday?
January 31, 2025 at 2:55 PM
So I guess the semiconductor industry somehow survived the DeepSeek news that had already been public knowledge for a week before everyone started freaking out about it on Monday?
3: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (campaign)
Surprisingly interesting game! Enjoyed the genre hopping a lot - it's almost an homage to the FPS. You get a Hitman level, then a Far Cry level, then a Resident Evil level. Some are stronger than others but it's mostly very accomplished stuff.
Surprisingly interesting game! Enjoyed the genre hopping a lot - it's almost an homage to the FPS. You get a Hitman level, then a Far Cry level, then a Resident Evil level. Some are stronger than others but it's mostly very accomplished stuff.
January 29, 2025 at 7:40 PM
3: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (campaign)
Surprisingly interesting game! Enjoyed the genre hopping a lot - it's almost an homage to the FPS. You get a Hitman level, then a Far Cry level, then a Resident Evil level. Some are stronger than others but it's mostly very accomplished stuff.
Surprisingly interesting game! Enjoyed the genre hopping a lot - it's almost an homage to the FPS. You get a Hitman level, then a Far Cry level, then a Resident Evil level. Some are stronger than others but it's mostly very accomplished stuff.
2: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
How many points do you award for style? Seriously flawed game in a lot of ways but it's brilliantly written and acted, looks and sounds great, and just absolutely nails the vibe. In the end that easily outweighs the (numerous) shortcomings.
How many points do you award for style? Seriously flawed game in a lot of ways but it's brilliantly written and acted, looks and sounds great, and just absolutely nails the vibe. In the end that easily outweighs the (numerous) shortcomings.
January 22, 2025 at 6:08 PM
2: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
How many points do you award for style? Seriously flawed game in a lot of ways but it's brilliantly written and acted, looks and sounds great, and just absolutely nails the vibe. In the end that easily outweighs the (numerous) shortcomings.
How many points do you award for style? Seriously flawed game in a lot of ways but it's brilliantly written and acted, looks and sounds great, and just absolutely nails the vibe. In the end that easily outweighs the (numerous) shortcomings.
Pretty rich considering they spent years cheerleading this nonsense
January 10, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Pretty rich considering they spent years cheerleading this nonsense
I don't think Call of Duty costing Activision $15 per copy sold shows that AAA development is financially ruinous
January 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
I don't think Call of Duty costing Activision $15 per copy sold shows that AAA development is financially ruinous
Every guard within a half mile radius when you pick up a playing card in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
January 7, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Every guard within a half mile radius when you pick up a playing card in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
Finished my first game of 2025: I Was a Teenage Exocolonist.
Had high hopes for this but was a bit underwhelmed. The writing is good but it doesn't really have a central narrative so lacks a bit of direction and momentum. Also the card game elements are so thin you wonder why they exist at all.
Had high hopes for this but was a bit underwhelmed. The writing is good but it doesn't really have a central narrative so lacks a bit of direction and momentum. Also the card game elements are so thin you wonder why they exist at all.
January 4, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Finished my first game of 2025: I Was a Teenage Exocolonist.
Had high hopes for this but was a bit underwhelmed. The writing is good but it doesn't really have a central narrative so lacks a bit of direction and momentum. Also the card game elements are so thin you wonder why they exist at all.
Had high hopes for this but was a bit underwhelmed. The writing is good but it doesn't really have a central narrative so lacks a bit of direction and momentum. Also the card game elements are so thin you wonder why they exist at all.
Now, settling in for the greatest Christmas movie ever made.
December 25, 2024 at 10:38 PM
Now, settling in for the greatest Christmas movie ever made.
What happens when I try this with my cat
December 21, 2024 at 4:29 PM
What happens when I try this with my cat
Very striking and worrying finding from our latest developer survey – a huge jump in the number of developers who say their studios are doing worse than expected commercially, up to more than 40%.
December 16, 2024 at 3:32 PM
Very striking and worrying finding from our latest developer survey – a huge jump in the number of developers who say their studios are doing worse than expected commercially, up to more than 40%.
The cat seems to be enjoying the finale of Vessel of Hatred
December 13, 2024 at 6:59 PM
The cat seems to be enjoying the finale of Vessel of Hatred
With the universally glowing reviews it'll be interesting to see if there's an Indy boost for Game Pass.
If so, there could also be a halo effect for other games – one of our dev surveys earlier this year found that developers consider Game Pass by far the best major platform for discoverability.
If so, there could also be a halo effect for other games – one of our dev surveys earlier this year found that developers consider Game Pass by far the best major platform for discoverability.
December 9, 2024 at 4:24 PM
With the universally glowing reviews it'll be interesting to see if there's an Indy boost for Game Pass.
If so, there could also be a halo effect for other games – one of our dev surveys earlier this year found that developers consider Game Pass by far the best major platform for discoverability.
If so, there could also be a halo effect for other games – one of our dev surveys earlier this year found that developers consider Game Pass by far the best major platform for discoverability.