Simon Parkin
@simonparkin.bsky.social
Author and journalist. Creator of the My Perfect Console podcast. www.simonparkin.com
The story of how a Bournemouth schoolboy developed Worms, a video game that went on to become a global phenomenon, is extraordinary. One of my favourite conversations on the show this year-
Persistence paid off for schoolboy game dev @rockandrollmachine.bsky.social when he landed a publishing deal for his first game, Total Wormage (aka Worms), at a trade show.
Listen to the untold story of how Andy designed a game at school that became a global sensation.
Out now: apple.co/47PAhUk
Listen to the untold story of how Andy designed a game at school that became a global sensation.
Out now: apple.co/47PAhUk
November 18, 2025 at 11:30 AM
The story of how a Bournemouth schoolboy developed Worms, a video game that went on to become a global phenomenon, is extraordinary. One of my favourite conversations on the show this year-
Reposted by Simon Parkin
A privilege to speak with @yosp-jp.bsky.social, whose passion and belief in independent gamemakers is both infectious and authentic.
Among many other things he tells the story of how a failure led him to join Ken Kuatargi's PlayStation project, an opportunity that changed the course of his life:
Among many other things he tells the story of how a failure led him to join Ken Kuatargi's PlayStation project, an opportunity that changed the course of his life:
Our next guest is one of the most beloved figures in the video games industry. Please welcome, @yosp-jp.bsky.social .
The Former President of Sony Interactive's Worldwide Studios helped oversee the development of landmark titles across generations.
Don’t miss this exciting episode: bit.ly/43RMgx9
The Former President of Sony Interactive's Worldwide Studios helped oversee the development of landmark titles across generations.
Don’t miss this exciting episode: bit.ly/43RMgx9
November 11, 2025 at 10:18 AM
A privilege to speak with @yosp-jp.bsky.social, whose passion and belief in independent gamemakers is both infectious and authentic.
Among many other things he tells the story of how a failure led him to join Ken Kuatargi's PlayStation project, an opportunity that changed the course of his life:
Among many other things he tells the story of how a failure led him to join Ken Kuatargi's PlayStation project, an opportunity that changed the course of his life:
Reposted by Simon Parkin
Origins of a Species 🐟
At the turn of the millennium one of gaming’s most unique and bizarre titles was released for the Dreamcast.
@simonparkin.bsky.social sits down with its creator Yoot Saito to discuss the evolution, extinction and potential revival of the weird and wonderful Seaman.
At the turn of the millennium one of gaming’s most unique and bizarre titles was released for the Dreamcast.
@simonparkin.bsky.social sits down with its creator Yoot Saito to discuss the evolution, extinction and potential revival of the weird and wonderful Seaman.
November 11, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Origins of a Species 🐟
At the turn of the millennium one of gaming’s most unique and bizarre titles was released for the Dreamcast.
@simonparkin.bsky.social sits down with its creator Yoot Saito to discuss the evolution, extinction and potential revival of the weird and wonderful Seaman.
At the turn of the millennium one of gaming’s most unique and bizarre titles was released for the Dreamcast.
@simonparkin.bsky.social sits down with its creator Yoot Saito to discuss the evolution, extinction and potential revival of the weird and wonderful Seaman.
A privilege to speak with @yosp-jp.bsky.social, whose passion and belief in independent gamemakers is both infectious and authentic.
Among many other things he tells the story of how a failure led him to join Ken Kuatargi's PlayStation project, an opportunity that changed the course of his life:
Among many other things he tells the story of how a failure led him to join Ken Kuatargi's PlayStation project, an opportunity that changed the course of his life:
Our next guest is one of the most beloved figures in the video games industry. Please welcome, @yosp-jp.bsky.social .
The Former President of Sony Interactive's Worldwide Studios helped oversee the development of landmark titles across generations.
Don’t miss this exciting episode: bit.ly/43RMgx9
The Former President of Sony Interactive's Worldwide Studios helped oversee the development of landmark titles across generations.
Don’t miss this exciting episode: bit.ly/43RMgx9
November 11, 2025 at 10:18 AM
A privilege to speak with @yosp-jp.bsky.social, whose passion and belief in independent gamemakers is both infectious and authentic.
Among many other things he tells the story of how a failure led him to join Ken Kuatargi's PlayStation project, an opportunity that changed the course of his life:
Among many other things he tells the story of how a failure led him to join Ken Kuatargi's PlayStation project, an opportunity that changed the course of his life:
Reposted by Simon Parkin
🤖🌟 Issue 6 of APWOT is live on Kickstarter! 🌟🤖
Featuring a beautiful lenticular cover of Astro Bot marking both our feature interview with the game’s director, Nicolas Doucet, and the 30th anniversary of PlayStation.
Get in there!
💫 kck.st/4i1GAHT 💫
Featuring a beautiful lenticular cover of Astro Bot marking both our feature interview with the game’s director, Nicolas Doucet, and the 30th anniversary of PlayStation.
Get in there!
💫 kck.st/4i1GAHT 💫
November 4, 2025 at 6:21 PM
🤖🌟 Issue 6 of APWOT is live on Kickstarter! 🌟🤖
Featuring a beautiful lenticular cover of Astro Bot marking both our feature interview with the game’s director, Nicolas Doucet, and the 30th anniversary of PlayStation.
Get in there!
💫 kck.st/4i1GAHT 💫
Featuring a beautiful lenticular cover of Astro Bot marking both our feature interview with the game’s director, Nicolas Doucet, and the 30th anniversary of PlayStation.
Get in there!
💫 kck.st/4i1GAHT 💫
Reposted by Simon Parkin
Named a Best Book of the Year by Scientific American and The Economist!
The true story of the botanists who made “the heroic decision during the siege of Leningrad to guard biodiversity at the cost of human life” (NYT)
The Forbidden Garden by Simon Parkin, now in paperback! https://bit.ly/3BIYQod
The true story of the botanists who made “the heroic decision during the siege of Leningrad to guard biodiversity at the cost of human life” (NYT)
The Forbidden Garden by Simon Parkin, now in paperback! https://bit.ly/3BIYQod
October 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Named a Best Book of the Year by Scientific American and The Economist!
The true story of the botanists who made “the heroic decision during the siege of Leningrad to guard biodiversity at the cost of human life” (NYT)
The Forbidden Garden by Simon Parkin, now in paperback! https://bit.ly/3BIYQod
The true story of the botanists who made “the heroic decision during the siege of Leningrad to guard biodiversity at the cost of human life” (NYT)
The Forbidden Garden by Simon Parkin, now in paperback! https://bit.ly/3BIYQod
Reposted by Simon Parkin
I am such a huge fan of @myperfectconsole.bsky.social, because I'm such a huge fan of @simonparkin.bsky.social. Getting to be on the show was a delight, and folks are telling me it was good - I'm glad to hear.
After his game, Ridiculous Fishing, became a hit, @ramiismail.com found a touching way to thank his parents for the sacrifices they made to help him achieve his dreams.
Find out what he did — and how it all began — in this week’s episode: bit.ly/48LMMRB
Find out what he did — and how it all began — in this week’s episode: bit.ly/48LMMRB
October 29, 2025 at 10:31 AM
I am such a huge fan of @myperfectconsole.bsky.social, because I'm such a huge fan of @simonparkin.bsky.social. Getting to be on the show was a delight, and folks are telling me it was good - I'm glad to hear.
While alive, Einstein fought all attempts to use his name and likeness as a promotional gimmick. His death, however, turned his face into a battleground, kickstarting the celebrity image rights industry.
Inside the murky world of Einstein’s rights, now in audio:
www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
Inside the murky world of Einstein’s rights, now in audio:
www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
October 26, 2025 at 12:12 PM
While alive, Einstein fought all attempts to use his name and likeness as a promotional gimmick. His death, however, turned his face into a battleground, kickstarting the celebrity image rights industry.
Inside the murky world of Einstein’s rights, now in audio:
www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
Inside the murky world of Einstein’s rights, now in audio:
www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
Reposted by Simon Parkin
🚨 It's that time of year again! Please sign up for the upcoming ISSUE 6 campaign! 🙌🙏
www.kickstarter.com/projects/caz...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/caz...
Coming soon: A Profound Waste of Time: Issue 6
The sixth issue of A Profound Waste of Time. Kickstarter coming late 2025.
www.kickstarter.com
October 22, 2025 at 5:08 PM
🚨 It's that time of year again! Please sign up for the upcoming ISSUE 6 campaign! 🙌🙏
www.kickstarter.com/projects/caz...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/caz...
*The Audience Versus* is coming to The Pleasance, Islington next Tues, 28th Oct.
Face-off against @elliegibson.bsky.social and www.instagram.com/_ednight/ in a series of bastardised video game-challenges.
With host @thenewsatglenn.bsky.social.
Tickets here: www.pleasance.co.uk/event/audien...
Face-off against @elliegibson.bsky.social and www.instagram.com/_ednight/ in a series of bastardised video game-challenges.
With host @thenewsatglenn.bsky.social.
Tickets here: www.pleasance.co.uk/event/audien...
October 23, 2025 at 1:07 PM
*The Audience Versus* is coming to The Pleasance, Islington next Tues, 28th Oct.
Face-off against @elliegibson.bsky.social and www.instagram.com/_ednight/ in a series of bastardised video game-challenges.
With host @thenewsatglenn.bsky.social.
Tickets here: www.pleasance.co.uk/event/audien...
Face-off against @elliegibson.bsky.social and www.instagram.com/_ednight/ in a series of bastardised video game-challenges.
With host @thenewsatglenn.bsky.social.
Tickets here: www.pleasance.co.uk/event/audien...
Reposted by Simon Parkin
The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 caught everyone by surprise, including those intimately involved in its creation.
Join @SimonParkin.bsky.social in conversation with Lorien Testard as he recounts his journey from guitar teacher to game's composer.
Listen now: apple.co/47xkVDw
Join @SimonParkin.bsky.social in conversation with Lorien Testard as he recounts his journey from guitar teacher to game's composer.
Listen now: apple.co/47xkVDw
October 21, 2025 at 8:04 AM
The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 caught everyone by surprise, including those intimately involved in its creation.
Join @SimonParkin.bsky.social in conversation with Lorien Testard as he recounts his journey from guitar teacher to game's composer.
Listen now: apple.co/47xkVDw
Join @SimonParkin.bsky.social in conversation with Lorien Testard as he recounts his journey from guitar teacher to game's composer.
Listen now: apple.co/47xkVDw
Reposted by Simon Parkin
I'll be talking with @simonparkin.bsky.social today for a live recording of the @myperfectconsole.bsky.social podcast as part of the University of Chicago's amazing Year of Games Symposium. Come through if you can! www.eventbrite.com/e/my-perfect...
October 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
I'll be talking with @simonparkin.bsky.social today for a live recording of the @myperfectconsole.bsky.social podcast as part of the University of Chicago's amazing Year of Games Symposium. Come through if you can! www.eventbrite.com/e/my-perfect...
Chance the Rapper vs Animal Crossing - prob the best thing I made in lockdown tbh.
October 16, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Chance the Rapper vs Animal Crossing - prob the best thing I made in lockdown tbh.
[email protected] is one of the sharpest, loveliest people working in tech journalism, whose work at The Verge and Polygon has helped shape the way we talk and think about games. Still, there was so much about his life and journey I didn't know. Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/6tTY...
Can you guess what game @Plante.bsky.social is talking about? Let us know in the comments.
In the latest episode, @SimonParkin.bsky.social is joined by the veteran journalist and co-founder of Polygon who recently launched the Post Games podcast.
Listen now: bit.ly/3W3XFXm
In the latest episode, @SimonParkin.bsky.social is joined by the veteran journalist and co-founder of Polygon who recently launched the Post Games podcast.
Listen now: bit.ly/3W3XFXm
October 14, 2025 at 9:13 AM
[email protected] is one of the sharpest, loveliest people working in tech journalism, whose work at The Verge and Polygon has helped shape the way we talk and think about games. Still, there was so much about his life and journey I didn't know. Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/6tTY...
Reposted by Simon Parkin
In 2014 I wrote for @newyorker.com about @kurtjmac.bsky.social, a YouTuber who began walking in Minecraft and never stopped. His quest was to reach the Far Lands, a place at the limits of the algorithmic world, where the landscape breaks apart. On Saturday, after fourteen years, he arrived:
A Journey to the End of the World (of Minecraft)
www.newyorker.com
October 9, 2025 at 10:54 AM
In 2014 I wrote for @newyorker.com about @kurtjmac.bsky.social, a YouTuber who began walking in Minecraft and never stopped. His quest was to reach the Far Lands, a place at the limits of the algorithmic world, where the landscape breaks apart. On Saturday, after fourteen years, he arrived:
In 2014 I wrote for @newyorker.com about @kurtjmac.bsky.social, a YouTuber who began walking in Minecraft and never stopped. His quest was to reach the Far Lands, a place at the limits of the algorithmic world, where the landscape breaks apart. On Saturday, after fourteen years, he arrived:
A Journey to the End of the World (of Minecraft)
www.newyorker.com
October 9, 2025 at 10:54 AM
In 2014 I wrote for @newyorker.com about @kurtjmac.bsky.social, a YouTuber who began walking in Minecraft and never stopped. His quest was to reach the Far Lands, a place at the limits of the algorithmic world, where the landscape breaks apart. On Saturday, after fourteen years, he arrived:
Blippo+ is a handcrafted TV-channel surfing game from a past that never existed. L.A.-based actors, comedians and artists collaborated to direct and film hours of footage.
A joy to interview @theuniverse.bsky.social, one of its creators, whose career is studded with bright jewels like these.
A joy to interview @theuniverse.bsky.social, one of its creators, whose career is studded with bright jewels like these.
With a career that spans music, tech, and cultural criticism, is there anything @TheUniverse.bsky.social can’t do?
Join @SimonParkin.bsky.social in conversation with the multi-talented Claire L. Evans as she reveals the five titles she chose for her perfect console.
Available now: apple.co/47awNv0
Join @SimonParkin.bsky.social in conversation with the multi-talented Claire L. Evans as she reveals the five titles she chose for her perfect console.
Available now: apple.co/47awNv0
October 7, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Blippo+ is a handcrafted TV-channel surfing game from a past that never existed. L.A.-based actors, comedians and artists collaborated to direct and film hours of footage.
A joy to interview @theuniverse.bsky.social, one of its creators, whose career is studded with bright jewels like these.
A joy to interview @theuniverse.bsky.social, one of its creators, whose career is studded with bright jewels like these.
Thrilled to have spoken to Alexander, whose translation work I have long admired, and whose influence can be clearly seen in so many games, including this week’s rerelease of Final Fantasy Tactics.
Good scheduling is key to successfully translating massive games like Final Fantasy XIII.
Join @SimonParkin.bsky.social and translator @aokajiya.bsky.social as he discusses how he helped bring Japanese classics like Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy XII to Western players.
Listen now: bit.ly/3KlzWPX
Join @SimonParkin.bsky.social and translator @aokajiya.bsky.social as he discusses how he helped bring Japanese classics like Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy XII to Western players.
Listen now: bit.ly/3KlzWPX
September 30, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Thrilled to have spoken to Alexander, whose translation work I have long admired, and whose influence can be clearly seen in so many games, including this week’s rerelease of Final Fantasy Tactics.
Reposted by Simon Parkin
Slow Horses is back. To celebrate, listen to our episode with Daniel Pemberton, composer of the show’s theme tune (and many more), who reveals how Rolling Stones’ frontman Mick Jagger recorded the song’s vocals — using a studio on his ‘back-up’ island: www.patreon.com/posts/daniel...
September 24, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Slow Horses is back. To celebrate, listen to our episode with Daniel Pemberton, composer of the show’s theme tune (and many more), who reveals how Rolling Stones’ frontman Mick Jagger recorded the song’s vocals — using a studio on his ‘back-up’ island: www.patreon.com/posts/daniel...
Reposted by Simon Parkin
this is, hands down, the best video I've seen on men's influencer content and it's not close either
September 14, 2025 at 1:50 AM
this is, hands down, the best video I've seen on men's influencer content and it's not close either
Reposted by Simon Parkin
This was a special conversation for me for many reasons. Was fab talking to @simonparkin.bsky.social of course. But also, talking about my childhood, my family, how game discovery was woven in to my very first job, and how these 5 games mean the world to me. If you like my stuff, do share widely.
Why is physical play often considered more valuable than digital play?
In our latest episode, veteran journalist and Family Gamer TV founder @geekdadgamer.bsky.social shares his insights on the evolution of children's play and how digital and physical play can coexist.
Listen now: apple.co/4pqYSFC
In our latest episode, veteran journalist and Family Gamer TV founder @geekdadgamer.bsky.social shares his insights on the evolution of children's play and how digital and physical play can coexist.
Listen now: apple.co/4pqYSFC
September 16, 2025 at 8:22 AM
This was a special conversation for me for many reasons. Was fab talking to @simonparkin.bsky.social of course. But also, talking about my childhood, my family, how game discovery was woven in to my very first job, and how these 5 games mean the world to me. If you like my stuff, do share widely.
This NYT interview with Cameron Crowe is a great listen. At one point the interviewer shares several of his theories as to why Crowe's more recent work might be weaker than his earlier films. Ballsy! podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
'The Interview': What Happened to Cameron Crowe? He Has Answers.
Podcast Episode · The Daily · 13/09/2025 · 52m
podcasts.apple.com
September 15, 2025 at 9:49 PM
This NYT interview with Cameron Crowe is a great listen. At one point the interviewer shares several of his theories as to why Crowe's more recent work might be weaker than his earlier films. Ballsy! podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Reposted by Simon Parkin
For today’s Observer magazine I interviewed Brett Goldstein at the house he’s renovating in Fulham, about the secret tape that made him Roy Kent, his new film’s rejection of algorithmic love, and why, after 5 years in the froth of success, he’s ready to put down roots: observer.co.uk/culture/inte...
September 14, 2025 at 12:54 PM
For today’s Observer magazine I interviewed Brett Goldstein at the house he’s renovating in Fulham, about the secret tape that made him Roy Kent, his new film’s rejection of algorithmic love, and why, after 5 years in the froth of success, he’s ready to put down roots: observer.co.uk/culture/inte...
For today’s Observer magazine I interviewed Brett Goldstein at the house he’s renovating in Fulham, about the secret tape that made him Roy Kent, his new film’s rejection of algorithmic love, and why, after 5 years in the froth of success, he’s ready to put down roots: observer.co.uk/culture/inte...
September 14, 2025 at 12:54 PM
For today’s Observer magazine I interviewed Brett Goldstein at the house he’s renovating in Fulham, about the secret tape that made him Roy Kent, his new film’s rejection of algorithmic love, and why, after 5 years in the froth of success, he’s ready to put down roots: observer.co.uk/culture/inte...
Reposted by Simon Parkin
How do you balance a career in games PR with punk stardom?
In our latest episode, @lizzietrouble.bsky.social , lead vocalist and guitarist of indie Teens in Trouble, discusses her dual life and, reveals her surprising link to Street Fighter 4.
🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/4m0JOvj
In our latest episode, @lizzietrouble.bsky.social , lead vocalist and guitarist of indie Teens in Trouble, discusses her dual life and, reveals her surprising link to Street Fighter 4.
🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/4m0JOvj
September 9, 2025 at 8:34 AM
How do you balance a career in games PR with punk stardom?
In our latest episode, @lizzietrouble.bsky.social , lead vocalist and guitarist of indie Teens in Trouble, discusses her dual life and, reveals her surprising link to Street Fighter 4.
🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/4m0JOvj
In our latest episode, @lizzietrouble.bsky.social , lead vocalist and guitarist of indie Teens in Trouble, discusses her dual life and, reveals her surprising link to Street Fighter 4.
🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/4m0JOvj