Stephen Totilo
@stephentotilo.bsky.social
Reporter covering video games at Game File (gamefile.news). Previously launched games coverage at Axios and MTV News. Was Kotaku EiC. stephen(at)gamefile(dot)news he/him
REVIEW: Going into the past is just what Katamari Damacy needed.
I thoroughly enjoyed Once Upon a Katamari's trip through history.
And I hope its developers, the absurdist specialists at Rengame, spelunk through more eras of the past, in the future
www.gamefile.news/p/finally-a-...
I thoroughly enjoyed Once Upon a Katamari's trip through history.
And I hope its developers, the absurdist specialists at Rengame, spelunk through more eras of the past, in the future
www.gamefile.news/p/finally-a-...
Finally, a great new idea for Katamari Damacy
Review: The new Once Upon a Katamari offers ridiculous historical tourism.
www.gamefile.news
November 7, 2025 at 10:23 PM
REVIEW: Going into the past is just what Katamari Damacy needed.
I thoroughly enjoyed Once Upon a Katamari's trip through history.
And I hope its developers, the absurdist specialists at Rengame, spelunk through more eras of the past, in the future
www.gamefile.news/p/finally-a-...
I thoroughly enjoyed Once Upon a Katamari's trip through history.
And I hope its developers, the absurdist specialists at Rengame, spelunk through more eras of the past, in the future
www.gamefile.news/p/finally-a-...
We often hear about games taking longer to develop than planned.
But this?
“The game didn’t really fit into Devolver’s schedule, because I was gonna finish it too soon. So they asked if there’s anything that I could do to lengthen the development time.”
But this?
“The game didn’t really fit into Devolver’s schedule, because I was gonna finish it too soon. So they asked if there’s anything that I could do to lengthen the development time.”
NEW: Fun chat with Ball x Pit mastermind Kenny Sun
- Does it matter how I play? Sun: "It is very much a game about pretending that you’re getting better by getting better stats"
- Max no. of balls on screen: 1,000; (slightly less on Switch; alert Digital Foundry!)
www.gamefile.news/p/ball-x-pit...
- Does it matter how I play? Sun: "It is very much a game about pretending that you’re getting better by getting better stats"
- Max no. of balls on screen: 1,000; (slightly less on Switch; alert Digital Foundry!)
www.gamefile.news/p/ball-x-pit...
Ball x Pit x Interview
GTA VI was delayed today, but that's not as important as a Ball x Pit interview, right?
www.gamefile.news
November 7, 2025 at 2:28 PM
We often hear about games taking longer to develop than planned.
But this?
“The game didn’t really fit into Devolver’s schedule, because I was gonna finish it too soon. So they asked if there’s anything that I could do to lengthen the development time.”
But this?
“The game didn’t really fit into Devolver’s schedule, because I was gonna finish it too soon. So they asked if there’s anything that I could do to lengthen the development time.”
That Mina the Hollower delay was worse than I thought.
November 7, 2025 at 5:23 AM
That Mina the Hollower delay was worse than I thought.
NEW: Fun chat with Ball x Pit mastermind Kenny Sun
- Does it matter how I play? Sun: "It is very much a game about pretending that you’re getting better by getting better stats"
- Max no. of balls on screen: 1,000; (slightly less on Switch; alert Digital Foundry!)
www.gamefile.news/p/ball-x-pit...
- Does it matter how I play? Sun: "It is very much a game about pretending that you’re getting better by getting better stats"
- Max no. of balls on screen: 1,000; (slightly less on Switch; alert Digital Foundry!)
www.gamefile.news/p/ball-x-pit...
Ball x Pit x Interview
GTA VI was delayed today, but that's not as important as a Ball x Pit interview, right?
www.gamefile.news
November 6, 2025 at 11:37 PM
NEW: Fun chat with Ball x Pit mastermind Kenny Sun
- Does it matter how I play? Sun: "It is very much a game about pretending that you’re getting better by getting better stats"
- Max no. of balls on screen: 1,000; (slightly less on Switch; alert Digital Foundry!)
www.gamefile.news/p/ball-x-pit...
- Does it matter how I play? Sun: "It is very much a game about pretending that you’re getting better by getting better stats"
- Max no. of balls on screen: 1,000; (slightly less on Switch; alert Digital Foundry!)
www.gamefile.news/p/ball-x-pit...
Another GTA VI delay... to November 19, 2026
November 6, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Another GTA VI delay... to November 19, 2026
Fuck this
BREAKING: The Supreme Court will allow the Trump administration to enforce its anti-trans and anti-nonbinary passport policy during litigation.
The unsigned, four-paragraph order effectively reverses two lower-court decisions. The Democratic appointees dissent.
More to come: www.lawdork.com
The unsigned, four-paragraph order effectively reverses two lower-court decisions. The Democratic appointees dissent.
More to come: www.lawdork.com
![SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
No. 25A319
DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES, ET AL. v. ASHTON ORR, ET AL.
ON APPLICATION FOR STAY
[November 6, 2025]
This case concerns an Executive Branch policy requiring
all new passports to display an individual’s biological sex at
birth. The United States District Court for the District of
Massachusetts preliminarily enjoined the Government
from enforcing the policy, and the First Circuit declined to
stay the injunction pending appeal. The Government then
filed this stay application. Applying our familiar stay fac-
tors at this preliminary stage, we grant the application.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:36eqtmzysqf7wsslczw4uxcd/bafkreievxyvqikl7wmrg5jkqhsrta5l5xfq272x7caunvxka7vtuzp7hoa@jpeg)
November 6, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Fuck this
Reposted by Stephen Totilo
The Scottish Greens stand with the dozens of workers sacked by @rockstargames.com for exercising their right to organise with @gameworkers.co.uk @iwgbunion.bsky.social
Reinstate them now, then get around the table & give your staff the pay & conditions they deserve for making you billions.
Reinstate them now, then get around the table & give your staff the pay & conditions they deserve for making you billions.
November 6, 2025 at 2:06 PM
The Scottish Greens stand with the dozens of workers sacked by @rockstargames.com for exercising their right to organise with @gameworkers.co.uk @iwgbunion.bsky.social
Reinstate them now, then get around the table & give your staff the pay & conditions they deserve for making you billions.
Reinstate them now, then get around the table & give your staff the pay & conditions they deserve for making you billions.
The Anti-Defamation League today urged Microsoft shareholders to vote "no" on Prop 9
Says it "advances...false allegations of 'genocide,' echoing rhetoric [the ADL finds] misleading and intended to demonize Israel rather than promote genuine human-rights accountability"
www.sec.gov/Archives/edg...
Says it "advances...false allegations of 'genocide,' echoing rhetoric [the ADL finds] misleading and intended to demonize Israel rather than promote genuine human-rights accountability"
www.sec.gov/Archives/edg...
November 6, 2025 at 3:43 PM
The Anti-Defamation League today urged Microsoft shareholders to vote "no" on Prop 9
Says it "advances...false allegations of 'genocide,' echoing rhetoric [the ADL finds] misleading and intended to demonize Israel rather than promote genuine human-rights accountability"
www.sec.gov/Archives/edg...
Says it "advances...false allegations of 'genocide,' echoing rhetoric [the ADL finds] misleading and intended to demonize Israel rather than promote genuine human-rights accountability"
www.sec.gov/Archives/edg...
Microsoft says it's bolstering ways for workers to report misuse of its tech (anon, w/o retaliation) and is "working to strengthen our existing pre-contract review process for evaluating engagements that require additional human rights due diligence"
Seeming result of pressure over MS-Israel
Seeming result of pressure over MS-Israel
November 6, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Microsoft says it's bolstering ways for workers to report misuse of its tech (anon, w/o retaliation) and is "working to strengthen our existing pre-contract review process for evaluating engagements that require additional human rights due diligence"
Seeming result of pressure over MS-Israel
Seeming result of pressure over MS-Israel
NEW: I obtained audio of an unusual presentation by Ubisoft's CEO. He tees up a slick video about the backlash to AC Shadows
"What happens when a legendary franchise reveals one of its most anticipated experiences? Only to become the game everyone loves to hate?”
www.gamefile.news/p/paris-vide...
"What happens when a legendary franchise reveals one of its most anticipated experiences? Only to become the game everyone loves to hate?”
www.gamefile.news/p/paris-vide...
In an unusual video in Paris, Ubisoft documents Assassin's Creed: Shadows' messy culture war saga
Exclusive: A transcript of Ubisoft’s official company video about battling the backlash to its biggest game in years. A key line: "We had to stop focusing on those who hated us."
www.gamefile.news
November 5, 2025 at 8:11 PM
NEW: I obtained audio of an unusual presentation by Ubisoft's CEO. He tees up a slick video about the backlash to AC Shadows
"What happens when a legendary franchise reveals one of its most anticipated experiences? Only to become the game everyone loves to hate?”
www.gamefile.news/p/paris-vide...
"What happens when a legendary franchise reveals one of its most anticipated experiences? Only to become the game everyone loves to hate?”
www.gamefile.news/p/paris-vide...
The Xbox paradox of 2025
(Paradoxbox?)
(Paradoxbox?)
And the crazy part is: they did ALL THIS—with some absolute BANGERS this year—only to simultaneously gut the gaming division and torpedo consumer goodwill every single step of the way.
Two lists and one thing to chew on
List 1: The prolific output from MS' game studios in 2025
List 2: The additional 7 (!) ports to PS5 this year
1 Thing: Most of Microsoft's output was from studios it acquired since 2018, barely last-gen. Most of its game studio network is quite new to the company
List 1: The prolific output from MS' game studios in 2025
List 2: The additional 7 (!) ports to PS5 this year
1 Thing: Most of Microsoft's output was from studios it acquired since 2018, barely last-gen. Most of its game studio network is quite new to the company
November 5, 2025 at 3:08 PM
The Xbox paradox of 2025
(Paradoxbox?)
(Paradoxbox?)
Two lists and one thing to chew on
List 1: The prolific output from MS' game studios in 2025
List 2: The additional 7 (!) ports to PS5 this year
1 Thing: Most of Microsoft's output was from studios it acquired since 2018, barely last-gen. Most of its game studio network is quite new to the company
List 1: The prolific output from MS' game studios in 2025
List 2: The additional 7 (!) ports to PS5 this year
1 Thing: Most of Microsoft's output was from studios it acquired since 2018, barely last-gen. Most of its game studio network is quite new to the company
November 5, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Two lists and one thing to chew on
List 1: The prolific output from MS' game studios in 2025
List 2: The additional 7 (!) ports to PS5 this year
1 Thing: Most of Microsoft's output was from studios it acquired since 2018, barely last-gen. Most of its game studio network is quite new to the company
List 1: The prolific output from MS' game studios in 2025
List 2: The additional 7 (!) ports to PS5 this year
1 Thing: Most of Microsoft's output was from studios it acquired since 2018, barely last-gen. Most of its game studio network is quite new to the company
Reposted by Stephen Totilo
i’d also say that the GOP’s obsession with this gives candidates an opportunity to articulate and stand up for their values. “i refuse to make anyone feel like they don’t belong in my [state/city/community]. and i want everyone to live the best life they can achieve [insert policy slogan]”
I am taking particular pleasure in the complete collapse of trans-as-unbeatable-wedge-issue narrative this morning. It might be an 80-20 issue in voters minds, but it has to be on voters minds to matter. The results in VA demonstrate that it is very much not on voters minds.
November 5, 2025 at 2:38 PM
i’d also say that the GOP’s obsession with this gives candidates an opportunity to articulate and stand up for their values. “i refuse to make anyone feel like they don’t belong in my [state/city/community]. and i want everyone to live the best life they can achieve [insert policy slogan]”
Reposted by Stephen Totilo
just wanted to re-post this messaging that helped win an election
UNTIL IT’S DONE, Ep. 4: Sylvia Rivera
In the 1970s, queer New Yorkers had been pushed to the margins of NYC. Our trans neighbors faced immense cruelty. But in Sylvia Rivera, they found a champion.
As we combat Trump’s politics of darkness, her legacy can light the path forward.
In the 1970s, queer New Yorkers had been pushed to the margins of NYC. Our trans neighbors faced immense cruelty. But in Sylvia Rivera, they found a champion.
As we combat Trump’s politics of darkness, her legacy can light the path forward.
November 5, 2025 at 3:36 AM
just wanted to re-post this messaging that helped win an election
Congratulations to Nintendo for not just the biggest console launch of all time but the most colorful console launch chart of all time.
November 5, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Congratulations to Nintendo for not just the biggest console launch of all time but the most colorful console launch chart of all time.
Nintendo slide from their latest briefing to investors, where they say they want to establish a steady cadence of movies
November 5, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Nintendo slide from their latest briefing to investors, where they say they want to establish a steady cadence of movies
Reposted by Stephen Totilo
It really is this way 😅
November 4, 2025 at 9:49 PM
It really is this way 😅
NEW: For years, Xbox execs promised to end their platforms' gaming droughts
Since 2018, Microsoft aggressively expanded its roster of game studios
In 2025, it paid off with a loaded year with games
Unclear, given the rest of Xbox's 2025, if they'll do it again
www.gamefile.news/p/fall-guys-...
Since 2018, Microsoft aggressively expanded its roster of game studios
In 2025, it paid off with a loaded year with games
Unclear, given the rest of Xbox's 2025, if they'll do it again
www.gamefile.news/p/fall-guys-...
2025 is the gaming year Microsoft long promised its players
Whether it's sustainable is a big question.
www.gamefile.news
November 4, 2025 at 9:03 PM
NEW: For years, Xbox execs promised to end their platforms' gaming droughts
Since 2018, Microsoft aggressively expanded its roster of game studios
In 2025, it paid off with a loaded year with games
Unclear, given the rest of Xbox's 2025, if they'll do it again
www.gamefile.news/p/fall-guys-...
Since 2018, Microsoft aggressively expanded its roster of game studios
In 2025, it paid off with a loaded year with games
Unclear, given the rest of Xbox's 2025, if they'll do it again
www.gamefile.news/p/fall-guys-...
As of the just-released as-of-September-30th sales....The Switch 2 (10.36m units) had not yet outsold the Wii U (13.56).
But Mario Kart World (9.57m copies) has already topped the Wii U's Mario Kart 8 (8.46m).
Definitely helps that MKW was available in a discounted bundle with the system
But Mario Kart World (9.57m copies) has already topped the Wii U's Mario Kart 8 (8.46m).
Definitely helps that MKW was available in a discounted bundle with the system
November 4, 2025 at 4:28 PM
As of the just-released as-of-September-30th sales....The Switch 2 (10.36m units) had not yet outsold the Wii U (13.56).
But Mario Kart World (9.57m copies) has already topped the Wii U's Mario Kart 8 (8.46m).
Definitely helps that MKW was available in a discounted bundle with the system
But Mario Kart World (9.57m copies) has already topped the Wii U's Mario Kart 8 (8.46m).
Definitely helps that MKW was available in a discounted bundle with the system
EA has told its workers that it'll have "creative control" over the games it makes, even if, as expected, it is bought by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund and other powerful investors
EA also says $20b in debt wouldn't stop it from more mergers/acquisitions
www.gamefile.news/p/ea-creativ...
EA also says $20b in debt wouldn't stop it from more mergers/acquisitions
www.gamefile.news/p/ea-creativ...
EA says it will retain “creative control,” should it sell to Saudi-backed consortium
A month after announcing the pending $55 billion debt-financed sale, EA offers some updates and clarifications.
www.gamefile.news
November 3, 2025 at 7:40 PM
EA has told its workers that it'll have "creative control" over the games it makes, even if, as expected, it is bought by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund and other powerful investors
EA also says $20b in debt wouldn't stop it from more mergers/acquisitions
www.gamefile.news/p/ea-creativ...
EA also says $20b in debt wouldn't stop it from more mergers/acquisitions
www.gamefile.news/p/ea-creativ...
Reposted by Stephen Totilo
BREAKING: Yesterday Grand Theft Auto VI maker Rockstar Games fired dozens of people, all of whom were involved in union efforts. A British union calls it "blatant and ruthless" union-busting. Take-Two Interactive says it was due to misconduct.
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
‘Grand Theft Auto’ Studio Accused of Union Busting After Firings
Union says 30 and 40 people were terminated. Rockstar Games’ parent company cites ‘gross misconduct’
www.bloomberg.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:44 PM
BREAKING: Yesterday Grand Theft Auto VI maker Rockstar Games fired dozens of people, all of whom were involved in union efforts. A British union calls it "blatant and ruthless" union-busting. Take-Two Interactive says it was due to misconduct.
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
A damaging leak is delaying today's Game File a bit
(probably should have gotten those gutters cleaned before today's downpour in my area)
(probably should have gotten those gutters cleaned before today's downpour in my area)
October 30, 2025 at 5:36 PM
A damaging leak is delaying today's Game File a bit
(probably should have gotten those gutters cleaned before today's downpour in my area)
(probably should have gotten those gutters cleaned before today's downpour in my area)
What's most intriguing to me about Nintendo upgrading a 2020 Animal Crossing in 2026 is that, based on past history (and counting the mobile game), it feels like a full new game is due:
2001 - AC1
2005 - Wild World
2012 - New Leaf
2017 - Pocket Camp
2020 - New Horizons
2001 - AC1
2005 - Wild World
2012 - New Leaf
2017 - Pocket Camp
2020 - New Horizons
Animal Crossing Switch 2 Edition game is $64.99 MSRP, upgrade pack is $4.99 for original owners of the game
October 30, 2025 at 1:38 PM
What's most intriguing to me about Nintendo upgrading a 2020 Animal Crossing in 2026 is that, based on past history (and counting the mobile game), it feels like a full new game is due:
2001 - AC1
2005 - Wild World
2012 - New Leaf
2017 - Pocket Camp
2020 - New Horizons
2001 - AC1
2005 - Wild World
2012 - New Leaf
2017 - Pocket Camp
2020 - New Horizons
I have studied these new Roblox charts and have concluded that Roblox is extremely popular
October 30, 2025 at 12:40 PM
I have studied these new Roblox charts and have concluded that Roblox is extremely popular