The Magazine
Every issue of Kill Screen in print, front to back — the complete table of contents for the whole run.
12 issues 221 pieces 41 online 2 not yet public
Issue 10
Issue 10
2016 · none online yet
Rami Ismail is on a mission.
Columns
- The Halls of PowerDarran AndersonSpaces — the end-boss interiors of side-scrolling beat-'em-ups.
- In the Realm of the SensesChet BetzFilm — Gaspar Noé and the cinema of excess.
- Cities of TextColin McGowanWriting — on Shadowrun: Hong Kong.
Inventory
- Glitch GenieJason JohnsonIllustration by Ollie Hoff.
- On the Perfection of BooksGareth Damian Martin
- The Unicorn VariationsFarah RishiThe legacy of Lisa Frank. Illustration by Julie Yeo.
- The Disappearing GirlCaty McCarthyOn Yume Nikki.
- Back in the CockpitChris BreaultOn Strike Force Terra Nova.
- A Definitive Ranking of Videogame DogsReid McCarterIllustrations by Judy Lee.
- MarginaliaMaddi ChiltonAn exploration of four spaces: Sunset, Gone Home, Dear Esther, Firewatch.
Emergents
- Tom van den BoogaartChris Priestman
- Everest PipkinChris Priestman
Features
- Theory of RelativityCaty McCarthyWilliam Chyr twists traditional notions of videogame architecture.
- The DistanceJamin WarrenThe world is getting smaller, and Rami Ismail wants it covered in videogames. As told to Jamin Warren.
- Emergent Game ScenesChris PriestmanFour global game development communities Rami Ismail thinks you should watch: Croatia, Uruguay, South Africa, Egypt.
- Walking the LineJosh CalixtoRobert Yang, and where videogames and sex meet.
- The Organic WorldDavid RudinPaloma Dawkins finds nature in unlikely places.
- Do Games Desensitize Us?Alexander KrissA critical essay. Illustration by Christopher Black.
- A Field Guide to Modern Pixel ArtGareth Damian MartinA visual essay: Nostalgia, Revision, Meta, Noise.
Kill Screen Review
- Wii MusicJon IrwinReviled, mocked, company-destroying: Nintendo's notorious flop deserves a reevaluation. Illustration by Christopher Black.
Back Page
- Random Access MemoryAn unsigned Pokémon Snap anecdote. Illustration by Christopher Black.
Masthead
- Editorial Creative Director
- Clayton Purdom
- Editor
- Astrid Budgor
- Design + Layout
- Justin Kielbasa
- Photographer
- David McDowell
- Associate Editor
- Jess Joho
- Web Editor
- Chris Priestman
- Fact Checkers
- Alexis Dalbey, Chiara Lambe, Emma Kidwell, Haley Rounsaville
- Founder
- Jamin Warren
- Art
- David McDowell (cover photography), Christopher Black, Ollie Hoff, kyttenjanae, Judy Lee, Julie Yeo
Issue 09
Issue 09
Summer 2016 · none online yet
The relaunched Kill Screen, with Lily Zone on the cover.
Front of Book
- Important Moments in Videogame JournalismA timeline running along the bottom of the opening spread.
- Our Saddest Gaming MomentsCompiled staff quotes: Lyndsey Edelman, Justin Kielbasa, Will Partin, Rachel Catlett.
- Welcome to the New Kill ScreenAstrid BudgorEditor's letter.
Inventory
- Cathode Ray MissionariesJason JohnsonThe strange appeal of scanlines on old TVs. Illustration by Julie Yeo.
- The New RecruitRoy GrahamWhat does it mean when the National Guard uses Call of Duty to find new soldiers? Art by Mau Lencinas.
- A Good Old-Fashioned Roman BarbecueChris BreaultHere's to one of the PS2's most enduringly strange epics.
- The Philosophy of ChoiceReid McCarter
- That Fleshy SubstanceGareth Damian MartinThe infectious influence of Polish artist Zdzisław Beksiński is all over games, and he never knew it.
- Facts About Animals Killed in Resident EvilReid McCarter
- A Wild, Wild PlaceJon IrwinUncovering the dreamy allure of the Pacific Northwest.
Emergents
- Kitty HorrorshowChris Priestman
- Ivan NotarosChris Priestman
Features
- The Descent: An Afternoon in Lily Zone's Cryptic WorldsJess JohoThe cover story.
- Red Dead Diremption: On Open-World Games and HistoryMatt Margini
- The Terrible Game Design of the American GovernmentDavid Rudin
- Disappearing ActClayton PurdomKentucky Route Zero is a game of many mysteries, perhaps none greater than what the hell is taking its creators so long.
- Cosmic JokerJamin WarrenDavid OReilly's new game Everything allows you to embody anything in its absurdist universe.
Columns
- Two Adults TalkingColin McGowanWriting — on Firewatch.
- Exit FlatlandDarran AndersonSpaces.
- Next Level NarrativeChet BetzFilm — on Edge of Tomorrow.
Random Access Memory
- [untitled]Dan SolbergBack-page essay: a Zelda map walkthrough over the phone.
Masthead
- Editorial Creative Director
- Clayton Purdom
- Editor
- Astrid Budgor
- Designer
- Justin Kielbasa
- Photographer
- David McDowell
- Copyeditor
- Ana Valens
- Proofreader
- Amanda Hudgins
- Content Editor
- Jess Joho
- Web Editor
- Chris Priestman
- Fact-checkers
- Emma Kidwell, Kathryn Madden, Maddi Chilton, Alexis Dalbey
- Founder
- Jamin Warren
- Art
- Christopher Black, Rune Fisker, Judy Lee, Mau Lencinas, Jane Mai, David McDowell, Julie Yeo
Kill
Screen
Screen
8.5
Digital-only zine
2016
CoverNo cover was ever made — the colophon lists "Cover" under "Things we don't know yet."
Issue 8.5Digital only
Issue 8.5 · Digital-only zine
2016 · none online yet
"We're calling it issue 8.5, but it's really its own unique bud of creative effort. Six of our best writers talked with six of our favorite designers."
Front of Book
- Announcing Issue 8.5, Our New Digital-Only ZineKill Screen StaffWelcome letter, drafted by editor Astrid Budgor.
Interviews
- Marc ten BoschDan SolbergThe long-awaited Miegakure draws inspiration from Japanese gardens, 19th-century satire, and experimental math.
- Jenny Jiao HsiaMichelle EhrhardtOn Beglitched and Consume Me. Web headline: 'Learning to laugh with Jenny Jiao Hsia.'
- Ben EspositoZack KotzerOn Arcane Kids, Capsule Silence XXIV, and Donut County.
- Nina Freeman & Karla ZimonjaRachel Catlett & Astrid BudgorA chat with Fullbright.
- Brendon ChungKyle KukshtelBrendon Chung's big dumb plastic switches, and Quadrilateral Cowboy.
- Jane NgCaty McCarthyHow Jane Ng turned the real world into Firewatch.
Masthead
- Editorial Creative Director
- Clayton Purdom
- Editor
- Astrid Budgor
- Designer
- Justin Kielbasa
- Photographer
- David McDowell
- Content Editor
- Jess Joho
- Web Editor
- Chris Priestman
- Founder
- Jamin Warren
- Art
- Justin Kielbasa, David McDowell
CoverCover illustration by Dark Igloo and KidMograph.
Issue 08
Issue 08 · Virtual Reality
Spring 2014 · none online yet
All the strange and beautiful things about videogames can only get stranger and more beautiful when viewed through an enormous glowing headset. What could go wrong?
Front Matter
- From the FounderJamin Warren
- Contributors
Past
- The New FleshZack KotzerDavid Cronenberg mastered body horror. But virtual reality brings it crawling into the real world. Illustration by PJ McQuade.
- Failure to LaunchKyle FowleVirtuality and the '90s VR arcade boom. Illustration by Shane Jessup.
- Did The Lawnmower Man Ruin Everything?Erik FrednerHow one terrible movie defined our vision of the future. Illustration by Kiji McCafferty.
- Long Live the ScreenBrian HoweThe Victorian roots of virtual reality. Illustration by Shane Jessup.
- Higher PowersStephen HersheyShamanic practice and Aboriginal Dreamtime. Illustration by Overture.
- Beyond the Sword of DamoclesRich ShivenerOne of the signature inventions in early VR is collecting dust in an Orange County apartment. Illustration by Naomi Butterfield.
- Sleep No MoreChris BreaultWhat happens if we can't get out? Photography by Keith Telfeyan.
- When Will We Get the Holodeck?Jason JohnsonAccording to its creator, at least 100 years.
- Seeing the ElephantGavin CraigLARPers and war reenactors are used to constructing new worlds. Illustration by Dana Paresa.
Present
- Battleground StatesDarren DavisInside the efforts to revolutionize PTSD therapy.
- HorizonsStephanie CarmichaelA roundup of forthcoming VR games.
- Welcome to the BlackboxWilliam DrewWhat can theater teach us about presence?
- Shark BytesNathaniel Ewert-KrockerDesigning the battlestations of the future — the U.S. Navy's BlueShark program.
Future
- Think of the ChildrenTommy RousseOn the frontlines of the coming backlash against VR. Illustration by Chris Nickels.
- Breaking ImmersionCarli VelocciThe most overused word in videogames crawls into obsolescence. Illustration by Dave Kloc.
- Moving PicturesCalum MarshFilm took a century to replicate the world. Have videogames done it already?
- The Oculus ShiftDan SolbergHow Palmer Luckey's headset is democratizing virtual art.
- Space Travel (or, Falling Down)Ryan BradleyHow do we actually remember Los Santos?
Back Matter
- Dark Igloo & KidmographDavid ShimomuraAbout the cover artists.
Masthead
- Founder
- Jamin Warren
- Editorial Director
- Clayton Purdom
- Art Director
- CJ Dunn
- Proofreader
- Bijan Stephen
- Design
- House of 207, Justin Kielbasa
- Development
- Tom Clancy
- Interns
- Astrid Budgor, Kelly Burke, Elyas Gorogo-Baker, Kyle Kukshtel, Jess Joho, David Shimomura
- Staff Writer, Killscreendaily.com
- Jason Johnson
- Director of Business Development
- Tom Gregorio
- Business Assistant
- Jane Mai
- Neuromancer
- John Portman
- Special Thanks
- Diane Lander-Simon
- Art
- Dark Igloo (cover), KidMograph (cover), Naomi Butterfield, CJ Dunn, Shane Jessup, Tor Justad, Dave Kloc, Kiji McCafferty, PJ McQuade, Chris Nickels, Overture, Dana Paresa, Steven Strom, Keith Telfeyan
Kill
Screen
Screen
07
The Great Outdoors
Spring 2013
CoverCover art on hold — see archive note.
Issue 07
Issue 07 · The Great Outdoors
Spring 2013 · none online yet
"We'll jump from the eagle-hunting steppes of Kazakhstan to the handholds of Uncharted's rock climbing faces to the playful (and nauseous) edges of outer space. Let's go outside!"
Front Matter
- From the EditorJamin Warren
The Great Outdoors
- The Desert of the RealYannick LeJacqGames look more lifelike than ever, but they rarely feel like it. Why copying nature isn't enough.
- Photo BombRainer SiglA new generation of photographers is exploring the vast unknowns of your favorite games. A running photo essay.
- Do Orangutans Dream of Electric Bananas?Benjamin HaleA conversation with the game designer who is teaching great apes to play.
- Cabin FeverKent SzlauderbachHow historical pandemics have spawned the most infectious trope of indoor games.
- You Come Back, But You're Never the SameRyan BradleyA meditation on playing in zero-gravity.
- The Life He ImaginedRichard MorganHenry David Thoreau is our national prophet of nature and simple living. Can a videogame capture his spirit?
- Pitch PerfectPete L'OfficialPlaying FIFA doesn't feel like TV, and it doesn't feel like a live match. Here's why it feels just right.
- The World is FlatBrendan KeoghOne man's journey to the end of Minecraft.
- Eagle ScoutsJosiah HarristThe last game on Earth with the horsemen of Kazakhstan. Words and photos by Josiah Harrist.
- Myths and ModdersPatrick ElliotMeet the Bigfoot Hunters of San Andreas.
- For Kong and CountryZack KotzerWhy your favorite SNES title was a love letter to the highs and lows of the English countryside.
- Making, BelieveTim MalySecurity specialist Eleanor Saitta tinkers with Burning Man, Nordic larp, war games, and prototyping the future.
- Beautiful ApocalypseKyle LemmonComposer Gustavo Santaolalla scores the end of man.
- The Play After TomorrowJason JohnsonWhat will our consoles do without us?
- Lost in Plain SightDan SolbergMiasmata makes survival a real concern.
- Get a GripKevin NguyenHidden life lessons in digital rock walls.
- Earth-BoundKyle ChaykaWhat do videogames and 20th-century contemporary art have in common? Simple: Roller Coaster Tycoon.
- The Architect's DreamJacob SilvermanAn ambitious project with UN Habitat and Minecraft studio Mojang seeks to change the face of public architecture around the world. Will it work?
- Chernobyl StalksLiam YoungA S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Chernobyl exclusion zone photo essay by the Unknown Fields design studio.
Masthead
- Founder
- Jamin Warren
- Art Director
- Regan Johnson
- Design
- Jeremy Borthwick, Justin Kielbasa
- Development
- Jake Elliott
- Staff Writers, Killscreendaily.com
- Jon Irwin, Jason Johnson
- Interns
- Conor Burnett, Alex Martin, Bijan Stephen
- Director of Business Development
- Tom Gregorio
- Community Manager
- Sarah Elmaleh
- Woodsman
- John Portman
- Founders Emeritus
- Chris Dahlen, Anthony Smyrski
- Art
- Timothy Reynolds (cover illustration), Braulio Amado, Amber Asay, George Bletsis, Kory Brinton, Weston Colton, Josiah Harrist, Jonathan Petersen, Sergey Pilshikov, Graham Roumieu, Paul Sloane, Houston Trueblood, C. Adrian Walsh, Jeremy Wilburn
CoverCover illustration by Braulio Amado.
Issue 06
Issue 06 · Change
Spring 2012 · none online yet
Kill Screen takes a closer look at the transitions, turmoil, triumphs, and tragedies of games that spill over from our gaming lives to our real ones, and perhaps even the other way around.
A New World
- The Colossus of CodeNicholas KeyaskoHow games are finding their post-colonial soft touch. Illustration by Daniel Purvis.
- Shoot to WillCarrie AndersenJFK: Reloaded lets us recreate one of America's greatest tragedies. It's not as bad as you think. Illustration by Colin Pinegar.
- Jogo BonitoLuis WongCan videogames solve Latin America's woes? A savvy group of game lovers thinks so. Art by George Bletsis.
Body Talk
- Extreme MeasuresRyan BradleyIf making videogames turns into a science, where does that leave the art? Illustration by Mikey Burton.
- Can't Stop, Won't StopDan CrabtreeA 12-step process for gaming addicts. Illustration by Edward McGowan.
Grow Up
- Bearded, Bald, and Buttoned UpBo MooreHow do you make games for Nana and Papoose? We asked some of the best game designers to create for the new geriatric age. Illustration by Jory Hemmelgarn.
- Your Mom Plays SkyrimNicholas BreckonIllustration by Jesse Lenz.
- Never ChangeFilipe SalgadoRalph Baer, the father of modern videogames, has a lot on his mind. Art by Ping Zhu.
Coin Drop
- I'm Your PusherJames MitchellA guide to liberating some change from the claw machine's twisted sister. Illustration by Chaunté Vaughn.
- No Quarters GivenJon IrwinOne writer takes the long road from New Hampshire to central Florida and beyond. Illustrations by Dan Black.
- Gone Baby GoneAndrew HaywardRecycled for parts and left to sit, one arcade distributor's old cabinets recall the shining past of coin-op gaming. Photography by Gena Hayward.
- Calling AhabAndrew Vanden BosscheSocial games call their power users 'white whales.' Maybe we should call them chronic gamblers instead. Illustration by Regan Johnson.
The Great Migration
- Limited PartnershipJohn Dower, as told to Anthony Sims, Jr.A 20-year director of film and television finds frustration and possibility in the game industry. Illustration by Mike Force.
- Brother's KeeperRich Stearns, as told to Jamin WarrenThe Parker Brothers president on Frogger and the collapse of the company's videogame ambitions. Illustration by Josh Fronk.
Back to the Future
- Versus ModeLevi RubeckA poet's toolkit points to a deeper understanding of play. Illustration by Michael Mesker.
- Forever YoungJason JohnsonUltimate Newcomer started development in Hungary just after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It's still not finished.
- Reality EffectsDarshana JayemanneA lesson on the myth of virtual reality from ancient Rome. Illustration by Dan Christofferson.
Masthead
- Founder
- Jamin Warren
- Editor
- Ryan Kuo
- Art Director
- Regan Johnson
- Copy Editor
- Thomas Rousse
- Managing Editor, Killscreendaily.com
- Ryan Kuo
- Designer, Killscreendaily.com
- Jeremy Borthwick
- Assistant Designer
- Daniel Purvis
- Developer
- Jake Elliott
- Interns
- Adnan Agha, Henry Crouch, Lyndsey Edelman, Josiah Harrist, Rachel Helps, Claire Hosking, Yannick LeJacq, Patrick Lindsey, Drew Millard, Chris Romero, Jacob Simon, Kent Szlauderbach
- Director of Business Development
- Tom Gregorio
- Community Manager
- Sarah Elmaleh
- Provacateur
- John Portman
- Founders Emeritus
- Chris Dahlen, Anthony Smyrski
- Art
- Braulio Amado (cover), Regan Johnson (cover), Dan Black, George Bletsis, Mikey Burton, Dan Christofferson, Mike Force, Josh Fronk, Gena Hayward, Jory Hemmelgarn, Jesse Lenz, Edward McGowan, Michael Mesker, Colin Pinegar, Daniel Purvis, Chaunté Vaughn, Ping Zhu
CoverCover photograph by Daniel Schludi; cover illustration by Richard Perez.
Issue 05
Issue 05 · Sound
Fall 2011 · none online yet
"It was inevitable Kill Screen would do a Sound issue. We set out to tell the stories of the people who make game audio happen."
Contents
- I Sang to Shigeru MiyamotoJonathan MannA ballad for the creator of Super Mario Bros. Illustration by Jack Teagle.
- Say Hi To LumiJason JohnsonTetsuya Mizuguchi's Child of Eden and Japan's virtual idol craze. Illustration by Nicola Felaco.
- Chris TiltonPatrick Klepek"Game designers aren't taking music seriously." Illustration by Chaunté Vaughn.
- Taking the Deep DiveDanielle RiendeauRobin Arnott's audio-only game Deep Sea. Photographs by Daniel Schludi.
- Voices in the DarkJon LynchOn 'Let's Play' video culture. Illustrations by Kyle White.
- Nolan NorthSarah ElmalehAn interview with the voice of Nathan Drake. Illustrations by Edward McGowan.
- Play It Again, SamusKirk HamiltonJazz and games — freedom starts with following the rules. Illustrations by Keenan Cummings.
- Worlds of SoundJulian MurdochIrrational Games' Pat Balthrop and Ken Levine on the sounds of BioShock. Illustration by Johnny Dombrowski.
- Bloop and ThunderGus MastrapaChiptunes vs. metal. Illustrations by Jonathan McGhee.
- Noteworthy: The Music that Influenced The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TimeDan Bruno
- I Am Sitting In A RoomChris DahlenGame composers and the ambient innovators. Illustration by David Lemm.
- Small Communities, Big IdeasReid McCarterSuperbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP and Jim Guthrie. Illustration by Steve Courtney; spot illustrations by Craig Adams.
- Cantus FirmiMatthew S. BurnsDynamic music, Marty O'Donnell, and Halo 3: ODST. Illustrations by Peter Jellitsch.
- A Gaming Rehearsal in Three MovementsLuis WongThe Animatissimo student orchestra in Lima, Peru. Photographs by Diego Rodriguez.
Pause
- The PolynomialJ.P. GrantScreenshots by Dmytry Lavrov.
- Lana Del ReyLana PolanskyPhotograph by Nicole Nodland.
- Mux MoolJon Irwin
- Nico MuhlyDavid RaposaIllustration by Ping Zoo.
Front & Back Matter
- From the EditorChris Dahlen
- Masthead
- Contributors
Masthead
- President
- Jamin Warren
- Editor-in-Chief
- Chris Dahlen
- Editors
- Ryan Kuo, Keith McCleary
- Design
- Keenan Cummings, Jon Troutman
- Managing Editor, Killscreendaily.com
- Ryan Kuo
- Staff Writers, Killscreendaily.com
- Richard Clark, Jon Irwin, Lana Polansky
- Designer, Killscreendaily.com
- Jeremy Borthwick
- Assistant Designer
- Daniel Purvis
- Developer
- Tom Clancy
- Assistant Developer
- Jesse Young
- Director of Sales and Marketing
- Tom Gregorio
- Community Manager
- Sarah Elmaleh
- Patron
- John Portman
- Founder Emeritus
- Anthony Smyrski
- Art
- Daniel Schludi (cover photo), Richard Perez (cover illustration), Craig Adams, Steve Courtney, Keenan Cummings, Johnny Dombrowski, Nicola Felaco, Peter Jellitsch, David Lemm, Jonathan McGhee, Edward McGowan, Nicole Nodland, Diego Rodriguez, Tim Saccent, Jack Teagle, Chaunté Vaughn, Kyle White, Ping Zoo
CoverCover art by Joshua Freiwald.
Issue 04
Issue 04 · Public Play
Spring 2011 · none online yet
"Our public play issue."
Front Matter
- President's LetterJamin Warren
Contents
- The Joy Of Public PwningChris BakerOn Fatal1ty.
- Seeing RedJon IrwinOn the Virtual Boy.
- How To Play: NinjaLana Polansky
- 40 Seconds of FameBrendan Keogh
- Permanent CollectionFilipe SalgadoGames in the Toronto public libraries.
- Start Snitchin'Brian TaylorOn Quidditch.
- Masterful PlayTracy Fullerton
- How to Play: Humans Vs. ZombiesLana Polansky
- Ready, SetKirk HamiltonOn The Go Game.
- Tunnel VisionMark RichardsonDungeons & Dragons in the steam tunnels.
- Parks and Re-CreationMathias CrawfordOn the playground.
- A Conversation with Jesse SchellMichael Abbott
- Principles & Applications of Barrel SmashingDavid WolinskyOn Donkey Kong.
- How to Play: OMMRPGLana Polansky
- Alternating RealityJason JohnsonAn interview with Jim Babb.
- The Other ArcadesMajed AthabManila.
- Dancing KingSimon Parkin
Masthead
- President
- Jamin Warren
- Editor-in-Chief
- Chris Dahlen
- Editor
- Ryan Kuo
- Design
- Ann Howard, Brian Kroeker
- Proofreader
- Keith McCleary
- Managing Editor, Killscreendaily.com
- Ryan Kuo
- Staff Writers, Killscreendaily.com
- Richard Clark, Jon Irwin, Lana Polansky
- Designer, Killscreendaily.com
- Jeremy Borthwick
- Assistant Designer
- Daniel Purvis
- Developer
- Tom Clancy
- Assistant Developer
- Jesse Young
- Chief Operating Officer
- Tom Gregorio
- Back Office Hero
- Sarah Elmaleh
- Patron
- John Portman
- Founder Emeritus
- Anthony Smyrski
- Translator
- Aya Walraven
- Art
- Joshua Freiwald (cover), Wojtek Arciszewski, David Boni, Ben Bunch, Mary Connolly, Tim Denee, Mr. GIF, Ian Higginbotham, Sarah Jacoby, Kitsuney, Ryan Kuo, Duncan Mattocks, Rey Ortega, Nante Santamaria, Brian Taylor
Issue 03
Issue 03 · Intimacy
Winter 2011 · 21 of 22 online
"We thought a sex issue would be silly, but an intimacy issue? That seemed more fitting. What you will find this issue should pull you in close with heavy breath and then push you away."
Front Matter
- From the PresidentJamin Warren
Contents
- Count to TenRyan BradleyIllustration by Mark Stuckert.
- Save AerisBrian TaylorHow can we be moved by the fate of Aeris Gainsborough? Illustrations by Ian Higginbotham.
- Pause: The Mary Mack 5000Kaho Abe and Lina Fenequito's Mary Mack 5000. Photographs by Ryan Kuo.
- How Does It Feel?Tracey JohnKatherine Isbister wants to know you from the inside out. Photographs by Jesse Angelo.
- Talking Thinking BelievingNora Nahid KhanOn Dragon Age: Origins. Illustrations by Louis Roskosch.
- Pause: Tiffani HooperTiffani Hooper's Yale thesis show.
- Character BuildingBrendan KeoghGrowing up on Grove Street. Illustration by David Boni.
- Sucker PunchJustin AmirkhaniSome of the most influential designers talk about their fights. Photography by Filippo Venturi.
- Suicidal TendenciesJason JohnsonOn Love Plus+. Illustration by Rey Ortega.
- Poster BoyJ.P. GrantPhotographs by Stu Horvath.
- LowebrowRob DubbinA conversation with Al Lowe, the creator of Leisure Suit Larry. Illustrations by Tim Denee.
- Pause: Andrew HymasAtari adaptations of romantic comedies, as imagined by Andrew Hymas.
- Unco-operativeMaddy MyersTwo players. One protagonist. Illustration by Sarah Jacoby.
- I Understand, Now ComeVictoria and Anthony BartkewiczThe couple that fights together stays together. Illustration by Jason Fischer.
- Romantic DevelopmentsChris PlanteFirst comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the action-RPG. On Armağan and İpek Yavuz.
- Commuter PainAndrew HaywardMe, my wife, and a train. On Railfan. Photographs by Gena Hayward.
- All the Spaces Between UsJenn Frank
- On the LineKent Sutherland
- A Creation MythJason Schreier
- Such Good DaringBrandon Laird
- ROManceChris Baker
Masthead
- President
- Jamin Warren
- Editor-in-Chief
- Chris Dahlen
- Editor
- Ryan Kuo
- Lead Designer
- David Boni
- Proofreader
- Keith McCleary
- Contributing Editors
- Rob Dubbin, Jenn Frank, Zack Handlen, Jason Killingsworth, Nora Nahid Khan
- Chief Operating Officer
- Tom Gregorio
- Web Managing Editor
- Ryan Kuo
- Web Editor
- Nora Nahid Khan
- Web Designer
- Jeremy Borthwick
- Web Developer
- Tom Clancy
- Back Office Hero
- Cheyenne Wright
- Interns
- Justin Amirkhani, Lana Polansky, Daniel Purvis, Jesse Young
- Hero
- John Portman
- Founder Emeritus
- Anthony Smyrski
- Art
- Rey Ortega (cover), Jesse Angelo, David Boni, Max Capacity, Tim Denee, Jason Fischer, Celine Grouard, Gena Hayward, Ian Higginbotham, Tiffani Hooper, Stu Horvath, Andrew Hymas, Sarah Jacoby, Ryan Kuo, José-Luis Olivares, Louis Roskosch, Justin Russo, Mark Stuckert, Filippo Venturi
CoverBlackboard drawing by Emanuele Sferruzza Moszkowicz, photographed by Kaitlin Dale.
Issue 02
Issue 02 · Back to School
Fall 2010 · 3 of 21 online
"That question of what games teach is at the heart of the Back to School issue. So grab a pencil, take a seat, and open your textbooks. Class is in session."
Contents
- From the PresidentJamin Warren
- Capture the SchoolBrendan KeoghPhotography by Sean Haas.Runs online as “Game Type: Capture the School”
- One Small StepLaura MichetBreathing in Moonbase Alpha. Illustration by David Boni.
- Red Dead Redemption Progress ChartNicholas FeltonInfographic.
- Trade-offsRob DubbinMeet Karim Hakimzadeh, financial analyst and StarCraft master. Illustration by David Boni.Runs online as “Tradeoffs”
- The Young and the ScorelessRyan BradleyIllustration by Sarah Jacoby.Scheduled in Ghost for 25 Aug 2026 — not public yet
- Be, Move, and Do!James KochalkaComic.
- Carol Ann Has DysenteryJamin Warren & Kent SutherlandLiving, learning, and dying on the steps of The Oregon Trail. Illustration by Justin Russo.Still a draft in Ghost — this link is dead on the live Issue 02 page
- Kellee Santiago Dream PortraitEmanuele S. MoszkowiczPortrait.
- Rough RidersBen AbrahamAustralia looks different from the driver's seat. On FUEL. Photography by Daniel Purvis.
- Renaissance ManDavid WolinskyAssassin's Creed II's resident historian Marcello Simonetta on why accuracy is overrated. Illustration by David Boni.
- Breaking the NewsSimon FerrariCan videogames save journalism? Illustration by Ian Higginbotham.
- Boxed OutPatrick CasselsThe strange and exotic world of cover art.
- Trading SpacesBrian TaylorWhat navigating digital worlds can teach us about our own. Illustration by Zach Kugler.
- Educated GuestsEmily ShortVideogame design makes an appearance in the classroom. Illustration by Tim Denee.
- Toppling the Ivory TowerMitu KhandakerAre videogame academics irrelevant? Illustration by Justin Russo.
- Breaking PangeaRob ZacnyJia Xie and Yang Yang wanted to teach the world Chinese through an MMO. But the world wasn't ready. Photography by Thomas Haywood.
- The Eye of the BeholderEd FriesThe creator of Halo 2600 finds beauty in constraint. ASCII art by Justin Russo.
- Mazed and ConfusedChris DahlenThe art of the puzzle. Illustration by Dennis Chow.
- The Shadow and the SorrowBen FritzFinishing Shadow of the Colossus teaches us why we should never have started. Photography by Folkert Gorter.
- The Help LineZack HandlenA boy, a phone, a problem. Illustration by Eóin Burke.
Masthead
- President
- Jamin Warren
- Managing Editor
- Chris Dahlen
- Lead Designer
- David Boni
- Editor
- Ryan Kuo
- Contributing Editors
- Rob Dubbin, Zack Handlen, Jason Killingsworth, Nora Nahid Khan
- Back Office
- Susan Savory
- Web Developer
- Tom Clancy
- Hero
- John Portman
- Founder Emeritus
- Anthony Smyrski
- Art
- Emanuele Sferruzza Moszkowicz (cover), Kaitlin Dale (cover photography), Alan Lugo (cover image editing), David Boni, Eóin Burke, Dennis Chow, Tim Denee, Nicholas Felton, Folkert Gorter, Sean Haas, Thomas Haywood, Ian Higginbotham, Sarah Jacoby, James Kochalka, Zach Kugler, Daniel Purvis, Justin Russo
CoverCover art by Kordian Lewandowski; back cover by Justin Russo.
Issue 01
Issue 01 · No Fun
Summer 2010 · 17 of 22 online
VIDEOGAMES ARE NO FUN. Fear. Gluttony. Psychosis. Frustration. Pain. Sickness. Rejection. Disgust. "Simply put, games are no fun. So let's talk about that, ok?"
Front Matter
- From the EditorJamin WarrenTrials HD and the Nodar Kumaritashvili luge crash.
- Contributors
- Masthead
Articles
- Big Buck HunterJason FagoneA hunting arcade challenges boundaries with bullets. Photo by Fred Benenson.Runs online as “KS01: Spending the Big Bucks”
- King of the OgresJ. Nicholas GeistA love story. On World of Warcraft. Illustration by David Boni.Runs online as “I Am King of the Ogres [KS01]”
- Tura, Lost at SeaGus MastrapaEverQuest and therapy.
- Videogame Feminist of the DecadeJenn FrankRuns online as “Video Game Feminist of the Decade”
- Stephen LavelleFilipe SalgadoRuns online as “Every Choice Leads to Loss”
- Ball is Out of ControlJohn TetiLaGuardia's 30-year New York pinball ban. Additional research by Connor Towle.Runs online as “Balling Out of Control”
- Axe to GrindJason KillingsworthOn Guitar Hero.
- Winning Hearts and MindsMajed AthabFallujah and Six Days in Fallujah.
- The Sound of SicknessJamin WarrenGame audio designers. Illustration by Sarah Jacoby.
- Like a BossNora Nahid KhanGrappling with the lords of darkness.
- WinnerMatthew BurnsIs competition such a bad thing? On Bungie's Capture the Flag.
- Some RussianRob DubbinOn Modern Warfare 2's 'No Russian.' Illustration by David Boni.
- Calling Off the EngagementRyan KuoHow a zombie game pulls me in and pushes me away. On Left 4 Dead 2. Screenshot by Eva and Franco Mattes.
- The Local VocalRichard MorganTurning Japanese dreams into Western realities. An interview with XSEED translator Jessica Chavez.
- Licking Her BootChris DahlenA talk with Anna Anthropy — independent gamemaker, critic, sadist, creator of Mighty Jill Off, Calamity Annie, and Redder.
- Intensive CareRyan KuoKrystian Majewski talks about identity, animation, and adventure in his game Trauma.
- The Big ChillMitch KrpataOn the arcade game Chiller. Illustration by Sarah Jacoby.
- Manufacturing DiscomfortJamin WarrenA talk with Messhof. Photo by Ryan Kuo.Runs online as “Manufacturing Discomfort with Messhof [KS01]”
- Monday MorningZack HandlenThe most disgusting puzzle ever written. Illustration by Eóin Burke.
Pause
- Ben FryBen FryQ*bert cartridge code visualization and Distella maps.
- Jon HaddockJon HaddockIsometric screenshots reframing historical events.
Masthead
- President
- Jamin Warren
- Managing Editor
- Chris Dahlen
- Creative Director
- Anthony Smyrski
- Editor
- Ryan Kuo
- Designer
- David Boni
- Business Manager
- Celestine Arnold
- Contributing Editors
- Rob Dubbin, Zack Handlen, Jason Killingsworth
- Proofreading
- Alexandra Heifetz
- Intern
- Connor Towle
- Hero
- John Portman
- Child
- Nicky Dahlen
- Art
- Kordian Lewandowski (cover), Justin Russo (back cover), Fred Benenson, David Boni, Eóin Burke, Brody Condon, Alessandro Cotrufo, Joseph DeLappe, Vincent Diamante, Eric Englehard, Ben Fry, Jon Haddock, Sarah Jacoby, Ryan Kuo, Julian Lytle, Eva and Franco Mattes, Julian Sancton, Ryan Theodores
CoverCover photograph by Christophe Beauregard; back cover by Chris Sweeney.
Issue 00
Issue 00 · Maturity
Winter 2010 · none online yet
THE MATURITY ISSUE: Sex, death and dying. A brotherly connection. VIDEOGAMES. Peter Molyneux. VIDEOGAMES? VIDEOGAMES!
Contents
- Why Kill Screen?Jamin WarrenA name explained, defended, and heralded.
- Our Residence EvilTom BissellOther games were nothing more than a collective prologue.
- Pause: The Many Faces of Space InvadersLogan Walters
- Air TrafficMatthew ShaerA million minds, a million miles.
- Autumn SocietyJoseph 'Chogrin' Game's Autumn Society collective. Artwork by Anthony Pedro, Jude Buffum, Glen Brogan.
- Naming RightsRob DubbinA satirical email exchange with a fictional brand consultant.
- Controllers ControlledA roundtable with Nicolas Nova, Aram Sinnreich, and Tracy Fullerton. X-ray controller photography by Reinier van der Ende.
- Us Vs. ThemLeigh AlexanderFor the sake of the medium. Photo by Ryan Kuo.
- Play In Isolation: Where Is My HeartRyan KuoA walk through the woods.
- Childish AmbitionsL. B. JeffriesThe journey to maturity. Image by Kim Herbst.
- Pause: PitfallBrock Davis
- A Conversation with Peter Molyneux
- Player One, Player TwoJason Killingsworth
- Walkthrough for a Made-Up GameZack HandlenThe little man must bounce. Illustration by Eóin Burke.
Masthead
- Editor / Head Guy
- Jamin Warren
- Managing Editor / Important Guy
- Chris Dahlen
- Designer / Creative Guy
- Anthony Smyrski
- Art
- Christophe Beauregard (cover), Chris Sweeney (back cover), José A. Morales Cobos, Logan Walters, Anthony Pedro, Jude Buffum, Glen Brogan, Joseph “Chogrin” Game, Ryan Kuo, Kim Herbst, Brock Davis, Eóin Burke, Vincent Diamante, Reinier van der Ende