Everything I've written recently
How to find my work or request me to speak
(Photo credit: JGP Photography)
Some readers have noted it’s tough to keep track of all the stories and outlets I write for now. As requested, here’s a definitive list of what I’ve freelanced since I left The Post in March. I will keep this directory updated over time as more work comes in.
The amount of time I can devote to this newsletter sometimes comes at a trade-off to these stories that I am pitching to other outlets. If you would like to support me and make it more feasible to report out stories at length, please consider converting to a paid sub. Here’s my Ko-Fi if you’d prefer to support one time only, instead of subscribing.
I’m also trying to curate what this newsletter can offer you. If you would like to share your feedback, please write in!
Gaming news that’s fit to print
The Verge
I wrote about the New York Times’ strategy of building video games to sell journalism, what’s new with nostalgic brands like Atari and MapleStory (the blockchain), and how AI could make it even tougher to break into the gaming industry. These stories were reported out of the March Game Developer Conference in San Francisco, California. As I used to be staff, I have a soft spot for The Verge and plan to pitch more stories.
The New York Times
In May, I wrote about AI in gaming for print and digital. This article contained multiple scoops, and I explain how this opportunity came about in a previous newsletter. More to come.
Popular Science
I’m running a monthly column for them on weird tricks of the brain.
IGN
Activision tells employees that the FTC’s claims are ‘factually weak and legally a stretch’
Xbox Studios head Matt Booty said Microsoft could ‘spend Sony out of business’ in 2019 email
Analysis: Could Halo Have Changed the FTC's Fortunes at the Microsoft Trial?
Vulture
Bonus: Here are a few clips I’m proud of having written and reported at my past jobs. This list is by no means comprehensive.
The Washington Post
‘Diablo IV’ developers work long hours, bracing for impending release (Dec. 2022)
At Blizzard, groping, free-flowing booze and fear of retaliation tainted ‘magical’ workplace (Aug. 2021)
CNN
Unemployment claims from Asian Americans have spiked 6,900% in New York. Here’s why (May 2020)
The 2020 census: Tech issues, angry neighbors and bad data (Oct. 2020)
The man behind Fortnite is making the riskiest bet of his career. The payoff could be huge (Feb. 2021)
Gaming’s biggest names are ditching Twitch for $10 million contracts (Jan. 2020)
And for New Game Plus…
I have a podcast on the science of gaming with Scientific American planned for later this summer as well. Episodes will feature horror and cozy games.
I’ve also done various in-person speaking events across SF, Los Angeles and New York since I left, including asking Microsoft employees about their work on AI and talking to women gaming executives about their careers, and going on the Giant Bomb couch during not-E3 this month. I was also in a CNN documentary about the 2010’s that aired in June.
If you’d like to request me at your speaking event, my email is shannon@flashinfics.com. My hometown is New York City, but I travel to the West Coast in March, June and December annually.