Critic at Large
Long-form design critic with a background in print and essay writing. Evaluates games as systems and cultural artifacts.
Game design systems, cultural criticism, long-form evaluation, and the intersection of games with broader media and art.
Julian worked for eleven years as a print essayist and cultural critic before shifting his focus entirely to games. He has written for literary magazines, design journals, and independent games publications. His approach treats games as systems worthy of the same analytical rigor applied to film or architecture — and he has little patience for criticism that mistakes enthusiasm for analysis.
Published Articles
9
In the wake of their launches, both 'Slay the Spire 2' and 'ARC Raiders' reveal deeper questions about player engagement, game economies, and what these titles demand from their players, a discourse often overshadowed by immediate gameplay critiques.
In an industry rife with comparison and commercial metrics, we must ask: how can journalism evolve to evaluate games on their own merits?
In a recent revelation, Joe Hendry, the WWE NXT Champion, expresses his admiration for the indie game They Are Billions, highlighting his passion for city-building games like Kingdoms and Castles.
The anticipated release of a new title for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 has been unexpectedly postponed, leaving fans and analysts questioning the implications for the platform's future.
Exploring the thematic and aesthetic implications of Resident Evil Requiem's design in the context of player engagement and cultural narratives.
Highguard, launched just 45 days ago, faces shutdown due to catastrophic player retention failures. This analysis dissects the design decisions, monetization strategies, and live-service missteps that led to its untimely demise.
A critical examination of the systems that define player agency and narrative complexity in Larian Studios' latest RPG masterpiece.
As Marathon emerges as a top contender in the gaming landscape, its implications for competitive play and player engagement warrant deeper exploration.
As two titles rise in the Steam rankings, a closer look at their design philosophies reveals contrasting player experiences and engagement mechanics.