I like learning new things about old video games.
My name is Drew Mackie, and I have been writing about video games in one form or another ever since I had an internet connection. In the very first post on this site, I explain what I’m doing and why I’m doing it, as well as the similar project that ultimately led to this bigger and better one, all these years later.
I worked as a writer and reporter for a long time, but more recently I’ve been making podcasts. For the people reading this site, the podcast that will probably be most interesting is Singing Mountain, which is about video game music, particularly video game music of the 16-bit era. I have a lot of episodes about video game history, but the most popular episode is a more recent one, “The Forest of Remarkable Chill.”
Other episodes, like the one about the connection between David Lynch and Nintendo, may eventually materialize in future episodes. My most successful podcast, however, is Gayest Episode Ever, which is about LGBT-focused episodes of classic sitcoms. In 2021, I made a video of every LGBTQ joke on the history of The Simpsons, seasons 1 to 31. It’s been viewed almost 3 million times.
I also host Deep Cuts & Superficial Wounds, which is about 80s music. I produce Sam Pancake Presents the Monday Afternoon Movie, which is about made-for-TV horror movies from the 70s. I’m the cofounder of TableCakes Productions. I’m also the EIC of a quarterly comic anthology about Southern California, Beyond Sunset. I occasionally still write about non-video-game-related things at DrewMackie.com.
The best way to reach me is on Twitter or via the contact page. If you want to see me shirtless, I am frequently that on my Instagram, my username for which is kidicarus222, because that was the name I picked when I first signed up for AIM back in the day, and when I picked it, Kid Icarus was a less remembered thing than it is now. Funny how that works.
BTW, I did in fact give name this website something that overpromises from the get go. I look forward to people telling me that it is not, in fact, thrilling.
In writing posts here, I am aided by two talented translators who also help me research in Japanese, in addition two a copyeditor who makes sure that the text is as typo-free as we could hope for. They are compensated for their work, and I would gladly recommend their services!
Fatimah Haji-Asiri
My name is Fatimah Haji-Asiri, and I’m a Kuwaiti/Irani-American, Japanese-to-English translator. When I’m not making whatever series I’m currently obsessed with my whole personality for months on end, I’m sensitivity-checking, translating, researching, and theorizing about localization choices for the articles on this site.
I grew up bilingual, speaking Arabic, and always loved stories and writing as a kid. This eventually led me to the translation and localization industry. Making the works of creators accessible to as many people as possible around the world is vital to global culture and bridging gaps. I believe it’s a human right to have access to culture, media, and literature despite the language barrier.
I’ve worked for both Japanese and American companies and have done localization work for manga, anime for various streaming services, variety/travel programs, commercials (S.H.Figuarts, TAMASHII NATIONS), you name it. I’ve also consulted with voice actors and directors for dubs.
You can contact me at fatimahhajiasiri [at] gmail and find me on Twitter under my username @saffronapplepie, because I’m as American as saffron-infused apple pie ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. For a few samples of my work, here's a YouTube playlist of some commercials I’ve worked on and clips of anime I’ve subbed.
Anne Lee
Anne Lee is a fan of video games, Japanese, and writing — sometimes all together! Her freelance localization experience spans nearly every step of the process, from translation to editing, proofreading, and LQA. Her writing has appeared on sites such as IGN, Waypoint, and Anime News Network. When not at her day job or chipping away at freelance work, you can find her diving down her own rabbit holes at Chic-Pixel.com. She’s most active on Twitter and Instagram.
Amy Smith
This site has a copyeditor, Amy Smith, who edits all pieces before they go live. She is great, and if you’re looking for a CE for your writing, find her on Instagram or on Facebook.