
Better Offline The State of the Games Industry with Nathan Grayson
46 snips
Dec 5, 2025 Nathan Grayson, co-founder of the worker-owned site Aftermath and a seasoned games journalist, joins Ed Zitron to discuss the evolution of independent media in the gaming world. They delve into the challenges of running a worker-owned outlet, the importance of coverage that spans politics and culture, and the pressing labor issues within the industry. Nathan also explores the dynamics of indie versus AAA studios, critiques on gamer culture, and the potential of new gaming technologies like Steam Deck. Tune in for insights into fostering healthier game development practices!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Choose Infrastructure That Scales Subscriptions
- Move your independent site to a platform that supports payments, notifications, and flexible design.
- Nathan Grayson says Ghost offered needed subscription and design features they lacked on their previous platform.
Running Media Means Running A Business
- Building a media outlet requires expanding from writers to handling payroll, promotion, and business ops.
- Nathan explains indie publications must grow revenue before hiring full-time staff.
Games And Politics Are Inextricably Linked
- Games intersect with politics and culture far more than many admit.
- Aftermath deliberately covers that overlap, treating games as politically relevant media.


