In this interview with indie developer Kaizen Game Works, we asked about great characters, world-building, and how tricky truck physics are.
Amanda Tien
Amanda Tien
Amanda Tien (she/her or they) loves video games where she can pet dogs, punch bad guys, make friends, and have a good cry. She started writing for the site in 2020, and became an editor in 2022. She enjoys writing about mystery games, indies, and strong femme protagonists.
Her work has also been published in Unwinnable Monthly (click here to read her cover feature on Nancy Drew games), Salt Hill Journal, Poets.org, Litro Magazine, Public Books, and more. She was the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Columbia University's Culinarian Magazine, and served for two years as the Managing Editor of Aster(ix) Literary Journal.
She recently graduated with a MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. Her writing, art, graphic design, and marketing work can be viewed at www.amandatien.com.
She does not post a lot on social, but you can find her on X and on Instagram.
In The Punished Podcast Episode 14, we crown our Fantasy Gaming 2024 winner and host our 2025 draft—with a new dynasty format!
In our Citizen Sleeper 2 review, learn how Starward Vector builds on its award-winning predecessor while maintaining the same heart.
Indie games are labors of love, and this year, it looks like there will be a lot to love! These are our most anticipated indie games of 2025.
We’re launching a new brand and logo for The Punished Backlog! Let’s take a look back through the years and reflect on our past logos.
For The Punished Podcast Episode 13, we recorded a Final Fantasy VII Rebirth spoilercast. Come for the ending analysis; stay for the music.
There are too many side quests in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, so here are the very best for you to explore (and not get burned out).
In our Paper Perjury review, learn if this Ace Attorney-inspired detective game lives up to the Phoenix Wright name.
In this episode of our video game podcast, Amanda asks the writers to pitch her on one of their favorite games of 2024.
From best games that make us feel like GAMERS to best games we didn’t play, here are The Punished Backlog’s Prop Awards for 2024!