The first Steam Next Fest of 2025 is underway, and we have games to recommend! From collectathons to cozy games, horror roguelikes to open worlds, don’t miss these Steam Next Fest demos.
David Silbert
David Silbert
David is the founder of The Punished Backlog. He has a problem finishing games he starts. Just beat: Nine Sols, UFO 50. Working on: Metaphor: ReFantazio. Can't wait for: Hollow Knight: Silksong. Follow David on Twitter at @David_Silbert to keep up to date with all things The Punished Backlog.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, we discussed romance in games. Learn our favorite romance mechanics, characters, subplots, and more.
A fiery comment on one of our reviews prompts a deep-dive into Mario Kart, DEI, anti-woke grifters, and the state of the world.
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 Dead Letter Dept. review, we take an ode from this horror game’s unique hook and share our critique the old-fashioned way: by letter.
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.
Metaphor: ReFantazio does a lot of things very well. Perhaps most impressively, it fills the hole created by my last love, Final Fantasy XVI.
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day (and absolutely nothing else)! Let’s escape today’s doldrums with some Final Fantasy coverage.