Second Wind is a new independent games and culture website founded by ex-Escapist employees Nick Calandra and Ben Croshaw, also known as Yahtzee. The site aims to create content that is informative, interesting and fun, and everything that the fans of The Escapist have come to expect from the team behind it.
Second Wind was announced on November 7, 2023, less than a day after Calandra and Croshaw resigned from The Escapist, along with several other staff members. The reason for their departure was the firing of Calandra by the parent company GAMURS, which acquired The Escapist in September 2022. Calandra claimed that he was let go for failing to meet goals that were not properly explained, and that he declined his severance pay and refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Who are the founders of Second Wind?
Nick Calandra was the editor-in-chief of The Escapist since 2019, and was responsible for reviving the site after its decline in popularity and quality. He oversaw the launch of Volume Two, a rehauled website that featured new and original content, as well as the return of some of the old favorites, such as Zero Punctuation, the weekly video game review series by Croshaw.
Ben Croshaw, better known by his online alias Yahtzee, is a British-Australian video game critic, author, and comedian. He is best known for creating Zero Punctuation, which features his fast-talking and humorous commentary on various video games. He also writes novels, such as the sci-fi comedy series Mogworld and Jam, and hosts several podcasts, such as The Escapist Show and Slightly Civil War.
What can we expect from Second Wind?
According to the official announcement, Second Wind will begin to release videos starting from November 15, 2023. The site will have social media channels on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, as well as a Patreon page where fans can support the project and get access to exclusive content and perks. The site will also have a newsletter and a Discord server where the community can interact with the creators and each other.
Some of the content that Second Wind will offer includes:
- Zero Punctuation: The popular video game review series by Yahtzee will continue on Second Wind, with new episodes every Wednesday. Yahtzee will also host a live Q&A session with the patrons after each episode.
- The Escapist Show: The weekly podcast where Nick and Yahtzee discuss the latest news and trends in the gaming industry, as well as their personal opinions and experiences. The show will also feature interviews with developers, journalists, and other personalities in the gaming scene.
- Slightly Civil War: The bi-weekly debate show where Nick and Yahtzee take opposing sides on a controversial topic related to video games, such as loot boxes, microtransactions, or game difficulty. The show will also have a follow-up episode where the hosts discuss the feedback and comments from the audience.
- Other Shows: Second Wind will also produce other shows and videos that cover various aspects of gaming and culture, such as reviews, previews, features, documentaries, and more. The site will also welcome guest contributors and collaborators who share the same vision and passion for gaming and entertainment.
Why should you check out Second Wind?
Second Wind is a new and exciting venture by ex-Escapist staff who have proven their skills and expertise in creating high-quality and engaging content for the gaming and culture audience. The site promises to deliver content that is informative, interesting and fun, and that reflects the personality and style of its founders and creators. Second Wind is also a platform that values the community and the feedback of its fans, and that strives to create a positive and inclusive environment for everyone who loves gaming and entertainment.
If you are a fan of The Escapist, or of Nick and Yahtzee, or of gaming and culture in general, you should definitely check out Second Wind and see what they have to offer. You can follow them on X and YouTube, support them on Patreon, subscribe to their newsletter, and join their Discord server. You can also visit their official website, which will launch soon, and watch their first videos, which will drop on November 15, 2023.