There are times one looks at the stars and feels dread. There are times one looks at the stars and feels wonder.

The other day, I saw someone in flip-flops walking around with an icy beer in one hand and a bag bursting with groceries on another, and their joyous, wide smile made me remember: Some things are indeed sacred. And they mostly don’t involve the Internet. But these moments usually last very little, and I’ve found that what always remains after them are a thought or two about art.

Some things that have happened on July 26 over the years: In 1887, the first grammar of Esperanto, failed international language, is published. 1947, Harry Truman creates the CIA. 1953, Fidel Castro attacks the Moncada barracks in Santiago de Cuba, marking the start of the Cuban Revolution and Cuba’s eventual victory against American imperialism. 1956, Abdul Nasser nationalizes the Suez Canal, and Israel, of course, retaliates with a war that destabilizes Egypt for decades. And lastly, in 1967, Tim Schafer is born (hell yeah.)

On this day too, and of equal historical significance, is the birth of THIRD WORLD. I am frustrated by the agreeableness of games media, its destruction by corporate entities, the complete lack of conviction from many of those who remain. With the loss of institutional knowledge, games writing risks repeating its old mistakes, falling into old habits. Instead of trembling under the weight of the past, THIRD WORLD advocates a criticism armed by History.

There are a few things I like about the site so far. I like the look of it. I like the inverted five-pointed star, symbol of uprooted order, via Disco Elysium. I love what it could be: a tropical perspective to games writing. Equal parts crucible and reprieve. A place for those fleeting thoughts to live in.

If any of this interests you, do stick around. There’s a few more words in the About page that will tell you more about this project, including its name. The first piece, a review of Metal Gear Solid V, is out now for you to read. The contact form is also open, and your feedback is very much encouraged.

Anyway, yeah. See you very soon.