Max Murphy - Mothership

I don't know if I want to meet Laufey

After playing God of War in the wake of my mother's death, I'm not sure I'm ready to move forward

Max Murphy Sep 3, 2026

Feature

This cyberpunk mystery hooked me with its cast of baddies and poker-inspired gameplay

“It surprised me when we started getting eyes on the game, and people would bring up the cast’s number of women, or that we depict queer people… Like, isn’t this just how the world is?"

Amanda Tien Sep 2, 2026

Personal Essay

How Animal Crossing helped me swim to sobriety

Searching for meaning in the ocean and inside of trees

Newt Albiston Sep 1, 2026

Max Murphy is a writer with a focus on storytelling in games. He is based in St Paul with his wife, two cats, and a lot of handhelds.

1 article

Kratos and Laufey standing very close to each other, their foreheads touching, with their eyes closed

Personal Essay

I don't know if I want to meet Laufey

After playing God of War in the wake of my mother's death, I'm not sure I'm ready to move forward

Max Murphy Sep 3, 2026