“I was looking for articles that related to someone like me…”GNL Magazine is an independent, Black woman‑owned gaming and culture publication founded and edited by Kiesha Richardson. We focus on clear, practical game guides, honest reviews, and cultural commentary that treats games as more than products — they’re worlds, stories, and reflections of the people who play them.
…I was looking for gaming and geek culture content that felt like me—a Black girl, geeky, nerdy, and a little older. But all I found were spaces built by, for, and with the perspective of white men. Even as I enjoyed the games, the forums and fanbases felt hostile, gatekept, and anything but inclusive.
So I created GNL Magazine.
I wanted something different: a place where games could be discussed with care, curiosity, and context. A space that centered Black women gamers while still welcoming players across cultures, regions, and playstyles.
What We Cover
GNL Magazine specializes in:
Game Guides that are thorough, readable, and respectful of player time
Reviews that balance mechanics, storytelling, and emotional impact
Editorials that explore games through identity, culture, and lived experience
Ongoing Games & Worlds including RPGs, MMOs, survival games, and systems‑driven titles
We pay particular attention to:
Character customization and player expression
Worldbuilding and immersive systems
Fashion, housing, and how players inhabit digital spaces
Games shaped by real‑world cultures and histories
Our Perspective
GNL Magazine is Black woman‑led, but not exclusionary.
Our work is grounded in the belief that better criticism — and better guides — come from broader perspectives. We write with cultural awareness, curiosity, and respect, without gatekeeping who games are for.
Games don’t exist in a vacuum. They’re influenced by history, identity, labor, and community. We take those influences seriously.
Editorial Independence & Ethics
GNL Magazine is independently owned and operated. All reviews, guides, and opinions are editorially independent.
Sponsored content is clearly labeled. We do not accept grey‑niche advertising or deceptive link practices. Our audience’s trust matters more than short‑term revenue.
About the Editor‑in‑Chief
Kiesha Richardson is a Black American Editor‑in‑Chief, editor, and critic with over a decade of experience covering games and geek culture. She has been gaming since the Atari era and focuses on RPGs, MMOs, immersive systems, and culture‑forward analysis.
She also runs Blerd Travels, a travel platform exploring global destinations through a Black woman’s lens, and writes fiction, including the ongoing xianxia web novel Death Blooms for You.
Looking Forward
GNL Magazine continues to evolve — expanding guides, deepening reviews, and spotlighting games that resonate beyond hype cycles.
If you’re here for clarity, culture, and thoughtful coverage, you’re in the right place.