Author: Ben Harnwell

Ben Harnwell

Ben embarked on his journalism journey as a weekend photographer and roving reporter for a regional newspaper. Capturing local stories through his lens and bringing them to life with his pen, Ben's passion extended to the airwaves as the host of various radio shows on a community station. His discussions ranged from music to technology. But it was hosting shows like Obligatory RPG Show and Dice Hard in the realm of RPG, board games & miniature gaming where he excelled. His infectious enthusiasm drew fellow enthusiasts into spirited conversations. Beyond radio, Ben's interests spanned music, literature, and miniature battlefields, showcasing his boundless curiosity and ability to evoke magic through words. Whether wielding a pen or a paintbrush, Ben's impact resonates throughout the media cosmos, leaving trails of insights, stories, and the promise of more to come in his byline.

The Future of Xbox: The Console is Dead, Long Live the Gaming PC Hybrid

In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming, few brands have sparked as much speculation and as many headlines as Xbox. Over the past few years, Microsoft’s gaming division has weathered persistent rumours, fluctuating market confidence, and

Mac Gaming in 2025: Is the M5 MacBook Pro the Gaming PC You Didn’t Expect?

Mac gaming feels... different now. Not in a bad way, just... unexpected. The shift didn’t happen overnight, but it’s hard to ignore how far things have come. Apple’s silicon team keeps pushing, and with the

ACCC Lawsuit Against Microsoft: A Battle for Transparency in Australian Consumer Rights

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched legal proceedings against technology giant Microsoft Australia and its parent company, Microsoft Corporation, alleging that the companies misled millions of Australian customers regarding subscription changes and

The M5 Chip is Here: An Unprecedented Leap in Apple Silicon That Redefines the “Base” Model

Apple's launch of the M5 chip, debuting in the new 14-inch MacBook Pro, is, on the surface, a visually identical hardware refresh. However, under the hood, the M5 represents one of the most significant generational

Meet the Designer – Schrodinger’s Cat Burglar – PAX AUS 2025

Coming to you from the floor of PAX AUS 2025, where the buzz of indie booths and the hum of excited players never really stops. This is the fourth entry in my “Meet the Designer”

Meet the Designer – One Card Maze – PAX AUS 2025

Each year, PAX gives me an opportunity to not only try new games but also meet the designers and creators behind them. The talent, ingenuity and brilliance of their creativity never disappoints. How can a

Meet the Designer – Frayed Ally – PAX AUS 2025

For me, PAX this year was catching up with indie boardgame designers and talking about their games, what they made, why they made them, and how you can get your hands on them. One of

Meet the Designer – Storybrewers Roleplaying – PAX AUS 2025

Another PAX means another incredible opportunity to connect with the creative minds shaping the games we love. This year at PAX AUS 2025, I had the pleasure of catching up with the brilliant team behind

Yunzii AL80 Review: The Keyboard That Stole My Desk

Founded in 2018 by a group of keyboard enthusiasts with claimed experience in industrial design and manufacturing, Yunzii was a name I hadn’t come across. Not once. It just hadn’t crossed my radar. That’s not

The Great Digital Divide: Australia’s Social Media Ban and the Modern Family

Australia is about to make a significant move. In December 2025, a new law will come into effect that bans social media access for anyone under the age of 16. It’s a bold step, and

Australia’s Own Fragged Empire Returns to PAX AUS

Wade Dyer is back at PAX AUS, and he’s bringing Fragged Empire with him....again. If you’ve been following the game since its original release in 2016, you’ll know it’s built a solid fanbase. Not just