August 19, 2026

State Of Sterling: The Throat Goat

Hello you court-appointed parsnips!

First of all, I’d like to apologize for the lack of material, be it video or writing. I’ll be transparent about things - I’m going through a lot at the moment, and while nothing truly disastrous is going on, stress and health issues have wrought their consequences on me. It’s been very much a “thousand cuts” situation as opposed to some huge blow to my life. That bloody Dead Island video was meant to be out on Monday, an objective that was scuppered by a new bout of fucking illness.

I’ve had an awful sore throat since the weekend before last. Seemed like a routine cold - mine are always heralded by miserable throat ouches and I’d recently had a couple of social engagements so it made sense. However, the rest of the cold never arrived, and the inflammation’s reached a point of exterior visibility. Turns out I have tonsillitis, so I’ve started on antibiotics and that should knock it out. The worst part is the amount of crud stuck in me though, having gotten so bad that my breathing’s impaired. It sucks!

It’s my sincerest hope to get a video out for next Monday. Reviews should be picking up again too, with The Sinking City 2 being of particular interest. So far it’s been actually good, with a remarkable quality bump from the first game, which I hope continues as I play more. Also, did you know they rereleased War of the North, that fucking shit Lord of the Rings game from 2011? I really need to write about that one. Of all the games to dredge out from behind history’s couch cushions…

Anyway, I regret that I can’t make ironclad promises of imminent delivery on these things, I just don’t want to disappoint if my latest malady throws a new curveball.

There should have been more videos posted this year than there have been. I know exactly what they are, I’ve got scripts on standby, but that’s not doing an audience any good. Whatever my excuses are, y’all deserve more than what I’ve been putting out. I feel pointedly bad about how my video output’s still consisted entirely of industry misery when there were supposed to be more interesting essays. I’m sorry about that, and I hope it’s not been too disappointing.

In brighter news, I’m going to be directing a videogame. I pitched something to a studio, they saw a lot in it, and production was greenlit. Production will properly kick off next summer, and I’m very excited about it. While I’m not gonna say much more, I can tell you it’ll be a rather dark comedy.

Assuming I’m well enough, I’ll be in Salford again on August 30th for Pinfall Wrestling. Our last show had a shockingly good turnout and I really hope that continues, because the promotion deserves it.

Right, only a short blog today, since I’m trying to recuperate. As ever, I thank you all for your continued support, it means everything. I hope I can continue being worthy of it.

Thank you,

Stephanie.

Comments (28)

R
Rena · September 16, 2026

Great seeing you wrestle. Amazing performances last couple shows from everyone! Shame Pinfall has been resorting to bloody AI for its posters, it's got me and my friends really conflicted on going anymore.

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Gauris · September 16, 2026

Feel better Steph, I used to get tonsillitis and bronchitis every year, regular as clockwork, until I turned 21, and it sucks. We'll be here if it takes a minute or more to come good mate.

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Spaceman · August 21, 2026

Congrats on the game! And as always, take care of yourself first. Don't destroy your health or your mindset in a pursuit of posting. It never, ever works out.

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Bryan Gillis · August 20, 2026

Oh, congrats on the game, Steph! I look forward to hearing more about it!

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Finvaara · August 20, 2026

I do hope you heal as easily as possible. I'm genuinely pleased to hear about the plans you are making and I'm looking forward to what you're going to do.

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Celes · August 20, 2026

How much gambling and micro transactions will your game contain? 🤭 get well soon! Not to be able to deliver but because being sick sucks and you deserve to be healthy 🦾

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Freckled1 · August 20, 2026

Congrats Steph. For someone who CONSTANTLY entertained for more than a decade I think it’s more than fair to have a year of recovery and the development of greener pastures. You’ve always never taken your fans for granted and I hope you don’t feel the ache of letting us down. Your commitment to openness (to me at least) has cultivated a true trust in where my Patreon money goes to where I will always have your back, lest the Pogfucker gods smite me to where I don’t have a single dime left.

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Brock Madden · August 20, 2026

Oh, Steph, all of Seattle loves you. We deserve nothing! Ha ha. Much ♥️.

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Julian · August 19, 2026

As someone whose body has also fallen apart these are not excuses these are the daily life of being disabled.

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Jesse · August 19, 2026

Is your game about Jonathan??

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Zack Bowden · August 19, 2026

Can't wait for the game, and I hope you feel better soon :D

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Jetty Blu · August 19, 2026

Get well soon!

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Juicy Jeff · August 19, 2026

Thank you for the most recent Boston's Favorite Son! Had me squealin with giggles, always a treat! 😊 I hope you feel better soon!

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Levan Kiknadze · August 19, 2026

Take care of your health and congratulations on the game! Don't worry about the videos. Even though they were not the most positive, they are a good reality check nonetheless.

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Mothiraffe · August 19, 2026

Honestly Steph, you aren't the only creator I know who's stepped away, decreased their work volume, or even gone on hiatus/sabbatical because things are just, simply, Dire- either in their industries/interests, or because of personal reasons. It's truly a Time to be alive... so be kind to yourself, and get well soon. Your work is always, has always, and will always be worth waiting for. And, congrats on the upcoming game! I can't wait to see what you're working on!

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Jewelsmith · August 19, 2026

Congratulations on the upcoming game, can't wait to hear more. Your videos are always a highlight of our week but it's important that you take care of yourself first. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

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grumpy otter · August 19, 2026

Stephanie, do what you need! Love you!

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Penny Gotch · August 19, 2026

Oh jeez, I had tonsillitis so many times until I got those things whipped out and it sucked every. single. time. I hope you feel better soon! And congrats on the game!

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LemonReverb · August 19, 2026

Get well soon Steph!

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JayyMission · August 19, 2026

Icky, tonsillitis is no joke! Get well soon!!

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Squishy&Merekat · August 19, 2026

Get well soon, Steph!

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whaletheboar · August 19, 2026

Get well soon! 🙏❤️

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Sierra · August 19, 2026

I never played War of the North, because I thought it looked shit. Glad to see my instincts were correct, some 15 years later :D Get well soon, Steph, thank god for you

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Burgerism · August 19, 2026

Congrats on the game, and also I hope you can get better soon. As for the output not being what you had planned, or you disappointing the viewers, I think you have amassed a following that is actually quite understanding of the circumstances and I myself didn't really feel like I didn't get "enough" from you. I also think your health is more important in the long run than your output in videos, reviews or other forms of content. And as long as there is something you are working on I will continue to follow and be still excited about whatever comes next and I never feel disappointed by you in any way. I just hope you can make the kind of content you want to make, be that a dark comedy game, reporting about misery in the gaming industry, or more fun and happy topics. It has to be what you wanna do, that's what your fan base also wants (at least that's what I think).

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Melody Haren Anderson · August 19, 2026

Congrats on the game, take care of yourself first and foremost. I'm here to support you first, and second get cool stuff from you. And your health is most important.

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Zippomage · August 19, 2026

very excited to hear about a jim sterling game. And I'm looking forward to the video, when it's done. Take proper care of yourself

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Michael Cotton · August 19, 2026

Hope you feel better soon, and congratulations on the game!

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bleakeur · August 19, 2026

congrats on the game