Daniel Kaszor

Daniel Kaszor: A Veteran Voice in Gaming Journalism

Daniel Kaszor is a seasoned journalist and editor whose career has been defined by a deep engagement with video game culture, technology, and their intersections with broader societal trends. Over his decade-long tenure at the Financial Post and National Post, Kaszor established himself as a critical voice in Canadian gaming journalism, blending analytical rigor with an accessible narrative style. His work has shaped conversations around gaming as both entertainment and art.

Career Trajectory: From Niche Beats to Cultural Commentary

Kaszor’s career began in the mid-2000s, a period when gaming journalism was often relegated to niche publications. His breakthrough came in 2011 when he spearheaded the creation of Post Arcade, the Financial Post’s dedicated gaming vertical. Under his leadership, Post Arcade became a hub for thoughtful critiques and industry analysis, elevating gaming coverage within mainstream Canadian media.

• 2011–2017: Building Post Arcade – As founding editor, Kaszor curated a mix of reviews, developer interviews, and trend pieces. He championed indie titles alongside AAA releases, emphasizing storytelling and innovation.
• 2017: Transition to Freelance – After six years, Kaszor stepped down to pursue independent projects, though he continues to contribute long-form essays and industry analyses.

Key Articles and Impact

• Post Arcade year in review: Daniel Kaszor’s top 10 video games of 2017 This annual roundup exemplifies Kaszor’s editorial vision, balancing mainstream hits like Super Mario Odyssey with niche favorites such as Nioh. The article dissects gameplay mechanics and narrative depth, reflecting his belief that games are a “conversation between creator and player.” Notably, he highlights Horizon Zero Dawn for its environmental storytelling, a theme recurrent in his work. The piece solidified his reputation for bridging enthusiast and general audiences.
• “Horizon Zero Dawn isn’t just about robotic dinosaurs—it’s about rediscovering humanity’s capacity for wonder.”
• Daniel Kaszor hangs up his hat as editor of Post Arcade after six years In this farewell essay, Kaszor reflects on the evolution of gaming journalism, arguing for its role in critiquing “the medium’s growing cultural weight.” He critiques the industry’s labor practices and calls for greater diversity in game narratives. The article serves as a manifesto for ethical journalism within entertainment media.
• Post Arcade goes hands on with Destiny 2 at the reveal event in LA Kaszor’s coverage of Destiny 2 blends technical analysis with developer interviews, offering insights into Bungie’s design philosophy. He questions the game’s live-service model, presaging debates about monetization that would dominate industry discourse years later.

Beat Analysis and Pitching Recommendations

1. Focus on Narrative Innovation in Games

Kaszor prioritizes games that push storytelling boundaries, such as What Remains of Edith Finch or Disco Elysium. Pitches should highlight unique narrative structures or thematic depth, akin to his analysis of Horizon Zero Dawn’s post-apocalyptic lore. Avoid generic “top 10” lists unless they offer fresh critical frameworks.

2. Investigate Industry Labor Practices

His farewell essay underscores a commitment to ethical reporting. Stories about unionization efforts, crunch culture, or diversity in development teams align with his advocacy for systemic change. For example, a pitch could explore how indie studios implement four-day workweeks.

3. Cultural Impact of Gaming

Kaszor frequently examines gaming’s role in broader culture, such as his coverage of Game of Thrones crossovers. Pitches might explore how games influence fashion (e.g., Final Fantasy collaborations) or address climate change through gameplay mechanics.

Awards and Achievements

While Kaszor’s accolades are not widely publicized, his influence is evident in OpenCritic’s aggregate score of 85 across 37 reviews, reflecting consistent critical acclaim. Colleagues credit him with legitimizing gaming coverage in traditional financial media, a rarity during Post Arcade’s inception.