The ProfNoctis Weekly Show

Magic meets Final Fantasy!  In this episode, Wade (ProfNoctis), Evan, and Nick sit down with Magic: The Gathering principal designer Gavin Verhey to unpack how the Final Fantasy collaboration came to life—and why “every card is an invitation.”

What we cover:
-Gavin’s origin story (from 11-year-old aspiring designer to Principal Designer)
-How Universes Beyond brings new players into MTG (and keeps veterans engaged)
-Final Fantasy design gems: Saga Creatures (Bahamut!), Fang & Vanille meld, King Edgar’s coin-flip, and the Gold Saucer date debate
-Keeping Magic fresh: creative worldbuilding + elegant mechanics
-Why Commander builds community (and thoughts on future digital multiplayer)
-The power of Battlebond, Mystery Booster, and the “unknown events”
-SpellTable, on-ramps for beginners, and the heart of the MTG community

Key Lessons:
-“Every card is an invitation.”
-How the team balanced fan-service with avoiding spoilers
-Why losing and still having fun is the secret design
-Community as the real endgame: finding instant friends at college, LGS, and cons

Guest links:
Gavin’s YouTube — Good Morning Magic: ‪@GoodMorningMagic‬ 
Gavin on social: BlueSky / Instagram / X / TikTok: @ gavinverhey

Questions for you (no spoilers):
-What Final Fantasy moment do you most want to pull off in a Commander game?
-Which Gold Saucer date card is your canon? 👀
-New to MTG? What helped you get past the first 5 games?

If you enjoyed this convo, hit 👍, subscribe, and share with a friend who loves FF or MTG. For more deep-dive lectures, interviews, and playthroughs, stay tuned here on ProfNoctis. Walk tall, friends.

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New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  
Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis  
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Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord  

Also connect with us on BlueSky now!
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Final Fantasy X / X-2: https://amzn.to/4kIBKiE
-------------------------------------------------

Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ...

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RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctis
Also, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

Step back into Ivalice with us! In this episode of The ProfNoctis Show, Evan and I dive into our spoiler-free review of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles—Square Enix’s long-awaited remaster of the legendary tactical RPG.

We cover:
-Presentation & performance – how the visuals, voice acting, and sound reimagine a classic.
-Quality of life improvements – from auto-battle to smarter menus that make grinding fun.
-Why the Nintendo Switch is the perfect home for FFT.
-The story’s timeless themes – faith, betrayal, power, and how FFT mirrors real church history.
How this game still speaks to us nearly 30 years later.
-And yes, we’ll gush about bards, ninjas, chocobos, and how naming party members after early church fathers makes grinding way more fun (at least for Prof)

This conversation is also a preview of our Final Fantasy Tactics Lecture Series, beginning Tuesday, September 30th—Release Day—live at 7:30pm CT on YouTube and Twitch. Each week we’ll explore councils, canon, heresy, and history through the lens of FFT’s story.

For more details: www.ProfNoctis.com

Like and subscribe for more reviews, lectures, and deep-dive conversations.

Walk tall, friends—let’s uncover the truth of Ivalice together.

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Thank you to © SQUARE ENIX for providing an advance copy for review.
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New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  
Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis  
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Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord  

Also connect with us on BlueSky now!
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Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles --  https://amzn.to/4gEReUa
-------------------------------------------------

Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ...

______________________________

RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctis
Also, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

In this episode, Prof Noctis and Evan discuss the new game Wuchong: Fallen Feathers, a Souls-like action RPG set in a richly detailed Chinese-inspired world. They explore the game's mechanics, themes, and the unique challenges it presents to players. The conversation delves into the significance of the game's setting during the late Ming dynasty, the combat system, and the innovative madness mechanic that adds depth to the gameplay experience. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the game's lore and the rewarding nature of its difficulty, making it a compelling choice for fans of the genre.

00:00- Welcome Back and Show Updates
03:02- Introducing Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
06:07- Understanding Souls-like Games
08:57- Exploring the Setting and Themes
11:53- Gameplay Mechanics and Combat
15:02- Character and Story Development
18:01- Level Design and Exploration
20:56- Combat System and Skill Trees
26:18- Weapon Customization and Combat Mechanics
29:57- Difficulty and Fairness in Gameplay
35:53- Madness Meter and Inner Demons
37:54- Target Audience and Souls-like Experience
44:41- Overall Impressions and Game Value

#wuchangfallenfeathers #Soulslike #gaming #videogames #combat #difficulty #gamedesign #Chinesemythology #gamereview
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New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  
Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis  
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Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord  

Also connect with us on BlueSky now!
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______________________________

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Buy Wuchang: Fallen Feathers for PS5 : https://amzn.to/40InyyJ
-------------------------------------------------

Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ...

______________________________

RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctis
Also, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

In this special 53rd episode of our show, Evan and Professor Noctis dive deep into the magic of Nintendo and the release of the Switch 2. From first impressions and hardware design to childhood nostalgia, Joy-Con drift, and digital ownership—we’re unpacking why Nintendo continues to capture our imaginations... and when it lets us down.

🎮 Topics Include:

Is the Switch 2 worth it?

What makes Nintendo games feel magical?

Joy-Con drift, pricing, and why Nintendo often gets a pass

The role of fun in adult gaming

Tracing Mario on your CRT TV (yes, really)

-Reclaiming wonder in gaming as grown-ups

#nintendo #nintendoswitch2 #nintendoswitch 
Featuring stories, laughter, and reflection on what it means to play, this episode marks 1 year of our weekly show—thank you for being part of the journey.

-Join the conversation in the comments or on Discord!

-Follow our Final Fantasy X Summer Pilgrimage, more MTG content, and upcoming interviews at www.ProfNoctis.com

-Subscribe for weekly content that makes your games matter even more.
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New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  
Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord  

Also connect with us on BlueSky now!
Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...
Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs...

______________________________

CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDIT
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Final Fantasy X / X-2: https://amzn.to/4kIBKiE
-------------------------------------------------

Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ...

______________________________

RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctis
Also, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

Picked up the Final Fantasy Starter Decks in Magic: The Gathering and don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. This video is for you!

In this video, a 30-year MTG veteran, Nick Smith, and I (Professor Noctis) are going to dive into the Cloud (Red/White Aggro) and Sephiroth (Blue/Black Control) Starter Decks. We’ll walk you through:

-How to play these decks with key strategies for each
-When to mulligan and what to look for
-How to use "mana dorks," equipment synergy, and sweepers
-Lore-rich commentary on iconic Final Fantasy characters
-The surprising power of cards like Freya and Sephiroth’s Intervention

Whether you’re building your first deck or trying to figure out why your Dwarven Castle Guard keeps dying (and that's a good thing!), this guide blends beginner-friendly MTG strategy with all the Final Fantasy you expect from this channel! 

0:00 -- Intro
1:36 -- Cloud Deck
44:00 -- Special Edition Tutorial Playmat (Buy here: www.profnoctis.com/playmat)
44:30 -- Sephiroth Deck

#finalfantasy #finalfantasyx #tidus #yuna #squareenix #profnoctis 
-------------------------------------------------
New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  
Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
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Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord  

Also connect with us on BlueSky now!
Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...
Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs...

______________________________

CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDIT
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Final Fantasy X / X-2: https://amzn.to/4kIBKiE
-------------------------------------------------

Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ...

______________________________

RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctis
Also, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

It was my first Summer Game Fest 2025 and it blew me away. In this episode of The ProfNoctis Weekly Show, we're breaking down everything I played at the event!

From Capcom’s incredible showcase to surprise indie gems, I’ll walk you through 12 hands-on demos—featuring deep dives into all the games I played. Plus, I'll discuss Death Stranding 2 and Capcom's big three: Pragmata, Resident Evil 9: Requiem, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword.

0:00 — Prof went to Summer Game Fest!
6:16 — Mistfall Hunter
10:24- Lego Party
13:49 - Nectarmancer
16:31 — Voyagers of Nera
20:36 — Codevein 2
23:51 - Demon Slayer 2
28:13 - Spine 
30:55 — Norse: Oath of Blood
34:20 — Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
38:39 — Pragmata
44:35 — Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
50:33 — Resident Evil: Requiem
58:02 — Onimusha: Way of the Sword
1:02:28 — Final Thoughts on SGF / Word to the Devs

Huge thanks to ​⁠the devs and publishers that allowed us access to see and experience their games at Summer Game Fest. Give them a sub! : 
Bellring Games(Mistfall), ‪@CapcomUSA‬ ​⁠‪@505games‬ ‪@thebeautycult‬ 
‪@officialtreehousegames‬ ‪@playspine‬ ‪@tripwireinteractive‬ ‪@BandaiNamcoAmerica‬ ‪@SEGA‬ ‪@fictionsinc‬ ‪@KOJIMAPRODUCTIONS‬

#SGF #summergamefest #capcom #residentevil #onimusha #pragmata #mistfallhunter #legoparty #demonslayer2 #wuchang #spine #deathstranding #voyagersofnera #nectarmancer #norseoathofblood
-------------------------------------------------
New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  
Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord  

Also connect with us on BlueSky now!
Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...
Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs...

______________________________

CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDIT
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Final Fantasy X / X-2: https://amzn.to/4kIBKiE
-------------------------------------------------

Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ...

______________________________

RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctis
Also, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

Join Professor Noctis as he dives into the world of Magic: the Gathering's Final Fantasy Commander Decks. In this educational video, we'll be unlocking the lore and strategies in the four FF-inspired Commander Decks. Whether you're a seasoned Final Fantasy fanatic or a lifelong Magic fan, this video is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about the collaboration. In the video, we'll discuss all four commander decks:

0:00 -- Commander Deck Overview
24:21 -- TERRA: Revival Trance (FINAL FANTASY VI)
42:31 -- CLOUD: Limit Break (FINAL FANTASY VII)
1:15:28 -- TIDUS: Counter Blitz (FINAL FANTASY X)
1:35:08 -- Y'SHTOLA: Scions & Spellcraft (FINAL FANTASY XIV)

So, get ready to unleash your inner commander and discover the magic that happens when Final Fantasy meets MTG Commander Decks!

-To learn how to play regular Arena-style Magic, watch our tutorial here:    • Learn Magic: The Gathering from the FF Prof!   

-Also grab our EXCLUSIVE tutorial playmat, with art from ‪@tylorhepner‬ here! https://www.profnoctis.com/playmat

Massive thanks to Nick Smith (at "Grave Robber") for the designs and animations. Find him at https://graverobber.co

#MagicTheGathering #FinalFantasy #MTGTutorial #ProfNoctis #LearnToPlayMTG #MTGxFinalFantasy #mtgcards 

-------------------------------------------------
New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  
Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord  

Also connect with us on BlueSky now!
Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...
Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs...

______________________________

CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDIT
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Final Fantasy X / X-2: https://amzn.to/4kIBKiE
-------------------------------------------------

Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ...

______________________________

RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctis
Also, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

Final Fantasy isn’t just a game—it’s a gateway to deep conversations about philosophy, religion, grief, and identity. At the University of Alabama, I’ve built entire classes around titles like Final Fantasy XV, XVI, and VII Rebirth, and I’m sharing how games can transform the college classroom.

In this panel from PAX East 2025, we’ll explore how story-driven games can boost memory retention, promote empathy, and give students new tools for learning. From teaching through trauma with The Last of Us to exploring theology with Clive Rosfield, this is for educators, gamers, and lifelong learners alike.

Topics include: 
-The science behind "Gamification of the Classroom" 
-Using modern Final Fantasy games (XV XVI and 7 Remake/Rebirth) to explore history religion and philosophy 
-Using The Last of Us to examine morality and human behavior 

Discover how gaming blends storytelling with education to create dynamic learning experiences-- perfect for educators gamers and anyone curious about the intersection of gaming and academia.

📍 Presented live at PAX East 2025 | Boston, MA

#FinalFantasy #HigherEducation #Gamification #FFXVI #FF7Rebirth #TheLastOfUs #VideoGamesInSchool #PAXEast #ProfNoctis #GamingInEducation

-------------------------------------------------
New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  
Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
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Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord  

Also connect with us on BlueSky now!
Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...
Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs...

______________________________

Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ...

______________________________

RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctis
Also, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)
Explore the podcast

The Last of Us Season 2 just ended… and Mama Noctis summed it up best: “Are they all dead?” In this final recap of the season, Prof Noctis and Evan reflect on the biggest risks and missed opportunities of Episode 7—and whether this season finale truly delivered.

We talk about:
 • Why the game’s most powerful moment doesn’t work on screen (yet)
 • What the split-season structure sacrifices in narrative tension
 • Jesse, Dina, and the passing of legacy… or lack thereof
 • Whether new viewers will ever care about Abby’s story
 • The critical leadership themes hidden beneath the gunfire

This isn’t just another recap—it’s a serious reflection on the art of storytelling, gaming memory, and what we owe each other as creators and fans.

Let us know: Did Season 2 stick the landing for you—or did it leave you frustrated?

Subscribe for more deep-dive gaming and story analysis, including our upcoming Final Fantasy X Lecture Play series and content exploring the Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering crossover!

#TheLastOfUs #Season2Finale #ProfNoctis #Ellie #Abby #HBO 

-------------------------------------------------
New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  
Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord  

Also connect with us on BlueSky now!
Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...
Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs...

______________________________

CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDIT
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Playstation 5 Console: https://amzn.to/46GNBb6

The Last of Us: Part 1 for PS5: https://amzn.to/4hf5YIK

The Last of Us: Part 2 for PS5: https://amzn.to/40IJjxj

The Last of Us and Philosophy by Charles Joshua Horn: https://amzn.to/4hDKvsF

Psychology and The Last of Us by Anthony Bean: https://amzn.to/4hDOm9i
-------------------------------------------------

Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ...

______________________________

RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctis
Also, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

Is this the best episode of the entire series? Wade (aka ProfNoctis) and Evan break down everything from The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 6 — an emotional, beautifully written journey through Joel and Ellie's shared memories. From the astronaut scene to the slow-burning truth behind their fallout, this episode delivers some of the most poignant moments in the show’s history.

We explore:

The emotional payoff and story structure

Joel’s flashbacks and what they reveal about legacy, love, and loss

The evolution of Ellie’s character and Bella Ramsey’s performance

Themes of generational growth, reconciliation, and the power of presence

How Future Days reframes the entire season

Directed by Neil Druckmann himself, this might just be the high point of the series.

New videos every week.
Subscribe for more recaps, game playthroughs, and deep dives into the games and themes behind The Last of Us.

-------------------------------------------------
New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  
Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
  / profnoctis  
Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord  

Also connect with us on BlueSky now!
Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...
Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs...

______________________________

CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDIT
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Playstation 5 Console: https://amzn.to/46GNBb6

The Last of Us: Part 1 for PS5: https://amzn.to/4hf5YIK

The Last of Us: Part 2 for PS5: https://amzn.to/40IJjxj

The Last of Us and Philosophy by Charles Joshua Horn: https://amzn.to/4hDKvsF

Psychology and The Last of Us by Anthony Bean: https://amzn.to/4hDOm9i
-------------------------------------------------

Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ...

______________________________

RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctis
Also, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)