John “Retr0lag” Bautista is a lifelong gamer, creator, and storyteller who believes in the power of games as art, narrative, and personal expression. He is currently a graduate student in New Media Journalism and an independent content creator / producer focused on covering thoughtful, story-driven video games. Through writing, audio, and video, John explores how games communicate meaning, emotion, and culture—especially within the independent gaming space.
Prior to his current work as a graduate student and creator, John spent 20 years serving in the U.S. military, where he developed strong foundations in discipline, leadership, and adaptability. After retiring from military service, he continued working in public service roles, including positions with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Border Patrol, local law enforcement, and corrections. These experiences shaped his perspective on systems, accountability, and human stories—insights that now inform his approach to journalism and media production.
John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Marketing and additional training in visual design and new media production. He is currently seeking his Master of Arts in New Media Journalism at Full Sail University, where his academic focus includes independent game coverage, creator-driven journalism, multimedia storytelling, and audience-centered reporting. His graduate work reflects a commitment to continuous learning, ethical journalism, and building a sustainable creative practice.
Originally from Clovis, New Mexico, John has been a gamer for most of his life and remains deeply interested in narrative-driven experiences, Metroidvanias, point-and-click adventures, and experimental indie games. Outside of academic and creative work, his interests include music production, podcasting, graphic design, video editing, and exploring creative technology. At his core, John values curiosity, reflection, and lifelong learning, and he is motivated by contributing meaningfully to the creative communities he cares about.
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