Former VG247 editors launch new publication, Respec
The former editorial leadership of British publication VG247 have founded a new games brand, Respec, which they say will offer a new independent voice in an increasingly shrinking games media.
Respec (https://www.respec.net/feature/87-welcome-to-respec-a-word-from-editors) is a news, reviews, and features site managed by former VG247 editor-in-chief and Eurogamer editorial director, Tom Orry, and former VG247 editor-at-large and RPG Site (https://www.rpgsite.net/) owner Alex Donaldson.
After a brief stint at Eurogamer, the pair left operator Gamer Network (which is owned by IGN Entertainment) earlier this year as part of a wave of editorial layoffs (https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/games-media-set-for-more-layoffs-as-ign-owned-eurogamer-cuts-editorial-staff/) at parent company Ziff Davis.
Orry and Donaldson’s former site, the historic British publication VG247 (https://www.vg247.com/) , was reportedly hit hard in the Gamer Network restructuring, losing virtually its entire editorial team (notably, the site seems to have stopped regular updates).
Orry, who also founded the British site Videogamer, says he almost left games journalism entirely after losing his role at Eurogamer this year, but ultimately chose to build a new site.
"We want Respec to be the kind of site that is rare these days under corporate ownership," Orry wrote. "A site that has character, that leans on experience to celebrate what’s great about video games, but also isn’t afraid to lay down some hard truths."
Donaldson said his experience running RPG Site convinced him that independent games media remains viable.
"RPG Site is now in its 20th year, and is how our Respec co-founder Mike and I know that fully independent sites can be successful – because we’ve done it. We own one.
"Indeed, that site was vital in figuring out what I wanted Respec to be – taking the tone, fun, and general madness we captured back on VG247 in its heyday and mingling it with the bootstraps structure and focus that has made RPG Site successful."
According to data supplied to VGC by Press Engine (https://pressengine.net/) last year, the global pool of game journalists declined by 25% in two years, (https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/more-than-1200-games-journalists-have-left-the-media-in-the-last-two-years/) with more than 1,200 journalists who regularly covered video games leaving their positions.
In my opinion, this decline in the number of game journalists is a significant concern. The video game industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and it's crucial to have a diverse and independent media landscape to provide coverage and analysis. The loss of journalists means a loss of critical voices and perspectives, which can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability in the industry.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that the decline in journalists is not just a British or European issue, but a global one. The data shows a 25% decline in the global pool of game journalists, which suggests that the industry is facing a broader challenge. This could be due to a variety of factors, including the economic pressures on media companies, the rise of digital media, and the changing nature of the video game industry itself.
One thing that immediately stands out is the impact of corporate ownership on independent voices. Orry and Donaldson's decision to leave Gamer Network and start Respec highlights the desire for a more independent and character-driven approach to games journalism. In my view, this is a positive development, as it allows for a more diverse range of perspectives and a more critical approach to the industry.
What many people don't realize is that the video game industry is not just about the games themselves, but also about the people who create and play them. The industry is a community, and it's important to have a media landscape that reflects that. Respec's focus on independent voices and a more character-driven approach is a step in the right direction.
If you take a step back and think about it, the decline in game journalists is not just a numbers game. It's about the quality of coverage and the diversity of perspectives. The industry needs a range of voices to provide analysis, criticism, and celebration of the games that shape our culture.
This raises a deeper question: How can we ensure that the video game industry remains accessible and diverse in the face of these challenges? One possible solution is to support independent media outlets like Respec, which can provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives. Additionally, the industry itself could play a role by promoting transparency and accountability, and by providing resources and opportunities for journalists to cover the industry in a more independent and critical manner.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the longevity of RPG Site. Donaldson's experience running this site for 20 years is a testament to the viability of independent games media. It shows that with the right focus and structure, independent sites can thrive and provide valuable content to the industry.
What this really suggests is that the video game industry needs a range of media outlets, both independent and corporate, to provide coverage and analysis. The industry is diverse and complex, and it requires a diverse range of voices to understand and appreciate its many facets. Respec's launch is a reminder of the importance of independent media in shaping the industry and providing a platform for diverse perspectives.
In conclusion, the launch of Respec is a significant development in the video game industry. It represents a desire for a more independent and character-driven approach to games journalism, and it highlights the importance of supporting independent media outlets. As the industry continues to evolve, it's crucial to have a diverse and independent media landscape to provide coverage and analysis, and to ensure that the industry remains accessible and diverse for all its players and creators.
