The Rise of Respec: A Rebel Yell in the Shrinking Games Media Landscape
There’s something undeniably thrilling about witnessing a rebellion, especially when it’s waged by veterans of an industry in flux. The launch of Respec, a new games publication founded by former VG247 editors Tom Orry and Alex Donaldson, feels like just that—a defiant act of creativity in a space increasingly dominated by corporate consolidation. What makes this particularly fascinating is the timing. At a moment when games journalism is hemorrhaging talent and independence, Respec isn’t just another website; it’s a statement.
Why Respec Matters (Beyond the Headlines)
On the surface, Respec is a straightforward venture: a news, reviews, and features site helmed by two seasoned journalists. But dig deeper, and it’s a response to a crisis. The games media landscape has been gutted in recent years, with data showing a 25% decline in game journalists globally since 2022. Orry and Donaldson’s former site, VG247, was a casualty of this trend, losing its editorial team in a wave of layoffs. Personally, I think this is where the story gets interesting. Respec isn’t just a new job for these editors—it’s a reclamation of their craft.
What many people don’t realize is how corporate ownership has stifled the voice of games journalism. Orry’s words about wanting a site with “character” and “hard truths” aren’t just marketing speak; they’re a critique of an industry where profit often trumps passion. From my perspective, Respec is a bet that readers still crave authenticity—and that’s a gamble worth watching.
The Indie Spirit in a Corporate World
One thing that immediately stands out is Donaldson’s reference to RPG Site, the independent publication he co-owns, as a blueprint for Respec. RPG Site’s 20-year survival is a testament to the viability of indie media, but it’s also a reminder of how rare such success stories are. What this really suggests is that Respec isn’t just mimicking the past; it’s trying to blend the best of both worlds—the irreverence of VG247’s heyday with the lean, focused structure of a bootstrapped operation.
If you take a step back and think about it, this hybrid model could be the future of games journalism. Corporate media’s layoffs have left a void, but they’ve also created an opportunity for smaller, more agile outlets to fill it. Respec’s challenge will be balancing its indie spirit with the financial realities of running a business.
The Human Cost of Industry Shifts
A detail that I find especially interesting is Orry’s admission that he nearly left games journalism entirely after his Eurogamer exit. This isn’t just a story about a new website; it’s a story about resilience. The emotional toll of layoffs and industry upheaval is often overlooked, but it’s a critical part of this narrative. Orry’s decision to build Respec instead of walking away speaks to a deeper love for the craft—and a belief that it’s worth fighting for.
This raises a deeper question: How many other talented journalists have been pushed out of the industry, and what has the field lost as a result? Respec’s launch is a reminder that behind every byline is a person, and behind every layoff is a story of passion and perseverance.
What Respec’s Success Could Mean
In my opinion, Respec’s success or failure will be a bellwether for the future of independent games media. If it thrives, it could inspire a wave of similar ventures, proving that there’s still room for character-driven, independent voices. But if it struggles, it might signal that the corporate stranglehold on games journalism is too tight to break.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the broader cultural context. Games are now a dominant form of entertainment, yet their coverage is increasingly homogenized. Respec’s promise to celebrate the medium while also critiquing it is a refreshing antidote to the PR-driven narratives that often dominate the space.
Final Thoughts: A Rebel with a Cause
As someone who’s watched the games media landscape evolve (and devolve) over the years, I’m rooting for Respec. It’s not just a website; it’s a manifesto. It’s a reminder that journalism, at its best, is an act of defiance—a refusal to let corporate interests dictate how stories are told.
If you take a step back and think about it, Respec’s launch is a small but significant rebellion. It’s a declaration that games journalism still matters, that independent voices still have value, and that passion can still win out over profit. Whether it succeeds or fails, Respec has already made its mark. And that, in itself, is worth respecting.
