The rock, Paper, Shotgun Style Guide: Lessons Learned From Years in Games Media
For over a decade, Rock, Paper, Shotgun (RPS) has cultivated a unique voice in games criticism. As I step away to focus on game growth, I wanted to share some guiding principles – not as rigid rules, but as reflections on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what truly resonates with readers. Consider this less a mandate and more a collection of observations, intended to empower whoever steers RPS next.
Why this Matters: Building Trust & Engagement
In a crowded digital landscape, standing out requires more than just good writing. It demands a clear identity, a commitment to quality, and a genuine connection with your audience. These principles are designed to foster that connection, build trust, and ultimately, create content people want to read and share.
Core Principles for Exceptional Games Coverage
Here’s a breakdown of what we’ve learned, categorized for clarity.
1. Every Word Counts
Don’t underestimate the power of seemingly small details.
Beyond the Article: The strapline, slug (URL), captions, and tags aren’t afterthoughts. They’re opportunities to engage your reader.
Embrace Creativity: Marsh Davies famously embedded entire articles within image alt text. This demonstrates a commitment to rewarding attentive readers.
Treat all content with equal importance. Every element contributes to the overall experience.
2. Language & Tone: Respectful & Inclusive
Words matter. Avoid language that alienates or diminishes anyone’s experience.
Avoid Gatekeeping: Steer clear of patronizing terms like “asset flip,” “casual,” “git gud,” “hardcore,” or “pretentious.” Even ironic usage can be exclusionary.I personally avoid the term “gamer” as well.
Focus on the Game, Not the Player: Don’t wriet about “gamers” being angry. The internet is always angry. Focus on the issues, not perceived player outrage.
3. Embrace Nuance & perspective
The games industry is complex and unpredictable.
Nobody Knows anything: As William Goldman said about Hollywood, certainty is elusive.Be skeptical of market analysis and “expert” predictions.
Challenge Expectations: Some games are intentionally strange. Your job is to make them feel accessible. Conversely, find the unexpected in seemingly ordinary games.
provoke Thoughtful Discussion: It’s okay to provoke strong reactions, but aim to challenge the right people – those who stifle creativity or promote negativity.
4. Technical Considerations
“Videogame” is One Word: Consistency matters, even in small details.
Embrace Imperfection: RPS has always been defined by its diverse perspectives. Don’t strive for rigid branding. A cohesive style is valuable, but not at the expense of individual voice. Think of it like a curated collection of fine furniture – it doesn’t need to match to be gorgeous.
5.Prioritize Your Writers
This is the most crucial point.
Empower Creativity: Hire talented writers and give them the freedom to explore their passions. Trust your Team: The current RPS team is capable and dedicated. Let them build on the site’s legacy in their own way.
* don’t be constrained by the past. My intention is not to create a rigid framework, but to offer guidance.
looking Ahead
My next chapter involves game development, but I’ll still be contributing to the games conversation. You can find me on Bluesky or my infrequently updated blog.Thank you for your years of support. You,the commenters,are the best in games media (with a few exceptions,of course!).
and finally…
This week’s music pick is ’93 til Infinity by Souls of Mischief.