In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming media, a new venture emerges, promising to bring back the classic old-school style of multi-format video games websites. This is the brainchild of two seasoned media veterans, Tom Orry and Alex Donaldson, who have combined their expertise to launch Respec, a lean operation that aims to punch above its weight class. With a combined 40 years in the games media industry, these founders are betting on the enduring appeal of a niche, passionate audience, and a return to the roots of gaming journalism.
The gaming industry, as Orry points out, has faced significant challenges in recent years. The decline of print magazines and the consolidation of online platforms have left a void, with video influencers now dominating the conversation and marketing plans. However, Orry and Donaldson believe there's an opportunity to fill this gap with a website that focuses on what it loves, rather than what it feels obliged to cover. Their goal is to create a new and manageable venture, one that is independent, passionate, and focused on the community.
Respec's core is old-school text-based games coverage, supported by a weekly podcast and a YouTube channel. Orry envisions a site with a clear voice and a convivial feel, one that feels like a club, a place where readers can engage and connect. The voice will be distinctly local, with a British flavor, a nod to the tradition of the magazines they loved growing up. This, they believe, will travel well and resonate with a global audience.
The site will be primarily advertising-funded, with the bulk of its content being free to read. Paid subscriptions via Patreon will offer exclusive weekly podcasts and occasional features. Donaldson acknowledges the challenges of building a business with direct user subscriptions as its primary revenue driver, but he is confident that with the right strategy, they can grow direct funding significantly over time. The backing of RPG Site, a sibling site with strong margins, means Respec has time and space to establish its voice and find its audience.
Orry believes that the site's clear independence will help it scale. The goals are aligned, the expectations are reasonable, and the need for constant growth is not a priority. Donaldson's experience running RPG Site means he is well-equipped to extract the maximum advertising revenue while respecting the user. The profits of RPG Site owner Double Black will fund Respec until it achieves profitability.
The founders are bullish about 2027 as a particularly strong year for the role-playing genre, and they believe that strong performance on RPG Site will unlock more investment. They are confident that Respec will build a brand that people feel invested in and trust, and that it will keep it independent. In their words, 'a small, fast-moving ship can be wildly successful on its own terms - and more fun to work on to boot'.
In conclusion, Respec is a bold venture, one that aims to bring back the classic old-school style of multi-format video games websites. With a lean team, a clear voice, and a passion for playing and writing about games, they are betting on the enduring appeal of a niche, passionate audience. It remains to be seen if they will succeed, but their commitment to independence, community, and quality is a refreshing change in the gaming media landscape.
