Hey everyone,
15 years ago, I went for a job interview at a small office in Brighton and quickly discovered I was the only one wearing a suit. After years running a Nintendo fansite, I was keen to join a larger team and learn from the very best in the business, whose footsteps I hoped to follow.
My first job on Eurogamer was one that no longer exists – it largely involved returning preview discs at the local post office – and I distinctly remember then-Eurogamer editor Tom Bramwell reminding me during my interview that I wouldn’t actually be writing on the website. I nodded along, and thought, well, let’s see.
I’ve always believed in, and will always be proud of, Eurogamer’s mission and place in the increasingly-turbulent world of video games – one that has held fast due to its firm foundations of trustworthy reporting, definitive reviews, and quality critical opinion. It’s these values which drew me to Eurogamer back then, and which I know will continue long after I log off for a final time today.
It has been the honour of a lifetime to serve as Eurogamer’s Editor-in-Chief for the last two years and carry this mission forward – in particular, to lead the site through its 25th anniversary, where the affection and respect for what our team does was felt from readers and the wider industry alike.
15 years leaves me with too many people to thank, and too many wonderful colleagues past and present to highlight across Eurogamer’s editorial teams, video team, tech team, sales, HR, management and everyone else that running a website requires just to get words on a page. I am phenomenally grateful to everyone I have worked with for their insight, patience, and for believing in what we do – and for letting me fill this site with oranges, Birdos and Pokémon Go.
All of that said, please do let me specifically thank three people from over the years: Tom Bramwell for giving me that job and giving in to me writing on the website sooner than I’d expected, Wesley Yin-Poole for his continued belief and guidance, and lastly to Bertie Purchese – Eurogamer’s longest-serving staff member – for those days working by the broom cupboard, and for being the heart of Eurogamer ever since.
Looking to the future, it’s now my turn to pass the baton on. While I am headed elsewhere in the world of games journalism, I shall always continue to be a Eurogamer fan. I’m excited to see what the team does next in the safe hands of Tom Orry, with whom I leave the site knowing he understands the mission and how to ensure its success in the years to come. Look out for more from him very soon.
Until then, and for one last time from me, thank you so much for reading.
Tom