Ex-Game Developer Editor Unveils Vertical Slice, a Bold New Trade Magazine

As traditional gaming publications continue to shrink or disappear, a wave of independent journalism is stepping up to keep the passion for gaming alive.

Enter a fresh player in the scene: Vertical Slice, a new trade publication led by seasoned investigative games journalist Chris Kerr. With 15 years of experience under his belt, including 13 years focused on the trade side and a decade at a well-known industry site where he served as senior news editor, Kerr has decided to take the plunge into independent media.

Leaving behind the security of a full-time position, Kerr is venturing into the unknown of running his own site. When asked about this bold move, he explained, “I feel like I can do my best work outside the confines of a publication owned by a corporation with different commercial interests. While there are benefits to corporate backing, like job security and a pension, I believe that to create truly fearless journalism, you sometimes have to go it alone.”

Funding this new endeavor with his savings, Kerr has been prudent with his finances over the years. Initially, he’s going solo, which means he only needs to cover his own salary. However, he acknowledges the risks involved, stating, “It is scary. I believe in it. I don’t know what else I want to do.”

Kerr envisions Vertical Slice as a platform for “fearless reporting that inspires, informs, and interrogates.” This publication will focus solely on news—no guides or reviews, and it won’t aggregate content. There will be a newsletter for readers to catch up on the latest, but the goal is to break news daily. While ambitious, Kerr is confident he can continue the momentum he built at his previous role.

Passionate about the future of games media, Kerr aims to create a lasting platform that gives a voice to those in the industry. “I want to build something that’s mine,” he says. “Something that stands the test of time and allows workers to speak out against misconduct and injustice. They’re the ones making the games we all enjoy.”

Importantly, most of the content on Vertical Slice will be behind a paywall, with no ads cluttering the experience. There will be a few free articles each week, along with a library of design documents and pitch decks from developers, which will also be accessible at no cost. While still finalizing pricing, Kerr likens the model to buying a daily newspaper from a local stand.

“I think readers need to pick a lane,” he emphasizes. “With the rise of AI aggregation, we’re facing a threat to our jobs, and many people are reluctant to pay for quality reporting. The solution is simple: if you appreciate a journalist’s work, support it financially. It may sound basic, but it really is that straightforward.”

Kerr has big dreams for Vertical Slice, hoping to eventually hire full-time writers, mentor emerging journalists, and feature developer-written articles. His vision includes building a fully operational newsroom of five to ten people, though he acknowledges that achieving this will take time and success.

When I mention that while many independent publications have emerged, none have quite matched his ambitious vision, Kerr responds, “I believe I can make this work because I don’t see anyone else doing it, especially in the trade space. I know millions have read my articles, but only a small fraction were willing to pay. If I can just get a few more to support me, I can break even and start expanding.”

Kerr is aware of the potential pitfalls of this venture but remains optimistic. If Vertical Slice doesn’t succeed, he quips that he might just fade away into the sunset and try his hand at soccer journalism. For now, he’s focused on building something meaningful for himself and the gaming community.

“I think we’re all grateful for what we do, but is it truly working for us in terms of career prospects and personal ambitions? How can we thrive in an industry that doesn’t provide a runway? That’s what I want to change. It’s ambitious, but if it’s not feasible, I can’t stay in this industry for another decade.”