In the ever-evolving landscape of video games media, a new venture emerges with a bold vision: Respec, a website that aims to revive the classic old-school style of multi-format gaming coverage. This ambitious project is the brainchild of two seasoned media veterans, Tom Orry and Alex Donaldson, who bring a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the table. With a combined 40 years in the industry, they are determined to create a lean, passionate, and independent platform that punches above its weight.
The gaming industry, as Orry and Donaldson observe, is facing challenges. The once-thriving print magazines and websites have seen a steep decline, with the pandemic offering a brief respite that ultimately led to consolidation. The media landscape is now dominated by a few giants, with video influencers taking center stage. In this crowded and rapidly changing environment, Respec aims to carve out its niche by focusing on what it loves: old-school text-based games coverage, supported by a weekly podcast and a YouTube channel.
What makes Respec particularly intriguing is its commitment to independence and a distinct voice. Orry and Donaldson argue that many websites have been mismanaged financially, and they believe there's a place for a small, passionate team to cover the games they care about, rather than what they feel obliged to cover. This approach, they argue, can still thrive in 2026, drawing on the success of old-school magazines and early websites/fansites.
The website's design and editorial brief harken back to the glory days of the early 2000s, with a focus on text-based games coverage. Orry envisions a convivial and engaging space, where the best video game magazines felt like clubs and early websites/fansites shared a similar spirit. This local, British-centric voice, as Orry puts it, is a deliberate choice in an increasingly US-dominated media space.
Respec's business model is also unique. It will primarily be funded by advertising, with a free-to-read content model. Paid subscriptions via Patreon will offer exclusive weekly podcasts and occasional features, with Donaldson acknowledging the challenges of building a direct user subscription-based business. However, he is confident that with the right incentives and a growing audience, direct funding can be scaled significantly over time.
The site's independence is a key strength, according to Orry. With the owners working on the site, goals are aligned, and expectations are reasonable. This, he believes, will help attract substantial financial support from readers, who may be more inclined to support an independent entity rather than a corporation. Donaldson's experience running RPG Site has equipped him with the skills to maximize advertising revenue while respecting users, and he aims to apply these lessons to Respec.
Looking ahead, Respec has a clear roadmap. In the short term, it will focus on establishing its voice and finding its audience, building credibility, and achieving profitability. Donaldson emphasizes the importance of measuring penetration within the target audience, rather than just page views. This includes analyzing metrics like bounce rate, dwell time, and sessions per user, which are hallmarks of a healthier, more sustainable site.
While the goal is not to match the size of established games sites, Respec aims to create something new and manageable. Orry and Donaldson are passionate about games media and want to offer something enjoyable and supportable. Their ultimate goal is to build a trusted, independent brand, free from the constraints of larger corporations. As they embark on this journey, the gaming community can look forward to a fresh, engaging, and independent voice in the media landscape, one that promises to bring a unique perspective to the world of video games.
