Introducing… Updater

Updater is your destination newsletter for incisive gaming and tech coverage you can’t get anywhere else. It’s named after what some newsrooms no longer have the budget to do anymore: keep a story updated, revisit it follow-up after follow-up, and glean new insights each time. It’s why you’ll see many stories on Updater about the gaming industry’s largest companies as they surface back in the news time and again.

Join thousands of subscribers in reading exclusive profiles, founder interviews, news about video game industry layoffs, mergers, unionization, first-hand game impressions, previews and trends.

I started this newsletter as a way to stay in touch with readers after being laid off from The Washington Post when my position as a video games reporter was eliminated.

Thank you so much, readers, for your support. While much has been written about how journalism is a dying industry, I’ve been heartened to see that many do want to support transparency and accountability.

How it works

From exclusive news, scoops, unique business and tech analysis, and just blogs, every new edition of the newsletter goes directly to your inbox. There are no ads, as this reporting is supported by community subscriptions.

Game developers have said that my work has helped them better understand their own industry, which is known for its non-disclosure agreements and secrecy.

Testimonials

“At a time when journalism is in decline, and many gaming-focused outlets have shifted to maximizing engagement, Updater shines through with the hard-hitting facts and transparent reporting that gaming deserves.” — Thomas Berrueta, robotics researcher and paying Updater subscriber.

(Photo of Thomas Berrueta)

“Glad you’re still at it post-Launcher, especially given your past track record of holding the games industry to account.

As games media itself continues to splinter, many independent creators are at a crossroads: do they simply bask in the glow of the industry, or do they shine a light on it? I am sure you’ll keep doing the latter, and I am proud to support your work at Updater.” — Joseph Kohlmann, a paid subscriber

"Thank you for your great reporting. I joined because of your recent Kotaku scoop and have greatly enjoyed going through the Updater backlog since then." — Jacob Linden, editor at Hearst Magazines and a columnist for The Escapist, a paid subscriber

(Photo of Jacob Linden)