Graham has bid farewell. The esteemed editor of Rock Paper Shotgun, a veteran of the website, concluded his tenure earlier this week and embarked on a new journey within the games industry. The departure evokes familiar sentiments at RPS, akin to watching a writer take a leap from the treehouse into the unknown abyss below. There is a blend of sadness and optimism as Graham ventures into a new chapter. “There goes another one,” one might muse, a smile masking a solitary tear, envisioning their future beyond these familiar branches.
However, this time, it’s Graham.
Brendan: Having officially resigned from RPS in 2019, I find myself back as a regular freelance contributor. It’s rather ironic that I now have the opportunity to pen a farewell tribute to the individual who once bid me adieu. Take that, Graham! Your compliments are duly noted, and I reciprocate with gusto.
In the murky depths of 2014, Graham made the transition from PC Gamer’s editor to joining the ranks of Rock Paper Shotgun, courtesy of the ineptitude of the ancient founders in managing spreadsheets and positioning themselves. With Graham Smith on board, they not only acquired a managing editor capable of discerning the day of the week but also a writer adept at critiquing developers for their questionable titles, advocating for innovative gaming experiences, and applauding the finest games with a distinctive flair.
A delve into Graham’s extensive author archive unveils over 4000 articles that coalesce into a fervent desire for the gaming industry to transcend its conventional boundaries. Indie physics brawlers rub shoulders with EA shooters in a whirlwind of noteworthy or abominable content that warranted attention. Few can match the caliber of writing displayed by Graham over such a prolonged period, mastering the art of crafting razor-sharp prose.
“Forget about that,” he quipped regarding Watch_Dogs.
Reflecting on the picross-inspired game Proverbs, he articulated, “It lingered in my mind’s eye, as if my thoughts were reorganizing themselves.”
“It gives me the sensation of being on hold,” he remarked about the serene emptiness of Naiad.
These snippets are merely a fraction of Graham’s body of work. While they may not represent his proudest accomplishments, they serve as a testament to his wit, dynamism, and empathy. His humanity often shone through in our internal meetings, a facet not always apparent in his digital musings. Oh, how I wish we had recorded our gatherings as a podcast. We would have breached numerous NDAs.
By “humanity,” I mean precisely that. Graham understands that when you write about games, you are essentially revealing facets of yourself.
“It reminds me of the joy in playing a video game without the need to compete,” he remarked regarding Minecraft in 2014, oblivious to the fact that exploring those virtual landscapes would evolve into a cherished ritual with his son in the years to come. “Minecraft is a treasure trove, a costume box, a palette of colors, and sometimes just a sunny hill. I played it in 2009, I played it yesterday, and I have no doubt I’ll still be playing it in 2039.”
As someone who has contributed to this enchanting vortex since its fledgling days, I also recognize the positive impact Graham has had not only as a writer but as a proficient facilitator. He propelled this platform into the digital age, transitioning from a conventional blog format to a more expansive content hub. While some readers initially bemoaned the shift in layout, clamoring for the traditional blog setup, they ultimately gravitated towards the featured stories, underscoring the enduring allure of change.
Upon his initial appointment, Graham lamented that the editorship of any publication curtails one’s writing opportunities. However, as he ascended to a higher echelon of corporate management eight years later, assuming a more prominent role, Graham never ceased his literary pursuits. He continued to craft news pieces during evenings and weekends, offering incisive critiques of blockbuster titles and indie gems alike. Although he briefly stepped away from our Sunday Papers column, a longstanding tradition on the site, even that hiatus proved temporary.
It is within these Sunday Papers segments that one truly appreciates the breadth of Graham’s contributions. Rock Paper Shotgun has always been synonymous with exceptional writing, and perhaps no one has shaped the editorial ethos of the site more than Graham (save for Alice O’Connor, a prolific author and architect of our enduring style guide). His final Sunday Papers dispatch last week serves as a poignant manifesto for games journalism, a beacon of guidance for aspiring writers navigating this dynamic landscape.
“There are countless ways to approach a game, and none of them are inherently wrong,” he asserts. “There are infinite ways to dissect a game, and while some may be misguided, it’s imperative to define your own parameters.”
Alternatively, one could seek counsel from Graham himself. Follow him and his future endeavors on Bluesky. His words are bound to overflow if left unexpressed. You’ll want a front-row seat when the floodgates open.
Jeremy: As a relative newcomer to the Treehouse, I have had the privilege of knowing Graham for a shorter duration compared to my colleagues, rendering me incapable of crafting a tribute as eloquent as Brendan’s. Nevertheless, as a longtime reader of RPS predating my tenure, I have long felt Graham’s influence on the site, serving as a guiding beacon.
Hailing from a non-gaming journalism background myself, I must acknowledge that I have encountered my fair share of inept editors, but Graham stands out as a rare breed – the epitome of Chaotic Good leadership, invested not only in this peculiar corner of the internet but also in the individuals propelling it forward. A true gem, in simpler terms. Farewell, Graham. As you depart, I am stockpiling healing potions in preparation for our inevitable descent into Lord of the Flies-esque chaos.
Edwin: Graham, I will fondly recall those moments in meetings where I attempted to impart my wisdom on video game journalism – or rather, videogames journalism – only to realize, to my chagrin, that you had likely heard it all before, echoing through the annals of RPS history via successive generations of writers. You have absorbed a wealth of knowledge about this industry, and it is only fitting that you embark on a new chapter, basking in the tranquility of your Crunchyroll subscription and spending less time fielding complaints about promotional posts. Occasionally cast your benevolent gaze upon us, the great beardfather in the sky.
Mark: My tenure in the Treehouse has barely begun, with my feet barely crossing the threshold as I pen these words. I lament not having had the opportunity to collaborate with Graham for an extended period, if only to glean more insights concealed within his facial fuzz by scrutinizing it during morning meetings.
James: Viewing RPS from an external vantage point, Graham’s impact is palpable and far-reaching – the longevity of this site is a testament to his contributions, characterized by a robust beard and a vast collection of graphic tees.
I wish that all those bidding farewell comprehended the full extent of Graham’s influence behind the scenes, prompting them to offer resounding applause and heartfelt farewells. Few witness the Graham who effortlessly elevates our ideas (while tactfully discarding the flawed ones) or the Graham who grants us leeway during personal crises, allowing us to retreat without scrutiny. Or the Graham who consistently steers us down the path of integrity and honesty in an industry often hostile to such principles.
We will persevere – he has ensured that too. When reflecting on Graham’s legacy as a writer and editor, recall his role as a leader, a protector, a driving force. Let us once again extend our gratitude to him, for all that he has bestowed upon us and beyond.
