Dispatches from the Helm: Ahoy hoy

Welcome to Rock Paper Shotgun: Meet Julian Benson, Our New Editorial Director

Greetings! I am Julian Benson, and I am excited to announce that I am the new Editorial Director of Rock Paper Shotgun. If you haven’t already guessed from the title, it’s a pleasure to introduce myself to the RPS community.

While this may be my official introduction, I have actually been part of the team for a few weeks now. I have been exploring the ins and outs of the treehouse, meticulously mapping its layout on grid paper. I have made some progress in understanding how things work around here, such as uncovering the process of posting articles. However, there are still many mysteries to unravel, so I will be taking a more low-key approach as I settle in. The noises of furniture being moved and heated discussions behind the ‘Comment Moderation’ door indicate that some areas require extra caution. Nevertheless, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and explain my role here at RPS.

My journey with Rock Paper Shotgun dates back to 2012 when I pitched an article to Jim about transcribing games into musical notation while volunteering at Beefjack. Although the article turned out to be more ambitious than my writing skills could handle at the time, I was deeply impressed by the thoughtful engagement and challenges posed by RPS’s community. Over the years, I have written for various gaming sites such as TechRadar Gaming, GAMINGbible, and Kotaku UK, as well as contributing to PCGamesN. It was only in 2023, after freelancing for esteemed publications like Edge, The Guardian, and GQ, that I had the opportunity to write for RPS again. The experience was as exhilarating as the first time.

Rock Paper Shotgun has played a significant role in shaping my perspective on gaming and its cultural impact. It stands out as a platform where games, regardless of their scale or origin, receive equal attention and appreciation. This inclusive environment is fostered by a team of dedicated writers and readers who share a passion for games and their place in society. When the chance to join this exceptional team presented itself, I knew I had to seize it.

I must acknowledge the legacy left by the previous members of the RPS team, particularly Graham, whose influential presence is still felt. Over his 12-year tenure, Graham and his colleagues established the direction and voice of RPS, setting the stage for me to take on this leadership role. As I follow in their footsteps, I am committed to upholding their vision and guiding RPS into the future.

Since Graham’s departure, the team has admirably managed the operations of RPS, making my task of proving my worth all the more challenging. I am eager to contribute and support the team in any way possible.

As the Editorial Director, I am here to support our talented team in delivering their best work and to serve as a point of contact for our readers who wish to engage with the site’s direction. While the title may seem grandiose, my primary goal is to facilitate open communication and collaboration within the RPS community. Feel free to reach out to me via email or through the comments section to share your thoughts and feedback.

Looking ahead, we have exciting plans in store for the remainder of 2025, including festive features like Advent Calendars and Selection Boxes, along with special projects like this year’s RPS 100. We also invite you to participate in the RPS 100: Reader’s Edition, which will run throughout December.

Stay tuned for more updates in 2026 as we continue to evolve and grow. And rest assured, I am working on finding a suitable place for Graham’s oversized shoes in my office!

For now, I extend a warm ‘Hello!’ and express my gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the Rock Paper Shotgun team.

*During my initial weeks here, I also honed my skills in drawing Horace. Feel free to let me know if this endeavor was time well spent.