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Graham Smith departs Rock Paper Shotgun

Graham Smith has left Rock Paper Shotgun, marking the end of an influential era.

August 1, 2025 at 04:24 PM

Graham Smith is leaving RPS, come say goodbye

Graham Smith bids farewell to Rock Paper Shotgun after impactful years.

Graham Smith leaves Rock Paper Shotgun after years of influence

Graham Smith has left Rock Paper Shotgun after a long tenure guiding the site’s editorial direction. His departure marks a significant moment for the gaming journalism landscape, given his role in shaping the site's voice and approach. Known for his sharp writing and insightful commentary, Graham joined RPS after leaving PC Gamer in 2014. He quickly became a pillar of the community, delivering over 4,000 articles that resonate with a desire for depth in gaming coverage. His final piece encapsulates his belief in the diversity of gaming experiences and the importance of personal expression when writing about them.

Key Takeaways

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Graham Smith leaves a legacy at Rock Paper Shotgun that spans over 4,000 articles.

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His writing style balanced critique with a love for gaming.

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The farewell reflects the industry's ongoing evolution and challenges.

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Internal leadership dynamics at RPS may shift without Graham.

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Graham's belief in diverse gaming experiences reshaped RPS's editorial approach.

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Future writers must uphold the authentic voice that Graham established.

"Graham knew that when you write about games, you're really writing about yourself."

This captures Graham's belief in the personal connection between games and the writers who discuss them.

"There are infinite ways to play a game and none of them are wrong."

Graham's perspective emphasized the diversity of gaming experiences available to players.

"When Graham was first hired, his welcome post said the tragedy of being editor dramatically reduces your writing."

This highlights the sacrifice editors make in focusing on leadership over personal writing.

"Graham brought the site kicking and screaming into a modern internet."

This reflects how Graham pushed Rock Paper Shotgun to adapt and evolve with changing times.

The significance of Graham's departure extends beyond personal loss; it highlights a pivotal gap in gaming journalism. His leadership and unique perspective provided a balance between critique and celebration, fostering a culture of authenticity. As RPS evolves, the challenge will be to maintain that standard without such a central figure. Stakeholders must consider how to preserve the site's integrity while potentially attracting a new audience. Graham's impact illustrates the fragility of creative voices in journalism, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and mentorship.