In the ever-evolving landscape of video games media, a duo of seasoned professionals, Tom Orry and Alex Donaldson, are making waves with their ambitious venture, Respec. With a combined 40 years of experience in the industry, they're betting on a classic old-school style multi-format video games website to thrive in 2026. This article delves into their vision, the challenges they face, and the unique approach they're taking to navigate the current media landscape.
A Lean Operation with a Passionate Voice
Orry and Donaldson's journey began with a shared realization: the games industry media is facing a crisis of mismanagement and a shift in consumer preferences. They believe that the key to success lies in a lean operation, focusing on what they love rather than what they feel obligated to cover. This approach is a stark contrast to the behemoths dominating the market, where video influencers reign supreme.
Respec, their brainchild, is designed to be a convivial space, a club for gamers and enthusiasts. Orry envisions a website that talks to and with its readers, engaging them with the kind of articles they enjoy. This local, British voice, as Orry puts it, is a deliberate move away from the US-dominated media space, and he believes it has the potential to travel well.
Navigating the Financial Landscape
Financially, Respec takes a unique path. It will primarily rely on advertising, with a focus on free content. However, the site will also offer paid subscriptions via Patreon, providing exclusive content and rewards for supporters. Donaldson acknowledges the challenge of building a business on direct user subscriptions, but he's confident that with the right incentives, users can be motivated to contribute.
The independence of Respec is a key selling point. Orry argues that corporate-owned media has struggled to gain financial support from readers, especially in the UK. By keeping the site independent, with the owners actively involved, they aim to align goals and expectations, fostering a sustainable business model.
A Strategic Launch and Future Growth
Respec's launch is strategically timed, leveraging the success of its sibling site, RPG Site. Donaldson's experience in running RPG Site equips him with the skills to maximize advertising revenue while respecting user experience. The profits from RPG Site's strong margins will support Respec until it becomes profitable, with potential for expansion.
The duo is bullish about 2027, anticipating a strong year for the role-playing genre. They believe that strong performance on RPG Site will unlock more investment, and growth in Respec's earning potential will follow suit. This strategic alignment provides a solid foundation for Respec's long-term success.
Building a Sustainable Audience
Donaldson emphasizes the importance of building a sustainable audience, not just high traffic numbers. They plan to measure success through various metrics, including the mood in comments, social media engagement, and industry colleagues' perceptions. Concrete metrics like bounce rate, dwell time, and sessions per user will also be monitored, indicating a healthier site less reliant on search.
The goal, according to Orry, is to create something new and manageable, not to compete with the giants. They want to build a brand that people feel invested in and trust, keeping it independent. Donaldson adds that a small, agile team can be wildly successful on its own terms, and he relishes the challenge of creating something special.
In conclusion, Respec represents a bold move in a challenging industry. With a clear vision, a passionate team, and a unique approach to financing, they're betting on a classic old-school style multi-format video games website to flourish. The question remains: will their strategy pay off in the highly competitive world of games media?
