Ten years. It’s been TEN-FREAKING-YEARS since I first started as a writer here at MMORPG. Before that, I was drawing cartoons at TenTonHammer.com, and before that I was working on the Vault Network at IGN. In that time, I’ve gone to more events than I can count, written more articles than I ever expected, helped start and end RTS and FPSGuru, revamped GameSpace.com and took it over with the indomitable Suzie Ford, and most importantly - I’ve been able to make something happen that I never thought I could - I made my passion my career. But all good things must come to an end, even I can’t outlast Meridian 59...
At the end of this month, I will officially be leaving MMORPG.com. I’ll still be over at GameSpace.com as its Ad Sales Manager, but my pro games journalism and reviewing days will be over. You’re all finally rid of me! Just like the way the world got rid of the NGE and CU when Star Wars Galaxies finally shut down. I’ll be here for another few weeks, but mostly in the background as we get my successor up to speed.
I’ll be taking my talents to... well, to Ohio where I always can be found. And I’ll still be in games, just in the natural next step for my career: my own business. Team Critical Hit started as a way to help friends who were making games with feedback and consulting duties, and it’s evolved over time into something much more. But if I’m ever going to take it to the next level, I cannot ethically be tied to MMORPG or GameSpace in any editorial capacity. Not only in terms of ethics, but I just can’t realistically juggle the duties of Managing Editor with all the paperwork and tasks of running my own business.
A NEW CHALLENGER APPROACHES
It’s been in the making for a while, but we wanted to find a new editor to take things over and get them on board before making any announcements. I’m pleased to say that we’ve found the perfect person for the job - a giant Lord of the Rings Nerd named Joseph Bradford. And I mean that as a compliment!
Joseph has been a contributor here for years, and has bylines in places as far reaching as IGN and Playboy, but most importantly, he's in love with the past, present, and potential for the MMO genre as all of us are. You’ve probably read and loved his reporting in some way or another in any number of places.
Joseph’s own introductory article will be coming later today. For now, feel free to use the comments to let me know you always hated me. In all honesty, I don’t know where I’d be without this site, without Ben, Craig, Suzie, Mike, and Garrett. I don’t where I’d be without all the people I’ve worked with over the years - both writing staff and the PR and Community Teams on the games we’ve covered. It’s been an absolute dream to run the content of MMORPG, and a decade I wouldn’t trade for the life of me.
Cheers all, and thanks for the incredible adventure.
Bill Murphy, Logging Out
Probably in Goldshire...
