Vertical Slice

Vertical Slice is a subscription-funded video game industry publication launched in 2024 by Chris Kerr, former Senior Editor of Game Developer (formerly Gamasutra). The outlet aims to deliver "incisive, bold reporting for video game industry professionals" that scrutinises the industry "with intensity and integrity without having to worry about conflicting commercial interests." It targets developers who care deeply about the art form and wellbeing of their peers, as well as executives and industry leaders who value uncompromising honesty over pandering puff pieces. The publication carries news and features alongside an archive of pitch and design documents called The Repository, intended as a resource for developers. Initially free to read until November 2, 2024, Vertical Slice plans to introduce a paywall in November, after which free users will have access to files in the Repository section and select articles, while the majority of the site's output will require a subscription. Subscription pricing starts at £7.45 per month. Kerr left Game Developer in September 2024 along with several other contributors and its editor-in-chief, Danielle Rindeau, who said that reporting honestly is "not something one can do without editorial independence." Vertical Slice is positioned as an independent, reader-supported publication that gives workers a voice and holds power to account, aiming to become known for providing developers with the knowledge required to hone their craft and change the video game industry for the better.

Vertical Slice was launched in 2024 by Chris Kerr, former Senior Editor of Game Developer (formerly Gamasutra). The publication emerged from Kerr's departure from Game Developer in September 2024, along with several other contributors and editor-in-chief Danielle Rindeau. Rindeau stated that honest reporting is "not something one can do without editorial independence," underscoring the motivation for founding an independent outlet. Vertical Slice launched with a free-to-read period until November 2, 2024, after which a paywall was introduced. Subscription pricing starts at £7.45 per month. The publication aims to provide "incisive, bold reporting for video game industry professionals" and to scrutinise the industry "with intensity and integrity without having to worry about conflicting commercial interests." It targets developers who care deeply about the art form and wellbeing of their peers, as well as executives and industry leaders who value uncompromising honesty over pandering puff pieces. A distinctive feature is The Repository, an archive of pitch and design documents intended as a resource for developers. After the paywall launches, free users will be able to access files in the Repository section and select articles, but the majority of the site's output will require a subscription. Kerr has said the publication wants to become known for providing developers with the knowledge required to hone their craft and change the video game industry for the better, which could mean spotlighting a new funding initiative, amplifying the voice of unionising workers, asking experts to contextualise a trending news story, or producing long-form investigative journalism.

• Chris Kerr leaves Game Developer along with several contributors and EIC Danielle Rindeau.

• Vertical Slice launches, free to read until November 2, 2024.

• Paywall introduced; subscription pricing starts at £7.45 per month.

Independent, subscription-funded games industry publication giving workers a voice and holding power to account.

• News and features

  Daily news and in-depth features for games industry professionals.

• The Repository

  Archive of pitch and design documents intended as a resource for developers.

• Long-form investigative journalism

  In-depth investigative pieces scrutinising the industry.

• 2026.10.12

  Reported2026.10.12

  Vertical Slice launches as subscription-funded games industry publication[1]Game Developer veteran Chris Kerr launches Vertical Slice, a games publication "giving workers a voice and holding power to account" | GamesIndustry.bizgamesindustry.biz

  Chris Kerr, former Senior Editor of Game Developer, launched Vertical Slice on October 12, 2026, a subscription-funded publication offering news and features for video game industry professionals. The site is free to read until November 2, after which subscriptions start at £7.45 per month. Kerr self-funded the outlet, which will rely on reader subscriptions for the bulk of its revenue and carries no advertising apart from sponsorship of its pitch and design document archive, The Repository; his initial goal is 500 monthly or 650 annual subscribers.

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1. 1Game Developer veteran Chris Kerr launches Vertical Slice, a games publication "giving workers a voice and holding power to account" | GamesIndustry.bizgamesindustry.biz