Julian Benson has been named the Editorial Director of Rock Paper Shotgun

Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun

Julian Benson, a seasoned journalist in the gaming sector, has assumed the role of Editorial Director at Rock Paper Shotgun. This site, focusing on PC gaming, is under the ownership of IGN Entertainment, which also owns GamesIndustry.biz.

With 13 years of experience in the UK games media, Benson previously held the position of Editor-in-Chief for TechRadar Gaming at Future. His career includes senior positions with GAMINGBible, PCGamesN, and Kotaku UK. Recently, he has contributed as a freelance writer and consultant for game design, producing work for publications such as The Guardian, GQ, Eurogamer, and Edge.

Julian Benson. | Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun

Rock Paper Shotgun, which debuted in 2007, was the first significant editorial site dedicated strictly to the PC gaming community. This initiative came at a time when no major publisher had concentrated solely on this platform. The site soon gathered a devoted audience and has maintained a crucial role in the PC gaming commentary and curation sector. In 2023, it became part of IGN Entertainment.

"Joining Rock Paper Shotgun is beyond exciting," expressed Benson. "It's a publication that has heavily shaped my perspective on videogames and was one of the initial platforms to publish my work. The publication's team boasts a rich legacy of engaging with readers about the unusual and intriguing facets of PC gaming, and being part of that is a true honor."

The hiring of Benson is a continuation of IGN Entertainment's efforts to bolster its editorial teams and leadership, exemplified by the recent promotions of Justin Davis to VP Editorial and Commerce and Jon Hicks as Editorial Director at GamesIndustry.biz. Benson, like Hicks, will report directly to Alex Simmons, Senior Editorial Director, International, who oversees the former Gamer Network brands within IGNE globally.

In commenting on Benson's appointment, Yael Prough, the President of IGN Entertainment, said, "It's exciting to have an editorial leader like Julian take the helm of such a vital editorial brand. Rock Paper Shotgun's influential voice is celebrated by both its audience and game creators worldwide. Our strategy to invest in top-tier talent is vital to our process of nurturing and expanding IGN Entertainment's established brands, leveraging the expertise and influence of our IGNE team."

Benson will begin his duties immediately.