Nintendo has "no plans" to ditch physical media, which still accounts for 45.4 percent of total software sales
There's a key metric behind Nintendo's decision to stand by physical media (for now).
Journalism that inspires, informs, and interrogates.
Vertical Slice will elevate the video game industry by publishing high-quality journalism that inspires, informs, and interrogates. We're focused on serving the people who make video games. The countless developers who pour their heart and soul into one of the most influential, culturally-relevant professions on the planet.
We'll do that by asking the tough questions and cutting through the spin. By chasing the stories that can move the needle. By refusing to compromise our journalistic values in the face of pressure from external parties. We're an outlet founded on a singular philosophy: that journalism is solely about enriching your audience—not exploiting them.
As a reader-funded publication, we have no corporate overseers with conflicting commercial interests. If we do work with advertisers, we will only ever align ourselves with partners who respect and believe in our mission to champion the need for a free, democratic press that holds power to account.
Trust is our currency. Truth is paramount. It really is that simple.
Meet the founder
Vertical Slice was founded by award-winning journalist Chris Kerr in October 2026.
His previous investigations and reporting have exposed systemic abuse at Ubisoft, widespread miscrediting at Nintendo, the gargantuan salaries of trigger-happy video game industry executives, the debilitating human cost of mass layoffs at Microsoft, the hiring of a known sex offender at engine maker Unity, and the undercurrent of anxiety that follows a buyout at the hands of the Saudi state and Donald Trump's son-in-law.
From time to time, he's also been known to weave together strikingly honest opinion pieces that might have ruffled feathers for all the right reasons.
Don't just take our word for it, though.
"Chris’ reporting provides a meaningful check on companies, something that the industry–including its executive class–should be grateful for." — Video Game Industry Memo founder George Osborn
"I am so grateful for Chris and the work he's doing." — Causeway Studios director of publishing Mike Futter
"Required reading." - Kinda Funny Games Daily
"Chris is one of the best reporters I've had the pleasure of working with in my career. His instincts are sharp, his writing sharper, and perhaps most importantly, he has a keen sense of integrity and care for the people of this industry." -Veteran journalist and game design instructor Danielle Riendeau
Let's talk about subscriptions
What's the value of video game journalism? In a monetary sense, I hope you'll agree that top class reporting is worth a few coppers—but that's not quite what I meant.
Knitting together any story—especially long-form, investigative reporting—takes more time than you might expect. Reaching out to sources (often at unsociable hours), painstakingly corroborating and fact-checking information, approaching relevant parties for comment, and conducting research to provide appropriate context and inform lines of questioning. That is just some of the invisible labour journalists must undertake before introducing pen to paper. Then there are the legal fees we might need to cover if something we print rocks the boat. Mind you, that is entirely the point of hard-hitting journalism.
We relish the work—but our labour is not free. In the long term, we hope Vertical Slice will become an anchor for the video game industry. A bustling newsroom where veteran reporters and fledgling talent can hone their skills. We intend to hire full-time reporters and ambitious freelancers to ensure our outlet reflects the wide-range of voices, perspectives, and cultures within the sector. We do not harbour ambitions of exponential growth. Measured sustainability is our only target, but our reporters must be fairly compensated for their craft and expertise.
Although free members will receive access to headlines and select articles, it's vital to remember that one of the great ruses of the modern media landscape is that excellent work costs nothing. We are not a 'content' farm. We will never chase SEO slurry or softball interviews to appease advertising partners or a maniacal sales team.
We deliver ethical, punchy journalism that matters. If that speaks to you, then it's time to use it or lose it.
Get in touch
Got a question about Vertical Slice? We might have some answers. Please reach out using the information below and we'll respond as soon as we're able.
Leave a tip!
If you're a fan of what we're doing but aren't quite ready to make it official, there are other ways to show your support. Every little helps!