Editorial Standards

Vertical Slice was founded on values of transparency, accuracy, and accountability. To ensure we deliver reporting our supporters can trust, we will adhere to the Editor's Code of Practice—a living rulebook assembled by an independent committee of UK journalists from local and national publications.

Independent UK digital and print media regulator IPSO believes the Editor's Code of Practice "sets the framework for the highest professional standards" within modern newsrooms. The latest version of the code came into force on January 1, 2025, and informs the core editorial standards laid out below. 

Accuracy

Vertical Slice will strive to publish well-sourced, accurate, public-interest reporting that refuses to varnish the truth. That means every fact included in a story must be supported by tangible evidence, documentation, recordings, and—in instances where identities must be protected—conversations with multiple, verified sources. 

Inaccuracies or misleading statements will be amended as soon as possible. Significant corrections will be logged at the beginning of a story to ensure readers understand when and why a change was made. 

Conversely, we will never edit or remove a published article without justification. We stand by our work—and that means refusing to engage with parties who might simply request edits to position themselves in a better light. 

Right of reply

Parties who come under scrutiny will be afforded the right of reply. That means they will be offered the chance to comment on specific allegations or claims we intend to publish.

Responses will be included at relevant junctures in a story. We will also note when someone declines to comment.

When reaching out for comment, we will outline allegations in detail, although we will never share identifying information that could place anonymous sources at risk.

Opinion

Freedom of expression is a fundamental (and protected) right that allows journalists to criticise and opine without fear of reprisal or litigation. All of our opinion pieces will be clearly labeled as such and will be as well-sourced and informed as our news reporting—while, crucially, giving our writers a voice.

Sources

Vertical Slice will protect the anonymity of sources who wish to speak out confidentiality. That means we do not publish any identifiable information and will, in some instances, allow sources to proof-read article excerpts before publication to ensure they are adequately shielded.

Although it might not always be possible, we will do our best to avoid publishing 'on background' information that does not have a clear origin. Vertical Slice is not a mouthpiece for corporations looking to provide key details without attribution.

Partnerships / Disclosures

As a reader-supported publication, our journalism does not rely on sponsored articles, advertisers, and other commercial entities.

External financing will be used to support The Repository, our freely accessible collection of design documents and pitch decks. In those instances, we aim to connect with like-minded partners who share our vision of a free, democratic video game press. 

Vertical Slice has enlisted the services of external sales agency Corner The Market to ensure the editorial team is not involved in any conversations regarding Repository sponsorship.

In the event Vertical Slice accepts accommodation and travel support in order to attend an event, it will be disclosed in all relevant coverage. In the long-term, we intend to pay our own way to events around the world.