As winter wraps the Northern Hemisphere in its chilly embrace, many people are preparing to take a well-earned break to celebrate the holiday season. Among them is the team at Rock Paper Shotgun (RPS), the beloved online gaming publication, which has announced that it will be taking a winter break. The RPS staff will temporarily leave their digital treehouse and cease regular operations, returning recharged and ready to tackle the new year on January 2, 2024.
While the editorial team is stepping away from their desks, they are not leaving their audience in the cold. To ensure their readers remain entertained during the holidays, RPS has lined up a host of content to be released in their absence. The excitement is set to peak with the unveiling of the Game of the Year 2023 on December 25th—a title highly anticipated by the gaming community and one that has been the subject of much speculation in online forums and discussions.
In what has become a tradition of sorts, the RPS team will also be presenting their own twist on the holiday cheer with the "RPS Selection Boxes." These selections allow the staff to showcase games that they believe are exceptional but might not have made it onto the Advent Calendar or other featured lists. It's a moment for the unsung heroes of the gaming world to get a bit of the spotlight, and for staff to share their personal favorites and hidden gems that they feel deserve more recognition.
Furthermore, the publication will be taking a retrospective look at the year 2023 through various roundups. One such compilation will cover the 'Bestest Best' reviews, giving readers a summary of the games that received the highest praise from RPS over the year. Additionally, the RPS guides team will chime in with insights on what games defined the last year from their perspective.
To warm the hearts of gamers everywhere, RPS is also unlocking Supporter-funded posts, making them available to all readers. By perusing the 'From The Archive' tag, site visitors can access a treasure trove of content previously exclusive to supporters. Whether it's a deep dive into a particular game's mechanics or an interview with a renowned developer, these pieces promise to enrich the understanding and enjoyment of the gaming hobby.
As part of the festivities, RPS is continuing its tradition of sharing daily "Christmas Crackers," filled with jokes that are so awful they're good. Among the lineup of levity, there's even a Star Trek-themed quip which is sure to spark some chuckles and groans alike.
Though the RPS team is physically absent, their digital presence will continue to be felt through scheduled social media posts, ensuring that the community remains vibrant and engaged. This helps keep the spirit of RPS alive, even as the staff enjoys their hard-earned holidays. They also encourage their readers to converse in the comments section, sharing their game-related resolutions for the upcoming year. The staff's own resolution, which remains consistent through the years, is to "play more weird stuff"—a reminder of the endless curiosity and passion for gaming that drives the site.
While the RPS team will be indulging in some holiday treats and thinking of the future, they leave their audience with a cornucopia of content to explore and enjoy. It's a time for reflection, relaxation, and, most of all, a time to sink into the world of gaming without any interruptions.
The team expresses their heartfelt thanks to their readership for another year of support and interaction. It is this lively community that makes RPS more than just a publication—it's a gathering place for people who share a love for video games. With this, Rock Paper Shotgun bids everyone a fantastic holiday season, with the promise to return with more news, reviews, and witty commentary on all things gaming in the year 2024. See you in the New Year!
