As winter wraps its chilly embrace around us, Rock Paper Shotgun, a well-loved gaming publication, has swung its digital doors shut for a seasonal break. The team at Rock Paper Shotgun has decided to step away from their keyboards, immerse themselves in the festive spirit, and recharge before diving into the new year. They've cordially reminded their readers and PR folks that they'll be on hiatus until January 2nd, 2024, advising against sending emails until they’re officially back in action.
While the virtual treehouse might be quieter over the holiday period, fans of the site won't be left in a content lull. The Rock Paper Shotgun team has prearranged a variety of content to keep their audience entertained and engaged during their absence. On the docket is the conclusion of their Advent Calendar, which has dutifully counted down the days to their Game of the Year announcement for 2023. Despite playful banter suggesting that the pick might already be common knowledge among their community, the reveal is set to occur in a ceremonious fashion, offering a moment of celebration synonymous with the holiday traditions.
Rock Paper Shotgun also has a series of RPS Selection Boxes lined up, each filled with game recommendations that didn’t quite make it onto the main calendar but are deserving of attention. These selections are personal picks from the staff, termed as "hon. menchies," an affectionate nod to honorable mentions. The boxes will feature daily from December 26th, providing a diverse snapshot of 2023's gaming highlights according to each staff member's taste.
Delving deeper into the past year's gaming landscape, Rock Paper Shotgun will share a series of retrospective roundups. The Year In Review offerings aim to encapsulate the essence of 2023 for their readers. They will cover a gamut of topics from the best reviews and standout features to the year as defined by the guides that the publication put together. Reflecting on games like Hi-Fi Rush, these roundups will serve as a time capsule for the games that left an indelible mark over the year.
Further fostering the community spirit, Rock Paper Shotgun is unlocking Supporter-funded posts, allowing non-supporters to indulge in an array of content previously exclusive to paying members. These will be added to the "Latest" feed as they become available during the break. Additionally, the "From The Archive" tag houses many more of these posts, presenting an opportunity for readers to delve into the insightful and often behind-the-scenes content that shapes the publication's unique voice in the gaming journalism landscape.
Aside from the in-depth gaming content, Rock Paper Shotgun is keeping the merriment alive through their annual Christmas Crackers segment. Staple holiday humor, in the form of jests that even the creators find embarrassingly delightful, will populate the site daily throughout the vacation period. It's an endeavor that promises to endearingly underwhelm yet somehow add that touch of revelry that comes with the territory of holiday crackers and their traditionally groan-inducing jokes.
The farewell message comes to us preceded by a flurry of scheduling activity, with the team having poised a portfolio of tweets and posts to ensure readers have something fresh throughout the holiday season. Meanwhile, as they enjoy their time off, the staff at Rock Paper Shotgun invites the community to engage in looking forward—to contemplate game-related resolutions for the year 2024. The editor shares their own commitment to "play more weird stuff," a resolution aimed at embracing gaming's vast diversity.
With a heartfelt thank you for the year that was and a playful caution about possible New Year's hangovers, Rock Paper Shotgun bids its audience a temporary goodbye. The anticipation for what will come after the break is palpable. Readers can expect the team back, ready to initiate vibrant gaming conversations, on the 2nd of January, 2024. The publication's promise of returning with even more energy and insight is a comforting prospect for those who rely on their blend of entertainment, information, and community.
