Former Game Developer Editor Launches Vertical Slice Independent Trade Publication [2026 Update]

As originally reported by Kotaku, veteran industry journalist and former Game Developer editor Chris Kerr has officially announced the launch of Vertical Slice, a newly formed independent trade publication dedicated to hard-hitting games industry reporting. Kerr opted to walk away from corporate publishing stability—including corporate pensions and salaried insulation—to fund the venture entirely through personal savings. The editorial mission focuses squarely on news, investigative pieces, and developer-centric interrogation rather than traditional consumer reviews or generic gameplay guides. This bold move comes at a tumultuous period for gaming journalism, where mass layoffs, consolidation, and parent-company commercial imperatives have frequently compromised critical coverage of studio operations. Similar transparency shifts have been felt across high-profile releases, such as when , highlighting how critical independent scrutiny remains during pivotal development cycles. By going solo, Kerr seeks to dismantle corporate conflicts of interest and deliver direct, uncompromised reporting that serves creators and industry professionals.