Two and a half months ago, I was sitting in my office at an advertising agency contemplating what would be the biggest decision of my life. I had finally been accepted to Game Informer’s internship program; I stood on the precipice of realizing my dream of working at GI – one I’d had since cracking open the From Russia With Love cover and saw GI was based in my home state of Minnesota. I always knew I wanted to be part of the game industry, but being able to achieve that dream from the comfort of my own home was always something that lingered in my mind.
But with a plethora of bills gnawing at my wallet, the risk of taking an unpaid position with no guarantee of employment was daunting, to say the least. But with the support of my friends, girlfriend, and family, I took the greatest risk of my life, and I cannot believe that today I get my start as Game Informer’s newest video editor.
Me at Classic Game Fest in Austin, TX, using the largest joystick I’ve ever seen.
When my fellow intern Nick (who’s one of the most thoughtful writers I’ve ever met) and I were brought on, we knew this wasn’t going to be a regular internship term. The layoffs had just hit and there was a lot of confusion about what we’d be doing or what the internship would even look like. My anxiety was quelled though the moment we finally got to the office. While the GI editors still needed us to write the usual features, news stories, and previews, Jeff and Ben encouraged us both to experiment and chase what we were passionate about. Luckily for me, that meant I’d be able to utilize my video skills to create content I love.
The first week was a panicked blur as I got the first full taste of creating content to hit an embargo. I basically had to beat both the original and remade versions of Link’s Awakening to capture enough footage for a boss comparison video. At first, I was worried I bit off more than I could chew, but after I completed it, the sense of accomplishment I felt was unmatched in my career to this point. From there, I edited such hits as the James Taylor (not James Turner) Pokémon Sword and Shield interview, the Overwatch 2 Rapid Fire, and The Outer Worlds gameplay comparison video, to name a few.
To the people who are just learning of my existence, I have two things to say. First, hello! I’m so excited to not only create content for you but also to get to know you and the rest of the amazing GI community. Second, former video editor Ben Hanson and the rest of the video team before me have created something special at Game Informer. I’m estatic to be a part of it and I can’t wait learn everything I can from the illustrious Leo Vader. I look forward to helping propel one of gaming’s greatest institutions forward and I want to show the world we’re the number one gaming magazine for a reason.
The last two and a half months have been an incredible roller coaster that I will remember for the rest of my life. As my newest journey begins, I am eternally grateful to everyone at the GI office who helped me get to this position, my amazing friends and family who supported my choice, and the love of my life who pushed me to chase this dream in the first place. I wouldn’t be here without you, and I don’t know what my life would look like if I didn’t have your support.
Talking about The Outer Worlds with friends is one thing. Talking about The Outer Worlds with best friends on a podcast is one of the highlights of my early career.
So long story long, that’s how I became Game Informer’s newest video editor. Thanks for reading and if you’d like to say hello, hit me up on Twitter where you’ll usually find me ranting about the Timberwolves or raving about how Chewtle is one of my favorite Pokémon of all time.
