STUART HUNT

REVISITS HIS TIME ON RETRO GAMER

WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING ON RETRO GAMER?

It was a great experience and a job that I loved. From starting out as a staff writer, finding my feet and trying to hone my writing at pace, to ending my time as a features editor six years later. Darran was a great editor, always supportive of new ideas and trying out new things, and we had similar ambitions for the magazine. We wanted RG to feel like the gaming mags we loved reading growing up, filling each issue with variety, passion and character. We were fortunate enough to have a pool of amazing freelance writers that made this job easier.

WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE?

There was a lot of pressure each month to deliver an issue that covered the different tastes of our readership. The first few days of a new issue hitting stands and doormats was always a bit tense, as we waited to hear people’s reactions. The other challenge was making sure we did right by interviewees. They were entrusting us with the stories behind their games, and often interviews had to be conducted over email. This was never my preference as you always got greater insight over a good chat.

WHAT FEATURES ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I grew up with an Amstrad CPC 464, so chatting with Gary Bracey, over sausage and mash, to write a big retrospective piece on the history of Ocean Software was a great experience. Visiting Rare’s studios for a similar piece was memorable too. Tracking down a programmer to write about a game of theirs that I loved playing as a kid, those also meant a lot. Speaking to Stephen Crow about Starquake, for example, or Colin Jones for a Making Of Rock Star Ate My Hamster.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ANECDOTE ABOUT WORKING ON THE MAG?

The first is Darran and I getting drawn by Oli Frey for two Christmas covers (RG 58 and RG 84).

Retro Gamer being crowned Best Magazine at the 2010 Games Media Awards was also very special. It took us by complete surprise, and was a great achievement for the magazine.