Inside the Epic Team Powering Game Rant’s Rise to Gaming Fame!

For more than 15 years, we’ve been publishing and have written countless articles. Now, we face an immense task, as challenging as climbing Mount Everest. Managing Game Rant is like operating a bustling metropolis, and even with the support of our parent company, Valnet, it’s a daunting endeavor. However, it’s our dedicated team that has brought us this far.

Game Rant, a well-known online media company specializing in video games, has an interesting past with its sister site, Game Rant. Originally debuting as a video game-centric offshoot of Screen Rant in 2009, Game Rant reconnected with the Valnet team in 2019 after a decade apart. Now, standing as the main platform of Valnet’s Odyssey Group (Valnet’s video game content division, consisting of TheGamer, DualShockers, FextaLife, OpenCritic, and Hardcore Gamer), Game Rant leads the pack in delivering top-notch video game coverage.

At Game Rant, we believe it takes an entire community to truly understand and explore video games in all their facets. Today, we’d like to shine a spotlight on some of the incredibly talented and innovative individuals that make up our team. Our shared love for gaming is what initially drew us together, but our passion for the industry and dedication to our team keep us going strong! So, let’s get to know the brilliant minds behind Game Rant!

(Note: This version maintains the original message’s tone while making it a bit more conversational and easy-to-read.)

Greysun Morales: It’s All In The Details

Overseeing an entire game is a challenging task. It requires not just predicting the obstacles players might face, but also considering additional missions, hidden items, challenges, boss battles, riddles, and so forth – all of which could form a comprehensive guide.

People who have experience with games developed by FromSoftware would generally have a basic understanding of the scale or complexity they might encounter.

Enter Greysun Morales, lead guides editor extraordinaire.

On Game Rant, Greysun manages guide content, leading a group of authors, assigning game codes, arranging coverage timetables, and composing guides personally. Needless to mention, his workload is quite substantial.

For Greysun as a child, guides and walkthroughs weren’t what drew him into the industry; instead, like many others, it was his passion for the game itself that captivated him.

In my younger days, around age 4 or 5, I occasionally experimented with video games using my uncle’s Super Nintendo or a cousin’s Game Gear. However, it wasn’t until I received a Game Boy with the game “Pokémon Red” for one of my birthdays that I could truly be called a dedicated gamer. I became completely captivated by every aspect of the game, and this fascination would later influence the types of games I prefer and foster my affection for the Pokémon franchise as a whole.

Greysun’s passion for detail proved beneficial in his guide work, yet his career in professional game coverage was merely budding. His writing journey commenced as an unpaid contributor for a now-defunct site named WTFGamersOnly. This was a tight-knit circle of friends who covered all aspects of gaming. With this platform, he managed to attend E3 for the first time (in 2015), witnessing the live reveal trailer for Final Fantasy 7 Remake at the PlayStation showcase. It was a cherished experience, and from there, he climbed the industry ladder, serving as a features editor at Twinfinite before becoming the lead guides editor of GR.

Working on this feels incredibly rewarding when I can finally share it with others to enjoy and explore.

Though he dedicated a substantial portion of his time to teaching and refining content at Game Rant, Greysun takes particular pride in a particular game he wrote about.

Generally, I don’t create comprehensive game walkthroughs very often, and I can easily list those instances with just one hand. However, among all the guides I’ve written, I’m particularly proud of the one I made for Sports Story.

For people not acquainted with it, “Sports Story” is the follow-up to “Golf Story.” However, it received negative feedback from both critics and players upon release because of bugs, obstacles in progression, and problematic puzzle designs.

Regardless of the mixed opinions about Sports Story, Greysun cherishes his experience covering the game. “A group of enthusiasts yearned to engage with it, and I was one of them. Upon diving into the game, I recognized the poor guidance, which made it an ideal choice for creating a comprehensive guide. Though I knew the task would be lengthy, I was determined and eventually completed it, sharing my progress on the game’s Subreddit. Amazingly, the community utilized my guide for assistance, and it turned out to do well, considering its modest status as an indie game that many people didn’t play. The realization that my work aided others made the job truly rewarding. It felt extraordinary knowing I contributed positively.

By the close of each day, the primary objective of Greysun’s department is clear: assisting individuals. If you find yourself perplexed about entering a hidden location, a solution should be available from a guide. Struggling to solve a puzzle? A guide can help. Even if you’re stumped by that troublesome boss who seems to vex every Subreddit thread, it’s reasonable to expect a guide for that too. And that’s precisely what Greysun and his team are on hand to deliver.

Additionally, Greysun’s workload is constant, especially when asked about his current projects. In true Greysun fashion, he gives an honest yet amusing response. “Asking the lead guide editor this question is like throwing a stone into a pond; it creates ripples everywhere! As we speak, I’m knee-deep in ten spreadsheets for an embargoed game set to release soon. It’s a title I’ve been eagerly anticipating, and preparing for its launch has been both rewarding and enjoyable. I’m collaborating with one of our writers, William Parks, to get the content ready. Together, we’re keeping tabs on a multitude of collectibles, weapons, and other guide-related items, and it’s been an absolute blast! The sense of accomplishment I feel when everything is finally published and out for people to explore is truly fulfilling.

Patrik Slater: And Thus, The Path To Video Opens Up

Although most of our content at Game Rant is written, it’s not the only type we produce. Our team has ventured into video creation for quite some time, and it’s due to Patrik Slater’s exceptional talents that we’ve managed to strengthen our presence in this medium. Patrik’s humor and editing skills are both highly polished. However, his path to becoming the head of Game Rant’s video content wasn’t traditional.

My journey into video production, at least in a professional sense, has been quite intriguing. I’ve always been drawn to forms that encourage creative self-expression, and when YouTube was becoming popular around the turn of the millennium, it seemed like a potential platform where I could freely express myself. Consequently, I utilized my affection for LEGOs to establish a YouTube channel focused on short, stop-motion videos. Initially, this was just a small project that I pursued for a few years without much expectation, but in retrospect, it may have been the catalyst for what followed.

A while later, I found myself employed at Ubisoft in a content assistant role. My team required help with asset creation tasks. Drawing on my fundamental skills, I confidently expressed my ability to learn the ropes. After several months of learning from YouTube tutorials, I mastered the process sufficiently that they offered me a position as a video editor. In this way, I developed a knack for video editing!

Every time I open the video page to see what we’ve accomplished, I’m filled with pride.

It’s well-known among those who explore platforms like YouTube and Twitch that video production and gaming go hand in hand quite nicely. It’s serendipitous, then, that Patrik was passionate about both fields.

As a child, my initial encounter with gaming was “Super Mario World” on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). At that time, I didn’t fully grasp the concept of video games, but as a curious kid exploring activities, I gravitated towards those I excelled at. Video games turned out to be one of them. Later, when my parents bought me a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), my interest in gaming truly blossomed. It wasn’t just entertainment anymore; it became a platform that fueled my competitive spirit and appetite for compelling narratives.

Discussing narratives, if we were to compile Patrik’s time at Game Rant into a story reminiscent of a hero’s journey, the significant absence of video content could be seen as an unmistakable summons for adventure.

A little over a year ago, our video initiative was non-existent. Yet, with dedicated weekly efforts, I’ve been part of transforming this into a substantial aspect of our brand. Something that can expand and solidify its place as a cornerstone in the years to come. Each time I visit the video page, I feel a swell of pride at what we’ve managed to achieve. It’s been a journey demanding collective effort, and there’s still much more ground to cover, but witnessing our progress never fails to amaze me.

As a passionate moviegoer, the video I take immense pride in showcasing is “How Borderlands Became Gearbox’s Top-Grossing Series.” It marks my very first original production, and it happens to be for one of my all-time favorite franchises: the thrilling, action-packed world of Borderlands.

As a movie reviewer here at Game Rant, I’m thrilled to be part of our growing video initiative. Adapting and evolving has been crucial for our success, and one such adaptation is the monthly video series I’m currently helping to create with our Editor in Chief, Anthony Taormina.

In this series, Anthony shares his favorite games from the past month, having played and reviewed them. It’s a delightful creative journey for me as I either edit segments on games that I’ve also enjoyed or discover new titles, some of which I’ve barely heard about! The blend of creativity and discovery makes each monthly installment something I eagerly anticipate.

At Valnet, we strive to boost interaction across all our platforms, such as Game Rant, by incorporating video content into our strategy. For a deeper understanding of how we aim to broaden our audience through various channels, I recommend checking out James Kosur’s enlightening article on our social media strategies.

For both our audience members and Patrik, exciting times lie ahead as we’re developing a fresh series focusing on timeless video games. This series aims to evoke nostalgia and much more, just like a lively jazz tune. With Patrik steering the project, we can’t wait for everyone to hop on board for an enjoyable journey!

Joshua Duckworth: A Love Of Teaching, Writing, And Gaming Combined

Occasionally, even when conditions are unfavorable, the planets manage to align perfectly, allowing our passions to blossom into our professions. This is especially evident at Game Rant, as demonstrated in the case of our features executive editor, Joshua Duckworth. Since his early years, Joshua has nurtured a deep affection for books and writing, but when these two passions intersect with video games, we get not just a career, but a truly remarkable one. And by ‘remarkable,’ we mean an extraordinary writing journey.

From the very beginning, Joshua was often found putting pen to paper. “I wrote numerous small tales as a child, and I remember my teacher urging me to share them with the class in about fourth grade. Many of my stories centered around my character, my first original creation if you will, Leo the Lion Warrior.

As a child, like many others, I let go of my pastimes. However, Joshua defied this norm. “I wavered slightly during my teenage years, contemplating careers as a history or English teacher while also exploring self-employment in small business. Yet, as college beckoned, the allure of teaching English at the university level grew stronger, and I realized that I’ve always found solace in being immersed in the realm of writing.

Simultaneously, Joshua’s love for video games blossomed deeply. Yet, like many are aware, gaming often comes with a hefty price tag, which Joshua found to be particularly burdensome.

I always found a way to keep games an important part of my life

When I was about five years old, I received Pokemon Yellow for Game Boy at Christmas. However, it’s essential to note that this wasn’t just any ordinary gift. My family was extremely poor, barely scraping by in the bottom 1% poverty level in Alabama. It’s still a mystery to me as to how my mom managed to buy the game and the handheld device. But that small act of generosity transformed my life. I learned to read through playing Pokemon, and games became an integral part of my existence. I would save every penny I could to purchase a game once or twice a year, often opting for lengthy RPGs that offered extended playtime. Even when I worked at a gas station, I would put money on pre-order for upcoming releases, paying it off gradually over months. Somehow, I always found a way to make games a significant part of my life.

Over time, Joshua remained true to his promise. Balancing his graduate studies and work at a gas station, he encountered a Facebook post about Game Rant hiring. He applied, not expecting much, but he got the position. When Editor in Chief Anthony Taormina offered him the job years ago, Joshua was genuinely surprised.

Initially, Joshua began as a freelance writer, but over time, he was promoted to an editing position. Now, many years later, he finds himself supervising the same process with fresh writing talent. He’s particularly pleased because most of the current feature editors were writers he worked with and mentored. Watching these writers progress, be it creatively, professionally, or in their grasp of grammar fundamentals, is incredibly rewarding for him. This sense of satisfaction might stem from his teaching background, but witnessing writers climb the ranks through their character and the quality of their work is truly inspiring.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve noticed that my path from freelancing as a writer to managing roles isn’t unique when considering the editorial team at Game Rant. In fact, if you take a closer look at Valnet leadership, you’ll find that similar career trajectories aren’t hard to come by.

At Game Rant, Joshua’s responsibilities go beyond just growing the team; they also come with additional benefits. When asked about his current projects, Joshua mentioned that he had recently interviewed Alix Wilton Regan, a renowned actress who played significant characters in both the Dragon Age and Assassin’s Creed series. While these roles weren’t the primary focus of the interview, it holds a special significance for Joshua as he was a fan of these franchises when he joined Game Rant. In essence, it feels like coming full circle for him since he admires both series deeply. When applying to Game Rant, he even used these games as examples of his favorite titles, much like choosing favorite children can be challenging but rewarding.

Following our surprise, we pause to admire Joshua’s thoughts about his role and the chances he’s been given here. “Working with individuals who contributed to creating those franchises, along with any game, is simply thrilling,” he says. “I would go to great lengths for the world of video games, especially the people who introduced those virtual realms into my life. Being able to repay that kindness every day is why I feel I belong nowhere but at Game Rant.

There’s no trace of Joshua Duckworth elsewhere; he’s an invaluable asset to our team and someone whose company we consider a genuine honor to share.

2025 promises additional opportunities for Joshua Duckworth to merge his passions, as a gaming event panel is scheduled in his calendar. It’s no secret that Joshua excels at eloquently discussing video games on Game Rant.

Tom Bowen: Getting Stuck On Video Games

In everyday language, particularly for video game enthusiasts, the term “getting stuck on” has two interpretations. When you’re playing a game and encountering a difficult boss or a complex puzzle that you can’t seem to solve or move past, you are said to be “stuck” or unable to progress further – this is the first meaning of the phrase.

In today’s vernacular, the term “get stuck on” might not be as prevalent as it once was. However, this phrase can also signify developing a strong affection or attachment towards something. To put it in a personal context, saying “I’m absolutely stuck on PowerWash Simulator” essentially means that I have an intense fondness or deep love for PowerWash Simulator.

As a devoted cinephile putting pen to paper, I find myself utterly immersed in the captivating world of video games – not just “stuck” in the traditional sense, but rather, deeply engrossed and enamored by their intricate narratives and gameplay mechanics.

My passion for gaming persisted throughout my life, eventually prompting me to pursue a job opportunity here at Game Rant.

As a child, I was introduced to the enchanting world of video games when my parents gifted an NES to my older brother on his birthday. For several years, the joy I derived from gaming wasn’t so much about playing myself but about sharing moments with my brother. Truth be told, I spent more time observing him conquer digital realms than actually holding the controller. However, everything changed when I stumbled upon Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) and point-and-click adventure games. From that moment, gaming transformed into a significant part of my existence. This passion for virtual adventures persisted throughout my journey into adulthood, eventually propelling me to pursue a career here at Game Rant.

The extensive variety of video games that Tom has played clearly showcases his passion for them, spanning from Shenmue and The Secret of Monkey Island to Assassin’s Creed Shadows. In fact, he’s played so many games that it’s as if he has more game titles under his belt than a centipede has legs!

Did we mention he has a particular fondness for point-and-click games?

Tom has primarily been concentrating on creating guides for the site, although he has occasionally delved into other types of articles. However, guides have held a stronger appeal to him due to his personal experience with video games, as he knows the frustrations that can arise while navigating through a game you love. “When I first began playing video games, internet access was limited for me, so if I encountered a challenging level or puzzle in a game, it could take hours or even days to find the correct solution (those who’ve played ‘The Secret of Monkey Island’ can relate). Consequently, I appreciate the importance of a quality strategy guide more than most and strive to offer them to our audience.

Regarding our valued readers, Tom has played a significant role in the launch of Game Rant’s new game database. In the works is an extensive online video game database, allowing our audience to rate, review, and discuss their favorite titles. However, data entry has been quite time-consuming, a task I find laborious, but the end product promises to be exceptional. We’ve already loaded several thousand games, so feel free to explore it whenever you can!

As a dedicated movie enthusiast contributing to Game Rant, let me tell you, this database project we’re working on is nothing short of monumental. It’s easily the biggest challenge we’ve tackled so far, and believe me, I’m well aware of that fact. Yet, amidst the torrent of data and constant maintenance, witnessing Game Rant’s growth has been a source of immense personal satisfaction for me. “From the day I joined Game Rant, I’ve seen the site expand exponentially in size and scope, and the quality of our content rise significantly as well. I take great pride in being part of this journey, and in working alongside some incredibly talented individuals along the way.

Game Rant continues to expand, and when asked about his most anticipated upcoming projects on the site, Tom gives an intriguing response. “For the past few months, a handful of our team members have been diligently working to incorporate interactive maps into the site. These maps aim to enhance our guide content and they’ve already garnered significant interest among our readers. I can’t wait to see the innovative features that the team has in store for these maps as they develop further over the next few weeks and months.

Here’s a helpful tip: These maps should assist your navigation, guiding you away from games and towards Game Rant instead. In other words, we aim to keep you engaged with us!

Dalton Cooper: Extra, Extra, Read All About It

Each fresh day unfolds with noteworthy tales across various domains, including fashion, politics, sports, and science. Similarly, the realm of gaming never ceases to surprise us with intriguing developments.

If you’re keen on diving deeper into how Valnet strategically expands its collection of gaming-focused digital properties, I highly recommend reading the insightful piece penned by Odyssey Group’s General Manager, Brad Fleischman.

At Game Rant, Dalton Cooper oversees our news section and everything that comes with it – major breaking news, whispers of leaks, and stories that capture the community’s attention. Throughout his productive career, he has tackled all these topics and more. But how did this journey begin? It was none other than The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess that set him on this path.

Video games have always been an integral part of my life, with arcades being a frequent hangout spot for my grandpa and my mom growing up on NES games from his extensive collection. My dad also enjoyed playing games, so I was introduced to many classic titles at a young age. However, during my teenage years, I took a break from gaming to focus on other aspects of life. But when the Christmas season arrived and I found myself with little to do, I impulsively rented “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” for GameCube. This game reignited my passion for gaming, and since then, I’ve been playing games almost daily.

Before securing his first job as a video game writer, Dalton had already made a splash with his writing. He wrote for the school newspaper for several years and even won some state awards. About a year after graduating from high school, he managed to land his initial writing job and has been fortunate enough to do this for the past 14 years. While articles for Game Rant account for most of his written work, he also spends his free time penning short stories, although he hasn’t attempted to publish them seriously.

It’s possible that I’ve authored a greater number of articles than any other contributor on this platform, and potentially across all video game journalism.

After initially writing video game reviews as a hobby, I found myself working at an old but now-defunct online gaming site. Since I was the only writer there, I produced guides, reviews, editorials, and more until it closed down. In 2015, I discovered a job posting for Game Rant and have been part of this team ever since! My 10-year work anniversary with you all just passed on April 5th.

Happy work anniversary, Dalton!

At Game Rant, Dalton consistently pushed himself to exceed expectations, often producing more articles than any other writer. In fact, he boasted about writing over 12,000 articles, which could potentially be a record not just for the site, but in the entire field of video game journalism.

Speaking as the leader of GR’s news team, my focus is squarely on the present moment. Yet, there are exciting prospects in the future that I eagerly anticipate delving into. For instance, I can hardly wait to dive headfirst into evaluating the soon-to-be-released games for the Switch 2 and the highly anticipated sequel to Death Stranding.

With a substantial pile of written works behind him and an expansive field of possibilities ahead, Dalton’s writing journey shines brighter than ever. We eagerly anticipate reading even more from him. And given Dalton’s nature, it will surely be substantially more.

Anthony Taormina: One For All

Game Rant’s current success can be attributed largely to our Editor-in-Chief, Anthony Taormina, who stands at the helm. Numerous content choices go through his hands first, and he oversees every department. Despite the constant pressure of multiple responsibilities, Anthony always makes time for writing. This has been consistent since the start.

Originally, the Game Rant’s former Editor-in-Chief Rob Keyes announced his search for writers on social media, which I decided to apply for, viewing it as an enjoyable side endeavor. Similar to many others, I didn’t enjoy academic writing; however, writing about video games opened up a new perspective on how engaging and enjoyable writing can be. My enthusiasm for supporting Game Rant’s growth grew, and I aimed to provide the site with a wide variety of content. Over time, my position evolved from editor to eventually holding the title of Editor-in-Chief.

Leading a management role brings its share of challenges: tough decisions need to be made, sometimes ideas must be dropped, and yet preserving team unity is crucial throughout this process. However, there’s a silver lining – the sense of accomplishment you feel when seeing everyone in your team shine. Among all his achievements at Game Rant, what he values most are the people he’s had the pleasure to work with.

Finding individuals who genuinely support and care about every aspect of a website, including its success, can be tough. However, I believe there are quite a few people who share my passion for Game Rant, and I’m incredibly proud to have them leading the team. The site wouldn’t be where it is or what it is today without their dedication, which speaks volumes about their abilities. Beyond feeling proud, I feel fortunate that our paths crossed and we can now embark on this incredible journey together.

I can hardly contain my excitement as we prepare for upcoming game launches and events. With Summer Game Fest just around the corner, it’s like reliving the magic of an annual event, albeit without E3. Summer Game Fest seems to be the closest thing to that beloved gathering, offering a chance to get a sneak peek at some of the most anticipated games in development and chat with their creators. The thrill of experiencing games before they’re widely available always rejuvenates me for the rest of the year, and we strive to make our Summer Game Fest coverage as wide-ranging and inclusive as possible.

Valnet Inc., particularly its gaming-centric branch, the Odyssey Group, acknowledges and appreciates the importance of exposure during events like these. The global gaming coverage provided by Game Rant and our related platforms is extensive, and for more insights into our growth in this sector, check out the thoughts of our Odyssey Content Director, Raphael Bennett!

Apart from Summer Game Fest, Anthony is also eagerly anticipating working on ventures that are more locally-based. He’s collaborating with various team members at Game Rant and Valnet to foster these emerging projects.

The Game Rant Advance project remains a significant focus for me at Game Rant, and I’m dedicated to its ongoing growth. My ambition is to make it more substantial and improved with each monthly edition, by featuring a wide variety of upcoming games. In the initial months of 2025, I’ve been busy producing various video projects such as Game Rant Mailbag and Video Previews. I aim to keep expanding the video content on Game Rant, so our viewers can get to know me better as a site leader and a gamer, while also enjoying some fun along the way.

Over the years, Anthony has offered us much more than simple amusement. He’s provided us with chances for career advancement, allowed us to witness our careers flourish, and created an environment where we could develop our hobbies into professional endeavors. We consider ourselves fortunate to have the opportunity to know and collaborate with him.

A Sample Of The Hearts And Minds We Have Behind Game Rant

Here’s a brief glimpse into our team at Game Rant, and it’s the diverse mix of individuals that ensures our site stays dynamic. To give you an idea, when each member was asked to imagine what colors they would choose for the GR logo (if given the freedom), here’s the variety of responses we received.

Greysun	I think a cool funky purple mixed with black or white would be cool.
Patrik	Make it bright blue and pink. Miami Vice vibes, because why not.
Joshua	I like our orange and black. I’ve never really considered or wanted to change it from that. I feel like orange fits us because orange is such a strong, unique color doing its own thing. I feel we’re at our best when we do our own thing, too.
Tom	I actually really like the orange and black, which is strange, as I’m not normally a big fan of orange. I guess if I had to change it, I’d go with red and black as that’s always been one of my favorite color combinations (I have four or five pairs of red and black Jordans in my shoe cupboard), although, if given the choice, I’d stick with the current logo colors.
Dalton	Black/orange is my favorite color combo because it reminds me of Halloween so it’s already my ideal scenario!
Anthony	I was part of the team that decided on the colors for Game Rant’s current logo, so it’s hard to think of anything I would change. The orange and black have been part of the site’s identity for so long that it’s hard to imagine anything else. Other members of the team might feel differently because they “inherited” the color scheme, whereas I helped choose it way back when.

Regardless of the color choices for logos, preferred games, or individual career paths, each member at Game Rant has played a part in shaping the site into what it is today. We’re not just a team; we’re a community, and this community is truly remarkable.

2025-04-16 21:15