In the world of games journalism, it is not often that we come across a writer who possesses both talent and passion in equal measure. It is even rarer to find someone who can seamlessly transition from writing guides to penning thoughtful features and reviews. Well, dear readers, today we bid farewell to one such extraordinary writer – Hayden Hefford. After gracing us with their presence at RPS, Hayden has decided to embark on a new chapter in their life, pursuing higher education. Let us take this opportunity to reflect on their remarkable contributions and wish them well on their academic journey.
Back in the autumn of 2021, Hayden joined our team with a fresh perspective and an eagerness to dive into the world of games journalism. With their love for games evident from the start, they wasted no time immersing themselves in titles like Minecraft, Back 4 Blood, and Battlefield 2042. Hayden’s ability to adapt quickly and become an instant expert in any game they touched never failed to impress me.
It became clear early on that Hayden was not content with merely being proficient in their role; they aspired to continuously improve their writing and expand their skillset. I vividly recall the day when, just a few months after joining us, Hayden approached Alice Bee and myself with a desire to write about Project Zomboid. This piece marked their debut in non-guides work, and they felt understandably nervous about its quality. To say that I was blown away by the final article would be an understatement – it was a testament to their talent and dedication.
Hayden’s versatility as a writer shone through in their feature articles. Combining their extensive knowledge from writing guides with a personal touch, they eloquently shared their thoughts on various topics. From lamenting the tragic nerf of Elden Ring’s Mimic Tear Ash to analyzing the effects of Diablo 4’s pre-season one patch, Hayden’s writing showcased a deep understanding of games and their impact on players.
Hayden’s hunger for new experiences extended beyond reviews and features. They eagerly participated in our themed feature weeks, curating lists of games that made your friend the monster for Halloween and highlighting the enchanting Ikenfell for Magic Week. Additionally, they fearlessly took on review writing, tackling games like Sniper Elite 5, As Dusk Falls, and Temtem. Their discerning eye and thoughtful analysis earned them the distinction of awarding Lil’ Gator Game with the prestigious title of “Bestest Best.”
While each of Hayden’s pieces had its merits, one that holds a special place in my heart is their interview feature about the making of As Dusk Falls. It was not only their first major interview but also their first studio visit. Undertaking such endeavors demands courage and adaptability, especially for a relative newcomer in the realm of games writing. Hayden rose to the occasion gracefully, leaving an indelible mark with their captivating storytelling.
As Hayden embarks on their university adventures, we bid them a fond farewell and wish them success in their pursuit of knowledge. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a writer whose creativity and passion brought immense joy and insight to our team. We are confident that Hayden’s future is bound to be radiant, and we eagerly anticipate the greatness they will achieve. And to Hayden, we offer a parting message – your writing prowess and impeccable ranking of Star Wars games will forever be remembered. Thank you for the memories and happy studying!
PS: Unfortunately, TIE Fighter will not be returning to our list of best Star Wars games. Hayden’s ranking remains resolute, and we must respect their decision. May the force be with you, young padawans.
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