Writings: February and March

Apologies for the missing month, blog. The end of February threw a lot of things together at once, both in terms of life happenings and gradual professional escalation. Things are changing in Bath: it's sunny, now, which makes this town make a lot more sense. It's got some merit as a kind of surprise ski resort in winter, but the high likelihood of a snapped ankle adds an edge that I can take or leave. I'm starting to appreciate the availability of beer gardens. It's built for families - something it shares with Salisbury - and that takes something away from the experience as a Young Professional, but there are far, far worse places to live.

This is going to be a round-up of things I've written lately that are available on the web. I won't be listing things that are in the magazine: it's a drain on my time, and, I suspect, a drain on yours. If you buy PC Gamer, then, I wrote things in that, and there are frequently bylines that let you know which ones they are. Otherwise, here you go:

• A review of Dear Esther.
• Previews of ShootMania Storm, Ridge Racer Unbounded, and World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria's PvP and endgame systems.
• Extensive coverage of Guild Wars 2, including this dungeons preview, this world vs. world PvP preview, interview with the designers, and this interview with ArenaNet president Mike O'Brien.

I'm also doing more and more multimedia stuff for PCG, including this video preview of Mists of Pandaria, this Guild Wars 2 dungeon walkthrough, and two podcasts.

I also write a few regular news posts for the site.

As for this blog, it's something I'd like to make more use of. There are pieces I'd like to write that I wouldn't be able to do for any of the outlets that are likely to pay me for them, and so this is where they're likely to end up. I'm also thinking about finding something to write about that isn't videogames, but I'm concerned that I'll jinx myself. When I come up with a more convincing excuse I'll let you know.

Something I will say: I've been to both Los Angeles and Seattle on press trips in the last few weeks, and the opportunity to travel has woken me up somewhat. There's every chance I'll harden towards this part of the job, but getting out of the country had a positive effect on me long before someone started paying me to do it. A few takeaways: Seattle is one of my favourite places on Earth, L.A. is a motorway with a supermarket, PR representatives are people too, and you don't have to drink the free booze. Take your pick.