Today, we bid a fond farewell to Hayden Hefford, a talented and dedicated guides writer who has completed their final day at RPS. As Hayden embarks on a new chapter in their life, pursuing higher education and the pursuit of knowledge, we take a moment to reflect on their remarkable contributions to the world of games journalism.
Hayden joined our team in the autumn of 2021, bursting with enthusiasm and a fresh perspective on the world of games. From the outset, they immersed themselves in a wide range of titles, including Minecraft, Back 4 Blood, and Battlefield 2042. Soon after, they teamed up with our guides editor, Ollie, to delve into the intricacies of Warzone and Call Of Duty: Vanguard, showcasing their versatility and aptitude for mastering diverse subjects.
Hayden’s ability to effortlessly transition from discussing popular titles such as COD and Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel to exploring more niche games like Tunic and Elden Ring left a lasting impression on our team. Their natural aptitude for becoming an instant expert in any game they covered never failed to astonish us. In hindsight, it should have come as no surprise that Hayden’s voracious appetite for knowledge would lead them down the path of academia.
A Journey of Growth and Skill Development
Throughout their tenure, Hayden consistently strived to refine their writing and expand their skillset. One notable milestone was when, just a few months after joining our team, they approached Alice Bee and myself with a humble request to write about Project Zomboid, a game they had been engrossed in over the Christmas break. Despite their initial apprehension, Hayden produced an exceptional piece that captivated us. Their growth as a writer was evident, and we were all eager to celebrate their success.
Hayden’s journey continued as they explored the art of feature writing. Seamlessly combining their extensive knowledge from writing guides with their personal writing style, they shared their heartbreak over Elden Ring’s Mimic Tear Ash nerf and delved into the aftermath of Diablo 4’s disastrous pre-season one patch. Their dedication was further showcased during our themed feature weeks, where they curated a list of 5 games that transform your friend into the monster for Halloween and highlighted the enchanting Ikenfell for our Magic Week in February.
A Versatile Writer and Reviewer
Hayden’s talent extended beyond guides and features. They also embraced the challenging realm of reviews. They fearlessly tackled assignments such as our Sniper Elite 5 review, as well as providing insightful perspectives on games like As Dusk Falls, Temtem, Grounded, Terra Nil, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, and Lil’ Gator Game. The latter even earned Hayden’s distinction of the coveted “Bestest Best” award. Each review showcased their ability to provide thorough analysis and articulate their thoughts with clarity.
While Hayden’s body of work has been commendable, one particular piece stands out as a personal favorite. Their in-depth interview feature on the making of As Dusk Falls not only contained one of our all-time favorite headlines but also marked Hayden’s first major interview and studio visit. Such endeavors can be nerve-wracking for even seasoned writers in the realm of games journalism, but Hayden rose to the challenge with unwavering composure and skill. It was a testament to their professionalism and dedication to their craft.
Though we bid Hayden farewell with a bittersweet sensation, we harbor no doubt that their future shines bright. With their exceptional talent and insatiable thirst for knowledge, Hayden is bound to make a remarkable impact in their university adventures. We extend our warmest wishes and encourage everyone to join us in bidding farewell, expressing gratitude, and wishing Hayden a successful and fulfilling journey ahead.
As we close this chapter, we must acknowledge that Hayden’s ranking of Star Wars games remains unwaveringly steadfast. Despite their departure, their resolute belief that TIE Fighter is not among the best Star Wars games endures. Let us respect their unwavering stance, young padawans, for their legacy lives on.
We celebrate and commemorate the invaluable contributions of Hayden Hefford, a brilliant guide writer and journalist whose impact on our team and the world of games journalism will not be forgotten. Farewell, Hayden, and may your endeavors in academia be filled with boundless success and infinite knowledge.
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