Why do we buy unfinished video games?
BBC News
April 2021
You wouldn’t watch a film without an ending – so why do people buy unfinished video games?
Read on BBC News
Gaming critic
Columnist
Reporter
Equality consultant
Silent Hillian
Guardian
Little Sister
Spartan
High Chaos
Hello! I'm Vikki Blake
a.k.a. Vixx
I wasn't the kind of girl who grew up playing dollies and dress-up. While others were falling in love with boy bands and Australian soap stars, I was falling in love with gaming. I got lost in Hyrule. I kicked ass in Street Fighter. I had inappropriate dreams about Solid Snake, became obsessed with the gorgeously grim environments of Silent Hill, and am still kind of addicted to Guitar Hero.
Before I gave up the monotony of civil service life to write for a living, I worked for 15 years as an equality, inclusion, and wellbeing adviser, specialising in employment and higher education. Today, I blend both of these passions as a games writer and an equality consultant, working with organisations like Ukie to improve equality policy and practice and make the games industry a kinder, more supportive place for all.
An independent reporter, critic, columnist, and podcaster with 12+ years of experience in the games industry, I've worked with some of the world's biggest brands and publications including the BBC, Eurogamer, GamesRadar+, GamesIndustry.biz, IGN, MTV, MCV, NME, PC Gamer, Variety, and many, many more. I know. I can't believe it's a real job, either.
Writing / Portfolio
I write crisp, accessible wordsfor specialist
Featured Work
#RaisetheGame in the UK games industry – One Year On Report
Ukie
March 2021
In 2020, the UK games sector created #RaiseTheGame, a high-impact pledge to improve inclusion across the games industry. Find out how it’s progressing one year on.
Read on UkieLittle Nightmares 2 – a brilliantly horrifying, often infuriating return
Eurogamer
February 2021
Tarsier returns with another slice of horror that’s just about glorious enough to make up for the frustrations.
Read on EurogamerBattle royales are changing the way we play video games
NME
May 2020
Can’t commit hours and hours to a game? Maybe battle royales are the way to go…
Read on NMEDishonored taught me there is no right way to play
Eurogamer
Nov 2019
Games often touch us not only because of what they are, but what they’re not and, for me, Dishonored was a game that relaxed traditional gameplay in a way I hadn’t quite anticipated.
Read on EurogamerDead and live: Silent Hill’s strange musical afterlife
Eurogamer
Nov 2015
Yamaoka’s concerts showed that the fanbase is alive and kicking, even if the series isn’t.
Read on EurogamerContact
If you'd like to add me to your press list, send me your cool new game or gadget, or have an exciting project you think may tickle my interest, this is the place to do it! Drop your details into this handy form and I'll come back to you just as soon as I can.
Please note that as a freelancer I can't ever guarantee coverage of your fab new project – although if I sincerely think it's cool, I always try! – and no, I cannot write for you for free or, ahem, "exposure".
Psst, want to work in games media, too? Looking for some tips? Come this way...