Author Profile
Damien has been writing professionally about tech and video games since 2007 and oversees all of Hookshot Media's sites from an editorial perspective. He's also the editor of Time Extension, the network's newest site, which – paradoxically – is all about gaming's past glories.
I've been gaming since the late '80s (Atari ST for life!) and my first console was the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis – I've been something of a Sega fanboy ever since. I began my career in video games writing for magazines and websites such as Retro Gamer, Pocket Gamer and GamesTM, before shifting to a full time role on the Hookshot Media network as Editorial Director.
Experience
Damien began his professional journalistic career with Retro Gamer magazine and has since written for Pocket Gamer, Eurogamer, CNET, Red Bull Gaming, SFX Magazine and many other clients within the tech and video game industries.
As a co-founder, Damien has been with Hookshot Media from the very beginning, holding various positions prior to his current role as Editorial Director. He was the Editor on Nintendo Life for more than one period during this time, and is currently the Editor of Time Extension.
Damien’s work on Time Extension sees him covering all aspects of the site’s retro gaming brief, including news, reviews, guides and features.
I love sharing new and old stories about the vibrant history of video games
Timeline
- 2010: Co-founds Hookshot Media, assuming the role of Editorial Director
- 2012: Editor of Nintendo Life
- 2022: Editor of Time Extension
Qualifications & Awards
- BA (Hons) Multimedia Design (2002)
Expertise
Damien’s first game system was an Atari ST, followed by the life-changing Mega Drive! Since then he’s owned pretty much every major gaming system and handheld to hit the market.
Damien’s favourite all-time console is the Sega Mega Drive. Not only was it his first console, it also introduced him to the world of Japanese import video games and arcade-perfect coin-op conversions. If he could only take one system with him to a desert island, it would be the Mega Drive.
My favourite genre? Probably shmups, followed by arcade-style fighting games. I don't have much spare time for gaming these days, so when I play for pleasure, I like games I can quickly jump into for a short period!
Damien’s Favourite Games
From the Archive
We asked Damien to pick out his three favourite pieces of work from across his personal archive, and tell us why he picked them!
The Making Of: GameFan Magazine - Drugged Coffee, Pirated Games And Empty Bank Accounts
I love doing deep-dive pieces into the history of the magazines and publications that inspired me, and this one was one of the most fun.
The 'Kawaii' Is A Nintendo Wii The Size Of A Keychain
Seeing modern-day hackers take old tech and repurpose it for a new generation is one of the most fascinating aspects of working on Time Extension, and it was encouraging to see the reaction to this news article when it went live.
Feature: How Rik Mayall Helped Bring Anarchy To Nintendo UK
Rik was one of my heroes growing up, so it was humbling to be able to speak to some of the people who worked with him in this tribute piece, which was recently republished to mark the tenth anniversary of his tragic passing.
