Oh dear, where does the time go? One year ago today, our own Editor in Chief Barry Villatoro launched this little old site and it’s been quite a wild ride. Over the past year we’ve gained plenty of new staff members to help us deliver content to you, we’ve given away hundreds of things to make you love us more, we went to PAX East, and we’ve had some fun play dates and i’ve gotten to know a select few of you, and it’s been great.
So today, on our one year anniversary, I want to thank you, the LevelSave community, from the bottom of my heart for making this such a great year. On behalf of all of us here at LevelSave.com – thank you, community, for riding along with us on this great big bus of fun.
Not to say the fun is over, though, why it’s just getting started! To celebrate our anniversary, we’ve decided to give away over $500 worth of gaming gear. We can’t give away the specifics yet, but we’ve got codes, retail games, a very nice handheld, and more – just for you.
To start off the party we’ve got Gears of War 3’s Forces of Nature DLC coming later today, and on Saturday we’ll be giving away codes for Don’t Feed the Panda on iOS. Sunday will be a secret until later on, and Monday we’ll be rolling out the big carpet – we might even lose our “v card.”
So again, thank you for joining us on this crazy ride of a year, we ultimately owe all our success to you, the community, for coming here and reading our news.
Three cheers to another year of LevelSave!
(Hey, Barry hosts and funds this website completely out of his own pocket, if you like what you see, drop in and say thanks to him on Twitter or just leave a comment.)
Since we’re all sharing stories of how we got here, I may as well too.
Last year Adam Shear needed a third for a podcast he was on, there I met Snickelsox, who only kept me on the podcast because, to quote him “a good jester for him.” I insulted him a lot and at some point met Barry, who’s site was hosting a giveaway for $50 in Microsoft Points or PSN Cash for the first member to get 5 approved articles.
I immediately reposted every review i’d ever posted on LevelSave to try and scam some quick Microsoft Points, at which point Barry told me that wasn’t allowed. He liked what he read, and, when I jokingly asked for a position, he said I could do anything I want, and I’ve taken complete advantage of that statement.
Over one year ago Barry and I became quick friends when I impersonated a virtual-homophobic. Soon after I was writing stupid Pokemon stories that brought in about 4 clicks, and Barry Humored me. Now I bring in about 6 clicks and could not be happier. Thanks for having this site and tolerating all my ridiculousness Barry!
I remember a conversation Tim and I had a while back and I had mentioned that I enjoy writing about games for fun. This led to exchanging e-mails with Barry and I’ll never forget the words,”We would like to invite you for a News Editor Position” appearing in my inbox. I always love waking up on days off to see an e-mail about what to post next and reviews are always a lovely challenge. This site has helped me develop as a writer and I do hope that it continues into the far-flung future. Would love to go to PAX and then meet up with all the staff before we go and host a LevelSave discussion panel someday. Thank you Barry and to Tim and to all the other guys that make LevelSave fun.
Ha, V card. I see what you did there.
FOOOOOOOOOOOOOR
HE’S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW
FOR HE’S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW
FOR HE’S A JOLLY GOOD FEEEELLOOOOOOOOOOW!
.. WHICH NOBODY CAN DENY!
Thanks for your hard work, man. Without this place I wouldn’t have a soapbox to stand on.
A couple months back I decided that I didn’t like the direction most popular gaming news sites (Kotaku, Joystiq, IGN) were going and I wanted to find a place where I could get my news, reviews and gaming tidbits without the advertising and douchebaggery that comes with being a big shot game writer. I don’t quite remember what I searched in Google to bring me here but it was probably one of the best Google searches I have ever done.
Ever since joining Level Save as a member of the community I have met a host of great people, listened to over 24.3 hours of rants, game reviews and failed jokes in the form of podcasts and read two reviews that would finally make me realize that Sony didn’t actually die after Rachet and Clank 3 (Journey from Chris and Dynasty Warriors Next from Barry).
I just want to thank you all for doing what you do, especially Barry for the creation of Level Save. Keep doing what you are doing. You rock!
My pleasure, Tim!
That’s awesome, Tim. We’re here for people like you! ^_^