When I began No Added Sugar just a couple of months ago, it was primarily in response to what I perceive to be a banality in the content of the major corporate gaming sites. I’m not going to name names, but poor writing, increasing cosiness with the games industry resulting in less than critical reviews of certain titles, and an anodyne and lifeless approach to games journalism- top ten lists, anyone?- characterise huge swathes of the gaming press in 2009.  I saw a gap for quality writing and I set up No Added Sugar to try to fill it, or even part of it.

Of course, filling a niche in the gaming press takes more than just one man’s work. On my own, I can provide a hodge-podge of content, flitting between platform, genre and article type- but I don’t think this is comprehensive enough for readers. That’s why I’m putting out an invitation for aspiring gaming writers to join No Added Sugar’s mission to give intelligent gamers an alternative video games site that doesn’t condescend to readers, pull punches, fail to ask the difficult questions, or give the honest answers- or at least try to do all of the above (we’re only human after all).

Because No Added Sugar is all about quality writing, rather than churning out stories in bulk, we’re looking for somebody with real writing ability. In fact, along with having a real love of gaming, the only other essential thing that an applicant should have is an ability to write cleanly, intelligently and incisively on games and gaming issues.

Other important things to keep in mind are:

-Preferably, applicants should have, or have easy access to, several current generation consoles.

-Ideally, applicants should be resident in the UK or Ireland, as the press trips and events on offer will be restricted, at least initially, to these islands. That said, those from other countries are more than welcome to apply.

As No Added Sugar is still very much in its infancy, there will be no remuneration for any post on the site. However, there will be opportunities for site staff to go on press trips to interview game developers, go hands-on with games and attend games conventions- not to mention the opportunity to get in print and contribute to a small, upcoming gaming site with big aspirations.

Please send your applications to mark@noaddedsugar.ie, including the following three things:

1) Your full name and country of residence.

2) Details of any relevant writing experience you might have.

3) Because writing a lot of copy for an application like this isn’t fair, I’m just asking that you try your hand at a 100-Word Review, in the general style of this one. You can choose any game you wish for this- just remember that with only 100 words at your disposal, you need to be very concise, and if possible, witty.

I will respond personally to every submission received. Looking forward to hearing from you!