Introducing...Ctrlr

"It's dangerous to go alone..." At times, words of immense, let alone sound, advice. For the past ten years, they have been words that have – for the most part – helped me to get to where I am now. But unbeknownst to one's self or otherwise, sooner or later, that fateful moment when reliance on tradition and what's come before, arrives.

As much as I would've loved to continue walking the very path I've followed for near to a decade at this point, there comes a time when a decision has to be made. A decision that, while initially hard to digest, comes with the hope and optimism that it may lead to brighter pastures. "One door closes..." and all that.

And just maybe: Ctrlr is that opportunity that has been waiting for me. A new hub that I, Jordan Helm – a UK-based writer and critic of games – can now call my own. As part of my ongoing quest to talk about the thing I love a lot of: video games. An industry whose up's, down's and unpredictable nature (both good and bad) has helped bore a decade-plus of experience writing on.

In a culture I remain passionate about and hope to continue offering coverage for. Now, under the banner of Ctrlr: a new, fully-independent outlet, created by yours truly.

Ctrlr isn't just a short-hand form of the word "controller"; neither is it a reference to one of the more common keyboard macros, Ctrl+R. So too it's more than a hint as to one's intent to focus on the realms of both console and PC gaming in equal measure.

I suppose it's also a signal of intent to finally regain full autonomy in what it is I want to focus on, when I want to focus on it. As comfortable and as enriching past experience has been, it's time for a change of pace...and Ctrlr is that change of pace.

What you'll find here is a slew of reviews, previews, impressions, features and just maybe some editorial stuff on the side, from yours truly. That may well include my [un]healthy obsession with the Metroid series, underappreciated puzzle games and many other such topics. Just forewarning you.

The first stage of this new journey is, naturally, where you are right now: Ctrlr.net, but who knows where this might take me.

Some will certainly argue that 2025 signals a troubling, perhaps dire, period for the health and state of video game coverage online. I'm more than aware I may well be getting [at the very least] ample baffled looks, at the sheer (insane) thought of establishing a new outlet...now of all times.

But I see this as an opportunity to do things my way. To cover the games and topics I'm interested in. Here, the direction and intent behind the coverage is strictly under my...CONTROL.

I hope, whoever you are and wherever you may be reading this, you'll support me in this new venture. Even if it is as simple as a click, or a quick message to say hi. I can't say I've fully mapped out where things may be heading. Or that I won't be dishing out a hot take or two along the way. But hey...where's the fun in that?

With that, let's get back to talking games!