Farewell Stuart

After more than 15 years and 762 issues of MCV, Stuart Dinsey departs the company he founded. The UK games industry pays tribute to an industry legend..

Rod Cousens, Codemasters

His success was born out of his rawness and not accepting No. His success was born out of relationships and team building which have stood the test of time.

His success was his ambition – it was his intent! We all willed him on as he carried the flag for the UK. He’s the boy next door made good and he’s going to do it again. Look out!

Stuart forged friendships which go beyond the industry and I, for one, want it to go on and on, wherever it may take us. Here’s looking at you kid.

Ian Livingstone

Hey Stu,
You told us what was new,
An incisive view,
With pictures too,
Opinions you drew,
From more than a few,
The industry glue,
You saw it all through,
And even though you were
a Blue,
We will miss you.

Andy Payne, UKIE/Mastertronic

Stuart is made for the 140 characters generation. So here’s 140 characters which sums him up: Intelligent. Passionate. Driven. Entrepreneur. Committed. Funny. Principled. Loyal. Chelsea. Stevenage. Family. Friend. Working. Class. Hero

Matt Carroll, Disney.

There isn’t a corner of the games industry – and a few other industries for that matter – that hasn’t been reported, supported or aborted without Stuart’s input. If he’s on the move – it’s the start of the transition – we should all be looking forward to a third generation Dinsey device.

Jon Grimes, Microsoft

The saying ‘End of an Era’ is used many times but it has to be the way to describe the departing of Stu from MCV. I’ve known him to about 15 years and had many challenging, insightful and normally humorous meetings. He has been a key person in building the great industry we have in the UK and we owe him a lot.

As the games industry has matured over the last few years there was a danger we could become very ‘corporate’. Stu always made sure we didn’t, ensuring the fun remained. Thanks Stu for all you’ve done and support you’ve given us over the years.

Greg Ingham, Mediaclash

Tenacity isn’t the half of it.

From his first day at a thing called CTW, it was clear that Stuart was abso-bloody-lutely determined to make it as a journalist. He had a prodigious workrate, the open-mindedness to sponge up any useful advice – with a smart bullshit detector for the rest – and a doggedness to get a decent angle even on the dullest of newspieces or features.

Momentum matters. So when MCV got into its stride, there could only be one winner in video games trade magazines.

Wind the clock forwards just a tad and he’s now bowing out after having built and sold a media empire – woo! – with the same level of drive he’s always shown.

He’s as likely to be quiet as he is to stop doing stuff. In all respects, we haven’t heard the last of him…

Rosemary Buahin, Sony

Mortifyingly fun MCV videos; rambunctious industry parties, colourful language and delusional Chelsea worshipping – Stuart is an industry stalwart who helped to shape our craft and encouraged those in the business to have a bit more fun along the way. He’ll be missed.

Kim Adcock, OPM

Stu put the fun into games for all these years, no matter what the state of the market. It’s all become a bit serious these days but MCV kept its culture and kept us all sane, relatively.

Sean Brennan, Bethesda

Our lives will be a lot less rich without the legend that is Stuart Dinsey. Sic Transit Gloria mundi.

David Yarnton, Global talent Group

As much as Stuart Dinsey loved to build upon his Punk London heritage of which there was obviously some talent and which he occasionally rolled out, he was actually a genuine gentleman who was always at the end of the phone if there ever was a problem.

For a journalist he really had a great mind for business and understood the politics that people working for large multi-national companies had to contend with and worked to try and make sure he didn’t bite the hand that fed the MCV business.

The really great thing about Stuart was that on a number of occasions when remonstrating with him about something that had been published that may not have been exactly to our liking he was pragmatic enough to understand that it was just business and that these situations should never get in the way of friendship. He has always been very humble and the work that he has done behind the scenes for the games industry and charity should not go un-recognised.

Stuart is still very young and will be a great success with any new ventures he puts his hand to, I hope that he does spend some time though to sniff the roses and practice his bass and singing, not that he needs to after wowing us all with his farewell concert and laying everyone in the aisles.

John Clark, Sega

Ever youthful in looks and energy, it’s incredible to think that it’s been 15 years. Stuart is a figurehead of the industry who will be missed. Never shy of an opinion or two, guaranteed a lively discussion and fantastic support for the industry and for charity.

Although I don’t understand his footballing tastes, I do feel privileged and touched to have witnessed the father and son joy of that ‘one night in Munich’.

Thanks for all the energies that have in some way and at some time influenced many, and best wishes for the future.

Murray Pannell, Sony

Stuart’s passion, energy, and love for the games industry inspired many – he will be greatly missed from MCV no doubt, but I hope his influence in the industry will still be felt for years to come. Cheers, Stu. All the best in your new adventures.

Rupert Loman, Eurogamer

MCV was founded shortly before we started Eurogamer in 1999 and ever since then our paths have crossed on an annoyingly regular basis. I think we’ve both enjoyed winding each other up over the years, but it’s been very clear over that time that he has been one of the most dedicated and focused businessmen I’ve come across. His achievement over the past 15 years, from founding the original magazine to building and then eventually selling company is something to be inspired by. That said, I’m very much looking forward to a quieter year or two now – depending on how long his non-compete is!

Alison Greagsby, 505 Games

Stu, you’ve been a dominant figure in the industry since I started my career and it really won’t be the same without you.

We’ve experienced some of the best and worst trips together over the years but I know the hospitality at Kenilworth Road must be one of your highlights. Best of luck with everything in the future.

Harvey Eagle, Xbox

I’ve never really liked a Chelsea fan before. But with Stu you just can’t help it. His passion and straight-talking always make him great company. His contribution to this industry cannot be overstated. We wish you well Stu in whatever you decide next. I have a feeling this is not really goodbye.

Spencer Crossley, Warner Bros

It’s a very sad day to see.

Stuart ‘hang up his MCV gloves’. He has played a pivotal role both within the trade and the wider public/commercial domain in championing, protecting and promoting what is a truly fantastic industry which we all work in.

However, never once has he rested on his laurels and has continually challenged the industry….ultimately to make it a better place. The industry will miss him greatly, as so will I as a friend.

Fergal Gara, Sony

All the very best Stuart. There is lots we are going to miss, including your passion, energy and drive. There is also lots we will have to remember you by, including the MCV awards – one of the top nights in the industry calendar. Here’s to your next exciting chapter.

Margaret Pearson, CentreSoft

Stuart is one of the most respected business journalists in the video games sector – a legend. Best wishes for the future Stu!

Jon Atherton, Entatech

Top bloke…. Approachable, hardworking and a fine drinker. We wish him well.

Craig McNicol, Koch Media

Stuart first came onto my radar in 1997 when he was editor at CTW and we were barely three years old. His editorial critique of Koch Media was something like being new kids on the block only lasts so long before they need to start proving themselves”. I took those words as a personal motivator to elevate our game in the UK and build something sustainable and relevant. Stuart was a key architect in helping to deliver this, a supporter of business and yet, as I found out, somebody that wasn’t afraid to challenge if it was necessary. For me his leaving is bigger than Ferguson on Keane or Beckham. Good Luck Stu.

Lee Kirton, Namco Bandai

One of the most honest and vocal quiz show hosts I’ve ever met. I can’t wait for him to have his own show on Channel 4. Good luck in all seriousness Stu.