Rock Paper Shotgun has announced a series of enhancements to its RPS Supporter Program, a subscription service designed to fund the publication's writing and reporting. These changes, implemented starting last week, aim to increase the value offered to subscribers at no additional cost.
Expanded Exclusive Content
Supporters on the Premium tier will now receive more frequent posts exclusively for their eyes. This includes a wider range of insights and articles from various members of the RPS team, covering diverse topics beyond typical indie game spotlights. Additionally, the publication will revive the practice of reposting older supporter-only articles, making them accessible to all readers after a curated period. This aims to give non-subscribers a taste of the exclusive content while still rewarding existing supporters.
Enhanced Ad-Free Experience
A key benefit of the RPS Supporter Program has always been ad-free browsing. This perk has now been extended to include sponsored content. Supporters logged into their accounts should no longer encounter sponsored posts, and any instances of such content can be reported for correction. Both Standard and Premium tiers will continue to benefit from the existing ad-free browsing experience.
Direct Communication and Behind-the-Scenes Access
Rock Paper Shotgun is reintroducing "Letters from the Editor," a feature where editorial staff will share updates on RPS gossip, insights into the publication's decision-making processes, and general goings-on. Furthermore, the program will incorporate more behind-the-scenes articles. These pieces will offer glimpses into the editorial workflow or present cut content, providing a different kind of value beyond conventional game-focused features.
Monthly Roundups and Future Possibilities
To ensure readers don't miss out on content, Rock Paper Shotgun will compile all exclusive supporter articles into a monthly roundup. This list will be accessible to everyone, serving as a recap for current supporters and a showcase for potential subscribers. The publication also plans to conduct a reader survey to gather feedback on desired improvements and is exploring the possibility of more game or item code giveaways, though acknowledges the changing industry landscape may limit such opportunities.
Pricing for both the Standard and Premium tiers of the RPS Supporter Program remains unchanged. The publication expressed a desire for supporters to appreciate these changes as much as the staff values their patronage.