Xbox Fan Site Building 101 with XboxAddict founder and fellow Northerner Stephen Cameron

Think it’s easy starting up a video game news site?  You love video games, play them all the time - why not try to get a site going to share that passion with your fellow gamers? 

But it’s not as easy as it may seem.  I hooked up with Canada’s own Stephen Cameron, founder of the popular XboxAddict news site about how he got started and what sage advice he can offer as someone doing it (and doing it well) since before the Xbox even launched!  Now that’s dedication (and maybe a little addiction)!

Jade: When did you start XboxAddict? Did anyone co-found with you?

SC: I started XboxAddict.com back in July of 2000. This was almost a year before it actually hit the streets. I quickly got started on the small, database driven fan site right after seeing the Xbox prototype in Seattle.  I was there to see some of Microsoft’s upcoming Windows titles such as Ages of Empires 2 and Midtown Madness 2 – a little event they then called Fanstock 2000.   Much to our surprise, Ed Fries came to pay us a visit and to show us the big chrome X, what would become Xbox!

At that time I was operating (with two other people) the single largest Motocross Madness 2 fan site (www.motocrossmadness2.com) in the world.  I got through Microsoft’s front door by building and designing vitual motocross tracks above the standard that was out there at the time for Motocross Madness 1 and 2.  They sent me an email soon afterwards asking if I wanted to come to Seattle, and of course I said yes!

I did originally start XboxAddict with 3 other hard working people.  But unfortunately, the reality of money to cover expenses of the server and bandwidth quickly set in.  From that point on I became the sole proprietor of the site because I had some money saved up and took on all the financial responsibilities.  Unfortunately, they chose not to pursue the dream, and we all went our separate ways.

Jade: How jealous are we, nice score on the first look.  So is this your day job, does it pay the rent?

SC: This is NOT my true daytime job, but sometimes it feels like it. I’m actually a graphic/web designer and build corporate sites.  I received my education at Canadore College in North Bay, Ontario.   Web design back in 1993 was bleeding edge, but I had a close friend that was a server admin tell me that I should start building web sites, and it would be the next big thing.  Boy, did he ever nail that one!

Along the way, XboxAddict.com was born, and at first it did not pay the rent – nothing actually.   We came close a few times to shutting down the site.   The odd pay check from the holiday rushes would hold us off for another rainy day.   But, the thing a lot of people don’t realize (even on the corporate side) is that you can build a great fan site, but when everyone shows up on your door step, bandwidth costs skyrocket.  And sometimes you are left with a huge invoice to pay.  It’s almost like people could essentially kill your site without knowing, it’s strange actually.  It’s only recently that Wal-Mart decided to jump on board as a major sponsor, and that has helped out with things alot. 

Jade: How does someone from New Liskeard, Ontario found one of the largest Xbox news sites in the world?

SC: I tell people that we didn’t really intend to build the largest Xbox fan site in Canada. I think we created a monster, quite frankly. There’s a lot of truth to the line in that movie that said, “Build it, and they shall come.”  They sure came alright!  Being from a very small community, this really keeps things into perspective.  But, I’m really happy with the success of the site, it has opened new and exciting doors for us.  New Liskeard, now called Temiskaming Shores, is a great community.  Less stress, more fresh air, and a great place to raise my family.  What more could a person want?

Jade: You are making me homesick for the North Stephen!  So, how many people do you have writing editorial content for you?

SC: We currently have three news guys, and five reviewers, and about five forum moderators.  But when Christmas rolls around, that will definitely double. Things are just crazy at that time of year.  There’s a whack of games coming out every other weekend.  But, that’s when all it’s the most exciting.  So, it’s a trade off.

Jade: Do you have a focus on Canadian Xbox news? Is this important to your site?

SC: Being on the Internet, it’s hard to flex those Canadian muscles.  As much as I love this great country of ours, 70% of our members are American.  Most other sites will disregard Canadian specific Xbox news, but we make it a point to cover it.  No matter what.  Because let’s face it, the remaining 25% of our traffic IS Canadian.  Plus, we do house some of the greatest video game development studios in the world, like Ubisoft Montreal, Bioware, Silicon Knights, Pseudo Interactive, and Digital Extremes just to name a few.   As you can see, Canada plays an extremely important role in the life line of the Xbox.

Jade: What was the first game you played on Xbox?

SC: I actually got most of the launch titles (we’re XboxAddict, remember).  But, the first game that had me “reeled in” was Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee.  Man I really liked that game. I honestly wish there were more games like that.  Less guns, more beef.  Maybe I just remember them like we all remember classic video games…better than they really were. Who knows!?!?

Jade: What was the first game you played on Xbox 360?

SC: The first game I played on the 360 was GUN from Activision. I like that whole western thing. Great game, unfortunately the graphics weren’t next-gen that much.

Jade: Were you a member of the Xbox Live beta program? Spill - what was your Gamertag and is that STILL your Gamertag?

Yes, I took part in the Xbox Live Beta program very early on, was playing Re-Volt, over and over.  I wonder why they didn’t release that.  Oh well.  And yes, I’ve had the same gamertag since day one, “Kamshaft”.  For the record (Stargate SG-1 fans), I had my nickname long before Cameron Mitchell! (-:

Jade: Hear that Microsoft, get Re-volt on Xbox Live Arcade!  We beta testers demand it!  What is your favourite game of all time on Xbox? Xbox 360?

SC: My absolute favorite game on the Xbox is Kung Fu Chaos, and on Xbox 360 Tomb Raider: Legend (for now). Unfortunately, I got to try multiplayer Gears of War, and a demo of Assassin’s Creed, and those are my new requests for Santa!

Jade: Gotta love the Kung Fu Chaos, it would have rocked on Xbox Live.  Most under appreciated Xbox game?

SC: There’s a few actually, but I would have to say definitely Psychonauts stands out from all the others!  If you get a chance, rent it!  Sadly, that poor game is off the hook and apparently didn’t sell very well.  And Kung Fu Chaos is another that is piles of fun too, but didn’t become very popular.

Jade: With the competition heating up this holiday, what do you think will make Xbox 360 continue to stand out for gamers?

SC:A lot of things will stand out, Gears of War, Viva Piñata for the kids, the HD-DVD player, Xbox Live and everything under that umbrella.  The one BIG interesting thing coming to Xbox Live especially is LiveAnywhere, and the new additions to the Xbox Live Arcade.  That stuff is going to be huge!   PLUS, the whole “Games for Windows” integration.  Santa, is going to be one busy guy this year.

Jade: What game/peripheral are you most looking forward to after this year’s E3?

SC:Man I wish that was plural!  I have more than one item.   Gears of War really left an impression on me, and the HD-DVD player.  Santa I really hope you’re taking notes!

Jade: Give some advice to any Canadians looking to start their own fan site?

SC: Start off small, get a lot of help, and have some money saved up!  Have a clear understanding on what the gaming community wants.Iit changes more often than we all realize.  I think gamers even keep Microsoft on their toes sometimes, wanting more powerful consoles and bigger better games.  But, the reality is that Microsoft and all the other publishers try to visit all the fan sites, and see what gamers are buzzing about, and every once and a while they do say thank you.

Jade: Any final words for the Xbox Canadian community?

Canada is a major player in the gaming industry; a lot of people don’t see it sometimes.  You really don’t have to move to the U.S. if you want a job, we have some great developers in nearly every single province!  Some would say I was just at the right place at the right time, but I truly don’t believe that.  If you’ve got a passion for gaming and your girlfriend or your wife is willing to tough things out with you, do it. Do what you love, it’s important and it’s a heck of a lot of fun.