A Belated Birthday: Gaming Cuisine Turns One, and a big announcement

Though we're a bit belated in announcing it Gaming Cuisine's first year has been something Mike and I have been celebrating for a while. On August 1, 2011, Gaming Cuisine's first two posts introducing Mike and I (Ryan) were published, followed shortly by other editors, a couple podcasts (with more to come), and many, many articles. We've done our best to stay true to a twice-a-week posting formula, and have mostly succeeded in doing so. And on that note we want to thank all of you for sticking around for the times we missed our self-appointed deadlines. If it wasn't for you, our audience, we probably wouldn't still be regularly posting a year later. While it's certainly possible that Mike and I might have still been posting regardless of readership,  I can tell you for certain our hearts wouldn't be in it. You have all made Gaming Cuisine a very valuable part of our lives, and one we talk about on a regular basis. From excitement about reader comments and numbers, to ways to improve the site, Gaming Cuisine has been a regular topic of discussion between us for over a year now (some of you may remember this all started with Mike's previous blog "Hunter Zero Gaming").

Over the past year we've had three editors come and go (and come back), posted 154 articles (not including this one), had over 32,000 views (!!), met dozens of amazing readers and tournament entrants, and interviewed a man who may arguably be the worlds coolest psychiatric doctor (Dr. Matt Woolley).

To say that we consider this an amazing accomplishment would be an understatement. We never expected to find the success we did, and do so quickly (though admittedly, we had certainly hoped too), and again, this is all in thanks to you, our readers. But just saying thanks isn't enough, so we have big plans ahead of us. Mike and I are constantly trying to improve the site in order to make it a better place for both you the reader, and even the game industry itself. It's our aim here at Gaming Cuisine to provide our audience with high quality articles, trustworthy reviews, and entertaining media (be it podcasts, articles, or other media formats... *wink*), to do so in a timely and punctual manner, and improve the industry in any way we can in the process. While that's certainly a lofty goal, Mike and I know we can do it, and we hope that as we continue to grow and expand that you will all stay with us. I say this, because without you, we're nothing. I hate to get sentimental, but it's true. So thank you all, it's been a good first year, and we're sure that the next will be even better.

Until next time, Keep on Gaming!

Mike's input, and the announcement

I can't agree more with what Ryan has said. Simply stated, we wouldn't be doing this as passionately without you, the readers. We plan on taking Gaming Cuisine to a whole new level with in the next year ahead of us, so be prepared for some pretty epic news to come. What I can say, and would like to officially announce, is the partnership in tournaments between Gaming Cuisine and The Gamerz Funk. TGF is an extremely successful local LAN shop. Basically, you go there to game with either yourself, or other gamers alike. Costing very little money to do so, you can bet it is some of the best social gaming you'll come across. And did I mention that TGF is the only one is Utah doing this anymore? We thought it would be an awesome opportunity to expand our tournament audience of console gamers and jump into the PC gaming as well. So I am extremely excited to say that we will be hosting tournaments with TGF for a long time to come. Head on over to the Cook Off's page for more information, and please be sure to follow us and TGF on facebook for updates. September will bring our first tournament, and details are to be announced once it gets a little closer. In the meantime, head on over to TGF and play some video games and meet new people.