Key promotions and new talent for Intent Media’s leading games brands

Rising stars of games journalism are joining leading trade publications MCV and Develop – as existing team members score top promotions.

From June 1st, MCV’s deputy editor Chris Dring becomes associate editor.At the same time, staff writer James Batchelor becomes deputy editor.Both will increase their magazine responsibilities while still contributing to MCVuk.com, run by online editor Ben Parfitt.

Plus, with Dominic Sacco heading to an exciting new role (see boxout, right), MCV has hired a new staff writer: Lauren Wainwright.

25-year-old Wainwright is currently finishing a Games Studies & Journalism degree at London Metropolitan University, but has written for The Sun, IGN, GameSpot, VG247 and OXM and runs GMA-nominated blog Daily Girl Attack Panic Super HD Remix. She starts on July 2nd.

Chris and James are invaluable members of the team, these promotions have been well-earned,” said MCV and Develop editor-in-chief Michael French.I’m delighted to welcome a rising star such as Lauren to the team.”

Meanwhile, Develop is adding a new face too, with Aaron Lee joining the team as staff writer on July 9th.

He replaces online editor Rob Crossley, who joins CVG next week.

21-year-old Lee is currently finishing an MA in Journalism at Goldsmiths, University of London and has also written for The Independent, Pocket Gamer, PC Advisor and EastLondonLines. He has also regularly freelanced for Intent Media’s games titles.

He will work with editor Will Freeman and existing staff writer Craig Chapple.

French added: I’m also pleased to welcome Aaron. He is a journalist we have supported and nurtured since he first did work experience for us in 2009.”