Patrick Dane passed away at 34 in a motor vehicle accident during the UK holiday season, devastating gaming journalism circles. Recently hired as News Editor for Skill Up’s independent This Week In Videogames, Dane revitalized coverage with original reporting passion after leading Dexerto’s gaming vertical to record traffic.
12-Year Career Highlights
Dane launched Bleeding Cool’s gaming section 2014, writing 2,371 articles in first year securing publisher relationships. Promoted Managing Editor, he developed style guides, managed 20 contributors across remote teams. TechRadar Gaming launch 2022 showcased evergreen guides expertise during Future PLC expansion.
Dexerto Games Editor 2023 oversaw 20+ writers covering Call of Duty, Pokemon, Overwatch launches alongside Baldur’s Gate 3, Magic The Gathering expansions. BAFTA Connect member attended Gamescom, MagicCon establishing industry network. October 2025 joined This Week In Videogames energizing independent model outside Google dependency.
Industry Impact Deep
| Year | Role | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Bleeding Cool Games | Launched section, 2,371 articles |
| 2016 | Managing Editor | Style guide, 20 contributors |
| 2023 | Dexerto Games Editor | 45M monthly users record |
| 2025 | TWIV News Editor | Independent reporting focus |
Peer Tributes Heartfelt
Dexerto memorial called Dane “great writer, mentor, friend” crediting editorial leadership during explosive growth. Bleeding Cool remembered launch architect behind gaming dominance. Competitive Overwatch community noted years of OWL coverage dedication. GamesRadar, Eurogamer colleagues praised news instinct, deadline mastery.
This Week In Videogames obituary highlighted rapid team transformation injecting “energy, insight, passion.” LinkedIn announcement October 2025 captured excitement building independent model – “write for audience supporting coverage, not Google.” Industry loses voice championing smaller communities alongside blockbusters.
Independent Journalism Loss
Dane represented rare breed – built multiple gaming sections from scratch thriving across corporate, independent models. Dexerto tenure demonstrated scaling coverage profitably while Bleeding Cool proved solo launches viability. This Week In Videogames role promised original reporting renaissance avoiding SEO constraints strangling peers.
34 proves brutally young for decade-plus career spanning WhatCulture through GamesMaster, International Business Times. London-based remote work mastery prefigured industry normalization. PR relationships secured across publishers enabled comprehensive coverage from AAA launches to TCG expansions.
Legacy Endures
Dane’s style guides standardized multiple outlets during chaotic growth phases. Contributor management across time zones set remote work benchmarks. Evergreen guide expertise survives algorithm shifts plaguing peers. Independent passion fueled final This Week In Videogames chapter promising uncompromised reporting.
Overwatch community loses chronicler of OWL evolution from launch through decline. Call of Duty, Fortnite, Valorant coverage established Dexerto dominance during live-service golden age. Baldur’s Gate 3, Magic expansions showed versatility beyond esports. Gaming journalism loses architect too early.
FAQs
How did Patrick Dane die?
Motor vehicle accident UK holiday season. This Week In Videogames confirmed details January 7, 2026.
What was his Dexerto role?
Games Editor 2023-2024 oversaw 20+ writers, drove 45M monthly user record across Call of Duty, Overwatch coverage.
Bleeding Cool contribution?
Launched gaming 2014 writing 2,371 articles year one. Promoted Managing Editor managing 20 contributors, style guide.
Recent This Week In Videogames impact?
News Editor October 2025 revitalized independent coverage focusing original reporting beyond Google dependency.
BAFTA Connect involvement?
Member attending Gamescom, MagicCon establishing industry relationships across publishers, developers.
Overwatch community connection?
Years covering OWL evolution from launch through decline. Competitive scene mourns dedicated chronicler.
Independent journalism vision?
Excited building audience-funded model prioritizing coverage quality over SEO constraints.
Conclusion
Patrick Dane’s sudden passing robs gaming journalism of 12-year veteran who built Bleeding Cool gaming, scaled Dexerto dominance, energized independent This Week In Videogames. Style guides, contributor management, evergreen mastery set standards peers follow. 34 ends career spanning corporate launches through niche TCG coverage too prematurely.
Overwatch chronicler, Call of Duty architect, indie advocate leaves coverage void. Dexerto’s 45M growth, Bleeding Cool launch, independent passion cement legacy. Gaming loses voice championing communities small and massive – remembered through work reaching millions.