Focus Gaming News managing director, Victoria Coates, discusses her first year at the media outlet, the recent rebranding process, and the launch of the human-centric “From the Ground Up” section.
Exclusive interview.- As Focus Gaming News celebrates a decade of growth and reinvention, we spoke with managing director Victoria Coates about the momentum behind the media outlet’s evolution.
Just over a year into her leadership role, Victoria has helped drive an ambitious transformation, expanding formats, strengthening community engagement, reshaping the visual identity, and preparing new editorial initiatives for the outlet’s next stage. In this exclusive interview, she reflects on what drew her to Focus Gaming News, the values that define its community, the challenges of leading a media operation in a fast-moving industry, and the vision guiding flagship projects such as the recent brand renewal and the launch of “From the Ground Up.”
When did you join Focus Gaming News, and what made you want to join this media outlet?
I joined Focus Gaming News just over a year ago, at a moment when the company was already well established but also clearly ready for its next chapter. What attracted me immediately was the authenticity and the trust it had built within the igaming industry. Focus Gaming News wasn’t just reporting news; it was part of the conversation. I saw an opportunity to contribute to a media outlet with strong foundations, a loyal community, and the ambition to evolve, innovate, and grow even further.
You have previously said that Focus Gaming News has been built by “an amazing community of readers, clients, partners, and a dedicated team.” How would you define that community?
The Focus Gaming News community is collaborative, diverse, and deeply connected to the industry. It’s made up of people who don’t just consume content but actively engage with it, leaders who share insights, partners who trust us with their stories, and readers who value meaningful coverage over noise. What stands out most is the sense of mutual respect. Focus Gaming News has grown because of long-term relationships, not transactions, and that community-driven approach is at the heart of everything we do.
Since you joined Focus Gaming News, the media outlet has grown exponentially with new content formats and a greater presence on social media. What do you enjoy most about this job? What challenges do you face each day to keep Focus Gaming News at the top of the industry?
What I enjoy most is the creative freedom and the pace. Every day brings new ideas, new formats, and new voices to amplify. Being able to experiment, whether through video, social content, or new editorial initiatives, while staying true to our values is incredibly rewarding.
The challenge, of course, is consistency and quality in a fast-moving industry. igaming never slows down, and neither does the media. Staying relevant means constantly adapting, listening to the community and to our partners, and finding ways to add real value rather than just more content. Maintaining that balance is demanding, but it’s also what keeps Focus Gaming News at the top.
“Staying relevant means constantly adapting, listening to the community and to our partners, and finding ways to add real value rather than just more content.”
Victoria Coates, managing director at Focus Gaming News.
To mark the 10th anniversary of Focus Gaming News, the media outlet underwent a major brand renewal process. Could you tell us what that work was like with the media outlet’s graphic design team?
The rebranding was both exciting and intense. It wasn’t about changing who we are, but about visually reflecting who we’ve become and where we’re going. Working closely with the graphic design team was a very collaborative process, with conversations about identity, clarity, and consistency across platforms. The goal was to modernise the brand while respecting its history, and I’m incredibly proud of the result. It feels fresh, confident, and aligned with the next decade of Focus Gaming News.
As part of the initiatives for the 10th anniversary of Focus Gaming News, this year, we will also see the launch of ‘From the Ground Up’. Can you tell us what this new section is about?
“From the Ground Up” is about stories that often go untold, the journeys behind the brands, the people who built something from scratch, and the challenges that shaped their success. It’s a more human, narrative-driven section that goes beyond headlines and metrics. We want to create a space for authenticity, resilience, and real experiences within the industry.
“‘From the Ground Up’ is about stories that often go untold, the journeys behind the brands, the people who built something from scratch, and the challenges that shaped their success.”
Victoria Coates, managing director at Focus Gaming News.
What criteria did you use to choose the stories for this new section?
We focused on authenticity, impact, and relevance. These are not necessarily the biggest companies or the loudest voices, but the ones with meaningful stories: founders, teams, or projects that reflect growth, perseverance, and innovation. If a story can inspire, teach, or offer a different perspective on the industry, it belongs in “From the Ground Up”
Where do you want Focus Gaming News to stand in the next ten years?
In ten years, I want Focus Gaming News to be recognised not just as a leading igaming media outlet, but as a trusted platform that shapes industry dialogue globally, and an influential media outlet. A place where stories matter, voices are amplified responsibly, and innovation is embraced without losing credibility. The goal is sustainable growth, deeper connections, and continued relevance, staying true to our community while welcoming the next generation of industry leaders.
Focus Gaming News managing director, Victoria Coates, discusses her first year at the media outlet, the recent rebranding process, and the launch of the human-centric “From the Ground Up” section. Exclusive interview.- As Focus Gaming News celebrates a decade of growth and reinvention, we spoke with managing director Victoria Coates about the momentum behind the media outlet’s evolution….
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