Big Friendly Guide: The New Gaming Walkthrough Hub by Former Polygon Writers
Looking for reliable, easy-to-follow gaming guides crafted by experts who genuinely understand video games? Big Friendly Guide, a new site launched by Ryan Gilliam and Jeffrey Parkin, two former Polygon writers, offers exactly that. This fresh gaming guide platform delivers detailed walkthroughs, tips, and tricks designed to help players enjoy their favorite games more fully, from uncovering secrets in Zelda to mastering complex quests. If you’ve been searching for trusted, user-friendly game guides, Big Friendly Guide is rapidly becoming a top destination.
After significant layoffs at Polygon following its acquisition by Valnet, Gilliam and Parkin decided to channel their passion for gaming into Big Friendly Guide. Both writers have extensive experience creating guides that not only enhance gameplay but also foster a strong connection with the gaming community. “Helping people play video games and enjoy something important to us feels rewarding,” says Gilliam. This people-first approach is at the core of their new site, emphasizing helpful, accessible content over paywalls.
Big Friendly Guide offers most of its content for free, allowing gamers to access comprehensive guides without restrictions. To support the site’s sustainability, Gilliam and Parkin plan to introduce a Patreon subscription, granting patrons access to an exclusive Discord community and a subscriber-only monthly podcast. The weekly podcast remains free, expanding engagement and offering behind-the-scenes insights into upcoming guides and gaming news. This blend of free and premium content aims to build a loyal, engaged audience while maintaining ad-supported revenue streams to “keep the lights on.”
Unlike larger commercial gaming outlets, Big Friendly Guide focuses on community-driven content creation. Readers can suggest new guide topics, and the founders are eager to interact and respond. This personalized, community-focused approach stands out in the crowded gaming content landscape, appealing to gamers seeking trustworthy advice and a genuine connection with guide creators.
The launch of Big Friendly Guide fits into a broader trend of former Polygon staff branching out independently. Recent ventures like Chris Plante’s Post Games podcast and Pete Volk’s PV Guide newsletter show a growing appetite for niche, passion-driven gaming content. Indie gaming publications like Aftermath and Game File further highlight the demand for specialized, high-quality guides and analysis.
With realistic goals, Gilliam and Parkin emphasize longevity over rapid growth or quick profits. “We’re not looking to build a brand to sell it. We just want to keep doing what we love,” says Parkin. Their mission resonates with gamers who value authentic, helpful content over flashy marketing, making Big Friendly Guide a promising new resource for the gaming community.
