Xbox 360 Game News, Reviews, and Columns - XboxFocus

Staff

» Staff Listing

We think that each of our lovely staff members deserve at least a second of face-time and that is what this page is for. Here you can find out gamertags, contact information and some random junk about our content and behind-the-scenes workers. Please read them, for some of them, this is the only daylight they get.

If you're interested in joining staff or giving us any feedback, please visit the forums for more information.

  • Steve Wysowski

    Editor-N-Chief

    I basically run the ship here at XboxFocus (yeah, we're pirates). My job is to make sure everyone is doing theirs, and to make sure the site's content is at its fullest potential. I hire writers, I let them go, I help them, guide them, and I push them foward; all in the hopes that the user gets the best content we can offer.

    I'm also responsible for my own little column here, which I will update nearly everyday. There you can see my inner most thoughts on the industry around us, and I'm not afraid to speak what's on my mind. Can't wait for that to get going. But that's me in a nutshell, I'll see ya on the battlefield.
  • Justin Bartle

    Co-President & CEO

    Hi, I’m Justin. A little bit about me. I like long walks on the beach on a starry night, sipping on my Long Island Ice Tea, and listening to the rolling of the waves… Kidding aside, I’m currently going to school to become a “Doctor of Chiropractic”, but at heart I’m a webmaster. I own a few sites and Steve and I co-founded XboxFocus nearly a year ago. My main purpose is to help the site grow and find new ways to attract new users (and to be the good looking one). XF and my first gaming site are in close junction with each other (se7ensins.com). We are hoping that each site will help each other with traffic and dedicated users.

    I’m like a lunar eclipse; rare but a beautiful event when it occurs. I’ll mainly be working in the background of the site, working on SEO (search engine optimization), vBulletin mods, and advertising. I don’t have much time to play games anymore but when I have the time, I’m always up for an old school game of Halo 2 (lol yes, that’s pretty much the only game I have right now). Other than that, I may contribute to some heated debates if any break out; don’t mind me, I play devil’s advocate to point out flaws in everything, don’t take it personal.
  • Dick Ward

    Lead Columnist

    More evidently now than ever before, games are more than just entertainment. My Outside the White Box takes a look at the things affecting Xbox gamers on a day to day basis. Every week I will feature stories revolving around a selected theme over there; from advances in technology to political perspective and the study of games as an art form, you’ll find it all right there.

    Got something to say to me? You can always comment on my articles or send me an email at DickWard@XboxFocus.com. Your thoughts may be featured in future columns to come.
  • Mustafa Unal

    Lead News Blog Editor

    I'm Mustafa Unal (Nemphtis) and I write utterly pointless shit on Xbox Focus. Apparently I'm funny, but to those who disagree I'm simply considered an asshole. Regardless of what you think of my personality, you'll be seeing me around frequently if you're a regular reader of the Xbox Focus news section. Aside from my obvious allegiance to videogames, I occasionally dabble in things such as anime and of course hentai. Also, I mostly hate playing with Americans on Xbox Live -- just for the record.
  • Alex Yusupov

    Columnist

    Hey guys, I'm Alex. Aside from moderating the forum, I also write reviews and columns for the site. I also edit articles, you know, for grammar and such. I love writing and a dream of mine is to do it as a career someday, but not for now.

    I'm a pretty fun-loving guy, and before I came to this site, I was a freelance web-designer for several sites, as well as a creator of a webcomic that I stopped making. I was at one point helping with the development of an MMORPG, but dropped the project because I couldn't work with the other staff. I have no idea how it's doing now, or if it was even released, so don't ask me to link you. If you want to do some research on your own time, last I was part of the team we named it "Saints of Atanus," but that most likely changed since I came up with the title.

    Gaming wise, I own over a 100 games as well as several consoles from multiple generations. Right now, I'm obsessed with my Xbox 360, and I mostly enjoy Gears of War, COD4, and various RPGs and games like Assassin's Creed.
  • Jaleel Boone

    Columnist

    In Halo, a Running Riot is killing 15 enemies in a row without dying. The relentless act of carnage and death towards one's opponent was the best metaphor for this column we could come up with. The opinions you're going to read in my column are relentless, brash, and so awe-inducing that you'll be forced to appreciate their wisdom. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll wonder what went wrong with your life as you realize the truth in these words. You may disagree with me, but I guarantee you will always be entertained. I apologize in advance to anyone who may be easily offended. Pregnant women and those with heart problems should consult their doctor.

    Be sure to send all of your fun-filled venom and hatemail to jaleel@xboxfocus.com. It helps jumpstart my morning.
  • Zack Rovinsky

    Columnist

    The door opens, but only 2/3 of the way. You enter, sideways so as not to disturb the pheasant perched on the knob. You look to the left and see a man with no watch. You don't know why this chills you to the core. Then, suddenly a whimper. It's not the watch-less man, it's not the pheasant. it's your inner child. It hungers like never before. You fall to the ground, not crying, just sobbing, lightly, passionately. That is what Zack is all about.
  • Matt Schmachtenberg

    News Blogger

    I'm Matt Schmachtenberg (yes, my name's longer than an 18 wheeler, blame the Germans) and I'll be writing news around here. I've had writing experience before, but mainly on personal gaming blogs, no full-blown websites, and my writing's usually sarcastic. Actually, I believe that's a bit of an understatement. Sarcasm's my best bud.

    When it comes to gaming, I love my XBOX 360 for its online-ness. I can easily get caught up in Call of Duty online for hours, thinking it's been 15 minutes. Then I realize it's 5AM, and that tomorrow's gonna be a bad day. Then it's time for "one more game". I love FPS, racing, and adventure games, but recently I've found rhythm games to be my forte. Oh how I wish I could quit you, Rock Band...

    If you happen to see me on Live, just drop me an invite and I'll do my best to pop in and donate a few headshots!
  • Warren Pearson

    Illustrator

    When I'm not playing WoW, painting Warhammer 40k miniatures or hanging around Xbox Live; I am usually found doodling for XboxFocus. I am a young graphics designer who has a love for comic art and pretty animations, and I'm responsible for all cartoonage here at XF. I study Games Development in a University west of London, and in my spare time I draw my own web-based comics. I also will soon begin to start my own comic right here at XboxFocus. Can't wait for that.
  • Ryan Maffit

    Maintenance Executive

    Hello my name is Ryan Mafffit and I am currently a web developer here at Xbox Focus. My job is to add anything Steve wants to the site and fix any bugs that may arise. Sure, he may have me whipped, but I'm the one holding the plug. Muah muah muah.