Derek Nichols
Editor
-
2868articles
-
2432News
-
217Features
-
213Guides
-
3Reviews
-
1Deals
-
2Other
About Derek Nichols
Derek's love of games came at an early age when his parents first brought home the Nintendo Entertainment System. From then on, countless nights were spent hunting ducks, stomping turtles, exploring far off planets, and combing through dungeons with a trusty sword and shield. Originally growing up exclusively with Nintendo products, Derek's perspective grew to include other platforms ranging from Sony, to Microsoft, the PC, and more. As his views and opinions grew, so did the desire to connect with other players and video game fans. In 2011, his writing adventure began on his personal blog, eventually joining up with the GameRant crew in 2015. He currently covers everything from features and guides, to the latest breaking video game news.
Favorite Games
Too many to name! I've been playing games since the NES days, so there are a ton of games from a variety of generations. Just a few standouts for me are Super Metroid, BioShock, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and many more.
Industry Focus
Largely focusing on the video game industry as well as all of the breaking news related to various games, companies, and events that take place.
Favorite Console
Derek grew up in a Nintendo household, but was still able to experience the heyday of classic systems like Sega Genesis, PSX, and PS2 over at friends' houses. Eventually, Derek went multiconsole and hasn't looked back, getting to experience all the great titles that each one has had on offer over the years.
Latest
Nintendo Direct for June 2026 Officially Announced
After a number of recent rumors, the latest Nintendo Direct broadcast is officially confirmed for June 2026, and its coming very soon.
Sea of Thieves is Getting One of Its Biggest Updates in Years on June 18
Rare is going big for Season 20 in Sea of Thieves, adding an all new way to play the game by letting players make their own experiences and modes.
Fable Adds MCU Star as Villain and Reveals Release Date
Playground Games releases a new story trailer for Fable, focusing on the return of a major franchise villain as well as confirming the launch date.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Reveals DMZ Setting and More Details
Infinity Ward reveals more details about the return of DMZ in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 including the location, emergent gameplay, and more.
007 First Light Confirms First DLC Story Mission
At Summer Game Fest, IO Interactive confirmed a year's worth of content for 007 First Light, including the game's very first DLC mission.
Street Fighter 6 is Adding FF7's Tifa to the Roster
The rumors were true as Final Fantasy 7's Tifa is officially coming to the Street Fighter 6 roster alongside 3 other characters during Year 4.
Helldivers 2 Adding Game Changing Roguelite Mode Called Planet Warfronts
Arrowhead Game Studios reveals upcoming Helldivers 2 plans, making the game more rewarding, while also adding new game modes like Planet Warfronts.
New CD Projekt Red Game Teased (And Not The Witcher 4 or Cyberpunk 2)
Alongside The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, CD Projekt RED's mysterious new IP called Project Hadar unintentionally teases new gameplay details.
007 First Light Studio May Be Getting Pushed Out By Amazon On Future Bond Games
Following the success of 007 First Light, Amazon appears ready to take things over with IO Interactive potentially getting pushed out of the way.
Marvel's Wolverine Deconfirms A Popular Spider-Man Theory
Creative director Marcus Smith provides some new details on Marvel's Wolverine including the universe it's set in and other potential cameos.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Just Revealed 3 More Iconic Villains for the Roster
During Sony's State of Play, Arc System Works reveals the next set of playable characters for Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls as the Knights of Doom.
Overwatch Change Gives Players a Better Shot at Anniversary Legendary Title
During the limited time Overwatch Anniversary Event, Blizzard reduces the grind of its challenge system, giving fans a better chance at a rare title.
Marathon Season 2 Reveals More Details on PvE-Friendly Experimental Mode
Alongside the launch of Season 2 for Marathon, Bungie reveals new details on Sponsored Survival, the first of two PvE-style game modes.
Crimson Desert Reveals DLC Roadmap and Upcoming Quality of Life Improvements
Pearl Abyss shares a detailed DLC roadmap for Crimson Desert over the next few months including more major quality of life updates on the horizon.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Studio Head Promises SBMM Transparency Soon
Infinity Ward studio head Mark Grigsby promises transparency over how Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 handles its matchmaking, with news expected soon.
ARC Raiders Tests New PvE Map Conditions, But There's a Catch
Embark Studios appears to be testing new PvE map conditions for its hit extraction shooter ARC Raiders, but there's a potential catch with it.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Promises 'Grounded' Cosmetics and Collaborations
Following the reveal of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Infinity Ward addresses how the studio plans to handle future cosmetics and collaborations.
Forza Horizon 6 Shares Some Incredible Achievements One Week After Launch
A week after the launch of Forza Horizon 6, Playground Games shares impressive player statistics, accomplishments, and achievements already made.
Destiny 2 Players Attempting 'Server Slam' to Send a Message to Sony
For the final update, Destiny 2 players are organizing a community server slam to smash Marathon's concurrent player count and send a message to Sony.
Former Playground Dev Working on a Forza Horizon-Killer
The former Playground Games co-founder is working on what he believes to be a Forza Horizon killer at his new studio just down the street.