Austin, last year you quickly became my favorite part of GiantBomb, which I already loved. It's not going to be the same without you. I'm happy for you, but will definitely miss the chemistry you had with the other three in the Beastcast. Dat Laugh!!!! Please Please PLEASE come back occasionally and sit in that "rotating chair". Good luck at Vice, I will definitely be following you there.

Austin...what can I say that hasn't been said. You were a great fit with the East Coast team and the Beastcast soon became my most listened to podcast. Your content on the site was always great. You struck a fine balance between Vinny and Alex like the layer in between the sun and the warm fog on a spring morning. We'll miss you! Keep your laughter, wit and academic intelligence with you in your journey ahead. Best of luck!

When you first arrived, I was skeptical, as I am with any new addition to Giant Bomb. "Does this guy get it?"

Well, you got it. And you're one of the most talented writers in games journalism to boot.

And then you tweeted a Chris Hitchens reference. I was sold. You were one of my favorites.

Hated to hear about your departure, but I know you wouldn't leave this awesome place if there weren't a really good reason. Running your own website under the Vice brand? Yep. That's a really good reason.

I'll miss hearing your laugh mixed with the comedic stylings of man-child Vinny and cynical Alex. I'll miss how eloquently you articulated your opinions, and how fervently you backed them up. And that perpetual question:

"What's really good??"

You are, Mr. Walker. You are.

Good luck, and bon voyage.

Thanks Austin Walker for a year of great articles, intelligent commentary and quite possibly one of the most infectious laughs ever! You will be missed and I wish you much success in all future endeavours. Take care and come back to visit in some capacity!!!