Hayes Madsen

Hayes Madsen is the Video Game Trends Writer for Inverse’s gaming section where he covers the most buzzworthy events and controversies in the industry — along with some of the most compelling community stories.

Hayes has more than 10 years of experience in journalism with a special focus on entertainment and the video game industry.

The Inverse Awards

The 10 Best RPGs of 2024, Ranked

An all-time year for the genre.

By Hayes Madsen, Shannon Liao and Robin Bea
Retrospective

35 Years Ago, A Pivotal Remake Established One of the Greatest RPG Franchises of All Time

The unending journey.

By Hayes Madsen
The Inverse Interview

The Director Who Brought Parkour To Zombie Games Has A New Trick Up His Sleeve

9 years later, the Dying Light franchise gets a major facelift.

By Hayes Madsen
Inverse Recommends

PlayStation Plus Just Added the Most Experimental Sonic Game of All Time

The blue blur returns — and explores.

By Hayes Madsen
The Inverse Awards

The 10 Best Video Games of 2024, Ranked

2024 was a great year for gamers.

By Shannon Liao, Hayes Madsen, Trone Dowd and Robin Bea
The Inverse Interview

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Director Weighs in on Cloud’s Love Triangle

Two down, one to go.

By Hayes Madsen
Game Changers

Corinne Busche Is the Ruler of RPGs, Conqueror of Haters

The director of Dragon Age brings her personal journey to life in her games with a rich, messy tapestry of love, life, and romance.

By Hayes Madsen
Gaming News

20 Years Later, a Long-Lost RPG Is Finally Playable in English Thanks to a Fan Translation

Back from the grave.

By Hayes Madsen
Game Guides

'Marvel Rivals Tank Tier List: All 8 Vanguards Ranked

Taking one for the team.

By Hayes Madsen
The Inverse Interview

The Witcher 4 Devs Want to Explore "Consequences" Through Its Open World

It’s Ciri’s time to shine.

By Hayes Madsen
Gaming News

The Creators of the Most Chaotic Co-Op Game of the Decade are Back With a Spooky Twist

Grab a friend.

By Hayes Madsen
Inverse Recommends

PlayStation Plus Just Quietly Added One of the Best Platformers Ever Made

A true classic.

By Hayes Madsen
Opinion

Marvel Rivals Is a Chaotic Mess, and It Should Stay That Way

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

By Hayes Madsen
Game Guides

'Marvel Rivals' Healer Tier List: All 7 Strategists Ranked

Defense is the best offense.

By Hayes Madsen
Opinion

'Marvel Rivals' Had a Nearly Perfect Launch, But It Needs One Major Change

A strong start.

By Hayes Madsen
Inverse Recommends

PlayStation Plus Just Added the Most Charming Co-Op Game of the Decade

Couples therapy in video game format.

By Hayes Madsen
The Inverse Interview

'Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth': Aerith’s Voice Actress on Rap Battles, Ad-libbing, and Self-Doubt

Crafting a new legacy.

By Hayes Madsen
Inverse Recommends

You Need to Play the Most Exciting Multiplayer Game of the Year ASAP

A new challenger.

By Hayes Madsen
Gaming News

Nintendo Initially Had an 'Edgier, More Rugged' Version of Mario in His Latest RPG Adventure

Things could have been very different.

By Hayes Madsen
Game Guides

'Marvel Rivals' Roster: All 33 Characters Playable at Launch

Pick your main.

By Hayes Madsen