Are Most Game Journalists Little More Than Entertainers?
See Full ImageWhat is gaming journalism? As the entertainment venue has emerged into the mainstream limelight, the question has come to the forefront.
Earlier this year, I wrote an editorial addressing this issue, claiming that due to the inherent traits of the Internet, and the inherent differences between online and print publications, video game journalism is indeed different. But of course, that doesn't necessarily change the fact that a journalist must maintain a certain code of ethics and a bit of integrity, which was the point of a great article over at TheMarriedGamers. It refers to those who many don't consider to be "journalists" but rather, entertainers; i.e., Hip Hop Gamer and Olivia Munn. Arguments can certainly be made on both sides, and if we eliminate the traffic requirement for 99% of gaming sites, there isn't much excuse for breaking the rules of journalism. But with the community element, we may be doomed to producing pieces that do include author opinion (which you're never supposed to do).
So what do you think? For our part, we attempt to provide all relevant facts and leave it at that; you might find a sentence or two that conveys a bit of author reaction to the news, but that's where it ends for us. If that's a problem, though, you just let us know. :)
Tags: video games, games industry, gaming journalism
12/17/2010 12:33:48 PM Ben Dutka
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Comments (23 posts)
Killa Tequilla
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 2:11:43 PM
Last edited by Killa Tequilla on 12/17/2010 2:12:07 PM
1 up, 2 down
Underdog15
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 1:02:40 PM
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When you guys at PSXE write, it often includes tidbits of what you think. And that's important to readers who understand your likes and dislikes. Yet, at the same time, I have seen a number of times where you guys have rated things for what they are, whether they are your thing or not. And that's important too.
Additionally, the parts of the news you folks write with bias, are CLEARLY just your opinions. And on subjective issues, you always state phrases like "we feel that etc. etc. etc." clearly indicated that it is how you feel on a topic, and not necessarilly something everyone will agree on.
Perhaps it's because I visit often, but I have no problem differentiating the difference on this site between news and opinion. But Ben, please know that the opinions ARE necessary for your writing to be interested (entertaining) and clear. The way you handle yourselves is really, the best way to maintain both journalistic integrity and an opportunity to express your feelings.
Journalism is boring without adding in at least a little bit of insight. It's especially useful for those who may be familiar with your work, but not familiar with a particular topic. For example, if it has to do with an RPG, I know you and I have similar thoughts on the topic, so if there's news on RPG's that I may not have brushed up on, I know I can trust what you say, both objectively and subjectively.
But yeah, author reaction is important as long as the reaction isn't the news.
4 up, 1 down
Hezzron
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 1:06:18 PM
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I personally have no problem with some "opinion" in articles. Readers shouldn't be so thinned skinned as to get all upset if it differs from theirs.....as long as there's a comment section to voice your displeasure! ;)
10 up, 0 down
FatherSun
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 3:36:22 PM
8 up, 0 down
Fane1024
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 2:41:09 PM
The some holds true for Sessler, Webb, et. al.
Someone like Geoff Keighley, though, MIGHT be considered part-journalist at least.
On the other hand, Greg Miller has a degree in journalism and (like Ben) worked in print journalism, but his function at IGN is primarily as an entertainer (read: goofball).
0 up, 0 down
maxpontiac
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 1:11:02 PM
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That's just another case in point on why PSX is the place to be!
10 up, 2 down
The Doom
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 10:13:58 PM
1 up, 0 down
Highlander
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 1:12:17 PM
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6 up, 0 down
Nlayer
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 1:24:23 PM
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3 up, 0 down
Scarecrow
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 1:31:29 PM
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Agendas console bias = exclusive interviews, early copies of those games for reviews, advertising, etc.
The more you support FPSs on a site the more traffic you get. The more traffic you get the more exclusive content you will get from Activision, EA, etc. And the advertising follows. This all influences game review scores, console bias, etc.
And ultimately $$$
There's really no integrity in most gaming sites.
I respect the sites that came or that still publish magazines like Gamepro and Game Informer.
They come from a background where journalism was real. Most gaming mags in the 1990s catered well to all consoles and tried to be as objective and fair as possible.
Game sites couldn't care less if rpg companies don't give them exclusive interviews, premieres, etc. Since they're all just hungry for the traffic the FPS genre will generate for them. Specially the brainless COD/Halo fans.
psxe puts the facts out there. If there's any opinion from the articles it's only personal. Stuff like "can't wait for Wipeout."
Very informative site, the community is just the fruit of that.
2 up, 1 down
FatherSun
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 1:49:01 PM
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PSXExtreme is no nonsense that way. I have never felt like any opinions are being forced down my throat in order to convince or even trick me into believing what is being reported. Those are the sites and writers that have an agenda. Whether it is personal or purchased!
Ben, Arnold, you guys have nothing to worry about. The integrity from the site is very much appreciated. And entertaining! Quantity is good but Quality is priceless!
Last edited by FatherSun on 12/17/2010 1:59:59 PM
5 up, 1 down
Nestore
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 1:50:15 PM
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0 up, 2 down
Scarecrow
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 4:57:46 PM
Journalism is supposed to inform and educate.
There's room for some editorials/specials but when you're actually informing and educating bias and personal opinion should be minimal.
2 up, 0 down
Fabi
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 1:53:08 PM
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I've always found her to be so fake and annoying. Every time she had to give her actual opinion on a game, or like about her favorite part of E3. It would always be some generic comment or she would mention some game that was just such an obvious pick.
Something like this...
So Olivia, what was YOUR favorite part of E3?
....Well...I really liked the Star Wars game because it showed a lot of fighting...
I do hafta say she was real smart in taking the route she did. She kinda took the backdoor into showbiz and sneaked her way into Hollywood.
4 up, 0 down
Ludicrous_Liam
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 2:02:19 PM
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Just kidding :D I usually agree with your insights, and can relate to your editorials and review of the week etc...unless it includes anything to do with RPGS.
0 up, 0 down
FM23
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 3:50:50 PM
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0 up, 0 down
Pandacastro
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 5:36:53 PM
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http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/12/15/and-here-s-why-olivia-munn-isn-t-a-gaming-journalist-anymore.aspx
Last edited by Pandacastro on 12/17/2010 5:38:48 PM
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telly
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 6:34:16 PM
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CHAOS THEORY X
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 8:01:54 PM
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haha, but when I saw her on Iron Man 2, I semi-shouted her name in surprise(i was in the theatre), none of my friends knew who she was...
Last edited by CHAOS THEORY X on 12/17/2010 8:02:27 PM
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Reply
Friday, December 17, 2010 @ 12:50:53 PM