15 Things Aspiring Video Game Journalists Need To Know
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It Doesn’t Pay Well
…If it pays at all. Common payment structures include $1 per 1000 views and .001c per 10–20 words. Though, more often than not the ‘pay will be the games you are ‘given’ to review. Some will even have the gall to say that the job is payment in of itself.
Gamers May Dislike You On Principle
Over the last half a decade the relationship between gamers has largely deteriorated. This comes from a combination of things (Not least the switch from print magazines to online publications lowering the overall quality of the field), but especially affects opinion pieces and features. There is a ton of distrust between Gamers and journalists right now so always be as honest as you can because one white lie will get you dragged over the rocks.
You May Hate Video Games By The End
This is especially true if you are working as a reviewer. The timeframe you have to work with is often half of what is required. The stress can really turn you off gaming. Not only that, but just the mental visualisation of games as a job can change how you think about them. They’ll stop being categorized as toys and become work instead. Be wary of this. Many a video game journalist learns to resent the games they once loved.
You are Disposable
There is very little in the way of job security in this industry. You can be fired overnight for no reason what so ever. Or perhaps one day the boss of the website just vanishes. Without admin privileges, it is hard to keep a website running. This has actually happened to me three times so I’m willing to believe it is reasonably common. The thing I’m getting at is: always be on the lookout to jump ship if things go sour.
Exploitation is Rife
Most of the smaller websites don’t ask many questions. Don’t be surprised if you are working alongside a 12-year-old Minecraft player who has been promised a dollar if he can just get 1000 views. This industry exploits tweens at the same rate one needs to throw coal into a steam engine. Just remember you don’t have a union and so know your rights inside out. Put everything to paper when anything seems mildly fishy. Know how to sign your name under duress.
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Remember Mechanic, Dynamic, Aesthetic.
When talking about a game always refer to these three items. These are the most informative elements to a layman who doesn’t know the company or brand. Honestly, most of the time it’s all the average gamer wants to know alongside ‘Does it run well?’.
Networking Is Important
As I previously mentioned, there is very little job security in this industry. One thing you can keep are your contacts. It can take a little effort to maintain a healthy network but the bigger the network the more resources you have and the more employable you are in the industry. Bonus points if you can get your contacts to connect with you on Linkedin and Twitter.
Use Social Media
Don’t leave the advertising of your articles up to the company you write for. Invest in yourself and maintain several social media networks. Give each one a slightly different lean. Perhaps keep your opinion posts on one and reviews on another or only talk about a particular game. Cross post between them and also talk to your fans and critics regularly. Having a fanbase makes you far more employable because your readership will go where you go. When a company hires you they are ‘buying’ your readership.
When Drama Strikes Contact Patient Zero
99% of drama is absolute bullshit. Rather than feeding into the cycle of bullshit by writing a piece about how maybe someone did something somewhere at an unspecified time, contact patient zero. 9/10 that person is more than thrilled to tell their side of the story. This not only builds your ethical credibility as a journalist but also helps you establish strong bonds with prominent people in the industry.
Honesty Is More Important Than The Developer
I have spoken a lot about the importance of gaining and maintaining followers in your network. There is a balance to be had though. You see, ass kissing video game journalists are a dime in a dozen, but an honest one is priceless. If you come to a situation where a fact may hurt a developer’s feelings don’t let that dissuade you. People will respect you more for your trustworthiness. At the end of the day, that is the most valuable asset to any journalist.
Practice Being Rejected
Every time you think you can’t do something do it anyway. Don’t be afraid to contact a major publisher for the latest Sly Cooper game or reach out to Minecraft creator billionaire about what he eats for breakfast. Worse case scenario you are ignored. You have everything to gain from simply trying, so why would you ever consider not? This is an industry where you cannot fear rejection. Rejection is going to be the milk in your tea every day of the week.
Stand Up Even If You Stand Alone
There are thousands of opportunities to jump on the bandwagon. If you do you will get the approval of your peers who are eager to have their own point of view affirmed. Let’s say you have a different opinion. Stand by it. Be prepared to become the heart of controversy if that’s what it takes. I’ll tell you from first-hand experience. A controversial opinion that you honestly believe and are passionate about can mark you out .
Keep Track Of All Your Colleagues
Oh yeah, this is dirty, but keep tabs on all your colleagues. Occasionally, you will be thrown under the bus by someone and your last line of defence can be the dirt you hold on them. This industry can be incredibly ruthless so make sure if someone tries to take you down you take the whole house down. If done right you’ll never need to do it again because people will realize blackmailing you isn’t a good idea.
Participate In As Many Mediums As You Can
Don’t just have a contact list of publishers and developers. Have a dynamic list of Let’s players, fans, fellow writers, podcast hosts, Youtube theorisers and more. Don’t be shy to offer to post on another website or exchange ideas. Get your name out there and expose yourself to varied opinions. Being a writer of the people and soak up the freshest memes and the newest vernacular.
Never Apologise
Only apologise if you are entirely sincere and you really messed up. Never apologise because people are giving you grief or to appease someone. The way internet culture works dictates that as soon as you give an inch they’ll take a mile. Did you post a sad Pepe? Don’t apologise to the ignorant rando calling it a white supremacist symbol. Preferably, flip them off while drinking a glass of milk and saluting an American Flag. Then sell their precious ‘Reeees’ to Monster’s Inc
If you enjoyed this Check Out
An Introduction To The Problems In Video Game Journalism
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