The gaming community is at war. The last several weeks have been a truly trying time for anyone involved in the industry. A slew of controversy has been uncovered pushing the community into a violent outrage and many are calling this the end of the “gamer” era.
We won’t go into the specifics of the #gamergate scandal, but searching the phrase on Twitter or Google will uncover countless articles explaining the dishonest and unethical behavior of some of the biggest names in video game journalism. This fragile ecosystem has always been under question, but the smallest spark of truth has ignited a fire set to burn it all to the ground.
Video games journalists are accused of having unprofessional relationships with developers which is in turn leading to dishonest or biased coverage. “Gamers” demand serious action to be taken against the perpetrators. In many extreme cases this includes death threats and destruction of property. In retaliation to these vicious attacks journalists are damning the entire gaming community using cliche “gamer” stereotypes as insults. It seems as though neither side wants resolution; they want war.
We’re calling for honesty and integrity in modern video game journalism. This is who we are. This is what we are. This is what we do.We do this for ourselves and the passion of the medium. There are no ulterior motives. We love what we do.
You are your own authority on video games. Don’t rely on larger media outlets to regurgitate advertisements cleverly disguised as insightful journalism. Be honest with yourself and act as your own guide. We are all equally qualified to share what we love.
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“Don’t rely on larger media outlets to regurgitate advertisements cleverly disguised as insightful journalism.”
I’d say this is the most important insight in this article, and defines that line between quality review and anything on Kotaku.
Also as a side comment to the current gamergate controversy. I have to say that both sides have their fair share of fundamentalists who are not focusing on the bigger issues, and therefore derailing any kind of merit to the claims being made.
On a lighter note, I will not be stalking Miles for his inactivity in this matter 😛
Miles just needs to join the cool kids with glasses club.
And shave off the red dirt on his chin….haha just kidding *runs and hides*
I’m desperately trying to grow a beard, but I have such a baby face… I honestly haven’t shaved in close to two months… 😦
Haha it looks good man, I think the cartoon needs to follow suit 😉
Hahaha well thanks! I’m going for the ginger Johnny Depp look.
So many articles regarding #gamergate are filled with biased hatred or anger. I didn’t want to participate. I simply want people to question the norm and push for honesty.
I almost steered clear of the topic entirely, but I figured it was about time the ol WYT? crew got involved.
Yeah there is a lot of vitriol on both sides, and the attacks on credibility are just ridiculous. I’ve come to expect that kind of negativity, it just seems to appeal to people more.
I’m just happy to see others focusing on the positive aspects like pushing for journalistic integrity.
There’s enough negativity on the internet. Sometimes I just get sick of hearing about it. Can’t we treat each other with a little mutual respect?
Yes, you are so right! We need to use that speck of common sense that we all (hopefully) have.
I knew I loved this blog for a reason.
It’s all a labor of love, and we appreciate you as a dedicated reader.
I actually looked up some of this #gamergate stuff recently (and felt a little bit of what’s left inside of me die, until I found this one) and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who isn’t interested in a ‘war’. Why can’t we all just play games and get along?!
Exactly! It wears me out reading about all the terrible things associated with the #gamergate scandal.