Over at
J2Games, we’ve already put many Internet video game writers through the wringer
when it comes to the subject of being a journalist. Supposedly, being
a video games journalist today merely consists of having a news site
where one just points out what other sites say about video games – this
site has an interview, that site said this rumor, some site dug up this
news – all in one blog roll with cute, Photoshopped photos that attempt
to be funny. Honestly, though, the adage goes that you have to stick
with what sells and I can live with this if this is how video games
journalism has evolved to what people really want. There is, however,
one thing some of these sites do that annoys me beyond belief.
Usually, the offense looks something like this:
Guitar Hero 9,435,283 Arrives at HQ
By nestlekwik
UPS
just stopped by, dropping off an advanced copy of Guitar Hero 9,435,283
before it is available in stores. We’re going to go and play it right
now and let you know what we think later.
Okay. We get it.
You’re a video game publication outlet and you get games earlier than
most other people. But, honestly, what journalistic good does an entry
like this provide? There is no good and this only serves to stroke the
ego of the writers who feel the need to think they are above every one
else. If you understand video game journalism, you already know that
these outlet receive advanced copies in order to convince readers to
buy the game (or if you’re an actual journalist and not just a
glorified PR site, tell readers why they shouldn’t buy the game). Be a
journalist and skip the part where UPS came to your door so you could
gloat that you’re playing a game before most of the civilized world and
get on to sharing news and views about the game so readers can be
informed.
This doesn’t stem from jealousy, either. Even though
I am, at face value, a “video game industry nobody,” I still receive a
fair amount of games prior to their retail release date and this has
included key titles from companies such as Nintendo and Sony. With
that being said, I never felt the need to rub it in people’s faces that
I was in possession of a game early – I just appreciated the
opportunity and reported news and views as I saw fit.
The being
said, while I can’t speak for myself, I’m sure this facet of egotism
has always existed among video game journalists. I mean, when you do
get to play games in advance, have a voice that is heard by many gamers
and talk to some high-profile people, I’m sure there is a natural chip
that forms on your shoulder. Even so, I think most of these writers
had the common sense (and journalism training) to not put such an
attitude in their print. I can’t recall magazines telling me that UPS
showed up with the hot new Super Mario Bros. 2 or writers blatantly
telling me they were going to go and play Super Mario Kart before I
could instead of using the space to report valid information. I would
be very interested on hearing Bill’s thoughts on the matter in how
journalists handled their positions. Again, I’m sure the egotism was
there in some aspects, but it appeared to be a lot more behind the
scenes.
At least with this editorial, I can get the dubious
honor of being the first person to mention Guitar Hero 9,435,283 before
it is announced sometime next year.
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