Gaming

Some people might argue it’s a different thing but for me individual YouTubers have replaced the role gaming magazines / websites took in the past. I follow a few who tend to enjoy the same games as I do. They usually do not release their videos right when the embargo is lifted but take a bit more time - which I enjoy.

That said, I could see how a fediverse focused gaming outlet might fill a niche. I don’t think anything like this exists yet and existing outlets barely have a presence here (or I didn’t notice, I haven’t exactly been looking for this).

The crux of this issue comes down to trust.

Do I believe the “journalism” whatever outlet you make produces, that it’s what it pretends to be: an unbiased, honest, authentic, and objective opinion piece on a game? Or is it going to be (now or in the future when you sell out) marketing garbage whose purpose is to try and get me to spend money, no matter what lies it needs to tell to do so?

So classic User Value versus Profit motive conundrum.

It’s not a conflict that’s easily resolvable, and I’m far more stingy these days of allowing myself to be profited off of without concrete (to me) value in return, and tbh I don’t see how any type of game review service could avoid the temptations of profit enough for me to trust a damned thing they say.

Good luck, tho

I’d be interested in an outlet that:

• Does not accept free copies/codes for game or early copies of the games. Access journalism is a plague.
• Brings in guests to the show/podcast/whatever who are proficient and knowledgeable about the games being discussed. I don’t expect the hosts to be experts, but I’m tired of hearing layman’s takes on games that I’m interested in.

Would you be interested in supporting an outlet financially? If it’s a good product, I’d support a Patreon or whatever.

Do you have any preferred platforms? Would you be interested in an outlet that prioritizes the Fediverse over Twitch, Youtube, etc.? I think it would be best to post content cross-platform otherwise you risk having a dead community or, worse, a circlejerk community.

Do you have a preference between written content, video, audio? I think video and written are a minimum nowadays with audio being a nice bonus.****

Generally, what you have on the list is what I want to see from a gaming news outlet. I especially like the idea of focusing on older games, mods, niche communities, and that sort of thing. I guess if there was more of something I wanted to see in games journalism it's more in-depth coverage of gaming topics and less rushing to cover the latest AAA release. I'd much rather be reading a long-form article about microtransactions or watching a video essay on the possibility of a video game actor strike than reading about where to find the best ship or weapon in Starfield. Of course, I'm just some random person on the internet, so take that all with a grain of salt.

People Make Games is a channel that I would call game journalism. Look at their coverage about Disco Elysium, its really great.

I’d be interested in an outlet that has reviewers actually finish the game before writing their review. I get the perceived need to release a review as early as possible, but personally I’m willing to wait if it means a more accurate, thorough review (I’m more of a “patient gamer” these days anyway).

Inviting guest reviewers could also be a good idea I think. Always good to get different perspectives and voices.

As for mediums, I prefer video for reviews as it allows for demonstrations of different aspects of the game. This is especially helpful when talking about a game’s performance and artistic direction.

Drama. Just drama. Reviews about other video gamers drama.