Someone spoiled Twitter with the question “Are we in some dark ages of gaming journalism?” Let’s face it. This question-great truth-was a conversation starter, depending on what side you are on. But there have not been any responses. You’d think that was a dud question waiting in a lobby, waiting for a squad to join but all alone. Zero replies. Nada. Zilch.
But again, let’s go over this because this old matter refuses to die. For better or worse, gaming journalism has been bludgeoned, time and again, for years. More often than not, it turned to clickbait headlines, quick-and-dirty reviews, ethical conundrums (I am looking right at you, sponsorships without declaring), and the very irresistible force that is known as “critic score” versus “user score.” Is it their pleasure? Or are they just sadists with halos in their hearts?
Some say it is not just worse now, but its prime. Certainly, they are many voices, many platforms, and many perspectives. Indie sites, in-depth YouTube essays, and writers who actually play the games instead of simply regurgitating press releases.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, you flash the “driving by SEO, gobbling ad revenue” trash as it lays waste on your feed… “Top 10 reasons why this game sucks (number 7 will shock you!)”
I’m interested in how it isn’t so elaborately explained in this tweet-but the message is loud; maybe nostalgia is masking the viewpoint. Just remember; those sets used to be sacrosanct back then: Nintendo Power and EGM gaming mags.
Truly, they, with nary an ill word, were in bed with the big publishers. What about now? It’s chaotic nowadays, but at least there’s a fair bit of dissent.
And still … where are the replies? Perhaps someone is too busy cursing somebody out in a discord thread? Or perhaps they see no point in engaging in futile discussions with that tweet, thus somewhat ironically proving it–if gaming journalism really is in dark ages, do gamers even care?
So what’s the verdict? Depends who you ask, of course. But one thing is clear: the discussion is far from over. Even if the replies to that tweet are ghost towns.
