Video game journalism is navigating a complex landscape, encountering obstacles similar to the wider journalism industry. In this article, we delve into the challenges faced by game journalism, the impact of corporate influence, and the inspiring story of Second Wind, a cooperative venture that emerged as a beacon of hope. Join us as we explore the triumphs and resilience of game journalism in the face of adversity.
The Decline of Game Journalism
Explore the challenges faced by game journalism in the modern era.
Video game journalism, much like the wider journalism industry, is grappling with significant challenges. The decline of traditional newspapers and the rise of online platforms have disrupted the traditional business model of journalism. The dominance of Facebook and Google in the online advertising market has further compounded the issue.
Corporate owners prioritizing profits over quality content have also contributed to the decline of game journalism. This has led to a decline in the overall quality of reporting and a focus on clickbait headlines and shallow content.
The Story of The Escapist's Firing and Second Wind's Emergence
Uncover the events that led to the firing of The Escapist's editor and the subsequent rise of Second Wind.
An example of the challenges faced by game journalism is the firing of The Escapist's editor in chief, Nick Calandra, by Gamurs Group. Calandra's abrupt dismissal occurred before his strategies to find new revenue sources for the publication could take effect.
This decision led to the resignation of Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw, a prominent figure at The Escapist, and the entire video production team. However, this unfortunate event turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Calandra and his colleagues, as they had previously considered starting an independent publication due to Gamurs' unstable financial situation.
The attention generated by the firing and resignations prompted them to establish a new venture called Second Wind. They capitalized on the momentum by setting up YouTube and Patreon pages, rebranding Croshaw's show, and focusing on building a community of subscribers.
As of November 19, Second Wind had over 300,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 11,000 paid subscribers on Patreon. The success of Second Wind showcases the potential for independent ventures in the game journalism industry.
The Rise of Cooperatives: Second Wind and Defector
Discover the demand for game journalism that corporate media outlets fail to meet.
The emergence of cooperatives like Second Wind and Defector highlights the demand for game journalism that corporate media outlets often fail to meet. The game industry, which is larger than films and sports combined, attracts significant interest from audiences worldwide.
However, many corporate executives prioritize immediate profits over the long-term investment required to build a community of paying subscribers and diverse revenue sources. This has created an opportunity for independent ventures like Second Wind and Defector to thrive by focusing on quality content and community engagement.
The Potential for Success in the Media Business
Despite the challenges, there is still room for success in the game journalism industry.
While the game journalism industry faces challenges from giants like Google, Facebook, and private equity firms, there is still potential for success. It requires hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, but the stories of Second Wind and Defector demonstrate that independent ventures can thrive.
By focusing on building a strong community, diversifying revenue sources, and providing quality content, game journalism can overcome the obstacles it faces. The rise of cooperatives and independent ventures signals a promising future for the industry.