Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a game journalist? Let’s take a look at Nicole Tanner’s journey as a seasoned professional in the field. Nicole has spent years navigating the dynamic world of video game journalism, and her experiences offer a fascinating glimpse into this exciting career. One of her standout experiences was covering the launch of a highly anticipated console. She recalls, “Have you ever felt the rush of being one of the first to break a major story? That’s what it felt like when I got to review the latest PlayStation before anyone else.”
Nicole’s story highlights the dedication and passion required in this field. Her advice to aspiring journalists? “Stay curious and keep playing. The more you understand and love the games, the better your reporting will be.” How can Nicole’s experiences inspire you to pursue a job as a game journalist? What steps can you take today to follow in her footsteps and carve out your niche in the world of game journalism?
I will share with you Nicole’s responses to what it’s like to be a games journalist and what skills and talents it takes to succeed in this exciting and challenging career path. We will also discuss the Top Game Journalist, Video Game Journalist, Game Journalist Job, and how to Become a Game Journalist. Let’s dive in and explore this together!
Key Points
- Essential skills for game journalists include industry knowledge, writing skills, verbal communication, self-motivation, time management, technology, research, and decision-making skills.
- Prominent game journalists such as Naomi Kyle, Ben “Yahtzee” Croshaw, Anita Sarkeesian, Andrea Rene, and George “Super BunnyHop” Weidman are noted for their unique contributions to the industry, ranging from hosting award-winning shows to addressing critical cultural issues within gaming.
- Becoming a game journalist includes developing writing skills, gaining industry knowledge, building a portfolio, networking with industry professionals, obtaining formal education (optional), seeking internships and entry-level positions, staying current with technology, and maintaining persistence and passion.
- A game journalist reports on various aspects of the video game industry, including game releases, industry trends, developer interviews, console reviews, and gaming culture.
Game Journalist
Credit: DC Studio
A game journalist is a professional writer who specializes in covering the video game industry. This role involves reporting on a wide range of topics related to video games, including game releases, industry trends, developer interviews, console reviews, and gaming culture. Game journalists often write for websites, magazines, newspapers, and other media outlets dedicated to video games.
What Does a Game Journalist Do?
A video game journalist is a journalist who focuses on reporting about video games and the gaming industry. Their job involves planning, researching, writing, and editing content. This can include news about the industry, reviews of new games, or profiles of people in the gaming world. No matter what they write, it’s important for them to give their audience unbiased, objective, and accurate information.
Skills for a Game Journalist
Pursuing a career as a game journalist involves developing technical and personal skills. Technical skills include abilities directly related to journalism, like interviewing and writing. Personal skills, also known as soft skills, encompass habits and traits such as emotional intelligence and time management.
Here are some important skills for a game journalist:
#1. Industry Knowledge
Having a passion for gaming is beneficial. Understanding video games and how the industry functions is essential. This includes knowledge of popular gaming events, common consoles, and upcoming game releases.
#2. Writing Skills
Excellent writing skills are crucial for all journalists. Game journalists might write stories, social media posts, briefs, and scripts. Good writing helps organize information and engage audiences effectively.
#3. Verbal Communication
Strong verbal communication and active listening skills are vital for conducting interviews. These skills help journalists process information and ask insightful follow-up questions to gather more details.
#4. Self-Motivation
Game journalists need dedication, self-discipline, and motivation, especially if they work as freelancers. Self-motivation helps them consistently find new opportunities and stay committed to their work despite challenges.
#5. Time Management
Managing time efficiently is crucial because game journalists often work under strict deadlines. They must prioritize tasks and stay organized to deliver high-quality content on time.
#6. Technology Skills
Understanding basic technology and online publishing tasks is important. Many organizations require journalists to upload their stories into content management systems (CMS) and publish them online. Familiarity with popular CMS platforms can enhance job performance.
#7. Research Skills
Finding new information is a key part of a journalist’s job. Game journalists need to know where to find reliable information and how to distinguish trustworthy sources. Research might involve talking to people or testing new games.
#8. Decision-Making Skills
Game journalists need good decision-making skills to evaluate situations and make informed choices. This is especially important when dealing with rumours. Analytical thinking and caution help maintain credibility and ensure accurate reporting.
Video Game Journalist
Credit: DC Studio
Nicole Tanner has spent over 15 years writing, editing, and podcasting for video games and video game publications. She graduated in 1999 with a degree in Journalism and has since worked at top game industry and game-review publications such as IGN, The Sims Official Magazine, GameNow, MacLife, and Pixelkin.
Besides writing and editing articles about games, Nicole has also contributed directly to video game studios. She was the Director of PR and marketing for Foundation 9 Entertainment, a company that ran several game studios around the world and was a Game Writer in charge of story development for all the games at KIXEYE.
I will share Nicole’s responses to an interview about what it’s like to be a games journalist and what skills and talents it takes to succeed in this exciting and challenging career path.
#1. What Do You Do Every Day as a Video Game Journalist?
As a managing editor, my job mainly involves planning and editing content. I also manage all of our freelance writers and work with the in-house staff to create new content.
#2. How Did You Come To Be in That Job?
I’ve worked in the game industry in various roles for about 12 years. My most recent editorial work was at IGN, where I was an editor and host of the podcast Girlfight. After I had my daughter, our family moved to the Seattle area. I was freelancing for a while, and then I met Pixelkin at the Seattle Retro Gaming Expo in 2014. They were looking for someone who was a parent and had a lot of experience with games to come in on a part-time basis. The part-time schedule is perfect for me, as it allows me to spend a few days a week with my daughter.
#3. What Aspect of the Job Would Be Surprising to People on the Outside?
Many people look at game journalists and think we play games all day, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.
When I was at IGN, playing games in the office made up a lot of an editor’s day. At Pixelkin, since we only review some new releases, we spend very little of our time playing games. We mostly play games outside of the office. Some of our staff members stay late to play games together. Still, the normal workday involves writing, editing both written and video content, managing the technical end of our website, and planning the content we’re going to publish throughout the week.
#4. What Does It Take to Succeed as a Video Game Journalist?
First, you have to be a good writer. Loving games is not enough to be a successful journalist. And to be an editor, you have to be a good writer yourself so you can see where articles can be improved.
Personality-wise, you need to have a really thick skin. You have to be willing to take feedback from editors and be prepared to rewrite your story multiple times in some cases. Most of the time, the work you do will be much more than the pay, but building a solid relationship with an editor can be invaluable in helping you establish yourself.
#5. What Advice Would You Give to People Thinking about Game Journalism as a Career?
If you’re looking to be a games journalist, getting your voice heard will take a lot of time and dedication. The pool of games-specific journalists has been shrinking dramatically over the past few years. It’s become hard for press outlets to sustain the level of advertising it takes to pay for a full-time staff. I hate to sound discouraging, but that’s the reality of the situation now.
If you want to get your foot in the door and work your way up to a staff position, freelance work is the first step. Starting your blog where you write reviews or other game content is important if you still need to have a portfolio of work. A blog will give you something to show editors your voice and writing skills; with that, you could earn a freelance assignment.
#6. What Would You Recommend for Education to Start Down That Career Path?
Even though it’s become less of a requirement, I still think a Journalism or English degree is important. Studying one of those things will help you hone your writing and find your voice. If you can study editing in addition to writing, then that’s even better.
Another thing to do would be to become an avid reader of the main sites for games. Not only will this keep you knowledgeable enough to write relevant content, but it will also give you an idea of the types of articles an outlet publishes so that once you’re ready to pitch something, you’ll be able to pitch something the editors would really be interested in.
Comprehensive Checklist for Aspiring Game Journalists
Top Game Journalist
Here are The top 2024 game journalists you should know:
#1. Naomi Kyle
This US-based Canadian gamer is also an on-air host for IGN entertainment video productions. She is one of the most popular journalists in the industry. The Daily Fix by IGN is a video series that has won many awards, and Naomi has contributed to its success by hosting the series for nine years.
Naomi is also a model. She has worked with big names such as Adidas, Guess, and Virgin Mobile. This multi-talented video game journalist is also an actress. She has played major roles in films such as Mad Families (2017), Dead Rising: End Game (2016), and The Devil’s Dolls (2016).
Source: Twitter
#2. Ben “Yahtzee” Croshaw
Yatzee is one of the most famous video game journalists in the industry. Ben Croshaw is also a comedic writer, author, and video game developer. His hands-on experience with esports and how they are made contributes to his impact as a gaming journalist.
Zero Punctuation and The Escapist are the video game review series for which Yahtzee is most widely known. Judging by the Cover is another video series run by this journalist. In his capacity as author, Croshaw has published three novels via Dark Horse Comics.
Source: Twitter
#3. Anita Sarkeesian
This Canadian-American media critic is also the founder of Feminist Frequency, also known as “femfreq.” Her journalistic focus is on popular culture and the misogyny present in esports, making her one of the most profound journalists in the industry.
Anita has made her mark as a competent and thorough female journalist in the gaming industry. Among her most popular videos is one that features a discussion of the damsel in distress trope. In the video, she discusses the culture of female characters being rescued by male heroes.
Source: Twitter
#4. Andrea Rene
Andrea Rene is well known for her podcast, ‘What’s Good Games.’ She is a gaming journalist, freelance on-camera host, and producer. Andrea has also made substantial contributions to major programs by IGN and Gamespot, the two most prominent names in the gaming industry.
Andrea has been an advocate for the female gamer community. She has also allowed many gamers to be known by conducting interviews with them, including members of the cast of Game of Thrones.
Source: Twitter
Read: The World’s Most Famous Journalist
#5. George “Super BunnyHop” Weidman
If you know anything about the world of gaming journalism, you are already familiar with Super BunnyHop. This reporter is popularly known for his analytical content about video games on Twitch and YouTube.
Super BunnyHop’s journalistic content spans analysis of mainstream video games such as For Honor and Fallout 4. He also analyses the industry as a whole and addresses its condition and progress in the US.
Source: Twitter
#6. Megan LeeAnn “Meg” Turney
Meg is an esports journalist, internet personality, cosplayer, model, and video blogger. Many of her fans go to see her at Comic-Cons because she faithfully attends them.
Playboy has given Meg a huge compliment. They ranked her among the top 10 hottest YouTube stars on their famous list, ‘ 25 Hottest YouTube Stars’.
Source: Twitter
#7. Jeff Gerstmann
Jeff Gerstmann is one of the top gaming reporters and a certified video game scientist. He is one of the founders of the video game website Game Bomb. He was controversially terminated from Gamespot after working with the company for eleven years.
Jeff appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America to discuss the launch of Sega Dreamcast and was also featured in an episode of G4’s X-Play Show, discussing Japanese gaming.
Game Journalist Job
- Associate Narrative Designer
- PR Consultant (Video Games) – Part-Time Contractor
- Part-Time Production Assistant
- Director, Communications, Athletics, Football
- KPBS Arts Editor
- Freelance Summer Content Associate
- Recurring Production Assistant
- Senior Editor
- Athletic Communications Assistant
- Iowa State Cyclones Sports Columnist
How to Become a Game Journalist
Steps you can take to break into this exciting field and share your insights with the gaming world.
#1. Develop Your Writing Skills
Do you love writing about your gaming experiences? Start by honing your writing skills. You can take writing courses, read a lot, and practice by writing game reviews, articles, or blog posts.
#2. Gain Industry Knowledge
Are you up-to-date with the latest in the gaming industry? Stay informed about new game releases, industry trends, and major gaming events. This knowledge will make your articles more insightful and credible.
#3. Build a Portfolio
How do you showcase your talent? Create a portfolio of your work. Start a blog or contribute to gaming websites to build a collection of your best writing. This will help you demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
#4. Network with Industry Professionals
Ever thought about the power of networking? Connect with other game journalists, developers, and industry professionals through social media, gaming events, and online forums. Networking can open doors to job opportunities and collaborations.
#5. Get Formal Education (Optional)
Is a degree necessary? While only sometimes required, a journalism, communications, or a related field degree can provide valuable skills and credentials. It also offers opportunities for internships and networking.
#6. Seek Internships and Entry-Level Positions
How can you get hands-on experience? Apply for internships or entry-level positions at gaming magazines, websites, or media outlets. This experience will help you learn the ropes and make industry contacts.
#7. Stay Current with Technology
Are you tech-savvy? Familiarize yourself with content management systems (CMS), social media platforms, and multimedia tools. Being comfortable with technology is crucial for modern journalism.
#8. Be Persistent and Passionate
Do you have the drive to succeed? Breaking into game journalism can be competitive, so persistence is key. Keep writing, improving, and seeking out opportunities. Your passion for gaming will shine through and help you stand out.
How do you plan to use these steps to start your journey as a game journalist? Please share your thoughts and let’s explore this path together!
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