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Gaming Journalists Facing Increased Workloads and AI Threat
PR company Big Games Machine (BGM) recently conducted a survey that shed light on the challenges faced by journalists in the gaming industry. The survey, which focused on job satisfaction and common pain points among game journalists, highlighted the growing uncertainty within the industry.
Over 150 journalists participated in the survey, with a majority expressing a negative outlook on the future of games journalism. One of the major challenges identified in the survey was the lack of time to cover stories, with respondents indicating a preference for receiving review builds at least three weeks before launch. Additionally, an overemphasis on SEO content and inadequate pay were noted as significant obstacles.
James Kaye, co-founder of BGM, emphasized the increasing competitiveness of the games industry, leading to a shift in the media landscape. He pointed out the mounting pressure on video game journalists to sustain high levels of interest in gaming. Moreover, the focus on SEO and staff reductions at some publications, coupled with the daily influx of emails, has further complicated their work.
The Impact of AI and Decline of Blockchain Coverage on Gaming Journalism
In a concerning trend, the survey revealed a growing aversion among journalists toward covering blockchain game news. 87% of respondents expressed their reluctance to cover such news, with a majority also indicating a decline in the number of blockchain pitches received. Similarly, a significant percentage of journalists were unlikely to report on metaverse activations on platforms like Roblox and Fortnite in the near future.
When it comes to the influence of AI on games journalism, 63% of respondents expressed negative sentiments. While some journalists acknowledged the potential of AI as a tool, others raised concerns about search engines favoring AI-generated content over human-written articles. Despite these apprehensions, some journalists remained optimistic about the future, envisioning a shift towards subscription-based, creator-owned outlets.
Overall, the survey painted a complex picture of the challenges facing gaming journalists, from time constraints and SEO pressures to the evolving role of AI in content creation. Despite the uncertainties, many journalists expressed cautious optimism about their job security and prospects for the coming year.
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