miss behaved.net » Video Games

Why Does Game Journalism Suck?

Alexandra — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:12:37 +0000

Back when I was younger, reading Penny Arcade and dreaming my dreamy dreams of being a video game designer, I knew video game journalism was really looked down upon. Especially two years ago, when Gerstmanngate broke. It’s weird, because even after I decided I wanted to become a video game journalist instead of writing dialogue and storylines, I still wanted to make sure I wasn’t like them: the video game journalists that Gabe and Tycho hated.

That’s kinda stuck with me. I think about a lot of shit when I write. I think, “How is this going to be perceived? Am I being one-sided with this?” I make sure I’m not trying to fill an agenda. I’m trying to be different.

You know, I posted this on my Twitter, but I’ll repost it here. Three years ago, GameDaily came out with this editorial about why video game journalism sucks. Even though I’m still pretty new to the industry, I saw this article when it came out. I half-heartedly agreed then, and I still do.

It’s not just that game journalists don’t spell-check or write professionally; it’s hard to see game journalists that aren’t working for IGN or GameSpot take themselves seriously. I see an abundance of gamers being video game journalists, not writers being video game journalists.

Before it went out of print, EGM was coming out with those “Take This Job” features and I can’t tell you how excited I was to see game journalism featured. I even ripped the page out and it’s still hanging on my fridge. Geoffrey Keighley’s standing in front of a large, glossy building donning the words Electronic Arts, in a spy-like pose for the article, and every time I get a Sprite or yogurt, I see him. (That’s gonna be weird if I ever meet him. I can see it now: “Hey, you’re on my fridge!”) He’s there to remind me why I got here in the first place and what I need to do to make sure I’m not a run-of-the-mill game journalist. He’s there to remind me why I wanted into this business in the first place.

I’m not speaking on behalf of the video game industry, nor am I an old veteran. Like I said, I’m still new to this. But as someone who’s been reading gaming magazines since she was a little girl, following the game journalism industry in general, and who has been writing since forever, this subject is a dear one to me.

“You don’t need a degree in journalism to write a game review,” Geoffrey says in the feature, “but one of the weaknesses of a lot of game writers is that they are gamers first and writers second. The guys who are successful … actually know how to write.”

That sticks in my mind more than anything any teacher has ever taught me. Those words come into my mind on a daily basis.

Maybe that’s a good thing.

Things I’ve Heard Since I Installed Steam

Alexandra — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:45:30 +0000

“Wait, are you a boy or a girl?”
“Don’t you know you need at least 5 Pyros on your team in order to win?”
“Louis is so fucking stupid. Okay, that’s it. Let’s kill him.”
“Bonk!”
“I’m popping this uber and I don’t care who sees it!”
“Put some balls in your mouth. Please.”
“I’ve put in more time into games these past two weeks than I have my full-time job.”
“Dude, dude, listen to me. I’m an expert at video games. I work at Gamestop.”

New Tattoo

Alexandra — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:35:06 +0000

Here’s my new tattoo! It came out amazingly! I was a little nervous about the shading, but Paul did absolutely wonderful.

Game On Radio Is Live!

Alexandra — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:58:42 +0000

Game On Radio is finally up, and yesterday, I had my first show! I have the show schedule up and I’m working on explaining the station and getting more blogs posted.

Keep an eye out over there, it’s my new project.

Internet Radio, How I Heart Thee

Alexandra — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:54:54 +0000

I’m starting an internet radio station. The only problem is, I probably have two DJs, including myself, to do shows. As it goes right now, I’ll be paying out-of-pocket for a server we can broadcast on, the domain, and hosting.

So mainly, what I’m asking you: are any of you interested in DJing for an internet radio station? The format is video games, technology, geeky news, etc. And a shitload of music. (The main problem I found with gaming internet radio was that nobody seemed to play music like a traditional radio station and give the news, they only talked about video games and geekery or only played music with no talking.)

Also, any ideas for sponsors would be amazing! This is all out-of-pocket for me and I might be sacrificing my roadtrip to do this instead.

My Top Ten Games of All Time

Alexandra — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 02:47:51 +0000

Okay, so I’ve been thinking about it a lot recently, and I’ve picked out my top ten games of all time. None of these are in any particular order, because I can’t possibly pick out how they are better than the others. My reasons for picking them as my favorite are listed as well.

Grand Theft Auto III (PS2, 2001) — its gameplay mechanics and concepts made it a landmark for game design
God of War (PS2, 2005) — I’ve always had an interest in Greek mythology; its replayability to collect costumes and I still haven’t beaten the Challenge of the Gods
Katamari Damacy (PS2, 2004) — its eccentric gameplay mechanics made it a challenge but incredibly addictive
The Sims (PC, 2000) — interior design mechanics; “dollhouse”-style gameplay made it addictive; opened the door for simulation games
Beyond Good & Evil (PS2, 2003) — female protagonist; colorful environments; loveable characters
Fallout 3 (PC, 2008) — added first-person view to a third-person franchise; story of the United States falling completely due to nuclear war; idea of human nature at its finest; first-person shooter with roleplay elements; very customizable
Super Mario Brothers 3 (SNES, 1993) — tanooki suit, need I say more?
Kudos (PC, 2006) — independent life-simulation; various outcomes; abstract
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64, 1998) — vast, open world; familiar story; a bit challenging
Perfect Dark (N64, 2000) — first FPS I ever played; controls were easy to get used to; Joanna Dark was the protagonist and pretty badass

Let the hate mail begin!

More Like Dropout 3, Amirite?

Alexandra — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:38:21 +0000

As an early Christmas present, my parents surprised me with a gaming rig, a Gateway FX. Although it doesn’t have a monitor yet (I’m using my old CRT — they’re getting me a huge LCD when Christmas comes around), it is honestly the best computer I’ve ever owned. In excitement, I went out and bought Fallout 3 just for the occasion, and oh my god, I had a nerdgasm when I first opened it to play. Not only does it run smoothly and without issues (besides the common bugs that are in the game), the graphics are absolutely gorgeous. Do I really have to go to school this week? Damnit.

Oh, PC gaming, how you will be the death of me. And my grades.

I already downloaded Steam on my new rig (dubbed Moony, going with the theme of my Harry Potter-named electronics) and I’m preparing to buy BioShock (at $20? NERDGASM! I can play that game over and over again), Warhammer Online (because my friend Josh won’t stop hassling me about it), and The Sims 3, which is coming out February 20th, 2009 (much to my friends’ chagrin).

I think I’ll dedicate a part of my biography to my electronics; they take up so much of my time as it is, they’re almost apart of me!