Spring Break
Those to come: A conclusive column
Fernando Dutra
Issue date: 4/28/09 Section: Focus
Journalists in the video game industry who actually want to be investigative and impartial, tread lightly. Anything that might be seen as questioning or aggressive will only result in a predictable reaction from the gaming audience, a vicious pack of cynical critics who scare off any potential newcomers with their resolve and determination.
Any question about the best console will inevitably launch this generation into a flame war, unfurling wrath and scorn that would frighten anyone just settling into the deeper part of the culture. Any genuine discussion about the workings of a revered game is usually divisive, with both sides vehemently chastising the writer for not arguing more strongly in their preferred direction.
How is this inviting to anyone who wants to write in the industry, let alone read and research it? All you will get are either fluff-padded features or someone from a distinct camp writing biased articles for their side. Impartiality and objectivity are increasingly becoming impossibilities.
While well-intentioned, that is not what gamers want to read. A report on the "State of the Industry" will be criticized but not praised for its ambition. It is for this reason that the industry is unable to shake its kiddy image: its core audience will not grow up. Go on a forum and look for substantive proof of a thought-provoking, insightful, or helpful discussion. Thoughts are drowned out amidst countless "Firsts," "This is old news," and "lol what a stupid article."
It's not just anonymity that gives gamers such a mouth. Maybe it's the pronounced exposure to others because of the online gaming boom, but gamers like hearing themselves talk. My blood has boiled and my eyes have glazed over in countless discussions I've overheard in which one person dominates the conversation and refutes the other person's opinion point by point. I've learned by now not to intervene. Some people just can't understand a fish sticks joke.
I'm aware I'm fighting an uphill, losing battle. Gaming journalism appears to be moving toward an even more niche, secluded, hermetically-sealed form of news. Ardent fans won't have to worry about their opinions and convictions being challenged, as they will simply be reinforced and echoed. This idea of publication has been around for a while - i.e. Nintendo Power (NP), Official Xbox Magazine (OXM), and PlayStation Magazine (PSM) - but the Internet amplifies this tremendously.
Partiality and truthfulness don't really register when people read news, which becomes all the more important when considering where information is coming from. Besides this, I just hope the day will come when someone can appreciate a well-intentioned article for what it's worth and not just expect the latest "Smash Bros.," "Halo," or "God of War" news. I appreciate the same sort of tidbits, but I also enjoy reading articles researching and explaining the symbolism found in "Silent Hill 2."
Gaming culture will be stuck in the caveman ages until gamers stop hollering and actually start talking and discussing the craft they love. Otherwise it's just a stepping stone into viewing activities of note, like sports. Sometimes I feel like I'm participating in a tri-partisan political debate with each side defending and touting their platforms; that's how zany this gets.
Any question about the best console will inevitably launch this generation into a flame war, unfurling wrath and scorn that would frighten anyone just settling into the deeper part of the culture. Any genuine discussion about the workings of a revered game is usually divisive, with both sides vehemently chastising the writer for not arguing more strongly in their preferred direction.
How is this inviting to anyone who wants to write in the industry, let alone read and research it? All you will get are either fluff-padded features or someone from a distinct camp writing biased articles for their side. Impartiality and objectivity are increasingly becoming impossibilities.
While well-intentioned, that is not what gamers want to read. A report on the "State of the Industry" will be criticized but not praised for its ambition. It is for this reason that the industry is unable to shake its kiddy image: its core audience will not grow up. Go on a forum and look for substantive proof of a thought-provoking, insightful, or helpful discussion. Thoughts are drowned out amidst countless "Firsts," "This is old news," and "lol what a stupid article."
It's not just anonymity that gives gamers such a mouth. Maybe it's the pronounced exposure to others because of the online gaming boom, but gamers like hearing themselves talk. My blood has boiled and my eyes have glazed over in countless discussions I've overheard in which one person dominates the conversation and refutes the other person's opinion point by point. I've learned by now not to intervene. Some people just can't understand a fish sticks joke.
I'm aware I'm fighting an uphill, losing battle. Gaming journalism appears to be moving toward an even more niche, secluded, hermetically-sealed form of news. Ardent fans won't have to worry about their opinions and convictions being challenged, as they will simply be reinforced and echoed. This idea of publication has been around for a while - i.e. Nintendo Power (NP), Official Xbox Magazine (OXM), and PlayStation Magazine (PSM) - but the Internet amplifies this tremendously.
Partiality and truthfulness don't really register when people read news, which becomes all the more important when considering where information is coming from. Besides this, I just hope the day will come when someone can appreciate a well-intentioned article for what it's worth and not just expect the latest "Smash Bros.," "Halo," or "God of War" news. I appreciate the same sort of tidbits, but I also enjoy reading articles researching and explaining the symbolism found in "Silent Hill 2."
Gaming culture will be stuck in the caveman ages until gamers stop hollering and actually start talking and discussing the craft they love. Otherwise it's just a stepping stone into viewing activities of note, like sports. Sometimes I feel like I'm participating in a tri-partisan political debate with each side defending and touting their platforms; that's how zany this gets.
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