Games Journalism Must Stop Reporting Rumours

Most journalists are responsible enough only to report the facts. Unbiased, truthful, coherent reporting is what’s expected, as the media act as our gateway into daily events. In journalism school this is doctrine, rule number one, the single most important principle taught. That said, gaming journalists continually post rumours — the suspicion that something is true — then clarify the story later on.

Frankly, this is disturbing. Any story entering public domain should include conclusive backing of its existence, not assuming what another site says is true. And this isn’t even because news has an uncanny way of being distorted, but as readers we have faith a respected site properly fact-checks everything it publishes.

Though, to be fair, most news sources dignify a speculative story. But just because it’s labelled as such, that doesn’t mean the reporting is justified. Rumours are often baseless, wildly imaginative ploys from astute NeoGAF or Something Awful users looking for their fifteen minutes. Consequently, the media are easily (but inexcusably) baited because gaming journalism mostly functions online and they’re pressured for hits.

With the Internet giving anyone freedom to report and discuss news (and rant on topics like now), the competition for scoops is fiercer than ever. This affects all media, not games journalism exclusively, but considering 90% of games coverage is online, the competition is worse.

The problem is elevated too, because the industry is approaching the end of a console cycle. Ludicrous claims like Sony and Microsoft killing used game sales are so widely covered that they’re perceived as fact. Especially earlier this year when Apple CEO Tim Cook visited Valve’s headquarters, causing a rumour firestorm online. Every site  speculated that Apple was reentering the console business even with no concrete evidence.

There’s two prominent reasons why rumour reporting works. First, curiosity takes over and readers are preempted to click. The idea that Microsoft and Sony ever considered killing used games is an enticing headline. Second, it fills content space. This is clear on slow news days. Certain numbers need to be met, and jobs are threatened otherwise. It’s the sad status of internet journalism.

The media framework is built on trends, but this seems more like a standard. “Rumours” enter the mainstream consciousness because they are initially reported on, interest builds, and then afterward the presumed story receives a vast amount of coverage. Anger regarding Mass Effect 3 and its ending in March alone is a great example.

Let’s hope someone with influence reads this post and says something. It’s an epidemic.

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Awesome image courtesy of Bardinelli.com.