One Cool Trick to Keep Games Journalism Alive: A New Beginning

Journalist Shannon Liao outlines a strategic shift in her coverage of the video game industry following her appointment as deputy gaming editor at Inverse. The primary thesis centers on the sustainability of games journalism during a period of significant industry contraction, characterized by mass layoffs and the shuttering of major outlets. By balancing a leadership role at a corporate publication with the maintenance of an independent, reader-supported newsletter, Liao argues for a hybrid model of reporting that prioritizes investigative depth and the "art and craft" of game development over high-volume news churn.

The scope of the announcement covers the North American games media landscape, specifically referencing the aftermath of layoffs at the Washington Post’s Launcher and the rise of independent platforms like Substack. Liao details her intent to commission freelance investigative pieces and craft features at Inverse, focusing on labor issues, narrative design, and the intersection of technology and culture. Simultaneously, her newsletter, Updater, will transition to a weekly cadence, offering an eclectic mix of news items and special editions that leverage her increased access to industry trends and major releases.

Reflecting on five years of industry experience, the author highlights the volatility of the sector, citing the death of E3, the rise and fall of various live-service titles, and the ongoing challenges of the "service economy" in digital media. The methodology for future reporting will involve a combination of traditional journalism, such as interviews with high-profile figures like Pokimane, and experimental approaches, including the use of generative AI to explore NPC development. Ultimately, the findings suggest that while the current internet business model is unsustainable, the path forward for games journalism lies in specialized, high-quality content that engages directly with a dedicated community of readers.