What I want to see from games journalism.

Since there are some who say GamerGate is just a hate mob, I'd like to refute that, and detail what I actually care about in the movement. Games journalism.

Ethics in journalism.

The following are the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics, and how I think they relate to games journalism. Their code will be in quotations.

"Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information."

-Seems reasonable for those who present information to any sort of audience to interpret it in an accurate, and fair manner. No one should let their bias create the truth, after all.

Journalists should:

"Take responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify information before releasing it. Use original sources whenever possible."

-Make sure the report is accurate, as to not misinform. Actively verify the information, and never take a subject at face value. Could be anything from saying a release date, to reporting on the abuse of someone in the games industry. If a source for the claim exists, try to find it and include it to legitimize the article.

"Remember that neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy."

-No excuses for being inaccurate. If you release information, just give it the appropriate time to check the facts.

"Provide context. Take special care not to misrepresent or oversimplify in promoting, previewing or summarizing a story."

-Context matters, as nothing happens in a vacuum. I would like the see journalists give some background to an article.

Example: If a writer makes a statement such as a game treats women unfairly, provide information on who they are as characters, how they are being represented versus how all other characters are being represented, and if they can be some how interpreted as deserving such treatment within the story. If a writer claims a game needlessly sexualizes women and shows a picture of a stripper, one would argue that it is just a representation of a stripper, not women.

"Gather, update and correct information throughout the life of a news story."

-Stories evolve, and as such information will surface that gives a more accurate portrayal of the truth and a journalist should do well to update their audience should any information come to light.

"Be cautious when making promises, but keep the promises they make."

-Careful what you promise. Trust is an important part of the journalist/reader relationship.

Example: If a site promises both sides of a story will be represented fairly, and has one viewpoint be the dominant focus, then this not what I call "fair." Being unfair can damage that trust immensely.

"Identify sources clearly. The public is entitled to as much information as possible to judge the reliability and motivations of sources."

-All sources who aren't required to be anonymous, should be identified. Readers should be allowed to judge the reliability of the source for themselves, and if that information is withheld, that is impossible.

Example: If an article has an individual claim a game is unnecessarily violent, we, the readers, would like to know if it came from Jack Thompson, or an industry veteran.

"Consider sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Reserve anonymity for sources who may face danger, retribution or other harm, and have information that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Explain why anonymity was granted."

-Consider whether or not anonymity is warranted. Absolutely can be granted to anyone who could receive threats of harm, or otherwise put them in danger. Don't grant it for the sake of granting it, as an anonymous source is hard for an audience to judge for themselves. Always explain why a subject was anonymous.

"Diligently seek subjects of news coverage to allow them to respond to criticism or allegations of wrongdoing."

-Seek out those who would be criticized as to get their take on the situation. It is very important to give an accused the right to explain themselves/refute the claims. Portraying any issue as a one-sided affair is a disservice to the accused.

"Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information unless traditional, open methods will not yield information vital to the public."

-Collect information by open method, unless this is not possible.

"Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Give voice to the voiceless."

-With great power, comes great responsibility. Those with such power should be held accountable for what their power can do. This applies to publishers, developers, prominent personalities, and fellow journalists, all of whom can be influential voices in the game industry. The consumers (the voiceless) hold very little individual power, and as such need those who can voice their concerns so that they may be heard.

Example: GamerGate. There are many who believe it is about journalistic ethics, such as I, and we need those with voices to not generalize and demonize us for the actions of some others. We are the little voice in this, and we wish to be heard, and it is the journalists duty to help get this side across fairly.

"Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views they find repugnant."

-Support conversation, whether the subject matter is distasteful to your views, or not.

Example: Support the conversation about women in the gaming industry, and how to broaden reaches of the industry to everyone.

Example: Support the conversation about journalistic ethics, and how gaming journalism can be better. Just because there exist hateful individuals does not mean all of those calling for ethics reform are wrong to ask, or want to talk about them.

"Recognize a special obligation to serve as watchdogs over public affairs and government. Seek to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in the open, and that public records are open to all."

-Anything that relates to the public, or in the gaming industry, the consumer, and the government, which can loosely be said to be the video game industry, should be discussed openly. It's the gaming journalists duty to act as a watchdog of the industry, and to root out the anti-consumer practices of game developers and publishers. It is also in their best interest to help regulate others within gaming journalism, as holding everyone to a certain standard helps legitimize gaming as a whole.

Example: Reviews paid for, or heavily influenced by developers, should be brought to the public's attention.

Example: Practices in the game industry which could in any way be construed as bad business, or anti-consumer, such as withholding part of a game that is 'on the disc' and later releasing it as DLC.

"Provide access to source material when it is relevant and appropriate."

-When referencing from a source, it's best to provide access to the material from which you are referencing.

Example: When citing a study regarding the demographics of those who play games, it's best to also link to the study so that the readers could see the stated info for themselves.

"Boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience. Seek sources whose voices we seldom hear."

-Never shy away from telling the story of the seldom heard, or of the fantastically diverse group that is gamers. Do not just regurgitate press releases from the large developers and publishers, but find smaller developers, or inspiring gamers, to do interesting stories on also.

"Avoid stereotyping. Journalists should examine the ways their values and experiences may shape their reporting."

-Avoid stereotyping, as everyone is their own person, and as such should be judged on a case by case basis. Projecting a stereotype upon a group, and applying it to a member among this group is devaluing them as an individual.

Example: Video gamers, and those that support GamerGate, are not all white, cis, neck-bearded, basement-dwelling, misogynistic, virgin, hate-mongering terrorists. To suggest anything of the sort is plain offensive.

"Label advocacy and commentary."

-Differentiate between public support, and analysis, and plainly label them as such.

Example: Label a review that recommends purchase as a review, and label an opinionated critique that analyzes a certain part of gaming, like the way they depict violence, as such an opinion piece.

"Never deliberately distort facts or context, including visual information. Clearly label illustrations and re-enactments."

-Never use facts out of context, or stretch the truth as to fit a narrative. Label illustrations and re-enactments that represent a version of the story, and as such may not be the whole truth.

Example: Do not use death threats sent by individuals to help paint an entire movement as a hate group, such as GamerGate.

Example: Do not twist the words of anyone, or use them out of context. Such as an off-hand silly joke that is portrayed as a sexist statement that is stretched to mean more then it really did.

"Never plagiarize. Always attribute."

-Never steal another's piece of work, and give credit where credit is due.

Minimize Harm

"Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect."

-Journalists should treat people like people, regardless of their affiliation to the story they are writing. Common human decency should be expected.

Journalists should:

"Balance the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness."

-There is a balance between information the public needs to know, and information that can cause harm, and it is the journalists duty to express caution when treading that line. If trying to get a story intrudes on the lives of others and does more harm than good, then perhaps, the journalist should rethink relentlessly pursuing the story.

Example: Do not write a story about an un-provable criminal charge that could damage the reputation, or otherwise put anyone in harm's way, from releasing said story to the public which might interpret the story poorly.

"Show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage. Use heightened sensitivity when dealing with juveniles, victims of sex crimes, and sources or subjects who are inexperienced or unable to give consent. Consider cultural differences in approach and treatment."

-Show compassion, and empathize with those who are subjects or sources. Tread with caution all matters of sensitivity as to not needlessly cause discomfort. Cultural differences are also to be considered when writing on the subject matter.

Example: The difference between the Japanese, and Western games markets is quite significant, and when judging a subject of a different culture, acknowledge your views, and make sure they are plainly stated. The sexualization of women in Japanese culture is different from Western sexualization, for instance.

"Recognize that legal access to information differs from an ethical justification to publish or broadcast."

-Just because information is legally obtainable does not mean that is is ethically justifiable to publish such information.

Example: If one comes across an accusation of misconduct, (that was either unfounded, un-provable without doubt, or deemed to have been false), that is on public record, it is not justifiable to then publish that information as a means to discredit or depict a subject in an unnecessarily negative light.

"Realize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than public figures and others who seek power, influence or attention. Weigh the consequences of publishing or broadcasting personal information."

-Those who put themselves in the public eye will be more visible, and thus be at higher risk of criticism and attention. I do think that whether you are more private, or a known public figure, caution should be used when publishing personal information, unless it directly links to an important story.

Example: If the personal life of a subject happens to have a significant influence on their professional conduct, such as a journalist writing about or endorsing the work of a friend/loved one without disclosure, when they otherwise would not have, then the private connection can lead to public criticism.

"Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity, even if others do."

-Avoid sensational or otherwise shocking subjects just to drum up readership.

Example: Do not attempt to capitalize on sensationalism, or fear for page hits. Click-bait articles designed to cause outrage, and that are lacking in any real substance, are not of good quality, and thus should be discouraged.

"Balance a suspect’s right to a fair trial with the public’s right to know. Consider the implications of identifying criminal suspects before they face legal charges."

-Do not report on those who could face criminal charges, unless it is in the public's interest to do so.

"Consider the long-term implications of the extended reach and permanence of publication. Provide updated and more complete information as appropriate."

-As I have said before, stories evolve. New information will get released, other sides to the story can surface, and it is the duty of the journalist to correct their information as to not misinform and cause harm through their neglect to properly update.

Act Independently

"The highest and primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public."

-Games journalists are the advocates of gamers, and have a responsibility to inform them accurately on the goings on of the games industry.

Journalists should:

"Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose unavoidable conflicts."

-Avoid conflicts of interest, even if slight, and disclose all unavoidable conflicts, such as personal relationships.

Example: A journalist should not review or write about a subject they have or have had intimate relations with, without disclosure. If a strong intimate relationship exists, then perhaps it is best for the writer to recuse themselves.

Example: A journalist should not review or write about a subject they have financially supported, without disclosure. Buying games is fine, supporting the developer through other means, such as Patreon, needs to be disclosed, and the writer should more than likely recuse themselves if their relationship is close enough to cause significant bias.

"Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and avoid political and other outside activities that may compromise integrity or impartiality, or may damage credibility."

-Do not receive gifts from game companies that could be seen as trying to influence favor, or any subject you might cover. Avoid activities such that the writer has such a significant bias that overrides impartiality or integrity.

Example: Receiving games to review is fine, as long as it is stated, but any gift, such as consoles/cash, or special treatment, such as expense free non-business trips should be rejected.

Example: If activity in a movement, such as GamerGate or radical feminism, has altered the journalists perceptions enough to make it impossible to try to be impartial, or they make choices that compromise integrity, such as unfairly demonizing those who hold an opposite view, then the journalist should cease such activities. If they can not regain impartiality, then perhaps they should recuse themselves from the subject completely.

"Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; do not pay for access to news. Identify content provided by outside sources, whether paid or not."

-Be careful when paying for information. I would see this as a warning to not pay your subjects within the gaming industry to get an interview.

"Deny favored treatment to advertisers, donors or any other special interests, and resist internal and external pressure to influence coverage."

-Deny favorable treatment to any and all investors, or interest groups. Do not let pressure from any group influence coverage.

Example: In terms of games journalism, do not compromise integrity and look upon a game more favorably just because a company has bought ad space on the site.

Example: Do not let pressure from any group dictate what is reported on. The positives of GamerGate, and real questions surrounding games journalism should be reported on, regardless of what group pushes for it never to be.

Example: The treatment of women in games is a valid subject for discussion that should be had, and no one should shout down those who wish to civilly discuss it.

"Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two. Prominently label sponsored content."

-There is a difference between an article that is little more than advertising, which is to be treated as basically an extension of a press release, and an article that contains information and discussion on the subject at hand.

Example: An article that adds no information to a press release, or analyzes nothing given in said release, is little more than advertising for the product of the company.

Be Accountable and Transparent

"Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for one’s work and explaining one’s decisions to the public."

-Any individual is responsible for their choices, but as a journalist who writes about stories to an audience, they must be willing to hold themselves to a high level of accountability for their articles, and must explain their decisions on them.

Journalists should:

"Explain ethical choices and processes to audiences. Encourage a civil dialogue with the public about journalistic practices, coverage and news content."

-Engage with the audience about their ethics policies, and promote constructive conversation which can lead to postive change, or even better understanding of what the audience, or the writer, deems ethical. Talk with the public, as they will usually tell you what it is they would like covered.

Example: Do not just tell you audience ethics do not matter, or that the ethics policies of your company are fine as is if so many of the audience have such criticisms over them. Engage with them in a civil discussion, and be open to revising those policies which cause such great tension.

"Respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and fairness."

-Respond to criticism of accuracy, and fairness. Do not shy away from trying to have discussions, as they might lead to greater understanding.

"Acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently. Explain corrections and clarifications carefully and clearly."

-If a mistake is made, acknowledge it and take the responsibility in correcting and clarifying the information within an article. It's okay to make mistakes, just be sure they are not attempted to be buried.

"Expose unethical conduct in journalism, including within their organizations."

-It is the duty of a journalist to point out the failings of their own sites, and of those who are also journalists. It is important to be vigilant as rampant unethical conduct can devalue, and de-legitimize gaming journalism as a whole.

"Abide by the same high standards they expect of others."

-Do not hold others to a higher standard than what would be expected of themselves. Hypocrisy is discouraged.

An important note:

Reviews are always going to have bias, and as such it is okay to allow personal opinions about a game. However, it is the duty of journalists to at least try to understand the appeal of certain features to people of other preferences. I'll write more on that later.

Criticism is very welcome, as I wish to try to further expand upon this, and help paint a better picture of what individual consumers want from their media.