How to Start a Career in Gaming Journalism

Writing about video games for a living sounds like a dream—but gaming journalism is a competitive industry. Learn how to break in, get published, and stand out.

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If you think gaming journalism is just about playing video games all day and writing reviews, I have some bad news—you’re only half right. Sure, reviewing the latest blockbuster (or brutally exposing a game’s many, many bugs) is part of it, but gaming journalism is much bigger than that. It’s about covering industry trends, developer controversies, esports tournaments, indie breakthroughs, and even the weirdest corners of game culture.

With platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and gaming sites evolving at warp speed, traditional game media has had to adapt or get left behind. Whether it’s deep-dive investigative reporting on crunch culture, breaking news on game development, or ranking the best (and worst) video game movie adaptations, standing out in this industry takes more than just a love of gaming.

So, how do you break into gaming journalism, build credibility, and avoid getting lost in the endless wave of game content? Let’s dive in.

Understanding the gaming journalism landscape

Gaming journalism isn’t just about telling people whether a game is good or a buggy disaster—it’s a broad field covering everything from industry news to investigative deep dives. Whether you’re into reporting, reviewing, or critiquing, there’s a niche for you.

Types of gaming journalism

• Game news: Covering game releases, studio layoffs, acquisitions, and industry trends. Think breaking news on Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam.

• Game reviews: Evaluating gameplay, story, mechanics, and graphics. Outlets like IGN, GameSpot, Kotaku, and Polygon thrive on reviews, but standing out means going beyond “looks great, plays well.”

• Feature writing and analysis: Deep dives into game trends, developer culture, and why indie games keep changing the industry.

• Interviews: Conversations with game developers, streamers, and esports pros about their craft, challenges, and the evolving gaming space.

• Investigative journalism: Exposing crunch culture, unethical monetization, Gamergate controversies, and industry scandals. Gaming journalism isn’t all fun and games—some of the best stories uncover serious industry issues.

• Opinion and editorial pieces: Explaining why a game’s monetization model is predatory or why nostalgia makes old-school RPGs feel better than they actually are.

Gaming journalism isn’t limited to websites. Podcasts, gaming magazines, and digital outlets like Eurogamer, The Washington Post, and Giant Bomb all shape the conversation. Whether you’re into AAA blockbusters or obscure indie gems, there’s a space for every kind of video game journalist.

Essential skills for gaming journalists

Loving video games is a great start, but gaming journalism requires more than just a backlog of unfinished RPGs. To stand out, you need a mix of writing, reporting, and digital skills—plus the ability to cut through industry hype and tell real stories.

• Strong writing and research skills: Whether covering game industry news, esports events, or game company acquisitions, credibility matters. Good reporting separates journalism from clickbait.

• Understanding game mechanics, design, and player psychology: Knowing why a game works (or doesn’t) is just as important as playing it. Understanding how devs build mechanics, balance difficulty, and hook players makes your analysis more insightful.

• Interviewing skills: Developers, esports pros, content creators—getting the best answers from industry insiders takes more than just asking, “What’s your favorite boss fight?”

• SEO and social media proficiency: A great article is useless if no one reads it. Knowing how to write for search engines, optimize headlines, and get your work shared ensures your stories reach gamers beyond your Twitter feed.

• Multimedia skills: Gaming journalism isn’t just text anymore. Many game writers expand into YouTube, Twitch, and Patreon to reach wider audiences and boost revenue.

The video game industry is constantly evolving, and the best gaming journalists evolve with it. Whether you’re writing for a major publication in New York or building your own platform, mastering these skills will help you turn a passion for games into a real career.

Building your portfolio: Writing for gaming publications

Breaking into video game journalism starts with actually writing about games. The good news? There are plenty of ways to get your work published, build credibility, and land paying gigs.

• Contributor work: Many gaming sites like Polygon, Kotaku, and Eurogamer accept contributor pieces, making them a great place to get your first byline.

• Freelancing for major outlets: Platforms like The Washington Post’s gaming vertical and Giant Bomb commission gaming pieces, but you’ll need a strong pitch to stand out. Not sure where to pitch? We put together a free list of 200+ publications that pay $1 per word, including many that actively seek gaming journalism. Get the list here.

• Expanding into multimedia: A Twitch stream, YouTube channel, or gaming podcast can showcase your expertise and build an audience beyond traditional writing.

• Independent publishing: Writing for blogs, newsletters, or gaming Substack channels is a great way to develop your voice while growing a direct audience.

• Pitching feature stories: Many major gaming outlets look for unique, well-researched stories. The key is finding an angle no one else has covered yet.

A strong portfolio opens doors in gaming journalism. Whether you’re writing reviews, deep-dive features, or investigative pieces, the key is publishing consistently and getting your work in front of the right editors.

Finding freelance work in gaming journalism

Turning a passion for gaming into a paid journalism career takes more than just writing—it takes knowing where to look for opportunities and how to pitch yourself.

• Freelance job boards and Patreon-funded outlets: Websites like Game Journalism Jobs regularly post openings for freelance gaming writers. Some independent gaming sites and Substack newsletters also pay contributors through Patreon-funded budgets.

• Cold pitching editors: Many major outlets, including IGN, GameSpot, and gaming magazines, accept pitches from freelancers. A strong pitch with a unique angle can land you a paid commission, even if you’re not already on their roster.

• Leveraging social media: Gaming journalism thrives on Twitter, Discord, and LinkedIn. Many editors post callouts for pitches, and networking with other game writers can lead to new job opportunities.

• Understanding project rates: Not all gaming journalism pays the same. Quick news stories often pay less than feature writing and investigative gaming journalism. Knowing industry rates helps you negotiate fair pay and avoid underpaid gigs.

Freelancing in gaming journalism can be competitive, but opportunities exist—especially for writers who understand game design, industry trends, and how to craft compelling news stories.

The ethical challenges in gaming journalism

As a gaming journalist, you’ll do more than cover new releases and industry trends—you’ll also be navigating a field that has had its share of controversies, credibility issues, and shifting dynamics.

• The fallout of Gamergate: The 2014 Gamergate harassment campaign shook gaming journalism to its core, leading to debates over ethics, bias, and credibility. Even today, the industry grapples with trust issues among certain gaming audiences.

• The rise of influencers, streamers, and content creators: Platforms like YouTube and Twitch have redefined game coverage. Some see them as competition for journalists, while others argue they complement traditional reporting by offering different perspectives.

• Layoffs in gaming journalism: As gaming websites struggle with ad revenue and shifting reader habits, major layoffs have hit publications, shrinking opportunities for full-time writers and forcing many into freelancing.

• Avoiding conflicts of interest: Game journalists often receive review copies, event invitations, and access to developers, making ethical boundaries essential. Transparency about industry relationships helps maintain credibility and prevents accusations of bias.

Gaming journalism continues to evolve in a landscape where traditional reporting, influencer culture, and media ethics collide. Maintaining credibility is crucial—especially in an industry where enthusiasm and professionalism must go hand in hand.

The future of gaming journalism

Gaming journalism, much like the industry it covers, never stays the same for long. While traditional game media has faced layoffs and shifting business models, independent platforms, Patreon-funded outlets, and deep-dive analysis sites are thriving. Meanwhile, AI-generated content, streaming, and influencer-driven coverage are forcing journalists to adapt—fast.

The good news? There’s more demand than ever for gaming coverage, whether it’s investigative pieces on industry ethics, thoughtful game reviews, or deep analysis of game design trends. Whether you’re drawn to writing for major outlets, launching a gaming Substack, or building a YouTube presence, there’s a path for you in this evolving landscape.

The challenge? Getting paid fairly for your work. That’s where we can help. We put together a free list of 200+ publications that pay $1 per word, including many that actively commission gaming journalism.

Want to pitch smarter and earn more? Get the list here.