Valnet shifts TheGamer staff pay to session-based model, raising industry concerns
By
Diego Argüello
The kind of bagel that ruins lesser bagels for you.
Summary
Valnet, parent company of GameRant and DualShockers, has changed TheGamer's payment model from flat rates to a session-based system where compensation is tied to per-article traffic. This shift reflects broader issues in the video game media industry, where corporate ownership is squeezing journalists and reducing coverage opportunities for game studios. The article criticizes this trend, noting similar issues at IGN, GamesIndustry.biz, and Humble under Ziff Davis, as well as Valnet's layoffs at Polygon after acquisition.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe video game media industry is being corroded by corporate owners, leaving aspiring and veteran journalists in the lurch while also making it harder for game studios of all sizes to secure impactful coverage.
Parent company Valnet described the new payment scheme as a 'new and exciting, performance-based bonus system.'
Last year, IGN, GamesIndustry.biz, and Humble haemorrhaged talent under the stewardship of Ziff Davis, while Valnet laid off a number of Polygon employees after acquiring the publication
You might also wanna read
The Rise and Fall of Foxtrot: How Venture Capital Enabled a Zombie Bankruptcy
The article examines the rise and fall of Foxtrot, an "elevated" convenience store chain that abruptly closed all locations in 2024, leaving
motherjones.com·8h agoThe Rise and Fall of Foxtrot: How Venture Capital Enabled a Zombie Bankruptcy
The article examines the rise and fall of Foxtrot, an "elevated" convenience store chain that abruptly closed all locations in 2024, leaving
motherjones.com·8h ago
Former BioWare Developer Warns AAA Gaming Over-Relies on Live-Service Models
Former BioWare veteran Mark Darrah warns that the AAA gaming industry is becoming overly dependent on live-service business models. He draws
insider-gaming.com·11h ago
Steam Deck OLED sells out in North America within 24 hours after price increase
Valve's Steam Deck OLED sold out in North America within 24 hours of a significant price increase, while stock remains available in Europe,
arstechnica.com·13h ago
Delivery drivers say recent tip settlement news prompts customers to ask if tips reach them
DoorDash and Walmart Spark delivery drivers report that recent legal settlements regarding tip policies have prompted customers to ask wheth
businessinsider.com·22h ago
Peer-reviewed paper backs claim that AI-driven job loss could trigger economic collapse
The article discusses a popular internet meme suggesting that the AI revolution is self-defeating: if AI eliminates all jobs, nobody can buy
medium.com·1d ago