On Game Journalism and Award

By Brian Crecente, 12:00 PM on Mon Apr 9 2007, 1,065 views

Intent Media plans to launch The Games Media Awards 2007 which they say will take place in London in October.

The awards, which will take place at the Soho Revue bar, will include more than 250 people and multiple awards for those who cover the gaming industry.

"Diversity of coverage is key to the games industry's connection with consumers, but many within the wider media do not feel appreciated. Some have told us they don't think they have a genuine enough relationship with the companies and products that they are writing about," commented Intent Media boss Stuart Dinsey.

"The Games Media Awards will look to change that. They will build stronger ties between the games industry and media at all levels."

While I applaud the idea, I think the reasoning is deeply flawed. The last thing game journalism needs is a closer relationship with the industry. It's already far, far too cozy.

Besides, there's already plenty of journalism awards out there. I think if game journalism wants to get serious it needs to do so on the same field the rest of journalists play on.

We shouldn't be coming up with our own awards, we should be striving to win awards that already exist. Awards by the Society of Professional Journalism, the Investigative Reporters and Editors, Computer Assisted Reporters and state run journalism groups.

I think we all know that just because we write about games doesn't mean it can't inspire serious, important stories. Now lets prove it. Brian Crecente

Games Media Awards Unveiled [MCV]