- Gaming influencers are slowly becoming the primary source of information for fans of the industry.
- Their unique opinions and connection with audiences have given them an edge over traditional journalists.
- This shift will become even more apparent moving forward as audiences shift their focus toward their favorite personalities rather than standard reporters.
The terms gaming influencers and gaming journalists have slowly become synonymous with each other. Although there was a clear divide between the two in the past, the distinction is now much harder to distinguish.
Many influencers are adopting journalistic roles today, significantly altering how audiences consume content in the modern era.
Why it matters: The rise of social media and various other platforms has given everyone a chance to share their opinions, leading to unique personalities and influencers gaining popularity online.
Influencer-Journalist Hybrids
In the past, gaming news outlets and websites were the primary sources for industry updates, reviews, and interviews. Journalists would attend conferences, conduct interviews with developers, and provide their audience with in-depth analysis of upcoming titles.
Meanwhile, influencers would create content focused more on entertainment, gameplay, or personality-driven streams. However, this is no longer the case as influencers are increasingly becoming involved in gaming news.
They typically report on the latest developments, breaking news, and industry trends. Youtubers like Angry Joe, who started out reviewing games, now have separate segments for gaming news on their channels.
Elsewhere, many influencers have developed their own platforms or partnered with gaming publications, giving them direct access to industry information.
Demand For Real-Time Content
A major reason for this shift is the demand for real-time content. Gamers want to stay updated with each new piece of gaming information, something that has given rise to a new form of news reporting.
Influencers with large followings typically break news on social media these days and may even share details through livestreams and videos. They can even engage with audiences through special previews that traditional journalists may not have access to.
Moreover, platforms like Twitch and YouTube enable influencers to interact with their audiences in real-time during live events. This can help them capture the buzz of a huge announcement, such as GTA 6’s release date or Resident Evil 9’s debut trailer.
Merging Entertainment and Information
Gaming influencers are merging entertainment with information. Many have taken on analytical roles, delving deeply into discussions about industry practices, the latest games, and more.
Influencers are also able to produce professional-level video content, giving them the ability to surpass journalists, as audiences typically connect with influencers on a more personal level.
As an example, video reviews are now more popular than written reviews. Fans also engage with commentary videos of various types, highlighting the importance of influencer opinions in the modern era.
A New Era
Ultimately, this trend demonstrates the evolution of gaming over the years. Gamers today don’t visit the same websites or follow the traditional sources of news, and instead have chosen to broaden their horizons.
Influencers who have been around for a while now have dedicated audiences and communities, while various news outlets struggle to capture audience interests, highlighting the more severe impacts of this shift.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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