Video Game Journalism?

lets_put_a

I am interested in becoming a video game journalist. I have a few questions though before I delve to far. I am wandering what the lifestyle would be and what would be expected of me depending on how high up the ladder I get.

If you want some example work I have started a blog to get some practice, any criticism is appreciated.

http://annexed.wordpress.com/

I have always wanted to be involved in games and always took a step back after noting this or that downfall. Than I was reading a game review one day and it hit me, I could do this. I hope that with my literacy skills and love of video games I can achieve this goal.

As well, is there even room in this market or are too many reaching for the job?
Bryan L-

Could you please describe your opinion in more depth. Your say what you don't like than don't go any further. You gotta let me know where to improve. Examples are always good.

I would have to disagree about game journalism being a small market. It has grown and continues to. I am not strict on doing just reviews. I am open to almost any form of writing relating to video games.

Answer
There's certainly room for more video game reviewers out there, but you're going to have to develop a unique voice to really have a chance at success. What you have at your blog right now, while an OK start, is bland and generic.

Since there aren't many staff writing positions when it comes to video game reviews or anything else (we're talking online and magazines, and magazines = freelancers = not a lot of staff, because freelancers are cheaper in the long run), you'll have to distinguish yourself as a writer to really have a shot, and you do that through your writing. Punch it up and make people want to read, and you can succeed.

This is quality video game reviewing; you shouldn't necessarily copy it, but recognize what it does, how and why it does it, and how that makes it successful:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation

Also keep in mind that the best video game writing will be like the best anything writing: it will draw you in and engage you as a reader. If you haven't taken any courses in newswriting or magazine journalism, consider that route - just insert video games instead of politics or professional sports or disasters.

Can anyone recommend colleges and universities suited for Journalism (In particular, video game Journalism)?

Si-Si

I'm currently in 9th grade (With only four days of this school year left). I'm extremely unsure of which path I want to take, but I know that I want to write for a living. I'm very passionate about writing. I'm leaning more towards Creative Writing and Journalism.
However, I've noticed that most people on the track towards writing books end up becoming educators. I have no intention of becoming a teacher.
I think that Journalism would be a good field for me, because I want to share my writing with everyoneâand I want it to take me around the world.
It's just, I'm very confused. I'm unsure of wether or not this will even work for me.
My guidance counselor explained to me that I'd be in a Journalism related class next school year. The only Journalism related class outlr school offers is Yearbook staff. Will I learn any fundamental skill in this class?
Anyways, back to my original question. I want to be prepared before my Junior year.
The only university I have my eyes on is the Academy of Art University in San Fransico, burning the tuition for that school is exceptionally expensive. I'm definitely going to apply for all of the scholarships I can manage to, but in the meantime any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Good journalism:
Columbia
Northwestern
NYU

Now, for video game journalism, a computer science major or minor is recommended.I suggest majoring in comp sci and minoring in journalism. Journalism is a dying area, and jobs that pay well are sparse. You'd be very underpaid as a journalist, but if you major in comp sci, at least you can work as a software engineer or something if journalism doesn't work out.

Good comp sci colleges:
Princeton
Stanford
Carnegie Mellon
Cornell
MIT
Columbia


The above answerer suggested University of Mississippi. Please, for the love of God, don't go there. I live in Mississippi, and it is one of the worst places to live in. Oxford, where Ole Miss is, is just horrible.

I'd go with Columbia, honestly. Maintain a 4.0 GPA in high school, do some extra curriculars, particularly writing contests, etc. (make sure to win them!), join some clubs that have writing orientations (debate, etc.) and start preparation for your SAT/ACT and SAT II's. (I'm aiming for a 36 on my ACT this September and 800 on my Bio and Chem SAT II that I will take in October, in addition to 800 in Math Level II. For you, I recommend a science SAT II, and two humanities SAT II's.)

In your junior year, you will take a test called the PSAT, or the NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.) If you score above a certain number, typically 210 out of 240, you can become a NMS semifinalist. Take the SAT and score high afterwards, and you can become a finalist.

Those are just some things you can do to set yourself apart when you apply to Columbia or any distinguished college (keep in mind that the mold I've suggested is for the elite colleges.)

There's obviously much more you can do, but this is just a basic template to help you get started. I'm in 9th grade as well, and I can tell you that the best thing to do is start early.

You're going to need all the time you can get.

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How well does video game journalism pay?

Cody

i'm interested in pursuing a career in video game journalism. So naturally i wonder if it will bring home the bacon or not. thanks!

Answer
It will bring you ENOUGH home, but the main addvaqntages of VGJ (video game journalism) is all the advantages and priveleges which come with it.

You will not have to pay even half as much for video games and consoles - so you will save lots and lots of cash in this way.

Also you will be able to travel alot and go to lots of conventions and things all for free.

The main thing with vgj is how you SAVE money. of course you earn but only enough to keep you 'comfortable', but the point is is that the job isnt about the money its about doing what you love for free.

what degree do i need for journalism?

legally st

hey, i see there are similar questions about journalism but none of them that i have looked at are what i was looking for so i will ask myself and hopefully you will answer my question fully and thoroughly. what type of degree do i need for video game journalism I am currently in collage and I was going for a criminal justice degree but now I think my interests have changed and i want to go write reviews for games and GET PAID for it I know crazy right but anyway can you please tell me what i would need to get a job writing reviews?

Answer
You'll probably want a journalism degree or something as writing intensive or communications. Do realize though, that most of the people who do what you want to do don't do so right out of college. Many people in those positions work up to that spot, and many are freelancers. Some are on staff, but you gotta work up to that, especially with a magazine.

I agree also that you need to be an expert gamer because you will need to have credibility. Otherwise, who is going to trust your judgement. If you really want to, practice your writing and know that in journalism, you will have to know more than how to write a video game review. However, the review will just be your niche.

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I need help deciding my college major?

game journalism jobs image

Jeremy W

I already know things that I am interested in for a career. I would like to get into things like game journalism, photography, and writing newspaper/magazines, and maybe tv/radio

These are the areas im very interested in. Right now im thinking about a major in journalism, or mass communications. I cant decided which one. I need some help.

Answer
Print Journalism is dying, and there doesn't seem to be an adequate well-paying alternative job for journalists. By very careful about signing up for Journalism â it could mean long periods of unemployment.

What jobs can I get with a Biology or Zoology degree working with animals?

Jamie

Ok, so i live in the UK and i'm currently in my first year of AS and it's about that time i need to start thinking about my future. First of all, i am unsure of what degree to do. Currently my ideal job would be something that would involve working with animals however i do tend to change my mind a lot. My first question is should i do i general biology degree or something more specific such as zoology?
I have done some research into working with animals but i haven't got very far. I know that these kinds of jobs don't tend to offer very high pay. So i was wondering what the best sort of career would be if i wanted to work with animals and also what sort of career working with animals would give offer a higher salary than the others. Also, what other careers would be available to me with my biology degree that could also be interesting and offer a lot of pay?

TL;DR:
Should I do Biology or zoology?
What hands on careers are there with animals?
What careers with animals get paid a lot?
What other careers are there in biology that are interesting and have high pay?

Thank you to anyone who takes the time to help :)

Answer
     I just researched this a few weeks ago because I asked the exact same questions as you did! What I found was that Biology is a very broad study of all living things, all of nature, opposed to Zoology which studies animals and their behaviors. If you're looking for a career working with animals, I'd recommend majoring in Zoology so that you'll have better experience and knowledge of animals. I copied tons of information from a couple websites giving information for careers with animals along with their average pay.

--BIOLOGY--
Biology careers: environmental biologist, medical technologist, microbiologist, molecular biologist, pharmacist, physical therapist, physician, teacher /professor, veterinarian, and wildlife biologist
--ZOOLOGY--
    Zoology is the study of animals, from tiny organisms invisible to the human eye to the blue whale, the largest animal on earth. Zoologists explore how animals evolve over time, how they reproduce and develop, and how they interact with one another and the world around them.
     An undergraduate degree will prepare you for a range of fields, including human medicine. With advanced study, a bachelor of science degree in zoology can lead to a career as a doctor, veterinarian, pharmacist, zoo keeper, or park ranger. Some schools also offer a bachelor of arts degree that requires fewer science courses and can lead to such careers as environmental journalism or teaching.
     Zoologists go in to become: Animal Control Officers, Animal keepers, Biomedical illustrators, Conservation Officers, Environmental lawyers, Fisheries Biologists, Game park managers, Laboratory technicians, Museum curators, Park naturalists, Park Rangers, Radiation Safety Officers, Research assistants in a zoo, Teachers, or Wildlife biologists.
     Are you an animal lover? Do you like spending time outdoors? Do you enjoy performing experiments in the laboratory? Do you worry about extinction or wonder what animals can teach us about ourselves? Whatever your interest, thereâs something for you in zoology, a field as varied as the animal kingdom itself.
--ANIMAL CARETAKER--
     Animal caretakers, sometimes called animal attendants or animal keepers, are responsible for feeding, watering, grooming, bathing, and exercising animals as well as cleaning, disinfecting, and repairing their cages. They also play with the animals, provide companionship, and observe behavioral changes that might indicate illness or injury. Boarding kennels, animal shelters, stables, veterinary hospitals and clinics, laboratories, aquariums, and zoos all employ caretakers.
Animal caretakers - average wage of $10.50 an hour in 2009.
--VETERINARIAN--
     Providing effective and humane medical care for animals is the central mission of veterinary science. However, veterinarians and veterinary technicians may also focus on a number of other goals:
-Educating owners and the public about animal health and safety issues
-Advising businesses about project costs
-Ensuring the quality and safety of products produced by, derived from, or created for animals
-Researching and monitoring the relationship between animal and human diseases
-Working for improved legal protections and humane treatment standards for animals
-Advancing medical science and biotechnology through laboratory research
     A love of animals is not enough in this field. It requires an aptitude for such sciences as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and cell biology. Most jobs in veterinary science require years of education -- a medical degree or a Ph.D. in addition to a four-year, science-intensive bachelor's degree. But there are also jobs for those who want to follow a more direct and less expensive route to the field of animal medicine. Veterinary technicians (VTs), who can be certified in as few as two years, assist both doctors of veterinary medicine and laboratory researchers. Likewise, zoos and aquariums hire technicians and scientists-in-training to perform general animal care and exhibit maintenance.
     If you work in a veterinary-care setting, you may be responsible for creating and managing patient records and health histories. You may also collect and analyze laboratory specimens, assist the vet during surgeries or other medical procedures, take and develop x-rays, and perform preventative dental care. Since you'll also have plenty of contact with pet or animal owners, it will be important that you can communicate effectively and sensitively.
Veterinary technicians earned an average wage of $14.70 an hour in 2009.
Veterinarians 2010 Median Pay:  $82,040 per year;  $39.44 per hour
--LAST THOUGHT--
I'd like to stress how important it is to find a career that you love. It may even be more important that getting a big pay check since you don't want to spend the majority of your life doing something you hate. Just keep that in mind. Hope you find a career that's fit for you! :)

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How can I start freelancing for newspapers and magazines?

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xx_kc_xx

I will be graduating next year with a double BA in journalism and political science. Everyone is the field knows that clips are what journalism jobs look for, but I cannot figure out how to approach the situation. Do I call places and see if they are looking for copy on a certain topic? Or do I write the story and see if a publication wants to pick it up? I'm not necessarily looking for pay either, just exposure and clips.

Answer
It's easier than you might think. With a double major, you're an ideal candidate for many publications -- even moreso because you're willing to work for free (at least at first).

Approach editors about the possibility of interning or doing some freelance work. I wouldn't waste my time with unsolicited stories, because there's no guarantee anyone would pick it up.

Go to your state's press association website if there is one. Here, it's http://www.ncpress.com. Job listings abound.

Find a small community or daily paper on the outskirts of a larger area. Small papers are constantly looking for entry level work, and it's not that difficult to find a salary based job. Many of these publications understand that they're a stepping stone to bigger and better things, but they get to "borrow" a good writer for a year or two, and you get some excellent experience.

That was my first experience. I graduated with an English degree and was the sports editor at a small community paper within six months. Within the first year, I had job offers from two daily papers. They called me. I didn't even send out a resume. They just recognized my writing and wanted to know if I would like to come aboard.

Speaking of sports, that may be your best bet to build some clips, at least in the very beginning. Almost every sports editor I know is stretched very thin, both by staff and budget constraints. They're always on the look-out for talented stringers. Even if sports aren't your thing, it's not too hard to follow what's going on and talk to the coach after the game. It might be that foot in the door you need.

Get involved with your campus newspaper if you haven't already. Those clips turn into clips you can use to land an internship or a first job.

Can Video Game Journalism Pay Enough to support me?

So I was thinking recently and I am really interested by video game journalism and am considering a career in this but my Dad doesn't think it will pay enough to support me. He also acknowledges that it involves 2 things I love. That's writing and video games. Can anyone give me more info on a job as a Video Game Journalist?

Answer
How many major, paid outlets are there for this type of journalism. You have a few gaming magazines, and a few web sites. Do you think you can write as well as the people in those magazines. What do you think will distinguish you above anyone else when if comes to getting a job there. How many writers do they have on staff.

To me, it seems like a small niche field with a lot of entrants but not a lot of demand. Focus on the journalism and hope for the video game beat, but don't count on it.

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How well does video game journalism pay?

game journalism jobs image

Cody

i'm interested in pursuing a career in video game journalism. So naturally i wonder if it will bring home the bacon or not. thanks!

Answer
It will bring you ENOUGH home, but the main addvaqntages of VGJ (video game journalism) is all the advantages and priveleges which come with it.

You will not have to pay even half as much for video games and consoles - so you will save lots and lots of cash in this way.

Also you will be able to travel alot and go to lots of conventions and things all for free.

The main thing with vgj is how you SAVE money. of course you earn but only enough to keep you 'comfortable', but the point is is that the job isnt about the money its about doing what you love for free.

What sort of careers are there involving video games?

Q. I want to work with video games but I am in my third year of a degree in English Literature. I REALLY want to work with gamesss! Do you think I should email some games companies and ask what sort of roles they have? I'd love to help create them but maybe video game journalism would be cool too.. but isn't that a bit of a hard niche to get into? Please give me some ideas of what I could.

Answer
Video games have hundreds of things they need done. Ranging from coming up with ideas for games to writing code to finding the right software to use, not to mention the dozens of different audio jobs. Game developers also need as many computer engineers and animation experts to make their games more realistic.

You'll find it hard not to find a job, you just have to have the right skills, so go to college and do well.

Hope this helped!

Regards,
Dylan.

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