Do you have a way with words and a passion for video games? Why not try gaming journalism? This is a vibrant field where thousands of writers consistently contribute news, features, reviews, tutorials, and a whole lot more. Publications from all around the world look for good content and are willing to pay you for it.
And the best thing about it all is that you do not need special credentials or even a degree for this, although a journalism degree or experience with content writing would help. The most important things you need are writing skills (can be taught), a genuine love of video games, and determination.
Let’s talk about becoming a gaming journalist, so you can get paid to write about what you love, video games. We will also go through some websites that do pay you, we’ll talk about pitching stories, and the all-important portfolio that you will need.
Step 1 – Understanding What Gaming Journalists Write
At first glance, many believe gaming journalists just write gaming news. This is incorrect. Gaming journalism is so much broader. The most common gaming articles published these days are the following:
Gaming News Stories
- Game announcements
- Release dates
- Delays
- Patch notes
- Gaming industry developments, like lawsuits, mergers, and acquisitions
For gaming news you need accuracy, speed, and basic SEO knowledge. Publications like GameSpot, IGN, and PC Gamer often publish such gaming news stories.
Gaming Reviews
A gaming review can talk about many different things, including:
- Art style
- Graphics
- Gameplay mechanics
- Replay value
- Gameplay story
- Game writing
- Technical performance
For such articles you need critical thinking, clear writing, and consistency. You will often see game reviews published on sites like PC Gamer, GameSpot, and Kotaku.
Game Features
Game features are basically articles that dive deeper than normal into a gaming topic, like:
- In-depth interviews
- Game design trends
- Gaming culture
- Player communities
- Historical gaming analysis
The main skills you need for these are storytelling, research, and long-form writing. You will find game features on sites like The Verge, Wired, and Gayming Magazine.
Game Opinions/Commentary
These are practically gaming opinion pieces that let writers explore more personal arguments and takes about:
- Gaming industry issues
- Game narratives
- Loved or hated game mechanics
The main skills you need for such articles are personal insights, argumentation, and use of a proper voice. You can find game opinions and commentary on sites like Uppercut Crit and Kotaku.
Gaming Guides
As you might imagine, game guides aim to help readers to:
- Optimize builds
- Beat bosses
- Understand gaming systems and new patches
- Find Collectibles
The main skills you need for such gaming articles are SEO and clear instructional writing. You will find gaming guides on numerous sites like Game Rant, The Gamer, and IGN.
Step 2 – Build Your Portfolio
This is where we need to talk about the tougher side of things. The major publications are simply not going to hire you out of the blue. You can even be really good at writing and still not be considered because nobody really knows you. Simply put, you have to show editors that you can write professionally, engagingly, and clearly about video games.
Your portfolio is something you need to start building right from the start. You need it due to several reasons, like:
- Clear proof you can write about games
- Showing editors what your style is
- Gaining confidence when it comes to pitching
How can you build your portfolio?
Fortunately, there are several options available. Some common ones include:
- Start a Medium account or a blog
Simply start writing what you want to write. You can write game reviews, essays, or opinion pieces. The trick is to publish consistently. No one might read it but you build writing experience and a portfolio you can show to editors in the future.
- Contribute to fan sites and small publications
Indie gaming sites and niche gaming blogs always need contributors. While most of them are only going to publish your articles for free, it is still beneficial to be published. You simply have a higher credibility when an editor accepted your writing in the past. Also, there are some indie gaming sites that do pay a little. Still better than nothing.
- Join Freelance-Friendly Gaming Sites
There are several entry-level gaming sites that actually pay new writers. Some of the better-known ones are:
- The Gamer
- Game Rant
- Screen Rant
- Hardcore Druid
- Into The Spine
Even getting like $15 for a 1000 words article is good when you start on this career path.
- Write Different Types Of Articles
Do not write just game reviews. Add a feature, guide, an opinion piece from time to time. The truth is editors love to see versatility. And it is better for you to present yourself as a more complete gaming journalist.
As an extra tip:
Remember that quality is better than quantity. Having 4-5 really good articles published or on your blug is so much better than hundreds that are trash. It is the harsh reality of things but
Step 3 – Who Pays For Gaming Articles?
To make it easier, I arranged these websites on tier levels, based on expected pay.
💼 High-Profile Outlets (Top Pay)
| Name | Typical Pay |
| IGN | $100–$300+ per piece |
| GameSpot | $150–$300+ |
| Polygon | $150–$400+ |
| Kotaku | $150–$400+ |
| PC Gamer | $150–$300+ |
| Rock Paper Shotgun | $150–$300+ |
| GamesRadar+ | $100–$250+ |
📰 Mid-Tier & Indie Outlets
| Name | Typical Pay |
| Into The Spine | ~$50–$150 |
| Uppercut Crit | ~$50–$100 |
| Unwinnable | ~$100–$150 |
| Gayming Magazine | ~$75–$150 |
| SUPERJUMP Magazine | ~$50–$150 |
🎮 Niche / Entry-Level Outlets
| Name | Typical Pay |
| TheGamer | ~$15–$50 |
| Game Rant | ~$50–$150 |
| DualShockers | ~$50–$100 |
| Screen Rant (Gaming) | ~$50–$150 |
| Hardcore Droid | $15–$50 |
✍️ Bonus: Non-Gaming Publications That Take Game Stories
| Name | Typical Pay |
| WIRED | $500+ |
| The Verge | $300–$600+ |
| Vice Motherboard | $300–$600+ |
| Paste Magazine | ~$100–$200 |
| Inverse | $100–$250 |
Step 4 – Pitch Editors
Most writing work in the gaming industry starts with a pitch. This practically means you need to learn how to write an effective game writing pitch. The most important tips for you to remember are:
- Find the right editor – Always analyze contributor guidelines and look at mastheads and/or X bios.
- Create a sharp, short pitch email – Be sure to include what the story is about and why it is good for the outlet.
- Include a bio – Include a couple of links to gaming articles you published in the past.
- Be professional – And polite. Remember that editors are busy.
You should also know that gaming outlet editors often post pitch calls on their social media profiles. This is why it is always a very good idea to follow them on X.
Step 5 – Network
One thing many do not understand about freelancing in general is that it is based on relationships. You want to network with editors and other people in the community. You can do this in different ways, like:
- Joining Freelance Game Journalism Discord channels.
- Following Game outlet editors and other gaming writers on X.
- Joining Reddit communities like GameWriting and FreelanceWriters.
- Attending panels at game industry events (in-person and virtual).
Some Gaming Editors To Follow On X
Looking for a list of gaming editors you can follow? These accounts often pitch tips, updates, and pitch calls:
- Carolyn Petit – Kotaku
- Nicole Carpenter – Former Polygon
- Imogen Beckhelling – SwipeRightGG
- Mollie Taylor – PCGamer
- Andrew Webster – The Verge
- Alyse Stanley – Tom’s Guide
- Jay Castello – Freelancer
Remember: Following editors does not mean you should spam them. Make sure you are respectful. Do not send cold DM pitches unless they clearly state that they are open to DMs or they announce that pitches are open.
Some Extra Tips For Success
Probably the most important thing to remember is that you cannot expect success overnight. You have to remember that:
- You have to start small. Even $15-$20 is good for your first articles. Remember that every single article you publish will enhance your portfolio.
- Write often. This is true no matter what you want to write since the more you do it, the better you will get.
- Do not fear rejection since even the best writers in the world get rejections.
- Try to play games that are diverse as possible. This allows you to learn new angles and you can write more types of articles, and more articles.
- Always remain ethical. The relationships you have with game developers or publications should always be disclosed. And you have to avoid all conflicts of interest.
Gaming journalism is incredibly competitive. But this should not stop you. With constant practice, you get better and better. Then, you can be a part of a field that is highly rewarding and a lot of fun. Build your portfolio, pitch those smaller outlets, look for game writing jobs on freelance sites, job boards, social media, and keep growing.
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