How to make it as a gaming journalist

Have you ever thought about having a career in the video games industry?  Some might think that it’s all glamorous, but the panelists at PAX10′s Movin’ on Up: How to Make It (Or Not) in Videogames Journalism will tell you that it’s a lot of work, with a little bit of luck mixed in.  Many of the panelists have worked in the industry for years and had to start at the ground level, sometimes working for free.

Want advice from seasoned professionals about how to get into the gaming industry?  Watch this video in its entirety

The panelists have been in the gaming industry for years, and are either journalists or PR reps in the gaming industry.  Those dispensing their advice are:

• Arne Meyer from Naughty Dog
• John Ricciardi from S-4
• John Drake of Harmonix Music Systems
• Chris Koeler from Wired.com

As you’ll see in the video, the big advice is to keep working at it, and be aware that you’ll probably be working for free until you can make a name for yourself.  From my experience, gaming and hardware journalists are just happy to have their name out there and get free stuff.  Other advice should be common sense… like be respectful, look reputable (learn proper English and spelling), and above all heed Wheaton’s Law: Don’t Be A Dick.

Some of the other things in the video is advice about playing it straight, how much of your opinion or personality should be in your articles, and how do you make a small blog noticed in the industry.

If you’re a budding gaming or hardware journalist, then why not write for OCModShop?  Just fill out the application here: http://www.ocmodshop.com/aboutus/apply_ocms.aspx