However, I think the rudeness also symbolizes the contraction of the games media/press, and the fact that a lot of people are very scared right now. We need access to be able to do our jobs, full stop, and being told, via a process that feels judgemental, that we CAN'T do our job is very difficult. - ThreadSky

aidanis.fun • 9 days ago

However, I think the rudeness also symbolizes the contraction of the games media/press, and the fact that a lot of people are very scared right now. We need access to be able to do our jobs, full stop, and being told, via a process that feels judgemental, that we CAN'T do our job is very difficult.

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aidanis.fun•9 days ago

As traditional games media spaces go extinct, I think PR and review code processes need to change to support the higher number of freelance writers and content creators looking to cover games.

aidanis.fun•9 days ago

Everyone understands that keys are artificially limited, they're produced in seconds on a computer somewhere and have no overhead, so being told there aren't enough feels like "you're not enough." But, the number of small indies and standalone freelancer writers is only getting bigger.

aidanis.fun•9 days ago

If Polygon got a code or two and assigned it for review, that's fine. But now six of its ex-writers want to cover the game for their own sites/newsletters/podcasts/etc., and that leads to an increased need of three times as many keys right there.

aidanis.fun•9 days ago

And, as a freelancer, I constantly run into barriers asking me who I'm going to cover the game for, and it always comes back to the chicken and egg thing. I can't pitch a story if I don't have access, and I don't have access unless I've successfully pitched a story.

aidanis.fun•9 days ago

Now I'm getting responses saying, "We only have keys for 'content creators,'" so I'm just completely unable to cover a game I'm genuinely excited for, but can't afford because I just had to fork out $1,000 (that comes straight from my freelance earnings) to buy a Switch 2 so I don't fall behind.

dalton.run•7 days ago

I agree with the point you're making in this thread, but... why did you spend $1,000 to buy a console that costs half of that?

aidanis.fun•9 days ago

And that's when I get a response at all. I spent WEEKS trying to get in contact with someone at Konami PR who could provide me with a key for Suikoden, and I've written a whole book about the series, and made several appearances on popular gaming podcasts to talk about the remaster.

callmeshawnp.bsky.social•9 days ago

I hear you, but that's not entirely accurate. There ARE limits. Some keys are a cost. Some platforms will only issue a limited number, regardless. Sometimes, it's just a client's wish to limit.

That said, we actively ARE adjusting how we work with media, creators, and freelancers.

aidanis.fun•9 days ago

Yeah, I understand that, but you and I both know those limits are set artificially somewhere. We understand that it's not the PR rep that set the limit, but we do know that someone up the chain said a number that's functionally and fiscally no different than a number 10 or 100 times higher.

callmeshawnp.bsky.social•9 days ago

The landscape adjusts, and so do we. As PR people, we are also just a cog in the machine, with limited control over such things.

Either way, as we learn and adapt and the industry changes, there's still no reason to ever be rude. We gotta work together to stay sane, y'know.

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