In recent years, gaming Youtubers have come under fire for referencing leaks from leakers and articles. The question that arises is whether or not these Youtubers should be criticized for doing so. On one hand, referencing leaks and articles can be seen as a way to keep their audience informed and up-to-date on upcoming games and events. On the other hand, these leaks can often be inaccurate or misleading, and referencing them can lead to false expectations and disappointment for the audience. In this blog post, we will explore both sides of this argument and provide examples to support each perspective.
Firstly, let us examine the arguments in favor of gaming Youtubers referencing leaks and articles. One of the main reasons why Youtubers reference leaks is to keep their audience informed and up-to-date on upcoming games and events. Gaming enthusiasts are always looking for the latest information on their favorite games, and Youtubers who reference leaks can provide valuable insights and information that their audience may not be able to find elsewhere. For example, a Youtuber might reference a leak that suggests a new character will be added to a game in the near future. This can create excitement and anticipation among their audience, leading to increased engagement with their channel and community.
Another reason why Youtubers reference leaks is to generate discussion and speculation. When a leak is referenced, it often leads to speculation about what the leak might mean or what changes might be coming to a particular game. This can create a sense of community among the Youtuber’s audience, as viewers come together to discuss their ideas and theories about what might be coming next. Additionally, this speculation can lead to increased engagement with the Youtuber’s content, as viewers are eager to see how their theories and ideas play out.
However, there are also arguments against gaming Youtubers referencing leaks and articles. One of the main concerns is that leaks are often inaccurate or misleading. Leakers often have incomplete information or may be intentionally spreading false information in order to create hype or generate attention. Youtubers who reference these leaks can unintentionally spread false information to their audience, leading to false expectations and disappointment when the actual game or event is released. For example, a Youtuber might reference a leak that suggests a highly anticipated game will be released in a specific month, but the actual release date may be several months later. This can lead to disappointment and frustration among the Youtuber’s audience, who may have been expecting the game to be released sooner.
Another concern with referencing leaks is that it can undermine the work of game developers and publishers. Game development is a complex process that involves many people and teams working together to create a finished product. When leaks are referenced, it can create a sense of pressure on the development team to meet the expectations of their audience. This can lead to rushed development and potentially lower quality games, as the team is focused on meeting unrealistic expectations rather than creating the best possible product.
Furthermore, referencing leaks can also create legal and ethical concerns. Leaks often involve the unauthorized release of confidential information, which can be damaging to the companies and individuals involved. When Youtubers reference leaks, they may inadvertently be contributing to the spread of stolen information, which can lead to legal repercussions. Additionally, referencing leaks can be seen as unethical, as it can harm the reputation of the game developer or publisher and create an unfair advantage for Youtubers who are privy to insider information.
Now that we have examined the arguments for and against gaming Youtubers referencing leaks and articles, let us look at some examples to support each perspective.
One example of a Youtuber who regularly references leaks is Jason Schreier. Schreier is a well-known gaming journalist who has gained a reputation for reporting on insider information and leaks within the gaming industry. He often references these leaks in his articles and on social media, leading to increased engagement and speculation among his audience. Schreier argues that referencing leaks is important for keeping the gaming industry transparent and holding game developers and publishers accountable for their actions. For example, in 2018, Schreier published an article on Kotaku detailing the troubled development of the game Anthem. The article was based on interviews with anonymous sources and internal documents leaked to Schreier. While the article received criticism from some within the gaming industry, many praised Schreier for his investigative reporting and the transparency it brought to the development of the game.
On the other hand, there are also examples of Youtubers who have faced backlash for referencing leaks. One such example is TheQuartering, a popular gaming Youtuber who often references leaks in his content. In 2020, TheQuartering faced criticism for referencing a leak that suggested the game Cyberpunk 2077 would feature a transgender option for players. The leak turned out to be inaccurate, and TheQuartering was accused of spreading false information and creating false expectations among his audience. The incident sparked a wider discussion within the gaming community about the responsibility of Youtubers when referencing leaks and the potential harm it can cause.
Another example of the potential harm caused by referencing leaks is the controversy surrounding the release of the game No Man’s Sky. Prior to its release, there were numerous leaks and rumors about the game, including claims that it would feature multiplayer and other features that were ultimately not included in the final product. Youtubers who referenced these leaks and rumors contributed to the hype surrounding the game and created unrealistic expectations among their audiences. When the game was finally released and it became clear that many of these rumors and leaks were false, the backlash was swift and severe. The game received numerous negative reviews and criticism from both players and critics, and the developer faced legal action for false advertising.
Overall, the question of whether or not gaming Youtubers should be criticized for referencing leaks and articles is a complex one. While there are certainly benefits to referencing leaks, such as keeping the audience informed and generating discussion, there are also significant risks and drawbacks, including the potential for false expectations, rushed development, and legal and ethical concerns. Ultimately, it is up to individual Youtubers to weigh these risks and make their own decisions about whether or not to reference leaks in their content. However, it is important for Youtubers to be transparent with their audience about where their information is coming from and to avoid spreading false or misleading information. By doing so, Youtubers can continue to provide valuable insights and information to their audience while also ensuring the integrity and transparency of the gaming industry.
Recently RGT 85 and Spawn Wave both gave their opinions about the topic on their YouTube channels. You should definitely check out their videos because they both give some very good arguments about how video game reporting works in regard to leaked information.
