Cheering in the press box is way out of line
In a gaming podcast released last week, GamePro News Editor A.J. Glasser brought up the topic of games journalists and the rule of “no cheering in the press box.” The term is used to describe the attitude of a journalist while he or she is on the job. No matter what happens, a journalist must keep a neutral stance on the event and not provide his or her own input.
However, in press events such as the Electronic Entertainment Expo, and other gaming conferences, games journalists act as if this rule does not apply.
It does not matter the type of journalism; journalists must adhere to the ethics of a journalist.
In the podcast, Glasser brought up multiple times when games journalists were cheering after certain announcements. Then again, how can one not be excited about a game coming out, especially if it has the potential to be a blockbuster hit? It is all about controlling our emotions, especially during press conferences. In a press-only event such as E3, such celebration is out of the question. I understand the effort and time that is put into these games, but as journalists, there should only the sound of keyboards and pencils, as information is being written down. Look at press conferences, whether political or sports-related, and you will see no reaction from the journalists whatsoever.
Games journalists might deal with a less serious business, but they should still remain reserved and have their little jump of joy in their heads.
I know that during these press events, the gaming companies would like some immediate feedback, and that is why there is applause in the crowd. However, applause does not have to come from the journalists. As previously mentioned, E3 is a press-only event. If they want real feedback, let the floodgates open and allow the general public to come and view the press events. Let them watch their favorite consoles announce a new game on the show floor, instead of watching a live video stream on 1UP.com or gameinformer.com.
The gaming industry makes games for the fans, which include the journalists. But we journalists provide the news and that is all. When it comes to press conferences, put game faces on and act like journalists.
