In a competitive and ever-changing industry, gaming journalists must remain at the top of their game. One mistake can lead to a downward spiral, causing their status as thought leaders to crumble. For this reason, gaming industry enthusiasts keep a watchful eye on who’s who among gaming journalists in the field.
Companies and developers rely on these creators to help bolster their brand and visibility, while gamers, both casual and hardcore, often turn to reviews or posts made by journalists to determine whether they should pick up a specific title. Gaming journalists also have the ability to steer current and upcoming game trends in the industry.
To aid anyone searching for a reputable source for gaming intel, Baden Bower has compiled a definitive list of the top gaming journalists in America. Through extensive research and an in-depth analysis of the careers of those included in this feature, Baden Bower has ensured that the gaming influencers highlighted here encompass a vast chunk of the gaming industry to ensure all grounds and needs are adequately covered.
Read also: Outstanding Female Journalists: 2023 List
Introducing the Top Gaming Journalists in America
Here are seven of the best gaming journalists in the US:
Naomi Kyle: The Right Mix of Expertise and Personality
Naomi Kyle, a former model, is now one of the most prominent figures in gaming journalism. Her career took off when she hosted Gameloft’s podcast, and her gaming know-how and innate charm caught the eye of gaming giant IGN. She became the on-air presenter of their award-winning news feature show “The Daily Fix” in 2011.
Since then, Kyle has become a fixture in various gaming shows and events. She has ventured into acting and modeling with many TV shows, movies, and ad campaigns under her belt. Currently, she is active on various social media channels, where she streams, shares gaming recaps, and creates related content.
Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok
Yahtzee Croshaw: Cutting-Edge Critiques and Humorous Insights
Yahtzee Croshaw, the creator of the widely popular “Zero Punctuation” web series, is one of the most popular go-to’s in game journalism. Croshaw’s content features an intersection of in-depth analyses with a dash of crude humor. His trilby-wearing animated character rambling about games in just one breath is a recognizable image to many.
Croshaw stands out from other journalists as he is open to discussing topics that most mainstream outlets ignore. He focuses on the impact of lore on overall gameplay and delves as deep as understanding the ethical choices within the game.
He is also a game developer by profession, which means his takes on certain games are rooted in the perspective of someone who knows the intricacies of developing a title. He is an accomplished author with his latest work, “Existentially Challenged,” published in 2021.
Anita Sarkeesian: A Champion of Diversity and Representation in Gaming
Anita Sarkeesian is known for discussing the many problematic aspects propagated by popular video games in her web series called “Feminist Frequency”. The lack of proper representation, especially for women, in the gaming world is a general discussion now, thanks to journalists like Sarkeesian opening the floodgates.
Sarkeesian’s progressive takes subjected her to harassment online and offline, with the #Gamergate incident being the most notable one. Despite this, her opinions have contributed to the industry being wary of the moral compass that games carry with their gameplay and stories, making her an important figure in gaming journalism and the wider sector.
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Wikipedia
Andrea Rene: The Voice of Gaming News and Culture for Women
Andrea Rene has put the female voice at the forefront of the gaming world. From on-camera hosting of prestigious events to presenting the latest news and developments in gaming, Rene has paved the way for female representation in the industry. Her career began as a freelance journalist covering games for various publications, leading her to become a producer and host for the gaming news show “Gametrailers TV”.
Rene’s experience in both hosting and production made her a natural fit for hosting gaming events such as E3, Gamescom, and The Game Awards. Her ability to connect with audiences and deliver engaging content has made her a sought-after figure in the industry.
Aside from her hosting duties, Rene is also a co-founder of What’s Good Games, a popular gaming news and reviews website that highlights diverse voices in the industry. Her advocacy for diversity and inclusivity in gaming has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 in the media category.
Twitter | Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Facebook | LinkedIn
George “Super BunnyHop” Weidman: In-depth Analysis and Expert Gameplay
George Weidman, or “Super BunnyHop”, is an accomplished gaming journalist with a dedicated following. His reviews and analyses have been widely recognized as some of the most insightful and informative in the industry, making him one of the top gaming journalists in the US.
Weidman is known for his in-depth analysis of games, including his famous “Critical Close-up” series, in which he delves into various titles’ mechanics, narratives, and themes. His expertise in game design, combined with his excellent writing and on-screen presence, has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected gaming critics in the field.
In addition to his critical work, Weidman is also an accomplished player, and his gameplay videos are popular among fans of the genre. He is mainly known for his knowledge of fighting games, and his insightful commentary on matches and tournaments has earned him a loyal following in the gaming community.
Megan LeeAnn “Meg” Turney: A Radiant Personality in the Gaming Community
Megan LeeAnn “Meg” Turney is an accomplished gaming journalist and content creator, making her one of the top gaming influencers in America. Her vivacious personality and extensive knowledge of the industry have earned her a devoted following in the gaming community.
Turney has been active in gaming journalism since 2010 and has since grown her brand exponentially. She worked as a presenter for IGN and was a regular contributor to both the “Game OverGreggy Show” and “The Know.” In addition to her work in traditional media, Turney also creates her own content for her YouTube channel, which has over 300,000 subscribers.
What sets Turney apart from other gaming journalists is her ability to engage with her audience authentically. Her passion for gaming shines through in her content, and she’s not afraid to share her opinions, whether they’re popular or not. Turney is also an advocate for diversity and inclusivity in gaming, and her content often reflects this passion.
Twitter | Instagram | Wikipedia | YouTube | Facebook
Jeff Gertsman: A Legend in the Gaming Journalism Industry
Jeff Gerstmann is a veteran of video game journalism, having been in the industry for over 20 years. He started his career at GameSpot, where he was a co-founder and editorial director. However, he left the company in 2007 after a controversial review of the game “Kane & Lynch: Dead Men.”
Despite the controversy, Gerstmann’s reputation as a seasoned journalist and critic has only grown over the years. He is currently the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Giant Bomb, a popular gaming website that features reviews, podcasts, and videos.
Gerstmann’s experience in the industry and his no-holds-barred approach to reviews and critiques have made him a respected figure among gamers and developers alike. He has been inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame and is considered one of the most influential figures in gaming journalism.
Find More Top Gaming Journalists with BadenBower
In addition to the journalists featured in this list, Baden Bower has a team of experienced professionals who specialize in gaming PR. Their deep understanding of the industry, coupled with their strategic approach, has helped many gaming companies and developers reach their target audience and achieve their goals.
With Baden Bower’s extensive network, they can connect clients with other top gaming journalists and influencers, allowing them to reach even more gamers and enthusiasts. They understand that gaming journalism is not just about providing information but also creating a connection between the gaming community and the creators behind their favorite titles.
Their approach focuses on building relationships with gaming journalists, influencers, and enthusiasts, allowing them to get an insider’s view of the industry. This approach has helped them to create campaigns that resonate with the gaming community, resulting in increased visibility and engagement.
Baden Bower is the go-to PR agency for gaming companies and developers looking to take their brand to the next level. Their expertise in gaming journalism and their vast network of industry professionals make them a valuable partner for anyone looking to make their mark in the gaming industry. Whether one is looking for top gaming journalists or need assistance with PR and marketing, Baden Bower has the expertise and resources to help one achieve their goals.