Why Are Game Journalists So Bad at Video Games? The Truth Behind the Meme

Game Journalists vs. Gamers: Why Do They Struggle with Basic Gameplay?

It’s a running joke in gaming communities: game journalists are terrible at video games. Whether it’s the infamous Cuphead tutorial fail or laughable gameplay clips from major outlets, the idea that professional reviewers struggle with basic mechanics is practically a meme at this point. But why is that? If they get paid to play and analyze games, shouldn’t they be good at them?

Let’s dive into the history of this stereotype, where it came from, and whether or not there’s any truth behind it.

The Moment That Started It All: Cuphead's Infamous Tutorial Fail

While gamers had already been skeptical about game journalists for years, the real turning point came in 2017 with Cuphead—a brutally challenging, yet fair, run-and-gun platformer inspired by classic cartoons. The game’s difficulty was expected, but what shocked people was a viral video of Dean Takahashi, a game journalist at VentureBeat, failing miserably at the game’s tutorial.

For nearly two minutes, he struggled to perform a simple jump required to progress—a task that takes most players mere seconds to figure out. Then, for the next 20+ minutes, he repeatedly failed to complete the first level, dying in the most ridiculous ways possible. This wasn’t just a tough game humbling an experienced player; it was someone seemingly incapable of grasping even the most basic platforming mechanics.

The internet exploded. Memes, criticism, and debates about game journalists’ competence flooded gaming forums and social media. How could someone so bad at video games be qualified to critique them professionally?

Are Game Journalists Actually Bad at Games?

The Cuphead incident was extreme, but it wasn’t the only example. Over the years, there have been plenty of cringe-worthy moments from major gaming outlets:

• A Polygon reviewer struggling to control a character in DOOM (2016), missing almost every shot and making the fast-paced shooter look like a turn-based RPG.
• A Kotaku journalist calling SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom “too difficult” because they couldn’t figure out a basic puzzle.
• IGN reviewers admitting they didn’t even finish a game before reviewing it.

These moments reinforced the belief that many game journalists were out of touch with actual gaming. But the truth is a bit more complicated.

Why Game Journalists Struggle (And It's Not Just Skill)

1. The "Race to Review" Hurts Quality

Game journalism is a cutthroat industry where being first is often more important than being thorough. Websites like IGN, Kotaku, and GameSpot rush to publish reviews before a game’s release to maximize views and ad revenue.

This means reviewers often have only a few days (or even just a weekend) to play through massive open-world RPGs or challenging titles before writing their critique. Many simply don’t have enough time to master the mechanics, explore the world, or develop a well-rounded opinion.

Imagine trying to complete Elden Ring—a notoriously challenging game—in a single weekend while also taking notes and writing a full review. It’s no wonder so many game journalists struggle with difficulty spikes and complex mechanics.

2. Game Journalists Cover Too Many Genres

Unlike a typical gamer who can focus on a favorite genre, game journalists are expected to cover everything. One day, they might be reviewing a fast-paced shooter like DOOM, the next a turn-based strategy game like XCOM, followed by a survival horror title.

This jack-of-all-trades approach means they rarely get time to specialize in one genre, making it harder to develop the muscle memory and instincts that dedicated gamers build over time.

3. Not All Game Journalists Are Hardcore Gamers

Believe it or not, some game journalists don’t actually play games in their free time. Many writers entered the industry through journalism rather than gaming, meaning they’re more comfortable analyzing narratives and industry trends than actually playing games.

This explains why some reviews focus more on politics, diversity, or a game’s themes rather than its mechanics or gameplay. These writers may be more interested in discussing a game’s message than whether it plays well.

4. Gaming Has Gotten More Complex

Modern games, especially open-world RPGs, require significantly more skill than older titles. With intricate combat systems, skill trees, environmental storytelling, and deep mechanics, newer games demand more from players than ever before.

Compare that to the early days of gaming journalism, when reviewers covered simpler games like Super Mario Bros. and Tetris. Today, someone reviewing a game like Baldur’s Gate 3 or Sekiro might not even fully grasp the systems before their review deadline hits.

5. Some Journalists Just Aren't Good At Games

Of course, some game journalists are genuinely bad at video games. That’s just a fact. Some people writing about games never actually developed the skills that seasoned players take for granted.

And unfortunately, those who struggle the most are often the ones who go viral for their gameplay fails, reinforcing the stereotype for everyone.

Does It Matter If Game Journalists Are Bad At Games?

This brings us to the real question: should a game journalist’s skill level affect their credibility?

On one hand, being good at games isn’t technically required to write a review. Someone who struggles through Dark Souls might still provide valuable insight into its atmosphere, world-building, and challenge. After all, reviews are subjective, and difficulty is a big part of a game’s overall experience.

On the other hand, if a reviewer can’t even complete basic mechanics—like Cuphead’s tutorial—how can their opinion be trusted? If they’re constantly frustrated by simple challenges, their review might misrepresent the game’s actual difficulty.

The Future of Game Journalism

The disconnect between game journalists and players is wider than ever. Many gamers no longer trust mainstream outlets, turning instead to YouTubers, streamers, and independent critics who actually play games at a high level and offer in-depth analysis.

Meanwhile, traditional game journalism is struggling. Sites like Kotaku and IGN have seen mass layoffs, while smaller outlets shut down completely. With real gamers now leading discussions on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, the days of relying on out-of-touch reviewers might be numbered.

So, why are game journalists so bad at video games? The answer isn’t as simple as “they suck.” It’s a mix of tight deadlines, industry pressures, lack of specialization, and in some cases, plain old lack of skill.

But in the age of social media and independent creators, gamers now have more options than ever when looking for honest, in-depth reviews. Whether or not mainstream game journalism survives, one thing is certain: gamers will always call out bad takes when they see them.

Stay sharp and keep gaming with more deep dives at Land of Geek Magazine!

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