Journalism in League of Legends: A Critical Approach
Journalism in the world of League of Legends is an interesting subject. Often, people expect journalists to act as a PR department, avoiding hard-hitting questions. Audiences prefer reading about the basics of their favorite pro players rather than negative articles about players, Riot, or organizations. However, releasing factual articles, even if they contain negative information, is not considered witch-hunting. It’s about pointing out flaws and actions that need criticism and evaluation.
An Example: Richard Lewis’ Impact
Esports writer Richard Lewis serves as a great example in this context. When he broke the story on /r/leagueoflegends moderators signing an NDA with Riot, some dismissed it as an attempt to gain views or hold a vendetta against Riot. However, past criticisms should not invalidate current critiques. Unfortunately, many use unrelated arguments to undermine the content of an article.
Dealing with Controversy and Clickbait
Critics often claim that journalists like Richard Lewis thrive in controversy, but the truth is that every journalist enjoys it because controversy provides material to write about. It’s also important to address the issue of clickbait. While many headlines aim to capture attention, they serve the purpose of generating interest and aren’t an inherently unethical practice.
The Importance of Critical Journalism
When journalists only report on positive aspects and avoid discussing problems within a company or organization, they’re no longer practicing true journalism. Hard-hitting articles and in-depth analyses are necessary to bring issues to light, allowing the public to critique and improve the situation. Conversely, herd mentality shuts down discussion and prevents opposing views from being expressed.
In the end, it’s essential for readers to think critically about the content they consume. Just because someone criticizes a favorite pro player, developer, or organization doesn’t mean everything they say is invalid. It’s important to acknowledge the contributions of Riot in growing the esports and League of Legends scenes, but also address any issues that may arise.
journalism in League of Legends, Richard Lewis, controversy, clickbait, critical journalism, negative articles, witch-hunting