Valnet, the parent company of TheGamer and several other gaming and lifestyle websites, has unveiled a controversial "Pay Per Session" contract for its writers and editors, effective May 22. This new system ties payment directly to article performance, with a minimum viewership threshold that, if not met, results in no payment for the writer. For a platform like TheGamer, which relies heavily on engaging content to attract and retain its audience, this move could significantly impact both the quality of content and the livelihoods of its contributors.
This development has sparked widespread outrage among TheGamer's staff, with many interpreting it as a "soft-layoff" strategy. The contract, as outlined in TheGamer's Slack channel and confirmed by Kotaku, pays writers $5 for every 1,000 "sessions" (or clicks) an article receives, within the first 15 days of publication. Editors receive $3 under the same terms. The implication is clear: articles failing to reach the unspecified threshold will not generate any income for their creators, a policy that could lead to a significant decrease in staff morale and output.
What Was Announced
The new "performance-based bonus system" was announced to TheGamer's staff on May 21, taking immediate effect the following day. Unlike previous contracts where pay-per-view bonuses were additive to a base pay, the revised agreements base compensation solely on viewership, with a critical minimum click requirement for any payment to be made. This shift marks a significant change from the traditional models used in the gaming media industry, where a guaranteed base pay was standard, even if supplemented by performance bonuses.
Lex Luddy, editor in chief of Startmenu and a former junior editor at TheGamer, highlighted the broader implications of this policy, stating that "almost everyone" at TheGamer, from listicle writers to senior editors, operates under freelancer contracts, thus potentially subject to these new terms. Luddy also noted that half of the writers are in "open revolt," while others seek justification from Valnet, amidst speculation that this policy aims to voluntarily reduce staff headcount.
"almost everyone" at TheGamer, from listicle writers to senior editors, operates under freelancer contracts, thus potentially subject to these new terms.
Lex Luddy, Editor in Chief of Startmenu
Key Details
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Payment Structure | $5 per 1,000 sessions for writers, $3 per 1,000 sessions for editors, within the first 15 days of publication. |
| No Base Pay | Compensation is now solely performance-based, with no guarantee of payment for articles below the threshold. |
| Contract Coverage | Affects nearly all staff at TheGamer, given the prevalent use of freelancer contracts. |
| Staff Reaction | Half in revolt, others seeking justification, with speculation of "soft-layoffs." |
"On Thursday evening Valnet issued new contracts to writers at TheGamer instituting a minimum article viewership threshold for payment. Most writers already have pay tied to article performance, but this new system would mean that if a piece didn't get X number of clicks you wouldn't be paid for it."
lex luddy (@lexluddy.xyz)
Why It Matters
This move by Valnet underscores the challenging state of online content creation, particularly in the gaming media sector, where Google's SEO changes and the rise of AI search engines have decimated click-through rates. TheGamer, like many similar sites, faces significant traffic challenges, with Luddy attributing the site's hardships to these external factors. The pay-per-click model, while potentially beneficial for top-performing content, poses a stark reality for writers and editors, many of whom may find the effective freelancing rates under this system unlivable.
The controversy also shines a light on Valnet's treatment of its staff, a topic of concern for years. Former employees and industry observers have long criticized the company for its exploitative practices, including copyright striking critical content and blacklisting complaining writers. This latest development may further estrange talent and erode trust in the company's management practices.
Impact on the Gaming Media Landscape
The implications of Valnet's decision extend beyond TheGamer, potentially setting a troubling precedent for the broader gaming media industry. If successful, other publishers might adopt similar models, prioritizing clicks over content quality and further commoditizing writer labor. This could lead to a homogenization of content, as writers focus on sensationalism to meet viewer thresholds, rather than in-depth analysis or innovative storytelling.
Moreover, the model exacerbates the existing precarity of freelance writing careers, where stability and fair compensation are already scarce. Writers at TheGamer and potentially elsewhere face a dilemma: either adapt to a high-pressure, unpredictable payment system or seek employment elsewhere, a challenge in a sector facing widespread layoffs and reduced hiring.
Closing Thoughts
The introduction of Valnet's pay-per-click contracts for TheGamer writers signals a potentially detrimental shift in how content creators are compensated, emphasizing the precarious nature of online media jobs. As the gaming media landscape continues to evolve amidst technological and economic challenges, the treatment of writers and the value placed on content quality will be closely watched. For now, the future of TheGamer's content and its contributors hangs in the balance, as the industry awaits Valnet's next move and the broader implications of this controversial policy.
Key Takeaways
- Valnet introduced a pay-per-click contract for TheGamer writers, effective May 22.
- Writers earn $5/1,000 sessions, editors $3/1,000 sessions, within the first 15 days, with no pay below the threshold.
- Nearly all TheGamer staff are affected due to prevalent freelancer contracts.
- Staff reaction includes open revolt and attempts to justify the policy, with speculation of "soft-layoffs."
