Waypoint Writers Resign Over Removal of Steam Policy Articles
Explore the resignation of Waypoint writers following the removal of articles on Steam’s content policies, shedding light on journalistic freedom, censorship, and the gaming industry’s challenges.
Introduction
The gaming journalism landscape has been rocked by the resignation of several Waypoint Writers after their articles on Steam policy were removed by Vice’s parent company, Savage Ventures. This incident raises critical questions about editorial independence, the influence of third-party organizations, and the pressures faced by writers in the gaming industry. Ana Valens, the author of the removed pieces, and her colleagues’ departures highlight the fragile balance between journalistic integrity and corporate control.
The Removed Articles and Their Significance
In July 2024, Ana Valens published two articles on Waypoint, Vice’s gaming vertical, analyzing the role of Collective Shout in Steam’s new content policies. The titles of the removed pieces were:
- “This Group Takes Responsibility For Steam’s Payment Processor Censorship Policies–They Just Implied ‘Pervert Nerds’ Cause Society’s Problems” (July 18)
- “Group Behind Steam Censorship Policies Have Powerful Allies–And Targeted Popular Games With Outlandish Claims” (July 19)
These articles were among the first in the gaming press to connect Collective Shout, an Australian-based organization, to the removal of adult content from Steam. Valens claims the pieces were meticulously edited and approved by Waypoint’s managing editor before being published. However, Savage Ventures later ordered their removal, citing concerns over the “controversial subject matter.”
The Role of Collective Shout and Steam Policies
Valve, the operator of Steam, has faced increasing pressure from payment processors and advocacy groups to moderate content on its platform. Collective Shout, which describes itself as a “radical feminist organization,” has taken credit for the removal of numerous games featuring adult content. Other groups, such as the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) and Exodus Cry, have also lobbied for similar removals.
Critics argue that these organizations often act based on political agendas rather than objective concerns. For example, Collective Shout has accused games like Detroit: Become Human of promoting violence against women and children, claims that are widely viewed as unfounded.
Resignations and Corporate Censorship
The removal of Valens’ articles prompted a wave of resignations at Waypoint. Valens was the first to announce her departure, stating that Savage Ventures had previously expressed discomfort with politically charged or sexually explicit content. She revealed that the company was “nervous” about articles being “too R-rated for Google” and had even considered pulling a piece on right-wing extremism in VTubing.
Shaun Cichacki and Matt Vatankhah, two other Waypoint Writers, also resigned in solidarity, stating they could not condone the “censorship” and “stifling” of Valens’ journalism. Valens praised her colleagues, describing them as “great” and saying she was treated with “the utmost respect and care” during her tenure.
Editorial Challenges at Waypoint
Valens’ departure also shed light on broader issues at Waypoint. She revealed that writers were paid $30 per article, a stark contrast to the $300 rates offered in previous iterations of the site. Additionally, she criticized Savage Ventures for inadequate editorial support, noting the absence of a second editor to assist with sensitive topics.
Waypoint’s editorial process is also unusual. While most outlets edit sensitive stories before publication, Valens stated that Waypoint often edited articles post-publication, with only some sensitive pieces undergoing preliminary review.
The Broader Implications for Gaming Journalism
The upheaval at Waypoint reflects wider challenges in the gaming industry, including:
- Censorship Concerns: The removal of Valens’ articles underscores the growing influence of payment processors and advocacy groups on content moderation.
- Writer Compensation: The disparity in pay highlights the precarious financial state of many gaming publications.
- Corporate Control: The incident raises questions about the impact of private equity ownership on editorial independence.
As experienced journalists leave the field and publications fall under the control of traffic-obsessed conglomerates, the industry faces a crisis of credibility and support.
The Fallout and What’s Next
The resignations at Waypoint have sparked a broader conversation about the role of journalism in the gaming industry. Valens encouraged readers concerned about the removal of her articles to contact Savage Ventures directly. Meanwhile, the incident has drawn attention to the need for greater transparency and support for writers in the industry.
As the gaming community grapples with these issues, the Waypoint Writers’ resignations serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists committed to covering controversial but critical topics.
Conclusion
The resignation of Waypoint writers over the removal of articles on Steam policy highlights the tension between journalistic integrity and corporate interests. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the need for transparency, fair compensation, and editorial independence has never been more urgent. For now, the fallout from this incident serves as a cautionary tale for publishers and a rallying cry for journalists determined to uphold the principles of their craft.
