In this discussion, Chris Bratt, co-founder of People Make Games, sheds light on the harrowing realities of abuse and exploitation in video game outsourcing, particularly in low-income regions like Malaysia and Indonesia. He reflects on his journey from civil engineering to gaming journalism, emphasizing the importance of storytelling. The conversation also touches on maintaining journalistic integrity in the face of serious industry issues and the evolution of branded gaming media, highlighting the challenges of finding authenticity in reporting.
Chris Bratt highlights the evolving structure of People Make Games, focusing on long-form documentaries to emphasize overlooked industry stories.
The podcast addresses the challenges journalists face in accessing truthful narratives about working conditions due to PR obfuscation in gaming.
Bratt discusses the urgent need for accountability in outsourcing studios, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards to protect worker rights.
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Exploring the Evolution of People Make Games
The discussion revolves around People Make Games, a YouTube channel founded by Chris Bratt, dedicated to telling stories about the gaming industry and its creators. Bratt emphasizes that they produce long-form documentaries that delve into various facets of gaming, often prioritizing original reporting that brings attention to overlooked topics. He highlights that the nature of their content has evolved from short videos to more comprehensive pieces, reflecting the changing landscape of gaming journalism. The channel’s mission centers on humanizing the industry by focusing on the individuals behind game development.
Reporting Challenges in Gaming Journalism
Bratt shares the complexities of navigating the gaming journalism landscape, particularly when it comes to forming genuine connections with game developers. He explains that many gaming journalists face challenges when trying to communicate the reality of working conditions, as PR departments often obscure the truth. This barrier can hinder journalists from accessing essential information and insights from those directly involved in the industry. As a result, many stories remain untold, leaving critical issues regarding labor practices and ethics in gaming unexamined.
Addressing Workplace Conditions in Gaming
The conversation includes a poignant examination of the working conditions in the gaming industry, particularly in outsourcing studios across developing nations. Bratt discusses previous investigations revealing severe abuse and unlawful practices within these studios, highlighting the need for greater accountability from major game developers. The narrative stresses that changes are necessary for both ethical standards and humanitarian approaches to ensure the well-being of employees. Bratt concludes that increased awareness and discussion can contribute to a more equitable gaming industry while encouraging collective action against exploitation.
On a recent episode of Remap Radio, we talked about a horrifying story of abuse, manipulation, and exploitation at an outsourcing studio used by a number of high-profile video game companies. That video was produced by People Make Games, a terrific YouTube channel that specializes in video games reporting. Recently, Patrick had a chance to chat with People Make Games co-founder Chris Bratt about outsourcing, video game journalism, and much more.