Lazy Gaming Articles

I’m a gamer, plain and simple. I’ve platinumed a few games, pre-ordered plenty, and spent more hours playing than I’d care to admit—especially since my mom might read this. My gaming habits span everything from RPGs and open-world adventures to MMOs on console. That’s right, consoles. And when it comes to certain franchises, I’m the first to smash the pre-order button the moment they’re announced.

Lately, in my house our gaming sessions have revolved around Control, Cyberpunk 2077, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Naturally, as someone who lives and breathes games, I’ve scoured countless gaming magazines and online articles. They’re a goldmine for walkthroughs, answers to those tricky in-game questions, and updates on old favorites.

The Rise of Low-Effort Content

However, here’s where the story takes a frustrating turn: the sheer laziness in some gaming articles is, frankly, astounding. Lazy gaming articles are a sad waste of a reader’s time.

You’ve probably seen them too; those slapdash pieces that writers cobble together after skimming Reddit or X (formerly Twitter) for the quickest, easiest content. Sure, sometimes it’s nice to see that Destiny 2 dropped a new shader or a cool outfit. But is that worth an entire article?

Take this for example: one writer went all in on a post about someone’s Destiny 2 Hunter looking like Skeletor. Don’t get me wrong, I love a creative Guardian as much as the next player; my own Hunter is currently channeling a displacer beast, thanks to Bungie’s brilliant D&D crossover. She’s also been Skeletor, Cobra Commander, Moon Knight, and even a cosplaying Cayde-6. But dedicating a few hundred words to a single Redditor’s post about Skeletor? Come on. Really? Like really really?!

Readers Expect More Than Surface-Level Takes

If you’re writing 400–600 words based on a single social media post, I have one request: stop. These articles aren’t engaging or insightful because most readers have already seen the same content firsthand. Worse, centering an article around a single Reddit post is a missed opportunity to dive into the real gold: the responses. The comedy alone is 100% worth the read. Why not dig a little deeper?

For instance, instead of rehashing one user’s comment, why not explore the creative trends in player customization? What inspires these designs, and how does the community build on them? By digging deeper, you can turn shallow content into a truly compelling read. Build that lazy gaming article into your own Piper Wright approved masterpiece of wordsmithing! My fingers are crossed you get that reference.

The Bigger Problem: Research Is Missing

Lazy articles highlight a bigger problem in gaming journalism: the lack of research. This issue becomes painfully clear when writers publish posts about “new discoveries” in games that have been around for years.

As someone who has logged over 1,000 hours in certain games (and well over that in a few), I can’t help but roll my eyes when I see articles marveling at “rare” items or “astounding” achievements. Nine times out of ten, a quick thread click or a basic Google search would reveal how common those finds actually are.

This isn’t just about gaming; it’s about credibility as a brand and as a writer. Research doesn’t just enhance an article; it defines its value.

Lazy Writing Damages Credibility

Lazy writing doesn’t just frustrate readers; it damages the writer’s reputation and the platform hosting the article. Imagine reading about restoring a 1972 AMC Javelin SST. You’d expect the author to provide detailed insights into the rebuild process, right? Skimming the surface wouldn’t cut it. Listing a single part also doesn’t cut it.

The same standard should apply to gaming journalism. Writers owe it to their audience to do their homework, go beyond the obvious, and deliver content that informs, engages, and entertains.

A Challenge to Writers

Gaming journalism has the potential to be incredible, but lazy articles are holding it back. If you’re serious about writing in this space, challenge yourself to research thoroughly and create content that resonates.

We as readers deserve better. Gaming deserves better. And your brand deserves better.