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***UPDATE 1 – 2016-07-13 – 20:40 CEST***

I (Robin Ek, TGG) just watched Pewdiepie´s “The Pewdiepie scandal” video. And it´s basically a response video to all the statements about him taking bribes from Warnerbros. (that he got paid in-return for positive coverage of “Middle Earth: Shadows of Mordor”). And it all boils down to this:

– Pewdiepie doesn´t seem himself as a reviewer, but as an entertainer
– He did disclose his “Middle Earth: Shadows of Mordor” video.
– Warnerbros. are the ones to blame, since they didn´t make sure that everyone disclosed their deal with them on Youtube
– Pewdiepie pointed out that he will try to do better disclosures in the future (so that there will be no more future misunderstandings)

So by the looks of it. PewDiePie did what he could at the time (2014), and unlike some other Youtuber´s that worked with Warnerbros. and “Middle Earth: Shadows of Mordor” back in 2014. Pewdiepie did actually disclose his “Middle Earth: Shadows of Mordor” video. So I´m going to let you decide for yourself if you want to believe PewDiePie (you will find his response video down below), or sites such as Polygon and The Verge. As for me, I think Warnerbros. should have done a better job on the disclosure front.

And with that said, I´m sorry if we caused any confusions for our readers when this post was originally published.

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The saddest thing to be uncovered since the emergence of GamerGate has finally been reveled. The latest scandal concerning the gaming industry, is currently centering around prominent Youtube gamers, and popular “Let’s Play” video creators being paid off for positive reviews of video games, and certain plugs. PewDiePie, among several others has just been revealed as one of these people. One of the most ironic things about the story thus far, is that The Verge is reporting on it. And for those unaware, The Verge is a part of Vox Media. (both sites are very anti-GamerGate).

The Verge (and other sites) wasn´t honest about their article (s) about PewDiePie, since they didn´t mention that he disclosed his “Middle Earth: Shadows of Mordor” Youtube video.

Any ways, let´s get back on topic again shall well? As I was saying, according to the allegations, the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Warner Bros. was discovered to have paid off certain Youtube influencers to give positive reviews, hype specific sales avenues including franchises and movies. And one game in question was “Middle Earth: Shadows or Mordor”. The Youtuber´s were also paid to cut and edit out certain areas of gameplay out of their videos. So bugs, glitches, and even program bugs were cut from posted videos on their channels. The videos that were then presented to the viewer were sponsored and edited presentations ready for clicks and monetization purposes.

I (Robin Ek, TGG) once looked up to PewDiePie. I´m having a hard time doing that now, and his really bad and overpriced app just made things even worse…

And during the campaign, Warner Bros. hired the Youtube creators to develop sponsored gameplay videos and post them on Youtube. Warner Bros. Also told the influencers to post them to popular social media sites such as Facebook, and Twitter to generate millions of views. PedDiePie’s sponsored video has confirmed to have over 3.7 million views. Warner Bros. gave the creators an advanced copy of the game, paid them tens-to hundreds of thousands of dollars and directed them on how to promote it.

It´s a good thing that the FTC exposed Warnerbros. dirty deeds. However, I have a feeling that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The FTC confirmed in their report that they reached a settlement, and banned Warner Bros. from performing arrangements such as this in the future. Jessica Rich Director of The Bureau of Consumer Protection summarized everyone’s thoughts on the matter:

“Consumers have the right to know if reviewers are providing their own opinions or paid sales pitches. Companies like Warner Bros. Need to be straight forward with consumers in their online ad campaigns.”

#GamerGate has been right about the games industry’s poor condition (especially when it comes to video biased game journalists, corruption and the lack of good ethics) since August, 2014.

This is what Gamergate is all about though, it’s about ethics in gaming journalism, and the extended gaming community. And a perfect example of that would be the current scandal with Warner Bros.and their bribing of positive coverage via Youtube. And that´s exactly why we can’t trust certain outlets to report the truth, and now it looks as if certain Youtube creators can’t be trusted either. What’s worse about this story is that PewDiePie came from rags to riches on Youtube, and was recently the face of Youtube Red the paid monthly subscription service from Google.

The biggest question about this scandal is, where does it leave the trust of PewDiePie’s fans? And those who look to the Youtube creators to display upcoming games, and media. Can fans still trust them? Or do they have to look elsewhere for guidance?

And with that said, what are your thoughts on the Youtube and Warnerbros. scandal? Give us your thoughts in the comment section down below!

Credit:
Robin Ek – Editor and Co-writer

Source:
FTC
The Verge

***Disclaimer***
This is a personal opinion of the writer, and it doesn’t necessarily represent the other writers (nor The Gaming Ground´s) opinions.

Kenay Peterson
The Gaming Ground
Twitter: @TheDark_Mage