One Of The Worst Companies In Games Media Reveals New Plan To Only Pay Writers Per Click
Valnet, the parent company of TheGamer, has introduced a controversial new payment structure for its writers. Under the new 'Pay Per Session' contracts, writers will only receive payment if their articles meet a minimum viewership threshold. This change has sparked backlash among staff, who feel it may lead to 'soft-layoffs' and further exploitation in the industry.
- ▪Valnet has a history of negative treatment towards its freelance writers.
- ▪The new contracts require writers to achieve a minimum number of views to receive payment.
- ▪Many staff members are unhappy with the changes and believe it could lead to job losses.
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One Of The Worst Companies In Games Media Reveals New Plan To Only Pay Writers Per Click Editors and writers at the Valnet-owned site TheGamer will now reportedly not be paid for their work if their articles do not accrue enough views Game JournalismGames MediaValent By Lewis Parker Published May 23, 2026 | Comments (2) | 𝕏 Copied! © Valnet Valnet, the self-proclaimed “leading digital media investment company” behind the likes of Polygon, GameRant, OpenCritic, Collider, and over a dozen more gaming, technology, and lifestyle websites, isn’t known for paying its freelance writers well. But new “Pay Per Session” contracts issued to writers and editors at TheGamer on May 21 threaten to break new ground when it comes to click-mill-style exploitation.
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