N'Gai Croal Leaving Newsweek

Doctor Setebos · 03-04-2009, 09:49 AM

N'Gai Croal, the epitome of exemplary gaming journalism within the mainstream media, has left Newsweek and his Level Up blog. N'Gai had been with Newsweek for 14 years. As the publication has hit some rough times in this economy, N'Gai was offered a generous severance package, and he took the opportunity to expore other avenues of interest.

Quote:

"The simple answer is that Newsweek had buyouts last year in may and then in the fall they reopened the buyouts," Croal said. "I didn't consider the first one, but the second one, I was like, ‘You know I'm 36 years old… I studied film making in college and I directed plays and short films and stuff like that, so I've always had a pretty pronounced creative side."

"I always thought I was going to do end up in movies or something else, but I kind of got sidetracked into journalism. It's one of the most amazing things that's happened to me. But when the buyout came around again, I said to myself if I don't do this now when am I going to do it?"

He has mentioned the possibility of using his experience covering games to move into game consulting. However, whatever he decides to do, he will no longer be involved in gaming journalism.

And we here at Colony of Gamers wish him the best of luck.

Source - Kotaku

Gorvi · 03-04-2009, 09:50 AM

That's unfortunate, other than his stance on the whole RE5 thing, I really liked what he had to say. He'll be missed.

Johan · 03-04-2009, 09:57 AM

My opinion of him was permanently tarnished over his RE5 commentary, which I believe was race-baiting and reactionary.

YMMV!

Cit Phil Cit · 03-04-2009, 09:57 AM

So far, what I was going to say was said. Twice.

Philonious · 03-04-2009, 10:09 AM

I liked what N'Gai had to say and I thought that he helped raise the level of gaming journalism beyond the typical PR and HYPE! that dominate most gaming 'journalism'. That I did not always necessarily agree with what he had to say doesn't mean that it shoudln't have been said.

Doctor Setebos · 03-04-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philonious

I liked what N'Gai had to say and I thought that he helped raise the level of gaming journalism beyond the typical PR and HYPE! that dominate most gaming 'journalism'. That I did not always necessarily agree with what he had to say doesn't mean that it shoudln't have been said.

This is my stance, as well. I really respect N'Gai for taking the stance that so few in the industry dared to.

The fact is, the race discussion in RE5 was essential to have, and still has merit. But so many gamers want so desperately not to have to deal with a serious, controversial topic in their hobby, and just be able to enjoy a fun game, that they simply push it aside and pretend it doesn't exist. I'm really glad N'Gai had the guts to step forward and call Capcom out on not paying enough attention to the potential controversy inherent in the game. That's one of the reasons I've always had so much respect for him.

But, as Johan says, YMMV.

Johan · 03-04-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctor Setebos

...so many gamers want so desperately not to have to deal with a serious, controversial topic in their hobby, and just be able to enjoy a fun game, that they simply push it aside and pretend it doesn't exist.

This is actually pretty insulting to people who disagree with his opinion on the issue.

YMMV of course.

Food Nipple · 03-04-2009, 10:20 AM

N'Gai hasn't had an active presence on Newsweek's blog in half a year. I'm not surprised that he's leaving, I'm still curious what he was doing for the past 6 months while he was there.

Doctor Setebos · 03-04-2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johan

This is actually pretty insulting to people who disagree with his opinion on the issue.

YMMV of course.

I said "so many" not "ALL".

YMMV, or so I've heard.

Commissar Rob · 03-04-2009, 10:23 AM

Damn you kids are your internets slang...is YMMV the new IMHO?

Johan · 03-04-2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctor Setebos

I said "so many" not "ALL".

YMMV, or so I've heard.

The implication of your statement seemed to me to be that gamers who deny the presence of racist imagery and/or content in RE5 are doing so not because they disagree at its presence, but because they're unable or unwilling to acknowledge it.

That is wrong. I for one do not approach my opinion on RE5 from a stance of wanting to deny the ability of games to deal with relevant, serious issues. I arrive at my opinion because I don't believe his views are valid in an objective way. His opinion is subjective, as is mine. I don't see what he sees there. Period.

It's not denial of what is actually there. It's denial that it's there at all.

Also, a gaming journalist entering the profession he covered? Seems to cross ethical lines, perhaps...eh?

Edit:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Commissar Rob

Damn you kids are your internets slang...is YMMV the new IMHO?

IMHO it is, but YMMV on that!

Philonious · 03-04-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johan

The implication of your statement seemed to me to be that gamers who deny the presence of racist imagery and/or content in RE5 are doing so not because they disagree at its presence, but because they're unable or unwilling to acknowledge it.

I'm willing to agree with the point that gamers often gleefully stick their collective heads in the sand when it comes to controversial issues. Racism (RE5), Homophobia (LIVE), Sexism (LIVE & In Game) and Issues of Violence (In Game) are all issues that we often ignore because these a 'just' games. I think that we need someone who is willing to address the issues instead of simply ignoring them. Sadly most 'journalists' in the field are too busy hyping for the industry... They're basically 'free' PR and advertizing.

Doctor Setebos · 03-04-2009, 10:35 AM

Sorry, Johan. I agree that you have very solid points, and I apologize if you feel hurt by my somewhat overgeneralizing comments, but Philonious and I share the same viewpoints. A lot of gamers (obviously not you, and certainly not a majority of the gamers on CoG, because I like to think that we are all a fairly informed, conscientious group of gamers) just don't want to have to deal with such content in their games, and simply choose to ignore it. They just want to play a fun game. They don't want there to be controversial, serious discussions of racism. They want to blow away zombies. So they pretend it isn't there.

Panthera · 03-04-2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johan

It's not denial of what is actually there. It's denial that it's there at all.

Uh...

Hmm...

These are equivalent statements from an argument standpoint. I think you might want to rethink that. But, judging from your other discussions here, you won't.

Johan · 03-04-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Panthera

These

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johan

It's not denial of what is actually there. It's denial that it's there at all.

are equivalent statements from an argument standpoint. I think you might want to rethink that. But, judging from your other discussions here, you won't.

Not, it's not. N'Gai says racism is there. Doctor Setebos implies that those who don't see it are either unable or unwilling to acknowledge it. I'm not denying "what is actually there" because in my opinion, it is not there at all.

Period.

Nice insult, too. Classy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctor Setebos

I apologize if you feel hurt by my somewhat overgeneralizing comments

I'm not hurt.

Not at all. From a forum? Nah.

Also, doesn't it seem fairly simplistic to state that "some" gamers would want to ignore serious issues in games? Come on now...gamers range in age from a few years old to the triple digits (in some cases)! Of course some gamers would ignore serious issues in games...they're kids!

KSmitty · 03-04-2009, 10:38 AM

That is too bad. I enjoyed reading his articles as they were so much not the standard gaming journalism fare.

I honestly don't see how the RE5 debate could have "tarnished" his reputation as a gaming journalist. His response was nowhere near incindiary just a well thought out opinion piece. He wrote a cool headed response to something he could have easily turned into an ugly racial issue to generate page views. Given the type of writing we usually see from major media covering the gaming sphere I thought he handled himself extremely well. Is this the part where I say YMMV?

Norse · 03-04-2009, 10:42 AM

I never liked him or his writing, so this is no big loss IMHO.

DangerousDaze · 03-04-2009, 10:43 AM

Don't want to turn this into another RESI5 racism thread, but when the BBFC rated the game for UK release they didn't find it racist either. That scene where the white girl gets dragged off by two black guys and turned into a zombie? Turns out it was one guy. And he wasn't black.

I'm sure we'll still see a lot of N'Gai, and for me that's a good thing. Intelligent gaming journalism is always good to read.

Orca · 03-04-2009, 11:06 AM

I don't know why he'd get involved in games after admitting that just a few years ago he hadn't played a game at all. Mistakes like not leveling up in an RPG (Mass Effect) kind of trashed the 'game' side of his 'game journalism' even though his journalism was better than most.

Cit Phil Cit · 03-04-2009, 11:16 AM

I would like someone to describe a zombie outbreak in Africa, which includes non-African zombie-fighting heros, from a series of previous zombie-fighting scenarios and not have someone call the race card. Or at least describe the politically correct way it could be done.

The evidence of the masterfully secret and diabolical plot is reinforced because no trace of evidence can be found.

03-04-2009, 09:50 AM	#2
Gorvi Mr. Zircon Lives On Fear Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dunedin, FL Posts: 8,385 Blog Entries: 5	That's unfortunate, other than his stance on the whole RE5 thing, I really liked what he had to say. He'll be missed. __________________ Now Playing: Final Fantasy XI Yakuza Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions PSN ID/Gamertag: Gorvi Hey, look, a blog!

03-04-2009, 09:57 AM	#3
Johan Take it easy! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: I'm not dead yet. Posts: 4,269	My opinion of him was permanently tarnished over his RE5 commentary, which I believe was race-baiting and reactionary. YMMV! __________________ Death panels aren't real! Sarah Palin is an idiot! Oh FUCK ME, she was right! Have a beer!

03-04-2009, 10:35 AM	#13
Doctor Setebos Xenosetebos Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,257 Blog Entries: 10	Sorry, Johan. I agree that you have very solid points, and I apologize if you feel hurt by my somewhat overgeneralizing comments, but Philonious and I share the same viewpoints. A lot of gamers (obviously not you, and certainly not a majority of the gamers on CoG, because I like to think that we are all a fairly informed, conscientious group of gamers) just don't want to have to deal with such content in their games, and simply choose to ignore it. They just want to play a fun game. They don't want there to be controversial, serious discussions of racism. They want to blow away zombies. So they pretend it isn't there. __________________ Nerdflood \| It's Dangerous to Go Alone! Facebook \| Twitter \| Tumblr \| Steam \| Backloggery Now Playing: Muramasa: the Demon Blade Wii \| Trine PC Follow my Ficly365 project where I write a new (extremely short) story every day of 2010! Last edited by Doctor Setebos; 03-04-2009 at 10:41 AM..

03-04-2009, 10:42 AM	#17
Norse Insert credit Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Norway Posts: 794	I never liked him or his writing, so this is no big loss IMHO. __________________ Game Collection - DVD Collection PSN ID: Norse360 STEAM: espent79

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03-04-2009, 09:57 AM	#4
Cit Phil Cit Canadian Android Citizen Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto Android Hell Posts: 502	So far, what I was going to say was said. Twice.

03-04-2009, 10:09 AM	#5
Philonious Colonist Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sherbrooke, QC Posts: 813	I liked what N'Gai had to say and I thought that he helped raise the level of gaming journalism beyond the typical PR and HYPE! that dominate most gaming 'journalism'. That I did not always necessarily agree with what he had to say doesn't mean that it shoudln't have been said.

03-04-2009, 10:20 AM	#8
Food Nipple Cololonist Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New York Posts: 1,079 Blog Entries: 1	N'Gai hasn't had an active presence on Newsweek's blog in half a year. I'm not surprised that he's leaving, I'm still curious what he was doing for the past 6 months while he was there.

03-04-2009, 10:23 AM	#10
Commissar Rob 待つ, 何? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: A large cornfield, IL Posts: 688 Blog Entries: 3	Damn you kids are your internets slang...is YMMV the new IMHO?

03-04-2009, 10:38 AM	#16
KSmitty Colonist Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 309	That is too bad. I enjoyed reading his articles as they were so much not the standard gaming journalism fare. I honestly don't see how the RE5 debate could have "tarnished" his reputation as a gaming journalist. His response was nowhere near incindiary just a well thought out opinion piece. He wrote a cool headed response to something he could have easily turned into an ugly racial issue to generate page views. Given the type of writing we usually see from major media covering the gaming sphere I thought he handled himself extremely well. Is this the part where I say YMMV?

03-04-2009, 10:43 AM	#18
DangerousDaze Clearly the worst blue Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: UK Posts: 1,826	Don't want to turn this into another RESI5 racism thread, but when the BBFC rated the game for UK release they didn't find it racist either. That scene where the white girl gets dragged off by two black guys and turned into a zombie? Turns out it was one guy. And he wasn't black. I'm sure we'll still see a lot of N'Gai, and for me that's a good thing. Intelligent gaming journalism is always good to read.

03-04-2009, 11:06 AM	#19
Orca Colonist Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,170	I don't know why he'd get involved in games after admitting that just a few years ago he hadn't played a game at all. Mistakes like not leveling up in an RPG (Mass Effect) kind of trashed the 'game' side of his 'game journalism' even though his journalism was better than most.

03-04-2009, 11:16 AM	#20
Cit Phil Cit Canadian Android Citizen Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto Android Hell Posts: 502	I would like someone to describe a zombie outbreak in Africa, which includes non-African zombie-fighting heros, from a series of previous zombie-fighting scenarios and not have someone call the race card. Or at least describe the politically correct way it could be done. The evidence of the masterfully secret and diabolical plot is reinforced because no trace of evidence can be found.