As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I find myself once again questioning the integrity of mainstream game journalism, as it seems to be losing ground in terms of trust within the industry. Notable independent journalists like Smash JT and YouTube sensation Grummz, formerly known as Mark Kern from World of Warcraft fame, are accusing Jeff Grubb of plagiarizing their exclusive scoop about Corinne Busche’s departure from BioWare’s Dragon Age team.
This recent dispute underscores an escalating issue where popular media platforms are placing more emphasis on garnering clicks and promoting specific stories, rather than upholding the standards of ethical journalism.
The Timeline of Events
On January 16, 2025, Smash JT and Grummz reported the news about Corinne Busche leaving BioWare and the suspected closure of BioWare’s Edmonton headquarters. They followed up with a comprehensive article and video. Their reporting was thoroughly verified over several days through sourcing and fact-checking to maintain accuracy.
However, just four hours after their initial report, Jeff Grubb tweeted:
It appears that Corrine Busch, head of Dragon Age at BioWare, has indeed decided to depart from the company. However, it’s important to note that the speculation surrounding the closure of BioWare Edmonton seems to lack substantial evidence at this time.
— Grubb (@JeffGrubb) January 17, 2025
As a follower, I’m sharing some news: Corinne Busche, the director of Dragon Age, has decided to depart from BioWare. However, I want to clarify that I haven’t received any solid information suggesting that Electronic Arts (EA) is planning to shut down BioWare Edmonton. The rumors regarding this matter seem to lack a concrete basis.
According to Smash JT, Grubb didn’t give credit or reference any original sources or quotes when he tweeted about a certain story. Even though Grubb’s tweet was unclear, major outlets like Eurogamer, PC Gamer, IGN, and others quickly reported the story, giving credit to Grubb as the source without acknowledging the work done by Smash JT and Grummz.
The Echo Chamber in Action
As a dedicated follower, it’s worrisome to see how mainstream media is dealing with this situation. Instead of fact-checking the story or giving credit to the original reporters, they seem to be repeating what Grubb or other outlets like Eurogamer have reported, often spreading misinformation unknowingly.
UPDATE: It seems that Jeff Grubb has apparently taken credit for a story initially broken by @Grummz and @SmashJT regarding BioWare/Corinne Busche, which we had previously reported. The mainstream media appears to be attributing this exclusive scoop to him.
These people are real pieces of work. This is why no one trusts mainstream…
— Smash JT (@SmashJT) January 17, 2025
Smash JT mentioned that Grubb was first credited, but he believes that Grummz and himself also did significant work that was not properly recognized.)
“Game Journalist” hack, Jeff Grabber, has stolen our breaking story and published it as his own.
It’s fine, not many people visit the site called Giant Bomb these days. This might be their final attempt to regain popularity, trying to attract what little remaining traffic there is.
Sad.
— Grummz (@Grummz) January 17, 2025
Grummz also weighed in on X.
According to Grummz, game journalist Jeff Grabber illegally obtained our exclusive story and passed it off as his own. He added that since the publication Giant Bomb doesn’t have a large readership anymore, this move by them is just a desperate attempt to regain some level of relevance in an industry where their audience has already dwindled significantly.
The chain reaction persisted, as one news source quoted another, eventually obscuring the initial source. This loop not only tends to disadvantage freelance journalists but also underscores how mainstream video game journalism often operates as a self-contained echo chamber, safeguarding its own while excluding alternative voices.
A Pattern of Intellectual Theft
Grubb’s actions, as labeled “intellectual theft” by Smash JT, represent a bigger problem within game journalism. Failing to credit original reporting is not just disregardful towards the efforts of individual creators, but it also undermines trust in an industry that’s already grappling with credibility issues.
In a direct call-out, JT accused Grubb of blocking him on X platform, which prevented any straightforward conversation about the issue at hand.
According to Smash JT, Grubb has blocked him on Twitter. This suggests that Grubb may have been aware of the source of the information, but chose instead to ignore it, possibly in an attempt to claim credit himself.
Instead of merely being careless reporting, this conduct appears to be strategic, serving the purpose of upholding the supremacy of established media figures and organizations while simultaneously suppressing the influence of independent commentators.
This isn’t just about poor journalism; it seems more like a tactic to preserve the power of mainstream personalities and publications by silencing independent voices.
One particularly vexing part of this situation is how swiftly mainstream media outlets have amplified Grubb’s tweet without much scrutiny. JT from Smash criticized this ‘club mentality,’ which keeps credit within a select group of journalists and overlooks those on the outside.
He stated, “That’s because people don’t have faith in traditional video game journalism. It seems more like an exclusive group that maintains control over the industry and shapes public opinion.
The Rise of Independent Voices
The aftermath of this event underscores the growing trend that gamers are relying more on independent journalists for trustworthy, open reporting. Platforms such as YouTube and X empower creators like Smash JT and Grummz to circumvent traditional media’s gatekeeping and establish a direct connection with their audiences.
Smash JT concluded his scathing critique with a pointed observation.
Jeff Grubb’s actions of taking the BioWare/Corinne Busche story without proper credit is another blow to traditional video game journalism, according to him. He believes that our future lies with those who prioritize truth over popularity, and this is only the beginning for us.
This argument isn’t just about one instance of plagiarism; it represents a broader issue leading to declining trust in traditional news outlets. Once revered for their investigative work, these publications are now being criticized for focusing more on generating clicks and cultivating PR connections rather than maintaining integrity. On the other hand, independent content creators are demonstrating that their audiences prefer honesty and accountability over corporate-driven narratives.
What I learned posting about Jeff Grubb is that nobody cares about Jeff Grubb.
— Grummz (@Grummz) January 18, 2025
Jeff Grubb’s actions and the role of the media in this situation have ignited a crucial discussion on the current condition of game journalism. With gamers increasingly seeking authenticity, the industry needs to evolve – or it may find itself outdated and obsolete.
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2025-01-23 20:55