The Distinction Between Leaks and Investigative Journalism

A well-known quote often attributed to George Orwell, William Randolph Hearst, and Lord Northcliffe states that "news is something that someone else does not want printed; everything else is advertising." While this quote is a favorite among journalists, it oversimplifies the complexities of determining what constitutes news. Not all information that someone wants to keep hidden is necessarily newsworthy. The criteria for determining whether information is newsworthy must be more nuanced than simply considering whether someone will be upset by its release. This is particularly relevant in the context of the gaming industry, where questions about the ethics of reporting on leaked information have been raised. The recent leak of early in-production materials from Grand Theft Auto 6, obtained through hacking, has sparked a discussion about the morality of leaking and reporting on such information. Some argue that leaks like this one are a victory for transparency and openness, benefiting consumers. Others believe that only official announcements from publishers should be reported on. However, neither of these extreme positions withstands scrutiny. Independence in reporting on the gaming industry is essential, and most publishers acknowledge its value. The information leaked in this instance was obtained through hacking and false pretenses, and there is no public interest reason for its release. Public interest can justify obtaining information through underhanded means in certain circumstances, such as when it pertains to wrongdoing. However, leaking game announcement details or alpha footage of an unannounced game does not serve the public interest, even if it may be interesting to the public. A false equivalency is being drawn between reporting on leaks and reporting on internal problems at game studios and publishers, such as development crunch and abusive work practices. This equivalency is misguided, as the moral calculus relies on the question of public interest, not on who is annoyed by the reporting. The nature of the information is what matters, not the publisher's desire to keep it hidden. Reporting on studio working conditions, troubled development processes, and other issues is clearly in the public interest. It allows consumers and industry professionals to make informed decisions and promotes transparency. In contrast, leaking information like the GTA 6 footage provides no utility or benefit to consumers or workers and may harm the staff working on the game. NDAs can be useful in allowing media outlets to access games and information ahead of time, which benefits publishers, media, and consumers. Leaked pre-alpha footage may be exciting for fans, but it is essential for development teams to be able to share unpolished work internally without fear of it being leaked. While the leaks themselves may not have caused significant harm, they may have consequences, such as making life harder for developers and publishers, and damaging working relationships across the industry. Breaching confidences, whether through hacking or violating NDAs, is not justified by any public interest defense and can harm everyone involved. It is essential to distinguish between leaks and investigative reporting on public interest issues, such as corporate misconduct or abusive work cultures. We should be wary of attempts to draw false equivalencies between the two, which could have a chilling effect on valuable and essential reporting.