Distinguishing Leaks from Investigative Journalism

A famous quote often attributed to various journalists states that news is something someone else does not want printed, but this oversimplifies the criteria for determining what constitutes news. While real news may be something somebody prefers to remain unreported, not everything that is suppressed is necessarily newsworthy. The recent leak of Grand Theft Auto 6 in-production materials and an anonymous social media account leaking game announcement details have led to discussions about the morals of leaking and disseminating information. Some argue that such incidents are victories for transparency, while others believe only official announcements should be reported. However, these extremes do not hold up under scrutiny. Independence in researching and writing news about the medium and industry is beneficial to all parties involved. The leaked information in these instances was obtained through hacking and false pretenses, with no public interest reason for its release. Public interest can justify underhanded methods to obtain information in cases of wrongdoing, but leaking game details or footage does not serve the public interest. It is essential to distinguish between reporting on leaks and genuine investigative reporting on issues like studio working conditions, corporate misconduct, or other public interest matters. Reporting on such issues is clearly in the public interest, allowing consumers and industry professionals to make informed choices. In contrast, leaking game information provides no utility or benefit and may harm the staff working on the game. While consumers may desire early access to information, and secrecy can be frustrating, NDAs generally allow for better media access to games and information ahead of time, benefiting all parties. Leaked pre-alpha footage, however, can hinder game development teams' ability to share unpolished work internally. In conclusion, breaching confidences, whether through NDAs or network security, is not justified by public interest and ultimately damages everyone involved. It is crucial not to draw an equivalence between such leaks and actual investigative reporting, which is essential for holding companies accountable and driving industry improvement.