Valnet, the organization behind notable gaming websites, has recently changed the compensation model for writers at TheGamer. Writers who previously had a consistent payment structure will now see their earnings linked directly to article traffic, leading many to feel that their income has significantly decreased and questioning the feasibility of their roles.
In an internal email, Valnet announced a new performance-driven compensation system called “Pay Per Session” (PPS), beginning May 22. This structure will replace the guaranteed base salary and per-article payments. Writers can earn between $3 and $8 for every 1,000 sessions an article receives, based on their role. For example, an article editor will earn $3, while a writer whose work is edited will earn $5, and those responsible for writing and publishing will earn $8. Payment applies for 15 days after publication.
Valnet claimed this new structure gives writers more control over their earnings, with the potential to earn up to $2,500 per article based on performance. However, it reportedly affects only certain employees in guides and news divisions.
Some contributors expressed confusion about the distribution of these new terms and the rationale behind who receives the new pay structure. Although success at TheGamer has been measured by “sessions,” linking pay explicitly to this metric is a significant departure from previous incentivization methods.
The earlier contracts included bonuses for page views, providing a safety net that the PPS model eliminates, leaving many workers in a precarious situation. Concerns about earnings and job security are prevalent, with some threatening to leave if forced into the new model. Reports indicate heightened tensions among staff as dissatisfaction grows.
Employees expressed discomfort with the timing and announcement of these changes, feeling blindsided by a lack of prior communication from management. Uncertainty about the future of TheGamer amid these transitions is prevalent, with serious questions about how the new payment approach fits with existing work commitments.
TheGamer has faced challenges in the past, including layoffs due to decreased traffic following algorithm changes. The new PPS model, combined with fears of losing valued team members, has negatively impacted staff morale.
Valnet’s portfolio has faced scrutiny recently, with acquisitions leading to layoffs and raising concerns about labor conditions across its digital properties. The company has also been involved in legal troubles regarding labor practices, highlighting ongoing concerns about its treatment of contributors.
The implementation of the Pay Per Session model marks a significant change in compensation at TheGamer, leaving many employees and readers expressing dismay over fair pay in the precarious journalism landscape.