Writers write stuff. TV presenters present stuff. That’s the way it is and that’s the way it should be. But as the internet grows, writers, particularly in the games industry, are called upon to exchange their keyboard for a microphone and their crafted turns of phrase for a forced smile and freeform, top-of-the-head chatter.
Whether it’s down to cost cutting, a scrabbling for advertising revenue or delusions of multi-tasking professionalism, there are now few significant games sites that haven’t tried their writers out as video presenters. (And yep GR’s deliberately dragging its feet on this.)
Minkley and a couple of prize winning readers chat as they dress in flak jackets preparing for the paintballing.
"Do you think this would actually improve your video gaming experience if you wore these outfits in the living room at home, playing a bit of Rainbow 6 online?” Minkley says.
"It would certainly improve my sex life”, says a goon.
"No comment", says Johnny, pulling that light entertainment staple, the faux grin. A classic look that says 'whoops, what has he just said!”
Later, according to Minkley, “it was time to do it… for real”. Years of TV watching clearly paying off, as he delivers this line with a ‘real presenter’ intonation. Undulating between drawling lethargy and squealing excitement. Ending sentences in a higher pitch is textbook. Part Jeremy Clarkson, part Jeremy Paxman, with half a day's media training chucked in for good measure.
Also watch for this beautiful piece of self-satisfied, Alan Partridge style word play.
"While it's SMALL change of the game… it's ALL change for the warfighters."
Priceless.
