Valnet Faces Backlash as One Of The Worst Companies In Games Media Reveals New Plan To Only Pay Writers Per Click

Valnet, currently recognized as one of the worst companies in games media, reveals new plan to only pay writers per click, sparking significant industry debate in 2026. This shift in compensation structure, which mandates that contributors only receive payment if their content exceeds a specific viewership threshold, has drawn sharp criticism from current and former staff members across its network of gaming and technology websites.

The Shift to Pay-Per-Session Contracts

On May 21, 2026, management at the gaming news outlet TheGamer introduced new contract terms that fundamentally alter the financial relationship between the publication and its freelance contributors. While Valnet management described the move as a way to reward top-performing articles, the internal documentation provided to writers indicates a more restrictive reality. Under these new terms, articles that fail to meet a minimum view count will result in zero compensation for the writer, effectively removing the guarantee of a base rate for work performed.

This development has been widely discussed within the industry as a form of "soft-layoffs." Lex Luddy, editor-in-chief of Startmenu and a former junior editor at TheGamer, highlighted the severity of these changes on social media. Luddy noted that while previous contracts offered performance bonuses on top of a base salary, the new agreements make payment entirely dependent on hitting specific traffic milestones. This change was implemented without prior consultation with the affected freelance staff, leading to accusations that the company is offloading the financial risk of content performance onto its writers.

History of Valnet Pay Per Click Controversy 2026

Valnet’s reputation as a media conglomerate has been marked by persistent friction with its workforce. Founded in 2012 by Hassan Youssef and Sam Youssef—the former owners of the adult production company Brazzers—the firm has grown to manage a massive portfolio, including Polygon, GameRant, OpenCritic, and Collider. Despite this expansion, the company has frequently been the subject of reports regarding poor working conditions and low compensation.

In 2025, a former Collider employee described their experience at the company as working in a "content mill" that bordered on "sweatshop-level" conditions. These reports have been supported by accounts from various freelancers who have worked under the Valnet umbrella. The current controversy regarding TheGamer pay per session contract details is merely the latest in a series of labor-related issues that have defined the company's relationship with the gaming journalism community.

Patterns of Management and Labor Disputes

The company's history with its contributors is not limited to payment disputes. Valnet has faced scrutiny for several other practices that have alienated the gaming media ecosystem:

• Blacklisting: Multiple reports indicate that writers who publicly voice concerns regarding pay or working conditions have been blacklisted from future assignments.
• Copyright Enforcement: The company has been accused of issuing copyright strikes against YouTube creators who produce content critical of Valnet’s business practices or its websites.
• Contractual Opacity: As noted by former staff, significant changes to payment structures are often implemented without adequate notice, forcing writers to accept new, less favorable terms to maintain their "permalance" positions.

Impact on the Gaming Media Ecosystem

The implementation of these policies raises questions about the future of freelance work in gaming journalism. By tying compensation exclusively to clicks, the model incentivizes the production of content optimized for search engine algorithms rather than editorial quality or journalistic integrity. This shift is particularly concerning for long-term staff who rely on consistent pay to support their livelihoods.

For more updates on the state of the industry, you can follow our gaming industry coverage here at In Game News. The situation at Valnet remains a focal point for those monitoring how major media conglomerates manage their evolving media trends in an increasingly automated and data-driven environment.

As of mid-2026, the industry continues to observe how these contract updates affect the quality of output across the Valnet network. The move to a purely performance-based pay structure is expected to continue triggering discussions regarding the sustainability of freelance gaming journalism and the ethics of digital media management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new Valnet writer payment policy for 2026?

The new policy shifts compensation to a pay-per-session model where writers only receive payment if their articles reach a specific minimum viewership threshold.

Why are writers calling the new Valnet contracts soft-layoffs?

Staff members suggest the contracts are a form of soft-layoffs because they introduce high performance barriers that make it difficult for writers to earn a consistent income.

Has Valnet faced similar controversies regarding writer treatment in the past?

Yes, Valnet has previously been criticized for low pay, blacklisting writers who complain about compensation, and aggressive copyright enforcement against critics.