26 thoughts on “Patrick Klepek On Life After Waypoint – MinnMax Interview”
Support independent games media directly AND unlock the podcast version of this interview a ton of other bonus content by supporting MinnMax on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/minnmax
So, like new outlets that evolved from the weekly paper, Gaming News outlets are at an impasse today where not many people are willing to put up with paying for them to continue the behind the scenes work that goes into making such reports.
After listening to a News Reporter that got out of the business in one of the political podcasts I follow, they raised an amazing point where the best way to fund a News based outlet (which is not that different than a gaming news outlet), is to… what was it?–Diversify revenue; their prime example being how Disney Does it. As in, if the News portion isn't profitable enough to self sustain, then it's time to make the hard decision to treat it more as a service that needs to be subsidized by income being generated elsewhere, than an actual commercial branch of the company that is there to solely make a profit.
It's devastating, but I do think that's the reality we live in today–or have been living in for the past twenty+ years.
Such a great interview! I think with the media landscape being the way it is these days these exit interviews are so important to help understand what’s happening. Thanks guys!
It seems like gaming journalism as a profession is pretty much dead as this point. At least in USA. I don't live in the states, but there has just been so many US sites/outlets shutting down or downsizing over the last few years that I really don't see game journalism as a secure profession anymore.
I’ve seen many of your interviews over the years Ben & I just must say bless you for so often letting the interviewee speak/finish their thought/point.
Hell yeah Ben, great interview. Seeing these exit interviews with so many guests, I’m just so impressed. The transparency, pushing on sensitive issues or topics but doing so respectfully…
MinnMax seems to be THE exit interview stop for anyone in the game industry. Kudos
Next time ask him why he wants to bring down capitalism despite the fact he's made his living covering an industry that could only exist via capitalism
Not a fan of Patrick tbh I've always seen him as a kind of Carmela Soprano of the gaming industry. Always ready to criticize the industry but not above of reaping the rewards from the bad practices he likes to point out. I'm also not a fan of how he seems unable to give people the same kind of leeway that he asks for himself (like deleting a bunch of old tweets so people can't do to him what he does to others)
Awesome work from Ben, tho. One more example of why hes my favorite interviewer in the industry.
That was a great interview! And honestly, I download stuff all the time. After all, you never know when it might disappear, or suffer from strategic editing.
I didn't follow Waypoint but I loved Klepek at 1UP, G4, and especially Giant Bomb. His chemistry with Drew was especially awesome like on that Icelandic trip. I can see Klepek landing a job like Jeremy Parish where essentially runs a mini-outlet out of a game publisher while having freedom to do actual investigative journalism within the company or via game history features. At least, that's what I'd hope. Seems like there is more and more room for that kind of stuff, these days, as opposed to running some soulless content mill operation out of Ubisoft or whatever.
Support independent games media directly AND unlock the podcast version of this interview a ton of other bonus content by supporting MinnMax on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/minnmax
Ben is so good at the Exit Interviews that now he's landing guests BEFORE they even leave their jobs. Absolute pro.
So, like new outlets that evolved from the weekly paper, Gaming News outlets are at an impasse today where not many people are willing to put up with paying for them to continue the behind the scenes work that goes into making such reports.
After listening to a News Reporter that got out of the business in one of the political podcasts I follow, they raised an amazing point where the best way to fund a News based outlet (which is not that different than a gaming news outlet), is to… what was it?–Diversify revenue; their prime example being how Disney Does it. As in, if the News portion isn't profitable enough to self sustain, then it's time to make the hard decision to treat it more as a service that needs to be subsidized by income being generated elsewhere, than an actual commercial branch of the company that is there to solely make a profit.
It's devastating, but I do think that's the reality we live in today–or have been living in for the past twenty+ years.
Is bro a vampire? 38 looking like he’s 18.
This was absolutely fantastic. Been a fan of Patrick, as well as Waypoint, for a long time. Great interview!
Great interview, but what a tragedy. Best of luck to Patrick and all those who were at waypoint.
Such a great interview! I think with the media landscape being the way it is these days these exit interviews are so important to help understand what’s happening. Thanks guys!
It's been a while since one of these. Patrick is fantastic and will surely find a new gig soon. 🙏🏻
This is a tangent, but it'd be really funny to satirize the "Minnmax Exit Interview" for April Fools or New Show Plus.
* "Hanson On Life After Becoming a Dad"
* "Leo Vader On Life After Becoming the 'Accursed One' who cancels E3"
* etc…
It seems like gaming journalism as a profession is pretty much dead as this point. At least in USA. I don't live in the states, but there has just been so many US sites/outlets shutting down or downsizing over the last few years that I really don't see game journalism as a secure profession anymore.
I’ve seen many of your interviews over the years Ben & I just must say bless you for so often letting the interviewee speak/finish their thought/point.
The Lost ending is great actually!
Hell yeah Ben, great interview. Seeing these exit interviews with so many guests, I’m just so impressed. The transparency, pushing on sensitive issues or topics but doing so respectfully…
MinnMax seems to be THE exit interview stop for anyone in the game industry. Kudos
Love you and everyone else at Waypoint Patrick! Been my favorite (gaming) podcast for years now, hope everything turns out well for you and the team.
Next time ask him why he wants to bring down capitalism despite the fact he's made his living covering an industry that could only exist via capitalism
As someone who wasn't following waypoint from launch, i am pleased to see the "waypoint 72" is available on youtube
Not a fan of Patrick tbh
I've always seen him as a kind of Carmela Soprano of the gaming industry.
Always ready to criticize the industry but not above of reaping the rewards from the bad practices he likes to point out.
I'm also not a fan of how he seems unable to give people the same kind of leeway that he asks for himself (like deleting a bunch of old tweets so people can't do to him what he does to others)
Awesome work from Ben, tho. One more example of why hes my favorite interviewer in the industry.
Fantastic interview. Extremely saddened that Waypoint's shutting down, but I'm looking forward to seeing what the Waypoint crew do in the future.
It’s time for Mario Maker Mornings again. LFG
Really sucks that this happened to the Waypoint crew. Hopefully they can all land on their feet somewhere.
Patrick needs to drop his skincare routine asap
Here from the Waypoint Community, really enjoyed this. Engaging interviewer in addition to knowing I'd be interested in what Patrick had to say.
I've been following Patrick since The 1-Up Show. He'll be okay. Video game media is going to have a growing period though.
What a wonderful interview and discussion. I normally don't enjoy these but that was wonderful
That was a great interview! And honestly, I download stuff all the time. After all, you never know when it might disappear, or suffer from strategic editing.
I didn't follow Waypoint but I loved Klepek at 1UP, G4, and especially Giant Bomb. His chemistry with Drew was especially awesome like on that Icelandic trip. I can see Klepek landing a job like Jeremy Parish where essentially runs a mini-outlet out of a game publisher while having freedom to do actual investigative journalism within the company or via game history features. At least, that's what I'd hope. Seems like there is more and more room for that kind of stuff, these days, as opposed to running some soulless content mill operation out of Ubisoft or whatever.