The impact of Twitter’s new verification policy on game announcements

KNUTSFORD, UNITED KINGDOM APRIL 21: In this photo illustration the Twitter logo is seen on a computer screen and mobile cellphone on April 21, 2023 in Knutsford, United Kingdom. The social media company started removing large numbers of the blue verification check marks, or "blue ticks," that had historically indicated a verified account. The company said in a statement that they are "removing legacy verified checkmarks" and, to remain verified on Twitter, users can sign up for the paid Twitter Blue subscription. (Photo illustration by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
KNUTSFORD, UNITED KINGDOM APRIL 21: In this photo illustration the Twitter logo is seen on a computer screen and mobile cellphone on April 21, 2023 in Knutsford, United Kingdom. The social media company started removing large numbers of the blue verification check marks, or "blue ticks," that had historically indicated a verified account. The company said in a statement that they are "removing legacy verified checkmarks" and, to remain verified on Twitter, users can sign up for the paid Twitter Blue subscription. (Photo illustration by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) /
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Twitter’s recent removal of the “legacy checkmarks” that verified the identities of notable accounts is causing confusion in the gaming industry. Many game companies have chosen not to pay the new monthly fee for the checkmark, resulting in an increase in fake game announcements.

Twitter’s new policy requires organizations to pay $1,000 a month for a gold “verified” checkmark, resulting in the loss of the checkmark for notable game companies such as PlayStation, Nvidia, AMD, and Nintendo of Europe. This will make it difficult to disprove fake game announcements in the future, so it’s important to verify any news before assuming it’s accurate. This is not just a gaming industry issue, as organizations like the New York Times and the White House have also refused to pay the fee.

The removal of the “legacy checkmarks” has also caused confusion among fans and gamers alike, as they rely on these verified accounts for accurate and trustworthy information. This is especially problematic in the gaming industry, where rumors and leaks can spread quickly and cause a lot of excitement or disappointment among fans.

Additionally, smaller game developers and studios may not have the resources to pay for the new verified checkmark, which puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to gaining visibility and credibility on Twitter. This could result in fewer opportunities for these developers to connect with fans and promote their games.

It’s also worth noting that the new policy could lead to a rise in the number of fake accounts and bots impersonating well-known game companies, which could result in misinformation spreading even faster on social media. This could have serious consequences, such as causing harm to the reputation of a game or company, or leading to scams and phishing attempts.

The removal of legacy checkmarks on Twitter is likely to have a significant impact on the gaming industry and social media as a whole. It remains to be seen how companies and developers will adapt to the new policy, but it’s clear that fans and consumers will need to exercise more caution when it comes to trusting information on social media.

The removal of legacy checkmarks and the introduction of a paid verification system has led to a chaotic situation where it’s much harder to verify the authenticity of game announcements on Twitter. While many major game companies have chosen not to pay the monthly fee, smaller and less reputable entities may be more inclined to do so in order to give their tweets more credibility. This creates a problem for consumers who are trying to stay informed about upcoming games.

As Tony Hawk pointed out in his tweet, this change in Twitter policy will only add to the confusion and difficulty in identifying legitimate accounts. With fake accounts and fake announcements on the rise, it’s important for gamers to be cautious and diligent when consuming information on social media. It’s not just the gaming industry that’s affected by this policy, as many other organizations have also chosen not to pay the fee, leading to a decline in trust and credibility for verified accounts.

The gaming industry thrives on hype and anticipation, with major announcements and reveals generating excitement and buzz among fans. However, this new policy on Twitter may dampen the excitement, as gamers become increasingly wary of fake news and announcements. It remains to be seen how the gaming industry will adapt to this new reality, but it’s clear that gamers will need to be more cautious and vigilant than ever before in order to stay informed and avoid being misled.

Additionally, it can be difficult for smaller indie game developers who may not have the resources to pay for the verified checkmark, making it even harder for them to have their voices heard and their announcements seen by potential players.

This shift in Twitter’s verification policy could also have implications for the broader social media landscape. As more organizations choose to forego the verified checkmark, it could diminish the value of verification on the platform overall. Twitter has already been grappling with issues related to misinformation and disinformation, and the removal of the verified checkmark could add another layer of confusion for users trying to discern what’s real and what’s not.

Of course, there are other ways for game companies to verify their identity on social media beyond the verified checkmark. For example, they could use their website or other social media channels to confirm that a particular announcement is legitimate. However, the loss of the verified checkmark on Twitter is still a significant development that could have far-reaching implications for the games industry and beyond.

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The removal of Twitter’s verified checkmark highlights the challenges that companies and individuals face in navigating the complex world of social media. As fake news and misinformation continue to proliferate, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant and to carefully evaluate the sources of information that we encounter online. And for game companies in particular, it’s crucial to find new ways to connect with players and promote their products, even as the rules of engagement on social media continue to evolve.