Mainstream games journalism has found itself in hot water once again, with trust in the industry seemingly plummeting further. Independent gaming journalist and YouTube star Smash JT and former World of Warcraft lead Mark Kern, AKA Grummz are calling out Jeff Grubb for allegedly stealing their scoop on the departure of BioWare’s Dragon Age director, Corinne Busche.
This latest controversy highlights a growing problem with mainstream outlets prioritizing clicks and narratives over journalistic integrity.
The Timeline of Events
Smash JT and Grummz broke the news about Corinne Busche leaving BioWare along with the rumored closure of BioWare’s Edmonton headquarters via X on January 16, 2025, followed by a detailed article and video. Their reporting was corroborated through days of sourcing and fact-checking to ensure accuracy.
However, just four hours after their initial report, Jeff Grubb tweeted:
Corrine Busch, director of Dragon Age, really is leaving BioWare. But I don’t think EA is closing BioWare Edmonton. Was told there is nothing solid about that part of the rumor.
— Grubb (@JeffGrubb) January 17, 2025
“Corinne Busche, director of Dragon Age, really is leaving BioWare. But I don’t think EA is closing BioWare Edmonton. Was told there is nothing solid about that part of the rumor.”
What Grubb didn’t do, as pointed out by Smash JT, was reference any sources, quote tweets, or credit the original reporting. Despite the vague nature of Grubb’s tweet, major outlets like Eurogamer, PC Gamer, IGN, and others immediately ran with the story, crediting him as the source while completely ignoring the work done by Smash JT and Grummz.
The Echo Chamber in Action
The mainstream media’s handling of this situation shows a troubling pattern. Instead of verifying the story or acknowledging the original journalists, these outlets referenced Grubb or other publications like Eurogamer, parroting the same false reporting.
BREAKING: Jeff Grubb appears to have straight up stolen @Grummz & @SmashJT exclusive BioWare/Corinne Busche story hours after we broke it and mainstream media mafia gives him credit for the scoop.
These people are real pieces of work. This is why no one trusts mainstream… pic.twitter.com/l6MtJvbQ19
— Smash JT (@SmashJT) January 17, 2025
“Publications like Eurogamer, PC Gamer, VG247, IGN, and so many others originally credited Grubb as the source,” Smash JT said. “Completely ignoring the hard work and verified sourcing done by Grummz and myself.”
“Game Journalist” hack, Jeff Grabber, has stolen our breaking story and published it as his own.
That’s okay, nobody reads the appropriately named Giant Bomb, and this is their last ditch chance at relevancy, grasping at traffic that is already GONE.
— Grummz (@Grummz) January 17, 2025
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Grummz also weighed in on X.
“‘Game Journalist’ hack, Jeff Grabber, has stolen our breaking story and published it as his own,” Grummz said. “That’s okay, nobody reads the appropriately named Giant Bomb, and this is their last ditch chance at relevancy, grasping at traffic that is already GONE. Sad.”
The domino effect continued, with outlets citing each other until the original source was buried. This cycle not only marginalizes independent journalists but also reveals how mainstream gaming media often acts as an insulated echo chamber, protecting its own while sidelining outsiders.
A Pattern of Intellectual Theft
Grubb’s actions, described as “intellectual theft” by Smash JT, are emblematic of a larger issue in games journalism. The lack of attribution for original reporting not only disrespects the work of independent creators but also erodes trust in an industry already struggling with credibility.
Smash JT called out Grubb directly, highlighting how he blocked him on X, making it impossible to directly address the matter.
“Grubb has me blocked on Twitter,” Smash JT said. “Meaning he likely knew exactly where the information came from, but decided nah… it was easier to pretend it didn’t exist so that he could try and take credit.”
This behavior isn’t just lazy journalism; it’s opportunism designed to maintain the dominance of mainstream figures and outlets while undermining independent voices.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of this debacle is the mainstream media’s quickness to elevate Grubb’s tweet without question. Smash JT criticized this “mafia mentality,” which ensures that credit stays within a tight-knit circle of approved journalists while dismissing those outside the club.
“This is why no one trusts mainstream games journalism,” he said. “It’s one big club designed to gatekeep the industry and control the narrative.”
The Rise of Independent Voices
The fallout from this incident is further proof that gamers are increasingly turning to independent journalists for accurate, transparent reporting. Platforms like YouTube and X have given creators like Smash JT and Grummz the ability to bypass the mainstream media’s gatekeeping and connect directly with audiences.
Smash JT via Smash JT YouTube
Smash JT concluded his scathing critique with a pointed observation.
“Jeff Grubb’s theft of the BioWare/Corinne Busche story is yet another nail in the coffin of mainstream games journalism,” he said. “The future belongs to us—those who value truth over clicks—and we’re just getting started.”
This controversy isn’t just about one stolen scoop; it’s a microcosm of why trust in mainstream journalism continues to erode. Publications that once prided themselves on investigative reporting are now accused of prioritizing clicks and PR relationships over integrity. Meanwhile, independent creators are proving that audiences value transparency and accountability over corporate narratives.
What I learned posting about Jeff Grubb is that nobody cares about Jeff Grubb.
— Grummz (@Grummz) January 18, 2025
Jeff Grubb’s actions and the media’s complicity have sparked a much-needed conversation about the state of games journalism. As gamers increasingly demand authenticity, the industry must adapt—or risk becoming irrelevant.
What do you think about Jeff Grubb taking a major story from Smash JT and Grummz without providing credit? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!
