Kotaku has outlined its process for receiving story tips from individuals within and outside the video game industry. The publication aims to uncover and report on significant or interesting aspects of gaming, including development, business practices, and player experiences.
Tips can be submitted to a dedicated email address, [email protected], which is monitored by full-time staff around the clock. For those wishing to contact individual writers, Kotaku directs readers to its masthead to find contact information. The publication emphasizes its commitment to investigating and reporting on a wide range of gaming-related news, from major project cancellations and industry malfeasance to player-driven achievements and community happenings.
Kotaku also stresses its commitment to protecting anonymous sources. While journalists may need to verify a source's identity to confirm credibility, they will keep this information confidential. When sources are kept anonymous in reporting, Kotaku will use general descriptors like "a source familiar with the matter" or "an employee of [company]" and will confirm with the source how they are comfortable being identified.
To ensure safety and anonymity, Kotaku advises sources not to use company email accounts, work phones, or work networks. Instead, personal devices, personal accounts, or public Wi-Fi are recommended. The publication also supports secure communication methods like Signal, with some writers listing their Signal information in their social media bios.
Submissions can be enhanced with supporting evidence such as photos, screenshots, or videos, which aid in corroborating stories and protecting source identities. Kotaku recommends taking pictures of documents with personal phones and removing metadata before submission. The site also performs its own metadata scrubbing for any leaked photos published on Kotaku.
Beyond industry news and potential exposés, Kotaku is also interested in unique player stories. This includes unusual gameplay achievements, dedicated community activities, discoveries of glitches, or significant community events. The publication encourages anyone with an interesting gaming-related story to reach out.