Valnet introduces new 'pay per session' contracts for freelance writers

Valnet, the company behind popular gaming media brands such as Polygon, GameRant, OpenCritic and Collider, has recently sparked controversy by introducing new contracts that put pressure on freelance writers. Issued on 21 May 2026, the contracts set a minimum number of views per article that must be reached before writers are eligible for payment.

Background on Valnet

Valnet was founded in 2012 by brothers Hassan and Sam Youssef, who were previously known as owners of Canadian porn production company Brazzers and as silent partners in Pornhub. Since its founding, Valnet has built a negative reputation, especially for the way it treats its freelancers. Writers have often complained about low pay and stressful working conditions.

The new contracts

The 'Pay Per Session' contracts introduced on 21 May 2026 promise that writers can earn a bonus for high-performing articles, but they also create the possibility of receiving no payment at all if their work does not meet a certain visibility threshold. The new system comes on top of the existing performance-based pay structure.

Under the new terms, writers will earn $5 per 1,000 sessions and editors $3 per 1,000 sessions, but only for the first fifteen days after publication. That means if an article generates fewer than 1,000 sessions, the writer earns nothing.

Staff reaction

Many freelance writers and staff at TheGamer have expressed frustration with the new contracts. Former TheGamer editor Lex Luddy described the move as a form of 'soft layoffs'. The majority of writers on the platform are technically freelancers and would therefore fall under these new terms. The concern is that unpaid articles will push them to leave the company, especially as many freelancers are already questioning whether their work is viable under the new system.

Impact on the industry

The gaming media industry is under pressure. A combination of changes to Google SEO, a shift toward AI-driven search engines, and other external factors has led to a drop in website traffic. That has pushed companies like Valnet to rethink their payment structures. The new pay model could further strain Valnet's position in the sector, while critics point to the ethical implications of implementing such a system.

In light of these changes, the future looks uncertain for freelance writers at Valnet, with questions remaining about the sustainability of a model that forces them to perform for their income.