Niko Balkaran - Profile and Journalist Details

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Niko Balkaran

Niko Balkaran

Verified

Journalist, Game Rant

Queens

Biography

Niko Balkaran is a multimedia journalist based in New York City. He is currently a freelance news writer with Game Rant. He was the editor-in-chief of York College CUNY’s school newspaper, Pandora’s Box, where he oversaw the newspaper’s editorial and fiscal responsibilities. He won the Janice Cline Justice Award 2023, which was given for demonstrating a commitment to using his work for social justice and equality. Niko has experience writing and producing audio and video broadcast pieces that were reported on air. He writes long and short-form features, reviews, and news. He has always been interested in covering video games and the entertainment industry, having been inspired by Superman and Lois Lane to join the ranks. Niko is an avid Destiny 2 player, having over 1900 hours. He is drawn to this franchise because he loves Bungie’s worldbuilding and storytelling. He has yet to find another FPS game where shooting guns feels so good. His other video game franchise of choice is Pokemon. Some of his fondest memories include spending hours training his Pokemon to take on Winona in Pokemon Emerald and hunting for Suicune in Pokemon Crystal.

Final Covers

Local Newsvideo Games

Doesn’t Cover

Think pieces; financial; state government.

Seniority Positions

Industries

Medium Formats

Content

Total articles 140

  • Rat race: inside the battle to banish New York’s rodents

    By Niko Balkaran Verified, Joe Hirsch

    Mar. 17, 2025

  • Palworld Player Shares Useful Tip to Transfer Heavy Resources Without Being Encumbered

    By Niko Balkaran Verified

    Jan. 30, 2024

  • PlayStation Vita Game Jumping Ship to Nintendo Switch and Steam

    By Niko Balkaran Verified

    Jan. 30, 2024

As seen in

Company Info

Game Rant

Game Rant is a prominent digital gaming publication that has been providing news, reviews, and analysis since its founding in 2009. Based in Montreal, it operates as a subsidiary of Valnet Inc. and employs between 201 and 500 staff members. The publication has established itself as a trusted source in video game journalism, focusing on delivering timely updates, expert critiques, and engaging community-driven content. The services offered by Game Rant include breaking news coverage on industry developments, in-depth reviews of games and hardware, and features that explore gaming culture. They also provide guides and walkthroughs to assist players with major titles. Additionally, Game Rant Advance offers early access to upcoming games for previews. With a revenue model that likely includes advertising and affiliate marketing, Game Rant attracts around 8 million monthly visitors, making it a key player in the gaming media landscape.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Founded: 2009