The dark secret behind getting good scores from game reviewers
We came across a hard-hitting editorial from Australian game site Game Arena and it was about some truths regarding the world of game reporters and how the trade goes about in their field. Many revelations were made, and some may shock you.
Gaming has become a major industry in a short time frame. Billions are invested, lost and gained in the bid to create hots that will capture a hardcore audience. Naturally, the companies would like their investments to bear fruit, and like any other enterprise, some underhanded moves are sometimes employed.
Enter the press devoted exclusively for games. Writer Richie of Game Arena cited some serious attitude issues that the people from the industry have, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg as he reveals some darker dealings. Here is his list of facts:
1. Games reviewers have been offered either sex or money to change a review score. To quote the PR person I am referring to: “I will do ANYTHING if you can change the score. Just tell me what it will takeÂ…”
2. Be careful when you read an “exclusive” review. You probably already know this, but they are much-more-often-than-not tied to agreements about coverage or minimum scores.
3. PR companies identify journalists they want to impressÂ… and go about in unashamedly. This includes campaigning them for better coverage by using elaborate gifts like dinners, overseas tripsÂ…
4. Small media operators hold and use the power of balance over their editorial staff. When all is said and done, it means that advertising agreements do help sway final game review scores.
5. Most game reviewers get paid little, which increases the likelihood that they will fall into the trap of temptation. This is not their fault, but a reality of the industry.
Are the revelations sinking in and making sense now? You can see the full editorial by clicking the read URL.
We came across a hard-hitting editorial from Australian game site Game Arena and it was about some truths regarding the world of game reporters and how the trade goes about in their field. Many revelations were made, and some may shock you.
Gaming has become a major industry in a short time frame. Billions are invested, lost and gained in the bid to create hots that will capture a hardcore audience. Naturally, the companies would like their investments to bear fruit, and like any other enterprise, some underhanded moves are sometimes employed.
Enter the press devoted exclusively for games. Writer Richie of Game Arena cited some serious attitude issues that the people from the industry have, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg as he reveals some darker dealings. Here is his list of facts:
1. Games reviewers have been offered either sex or money to change a review score. To quote the PR person I am referring to: “I will do ANYTHING if you can change the score. Just tell me what it will takeÂ…”
2. Be careful when you read an “exclusive” review. You probably already know this, but they are much-more-often-than-not tied to agreements about coverage or minimum scores.
3. PR companies identify journalists they want to impressÂ… and go about in unashamedly. This includes campaigning them for better coverage by using elaborate gifts like dinners, overseas tripsÂ…
4. Small media operators hold and use the power of balance over their editorial staff. When all is said and done, it means that advertising agreements do help sway final game review scores.
5. Most game reviewers get paid little, which increases the likelihood that they will fall into the trap of temptation. This is not their fault, but a reality of the industry.
Are the revelations sinking in and making sense now? You can see the full editorial by clicking the read URL.
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