I dont think fair necessarily equates to all praise. I’ve seen previews, specifically 1UP a few times I remember, where they’ll go through and detail different features and such, then at the end throw in some kind of jackass comment that really wasn’t necessary.

But I’m with you on the preview aspect. One thing I hate is how previews either regurgitate info thats fed by the companies, or they are all positive. Then comes the review and the site gives it a poor score. Just a lack of consistency there. I have seen previews that aren’t overly critical but point out issues with the game at that point in development, and those sites continue to have prerelease access.

It is probably more of a relationship issue here. You can be critical but fair. However if there is selective blacklisting from just a couple companies that relationship is probably broken for a legit reason.

I dont think fair necessarily equates to all praise. I’ve seen previews, specifically 1UP a few times I remember, where they’ll go through and detail different features and such, then at the end throw in some kind of jackass comment that really wasn’t necessary.

But I’m with you on the preview aspect. One thing I hate is how previews either regurgitate info thats fed by the companies, or they are all positive. Then comes the review and the site gives it a poor score. Just a lack of consistency there. I have seen previews that aren’t overly critical but point out issues with the game at that point in development, and those sites continue to have prerelease access.

It is probably more of a relationship issue here. You can be critical but fair. However if there is selective blacklisting from just a couple companies that relationship is probably broken for a legit reason.

I dont think fair necessarily equates to all praise. I’ve seen previews, specifically 1UP a few times I remember, where they’ll go through and detail different features and such, then at the end throw in some kind of jackass comment that really wasn’t necessary.

But I’m with you on the preview aspect. One thing I hate is how previews either regurgitate info thats fed by the companies, or they are all positive. Then comes the review and the site gives it a poor score. Just a lack of consistency there. I have seen previews that aren’t overly critical but point out issues with the game at that point in development, and those sites continue to have prerelease access.

It is probably more of a relationship issue here. You can be critical but fair. However if there is selective blacklisting from just a couple companies that relationship is probably broken for a legit reason.

I dont think fair necessarily equates to all praise. I’ve seen previews, specifically 1UP a few times I remember, where they’ll go through and detail different features and such, then at the end throw in some kind of jackass comment that really wasn’t necessary.

But I’m with you on the preview aspect. One thing I hate is how previews either regurgitate info thats fed by the companies, or they are all positive. Then comes the review and the site gives it a poor score. Just a lack of consistency there. I have seen previews that aren’t overly critical but point out issues with the game at that point in development, and those sites continue to have prerelease access.

It is probably more of a relationship issue here. You can be critical but fair. However if there is selective blacklisting from just a couple companies that relationship is probably broken for a legit reason.

Also I want to make it clear I’m pro-being harsh in previews when it’s fair or valid. Far too often this industry is used as a PR machine and frankly it’s tired and needs to stop. I understand the editorial side probably comes under fire at large sites since games are often advertised on game sites…But it needs to stop and I think most would agree that more transparecny in game coverage is needed. All these sites/magazines shouldn’t live in fear of being critical. When it comes to reviews it’s kind of like the last straw and so obviously they should be more harsh than previews because it’s the finished product, but still believe in harsher previews.

Another argument I won’t go into is how important these review scores really are. I think they are necessary and reviews are a needed thing in the industry, but how much each one affects a consumer — I’m not sure. I know I’ve seen some stats where the highest rated games sell the best, but there’s plenty of times where great games don’t sell even though it gets high review marks.

I want to make it clear I mean no disrespect to you, it’s just me not agreeing with the publisher’s argument. “Fair” coverage to any game publisher is going to mean all praise and higher review marks. They are in the business of making money they don’t want to see any negativity, and that’s why I don’t think you can support these tactics just because there are other outlets out there.

Also I want to make it clear I’m pro-being harsh in previews when it’s fair or valid. Far too often this industry is used as a PR machine and frankly it’s tired and needs to stop. I understand the editorial side probably comes under fire at large sites since games are often advertised on game sites…But it needs to stop and I think most would agree that more transparecny in game coverage is needed. All these sites/magazines shouldn’t live in fear of being critical. When it comes to reviews it’s kind of like the last straw and so obviously they should be more harsh than previews because it’s the finished product, but still believe in harsher previews.

Another argument I won’t go into is how important these review scores really are. I think they are necessary and reviews are a needed thing in the industry, but how much each one affects a consumer — I’m not sure. I know I’ve seen some stats where the highest rated games sell the best, but there’s plenty of times where great games don’t sell even though it gets high review marks.

I want to make it clear I mean no disrespect to you, it’s just me not agreeing with the publisher’s argument. “Fair” coverage to any game publisher is going to mean all praise and higher review marks. They are in the business of making money they don’t want to see any negativity, and that’s why I don’t think you can support these tactics just because there are other outlets out there.