The Waves Caused By Reviews of New Game Releases

 

It’s unsurprising to creators and marketers that any new game release comes with an opinion price tag. As creative developers, they spend years creating entertaining and stimulating products with a view of adding value to the market. In this token, the hope is often for a product that will be well received and expected disappointment should be overcome because not every hyped-up game can please the masses.

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Source: Unsplash

The impact it has on the game?

The reviews and ratings that players give a title have a significant impact on its success. An article on Newzoo highlights what’s at stake in the gaming market, by indicating that there are over 2 billion people across the globe who regularly play games. With such a huge market share, it is only natural that reviews will have a direct impact on how much of that slice a new game can have. Since most people rely on reviews to guide them on whether or not a certain game is worth their time, it makes sense that developers pay close attention as to what is going on. The direct consequences of consumer voices heard through reviews is that many new game releases, which should have been successful, fail to meet the projected profit margin.


 

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Defining a successful review

Successful reviews have three key components which transcend through all products and services including games found on casino sites. These comprise of a good title, catchy information, and a well-thought-out conclusion. For example, when people see the Mr. Green review online, they might click because they see that the site has a 4.5/5 star rating and offers a subsquent seasonal $1200 welcome package as well 200 spins on one of their themed slot machines. Removing unnecessary confusion to the titles of reviews is one way of ensuring they become responsive. It gives an indication that the content correlates with expectation and will likely include information on new demographic expansion such as Canada, or the welcome bonus.

New games have to go through the release hurdle, whereby the intended demographic take the time to play, assess, and therefore, review the game. Reliable platforms for review are numerous and can include YouTube videos, live streaming on Twitch and Steam Reviews. The latter is a community-based platform which encourages the exchange of opinions and offers a rating system on the validity of the review itself. This encourages more honest and transparent interactions between players as certain aspects can be argued for or against. Language is another essential point because the reviews on Steam Reviews are not solely in English and language options allow international players to voice their opinions in their own native language. Fellow gamers can interact through the rating system, either leaving a positive or negative rating. In the end, it is the developers who have to face the music of negative comments, because it is more than just their game that comes into question but the integrity of their skills.

For good or bad, reviews are not mere words on a screen. They are living up to a new age adage that the keyboard is mightier than the sword.




 


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Last Updated: Feb 28, 2019

About The Author

James, a lifelong gamer, is a freelance writer who occasionally contributes to Ten Ton Hammer.

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