We understand the frustration of seeing fifteen years of work get torn to shreds at the hands of game reviewers. There are people out there who have been working on this game for their entire adult lives. But we will never ever understand the rationale behind PR companies blacklisting sites or writers based on negative reviews. Publicly threatening to do so even if you don’t plan on following through is doubly puzzling.
The Impact of Negative Reviews
“Too many went too far with their reviews…we are reviewing who gets games next time and who doesn’t based on today’s venom,” read a tweet sent out by the Redner Group, the PR company handling the launch of almost but not quite vapourware title Duke Nukem Forever, which famously spent a decade and a half in development. Hell, we don’t think even George Broussard was that bitter and he sunk tens of millions of his own money in the thing.
Negative reviews can indeed be disheartening, especially when a project has been a labor of love for so many years. Developers pour their hearts, souls, and countless hours into creating a game, and seeing it criticized harshly can feel like a personal attack. However, it’s important to remember that reviews are subjective and reflect individual opinions. They can provide valuable feedback that can be used to improve future projects.
The Role of PR Companies
PR companies play a crucial role in the gaming industry. They are responsible for managing the public image of a game and ensuring that it receives the attention it deserves. This includes coordinating with reviewers, organizing promotional events, and handling media relations. However, the approach taken by the Redner Group in this instance raises questions about the ethics and effectiveness of such tactics.
Threatening to blacklist reviewers for negative feedback can backfire spectacularly. It can damage the reputation of both the PR company and the game they represent. Instead of fostering a positive relationship with the media, it creates an atmosphere of distrust and animosity. Reviewers may feel pressured to provide positive reviews out of fear of retribution, which ultimately undermines the integrity of the review process.
Moreover, the gaming community is highly interconnected, and news of such threats can spread quickly. This can lead to a public relations disaster, as was the case with the Redner Group. The backlash from the gaming community and media outlets can be far more damaging than a few negative reviews.
Source Twitter, Ars Technica
In conclusion, while the frustration of receiving negative reviews is understandable, the approach taken by the Redner Group was misguided. PR companies should focus on building positive relationships with the media and using feedback constructively. Negative reviews, while painful, can provide valuable insights that can help developers create better games in the future. The gaming industry thrives on honest and open communication, and attempts to stifle this can only lead to further problems.
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