Gaming the System

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
Publishers frequently withhold early review code from critical outlets to protect day-one Metascores, a practice that risks alienating journalists and creating a negative perception among players.
02
Selective distribution of review code often backfires by making critics more suspicious and alert to a game's flaws, potentially resulting in harsher reviews than if the game had been released to all outlets simultaneously.
03
The European Commission has launched a phase-two investigation into Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, with findings expected on March 23, 2023.
04
Nintendo reported a 20% decline in Switch hardware sales during the first half of the fiscal year, though net profit rose by over 33% due to strong software performance from titles like Splatoon 3.
05
Mobile gaming remains a small portion of Nintendo's business, accounting for only 3.5% of total revenue over the last six months despite a new joint venture with DeNA.
06
Take-Two Interactive reported a quarterly loss of $257 million despite a 62% surge in revenue, with the company planning to release 87 games between late 2022 and 2025.

Summary

The practice of publishers selectively withholding review code to manipulate day-one Metascores is a recurring, counterproductive strategy within the video game industry. By restricting access to outlets perceived as potentially critical, publishers aim to artificially inflate early review averages. However, this approach frequently backfires, as the resulting suspicion among journalists and the public can negatively influence the perception of a game’s quality, regardless of its actual merits.

The analysis highlights that this behavior creates a hostile environment for critics, who often face impossible deadlines when codes are finally provided. This pressure, combined with the inherent suspicion caused by being excluded from initial distribution, can inadvertently color a reviewer’s perspective, making them more alert to flaws and less forgiving of technical issues. Furthermore, the industry-wide awareness of these tactics means that the public is often informed of such delays through social media and industry reporting, which fosters a sense of distrust that can harm a title's long-term commercial performance.

Ultimately, the short-term goal of protecting a Metascore is rarely worth the long-term reputational damage. The industry is increasingly focused on games with long-term engagement, and transparency is a more effective strategy than attempting to curate early critical reception. Rather than attempting to "game the system," publishers are encouraged to release review code broadly and equitably, accepting that the quality of the product will inevitably be scrutinized by the press and the player base alike.