In the midst of a strange controversy surrounding the highly anticipated game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, it's becoming clear that advance coverage and reviews are more important than ever. With the release of early access just days away, it has been revealed that reviewers and content creators won't have a chance to play the game until the servers go live. This comes after IGN, a prominent gaming publication, announced that they were denied review codes based on a negative preview they ran of the game.
Interestingly, there seems to be a division among gamers and YouTubers regarding IGN's exclusion from receiving review codes. Some argue that IGN didn't 'deserve' a code after publishing a negative preview. They accuse them of 'hate-baiting' by sharing the preview multiple times on social media. It's puzzling to witness this stance, especially when the argument against review sites is that players should make up their own minds. However, it's crucial to recognize the importance of advance coverage and not penalize outlets for expressing their honest opinions about a game.
Nowadays, players are being asked to shell out large sums of money for games like Suicide Squad, with the deluxe edition priced at $100. It's reasonable to want some insight into the game before committing such a significant amount. While refunds are sometimes available, not every platform offers this option. This further emphasizes the need for comprehensive reviews and coverage from various sources.
Contrary to the notion that reviews don't matter anymore, platforms like Metacritic still hold significant weight among publishers and players alike. Despite receiving criticism, Metacritic scores often align with the general consensus on a game's quality. Games with high Metascores tend to be contenders or winners for Game of the Year awards. Anything above an 85-90 is considered excellent, while lower scores can be indicative of underwhelming releases. It's essential to acknowledge that players and critics often find themselves on the same page about a game's enjoyment. Without access to information, both parties are left at a disadvantage.
Publishers, understandably, aim for the highest scores possible, as positive reviews directly influence sales and attention. Therefore, they often select specific outlets that they believe will provide favorable reviews. This practice was evident in Suicide Squad's case, where not only IGN faced exclusion but also the absence of any reviews prior to the early access launch. While server constraints may be one reason, considering the game's lengthy development and marketing period, it feels like a missed opportunity to address this issue adequately.
The hostility towards critics is perplexing, considering their role in providing valuable insights. Dismissing their opinions as 'hate-baiting' overlooks the fact that critics simply express their genuine views on games. Conspiracies suggesting that good scores are given in exchange for advertising on a website are baseless. Reviewers are driven by their opinions on a game's quality, unaffected by such simplistic factors.
While players have the right to form their own judgments, it becomes challenging when they are required to spend $70-100 upfront. In such cases, it's only reasonable to seek out a broader perspective beyond the publisher's official marketing. Having access to well-rounded reviews and coverage can help inform players' decisions and ensure their investment is worthwhile.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League highlights the significance of advance coverage and reviews within the gaming community. Acknowledging the role of critics, understanding the relevance of Metacritic scores, and valuing various perspectives contribute to a more informed decision-making process for players. Let's appreciate the importance of these elements and encourage open discussions about game reviews and their impact.
Be sure to follow me on Twitter, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram. And if you enjoy sci-fi novels, don't forget to check out my Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
