Support NeoGAF

[FunkMiller]

There are many of these videos about now, but here’s just three.

Alannah Pearce:



Lamarr Wilson:



YongYea:



So... how exactly do we trust anything that people like this say?

Now, they may claim to not be reviewers, and to not be biased, and that they are just ‘fans’ ... but it’s utterly disingenuous to claim that these influencers don’t - you know, influence - the buying habits of the general public. That’s why Msft have sent them XBox Series Xs.

How do any of them remain objective? How can any of them be critical in any way, when they get all this lovely free stuff for remaining positive? How can any of us believe anything they say about the products they’ve been gifted?

You might think it’s all fine. No problem at all.

I think this is the kind of poisonous stuff that makes the video games industry far worse than it needs to be.

Edit: I assumed this would go without saying, but apparently not : I know full well not to trust these people... but there are many others who don’t know that. That’s where the problem lies.

 

[sircaw]

This is it, thanks for making the post.

Just look at the pictures of the videos, it says it all. jesus i hate the state of the industry.

they are fucking posing with it like its a god damn oscar.

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

Pretty much all tech companies do it. If you're incapable of recognising that getting free stuff might compromise one's opinion, well, that's on you (not you personally).

 

[Spaceman292]

You don't trust them, they're all idiots. Is this only now occuring to you?

 

[FunkMiller]

You don't trust them, they're all idiots. Is this only now occuring to you?

I’m well aware of what they are, thanks. But not everybody is. That’s the problem.

Pretty much all tech companies do it. If you're incapable of recognising that getting free stuff might compromise one's opinion, well, that's on you (not you personally).

I created this post because I’m pretty sure there are a lot of people who don’t realise that.

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

I’m well aware of what they are, thanks. But not everybody is. That’s the problem.

Not everyone can tie their shoelaces. Who cares.

 

[Psajdak]

Dunno, I believe most people just watch those YouTubers because of their charisma, and because they have entertaining content, but in reality no one with brain will just go, and purchase something just because some Internet aunt told them they should.

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

I’m well aware of what they are, thanks. But not everybody is. That’s the problem.



I created this post because I’m pretty sure there are a lot of people who don’t realise that.

Stupid people exist. Nothing you can do about it.

 

[ripeavocado]

Simply you don't trust them.

Even if they weren't receiving gifts and samples they mostly belong to the narcissistic kind of people and should never be trusted anyway

 

[JimboJones]

What do you not believe or have trouble believing with regards to their impressions?

Seems like it's a matter of using a bit of common sense, be critical and wait to get the box yourself but if 20 people are saying similar things and you've found at least some of them trust worthy in the past with previous hardware break downs then the reporting is probably accurate enough?

 

[danielJackson]

I’m well aware of what they are, thanks. But not everybody is. That’s the problem.

And why would we need some random "influencers" to make our own opinions? Yeah, there are stupid people, easily controlled people whom trust some fucking facebook post rather than science, or real experts.

But those people are already lost cause, so not worth it to think them.

And if there isnt good way to know which ones are biased and which arent, then most logical thing is to not to trust anybody.

If looking at specs + game play + reviews isnt enough, then flip a coin I guess.

People tend to prefer "reviews" that confirm their own bias, aka confirmation bias effect. So unless there is some alien race with outside view, it is hard to tell. Maybe some reviewers have years of track record without being biased.

I personally would not trust American tubers to review American product, at least if I am not American. Because cultural differences + they tend to prefer domestic stuff because of patriotic reasons, so it gives high chance of being biased.

So, the real question is: why do we need some strangers whom probably dont have much of knowledge, more like they have pretty face and followers, to tell us about the product?

Instead of making our own opinions based on the information from official sources + pure data?

On console world it is difficult to be non-biased as new systems come out so rarely and there is just few models, it's not like dude that reviews 50 TVs every year and maybe is not biased anymore as he have seen so many

We should think these influencers like they are strangers on street yelling their opinions, not worth much.

 

[Codswallop_]

If I ever click a video it's for whatever footage/info is present, not their opinion. These guys are getting comped free products to market them, it's not as though these big corps are gifting them stuff out of kindness. Same goes for most games journos these days, who more and more see writing reviews as a way to break into the industry.

 

[Portugeezer]

Big companies influencing the influencers

It's human nature.

 

[reksveks]

Do you/we trust companies that gets free games codes?

 

[FeldMonster]

No reviewer is completely free from bias. Nor is the established consensus of the public.

What you are supposed to do is listen/watch and/or read what a reviewer states and then decide yourself what aspects of something appeal to you personally, and at what priority. For a game, some people prioritize graphics, some gameplay, others the story, and still others, framerate. For hardware, aspects include speed/power, game library (both past and future), user experience, app library, visual/physical design, and controller design.

 

[cireza]

Only trust them when they get a PS5.

 

[MadchesterManc]

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

It really was about ethics in games journalism.

 

[DarkMage619]

Companies send out games and hardware to review. I'm pretty sure IGN and GameSpot don't have to buy games and hardware at the store before they can review it. It is a personal choice to listen to ANY youtuber but it's possible they can provide insight of some things you want to know before a product comes out. This is not a problem and I'm positive Sony does it too despite them not appearing to do it this time.

 

[Bojanglez]

Just maintain a healthy level of skepticism for everything. Ideally judge something on your own experience.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

Games media was relatively silent about games like Fortnite and Among Us. Instead, they talk about Fire Emblem and Hades.

We're well past the point of them being completely out of touch with the public.

 

[veterangamerUK]

There are many of these videos about now, but here’s just three.

Alannah Pearce:



Lamarr Wilson:



YongYea:



So... how exactly do we trust anything that people like this say?

Now, they may claim to not be reviewers, and to not be biased, and that they are just ‘fans’ ... but it’s utterly disingenuous to claim that these influencers don’t - you know, influence - the buying habits of the general public. That’s why Msft have sent them XBox Series Xs.

How do any of them remain objective? How can any of them be critical in any way, when they get all this lovely free stuff for remaining positive? How can any of us believe anything they say about the products they’ve been gifted?

You might think it’s all fine. No problem at all.

I think this is the kind of poisonous stuff that makes the video games industry far worse than it needs to be.

Edit: I assumed this would go without saying, but apparently not : I know full well not to trust these people... but there are many others who don’t know that. That’s where the problem lies.

I don't and that's why I don't watch any of them. Never understood the fascination

 

[Oida di Figgiano]

You don't trust them, they're all idiots. Is this only now occuring to you?

And this is exactly how you trust opinions of influencers, games media and general other people except yourself. Trust, faith/believe, hope, etc... all just pastures where the stupid are being fed.

 

[DrumNBassDanTTV]

Just watch shit like that for entertainment, im sure most people here are smart enough to know what to believe and most people make up their own minds... only time i was influenced into buying something was when cohhcarnage played Dark Souls 3, he just made it look more fun than i thought it would be and so i bought it and loved it and have now completed all 3 games and nioh/sekiro, playing bloodborne atm.

 

[Fuz]

I don't.

We shouldn't.

Hear what they say, don't trust them at face value but take it with a grain of salt, reason over it and reach your own conclusion.

 

[Spaceman292]

And this is exactly how you trust opinions of influencers, games media and general other people except yourself. Trust, faith/believe, hope, etc... all just pastures where the stupid are being fed.

That's a bit more extreme than what I said bro

 

[Max_Po]

The problem with these influencers is that they will never say anything negative, otherwise they will be axed to receive freebies. I am speaking generally of course.


That lamar wilson guy gives me the creeps... lets just say I would keep my kids away from him....




Fuck I hate what this industry is becoming.

 

[Red Rackham's Revenge]

Should make them pay double. That way they must really love it if they still buy it.

 

[IbelieveInGenerations]

At the Very least, this has an impact on the emotional perception of a product.

Its like... "Oh they were so kind to me for giving this privilage of having the console before anyone else, It would be rude and disrespectul If I say negative things about it even If they are true".

 

[BlackTron]

"Games journalists" now simply fulfill marketing roles for the products. You said it yourself, what do you think the role of an "influencer" is?

The whole state of it makes me nauseous so I usually ignore it all. I hardly even go on youtube anymore except to browse music. I'm sure there's some legit content, but browsing Youtube is getting progressively as bad as looking at a Facebook wall.

 

[CAB_Life]

I prefer reviewers who purchase the products themselves. Anyone who gets products or swag for ”free” will naturally be swayed to say positive things so as to not bite the hand that feeds. This is no different than Sony sending a PS4 to that rapper dude though—they all do this.

 

[existensmaximum]

Well it's very easy! I don't trust any influencer, and hardly any media

Influencers gotta be att the bottom of the list of people whose opinions I care about. Or just people I care about.

 

[sxodan]

You don't trust them. And this comes from someone who works in the games media. Once you get that connection with the publisher and start receiving free stuff, you just don't talk bad about their products since you want that relationship to grow.
And it's really hard to achieve that if you give the game/product a low review score etc.

Stick to fan reviews or some solid YouTubers like SkillUp or UEG, who are honest even if that means getting blacklisted by publishers.

 

[Iced Arcade]

People want to see/hear shit about upcoming products, companies want people to see/hear about their product.

From a marketing standpoint, they should absolutely flood every online persona. This isn't exactly new... Old method is giving celebrities the product and a bag of cash to show it off... Sony and Travis Scott got me looking up leather pants recently lol

 

[Boneyblaff]

If their video thumbnail bothers me, there's a high chance I ignore the video entirely. Most of the time they aren't offering anything of value anyway. Only a few people who's opinions I enjoy (ACG/EZA).

 

[Jaguar Victory]

This is it, thanks for making the post.

Just look at the pictures of the videos, it says it all. jesus i hate the state of the industry.

they are fucking posing with it like its a god damn oscar.

If you had a next generation console early you'd be happy as fuck too. Why are yall miserable...

 

[digoutyoursoul]

I don’t particularly trust many of them in all honesty. Some come across as flaunting it when they receive stuff, repulsive egos and I also don’t like some of their attitudes in the face of criticism particularly of the game or product they are promoting, that “haters”shite.

Personally I’d like to see some of that free stuff go to underprivileged kids who’s parents haven’t been going through the best of times and are video game fans. It’s why if I was in charge , I’d hire a few dedicated people to help people like that, community managers and so on.

 

[prinz_valium]

Because they receive freebies and perks anyways.
But you can always rely on those, who only ever buy the stuff themselves.

 

[Clear]

You do get that its always been this way, right?

If you want a good, or at least fair review of your work, you don't antagonize the critic. No matter what you think, you have to play nice, or they most likely will return the favor. The difference is, and what's always made this unfair on the people who make the product, the media gets to win either way.

They eulogize your stuff and they get readership/clicks based on the excitement your product generated. They slag it off and they get readership/clicks because they are so edgy and "truthful".

Was like this back in the 80's when I started in the industry, and nothing's changed apart from rather than magazine writers swinging their dicks, its Youtubers and influencers with all the clout.

 

[RoboFu]

Why would you trust any one review Professional or blog? Everyone is trying to sell something so like always you have to watch videos, read In between the lines and determine for yourself if something is great or not..


... speaking of great have you seen the new PlayStation 5!? With an awesome exclusive line up at launch and the new Dual Sense controller ..PlayStation 5 will have you crushing the competition!
Play has no limits.... PlayStation 5!

 

[Warnen]

Treat them as any other form of advertising. That scissor real in Angry Joe latest review with them talking about marvel avengers was so fucking cringe.

Try to gleam the nuggets of truth buried in the PR approved bullshit.

I go into these vids to see what they are showing, not to listen to what they say if that makes any sense.

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

There are many of these videos about now, but here’s just three.

Alannah Pearce:



Lamarr Wilson:



YongYea:


Hahahaha


So... how exactly do we trust anything that people like this say?

Now, they may claim to not be reviewers, and to not be biased, and that they are just ‘fans’ ... but it’s utterly disingenuous to claim that these influencers don’t - you know, influence - the buying habits of the general public. That’s why Msft have sent them XBox Series Xs.

How do any of them remain objective? How can any of them be critical in any way, when they get all this lovely free stuff for remaining positive? How can any of us believe anything they say about the products they’ve been gifted?

You might think it’s all fine. No problem at all.

I think this is the kind of poisonous stuff that makes the video games industry far worse than it needs to be.

Edit: I assumed this would go without saying, but apparently not : I know full well not to trust these people... but there are many others who don’t know that. That’s where the problem lies.

You really think that im gonna listen the opinión from these beggars about gaming when they are playing shitty games as Fortnite or amoung us??? Really?

Saddly the influenced is high in these guys that have a horrible taste and play piece of shit games because are free and need all the money to keep their streamings.

If I have time I could be Streamer and make the beggars are behind me and make them dust because I have more knowledge about gaming but I have a lot of luck that im in a Job of my profesión that is more importante that be a slave of Papa youtube

 

[Kimahri]

You don't trust them. And this comes from someone who works in the games media. Once you get that connection with the publisher and start receiving free stuff, you just don't talk bad about their products since you want that relationship to grow.
And it's really hard to achieve that if you give the game/product a low review score etc.

Stick to fan reviews or some solid YouTubers like SkillUp or UEG, who are honest even if that means getting blacklisted by publishers.

Sounds like someone is lacking integrity. Where I work, we don't bend over for anyone. We refuse to sign NDAs when they're unreasonable. We don't get anything from Nintendo until launch day for example, because they know we're not gonna sign their NDAs. We also got blacklisted by Rockstar once since we didn't love Bully, but fuck em. Integrity is more important than having some happy PR idiot. If we have to, we buy a game, but most PR people are decent enough to have no problem with you if you don't like their product.

I don't consider games and consoles to be "free stuff". To me they're things I need to do my job. I care about the product, not how I got it.

I've recieved other free stuff once or twice, but honestly I just found it insulting. Like seriously, you think I'm gonna care that you send me a box full of junk? If anything, it makes me less enthused about your game.

 

[GymWolf]

I...don't trust them!?!

 

[HerjansEagleFeeder]

We don't?

 

[Northeastmonk]

Good for them, but wait a minute.. their enjoyment of receiving a free console doesn’t help me in any way, shape, or form.

Only reason it ever bugs me is because they all seem like D class celebs of the internet and here we are working a 9-5 job paying full price. Who feels better about owning one? The person who got it for free or the person handing over $600 or more to a cashier after their shift ends?

 

[Journey]

I know right? how many Publishers/Developers did Sony visit a few months ago? there was this whole article about Sony trying to money hat all sorts of exclusive stuff and offering more money than MS.

That made me wonder if that's the real reason why all the developers were so vocal about how "Wonderful" the PS5 is lol

 

[reksveks]

The first batch of people whom got hands on aka jeff grubby, digital foundry, the verge, arstechnica do have to give the consoles back btw. I assume that this is probably the case here.

But ignore that if you want.

 

[TheContact]

Doesn't YT force them to state if it's a paid promotion or not now? But yeah, I have a hard time trusting youtubers, especially the desperate ones. I like LTT because, even though so many different companies sponsor his videos, he still tells it like it is.

 

[reksveks]

Doesn't YT force them to state if it's a paid promotion or not now? But yeah, I have a hard time trusting youtubers, especially the desperate ones. I like LTT because, even though so many different companies sponsor his videos, he still tells it like it is.

He also got one in case you didn't know, I suspect another Monday review drop.