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Groupthink and Zelda

A game reviewer with the chutzpah to give the new Zelda an 8.8 score (out of 10) was crucified by legions of zealots who have never played the game but who were convinced that it deserved a much higher score.

VGRC posts an excellent editorial on this ridiculous situation. How did we get here? How is it that the opinions of product reviewers are instantly deemed invalid because said reviewers refuse to play sycophant to the fan community's desire for gushing praise? Why should any reviewer bother to post honest opinions when he knows that the fan community will carry out personal attacks and will throw a general hissyfit?

We can't answer those questions, but we can't say we're surprised. Anyone that dares voice a negative opinion about the sacred Zelda cow gets harassed by fans who don't read game blogs so much for information but to confirm personal bias towards the popular franchise. It's called confirmation bias, and it's an ugly thing to witness.

It's also bad for gaming: blind fandom holds gaming back.

[Thanks Leprecaun90210]