Making it as an MMO blogger: The bloggers speak up part 4

A game developer invites you to take an all-expense-paid trip to visit their studio and review their upcoming MMO. They promise a free copy of the game and lifetime account, as well. Would you do the review? Explain why or why not.

Beau: Of course I would. I can truly say (without sounding cocky I hope) that I have enough integrity to be honest despite the free stuff. Also, the developer has to have a way to get you to experience the game, and a free sub/tour account is a great way to do that.

Petter: For my blog, I'd say no. As a freelance games journalist, I'd probably say yes if asked by an editor. But even reviewing single player games at the developers is problematic enough and even if it's not unheard of for MMOs, most publishers are sensitive enough to the genre to understand it will not work. As I'm currently playing Star Trek Online on a lifetime account supplied to me by Atari, I guess I would pick that up — I'd still say exactly what I feel about the game. A bad game does not become good only because you are able to play it for the rest of your life. It doesn't happen very often that publishers give out lifetime accounts (the only other game I got a free lifetime-sub for is Pirates of the Burning Sea) though, most are either standard retail accounts or at least time-limited in some way. Boring answer, perhaps, but if I wrote down everything I feel about the subject, I'd hog this whole article for myself...

Syp: Again, I'm not a professional journalist, so while we could get into a discussion of what ethics a blogger should have, I'm not bound by the same standards as a journalist. Would I? To be honest, sure, I would. This isn't one of those areas where I'd want to die on the hill of integrity. I'd take the offer because it would be cool, because it these things don't happen for bloggers often, and because at no point in this hypothetical situation would I be required to give a glowing, 100% positive review of the game. I'd be up front in my review about the circumstances of this offer and tell my readers to disregard it if they think I'm compromised or what have you, but if you've built up enough credibility with your readership, then they'll hopefully trust you that you're not a complete shill. You're just a guy who got a free trip and a game, and if your readers are honest, they'd probably take it as well.

Actually, I'd probably have a lot of fun with that review, maybe go completely over the top and turn it into a humorous piece ("After dinging level 6, my sciatica disappeared and I gained the ability to levitate small objects and babies.")

Ravious: If I was even remotely interested in the game, I sure would. I'd fully disclose my relationship to the readers during the review. I think this touches on the importance of honesty. MMO readers are an intelligent bunch, and if they feel they are getting some paid-for marketing puffery from a blogger they used to trust, that blogger won't last long. If the blogger is honest and fair in a review the readers and developers will be thankful for it. Plus, some of my favorite blog posts have actually been when a blogger-fan got to visit the studio because they are usually written with wide-eyed honesty that can't be matched.

Syncaine: Sure. Now if the game sucks it's likely the last paid review I would get, but at least I got one. It's up to the readers whether they believe someone is tainted by greed or ulterior motives. If you believe someone can be bought with a trip and a free game, read what they write accordingly.

Keen: Which MMO? Just kidding. Sure, why not? I can see where you were going with this question and I respect those who would answer with something about ethics. That's all wonderful. For me though it's all about the games. On my blog I like talking about as many games as possible and I'll gladly take advantage of any opportunity that allows me to further that goal. My rules about honesty in my opinion are unwavering though. I don't care if you fly me first class; if I think your game sucks I'm going to let people know.

CrazyKinux: I certainly would accept the offer, as long as it was understood by the developer that the review would be an honest one, where I would offer my true opinion of the game. This is a situation where your style and approach as a blogger comes into play and can either be open doors for you or can leave them shut. Some bloggers tend to focus on the negative aspects of what they perceive the game to be, while others will focus on the game overall, and offer constructive criticism. It's the latter bloggers that will get such opportunities presented to them.