Question regarding Gamestop preorders

[dsheinem]

3. Game Informer is an advertisement controlled by publishers. It is not journalism; it is a marketing tool.

I get Game Informer and while I agree it isn't the best game magazine, I often wonder about these claims Is there any substantive evidence that the magazine issues review scores based on publishers who advertise? Is there something dishonest about breaking new information about upcoming games that are of general interest? I kind of understand the GameStop hate (though think t is much overblown), and I can understand thinking GI is not the best magazine, but "it is not journalism; it is a marketing tool" seems a bit extreme...

[Flake]

But you've got to agree, shredded Game Informer mags make for GREAT packing material when you are sending games and systems!

[dsheinem]

But you've got to agree, shredded Game Informer mags make for GREAT packing material when you are sending games and systems!

indeed!

[Cronson]

3. Game Informer is an advertisement controlled by publishers. It is not journalism; it is a marketing tool.

I get Game Informer and while I agree it isn't the best game magazine, I often wonder about these claims Is there any substantive evidence that the magazine issues review scores based on publishers who advertise? Is there something dishonest about breaking new information about upcoming games that are of general interest? I kind of understand the GameStop hate (though think t is much overblown), and I can understand thinking GI is not the best magazine, but "it is not journalism; it is a marketing tool" seems a bit extreme...

I don't think you'll ever find concrete evidence. But what 1up, Bitmob, and Giant Bomb have hit on in the past is this: if a magazine is getting "World Premier" and "Exclusive" stories, it does come with a price. They get to report first because they agreed to certain conditions. Dan Hsu has said (and unfortunately I don't have the quote) that publications that agree to the conditions are usually agreeing to give the game a certain score or above once it does release. Or, the publisher will buy a certain amount of ad space (a major source of income) in turn for a favorable review.

Sorry if I sound like I'm ranting and raving. If someone does love Game Informer, that's cool. I'm not going to troll and call them names. You can always look at your magazines, books, games, cd's subjectively; and if you like them, then there's nothing anyone can really argue to change that.

[CRTGAMER]

I think its an on going battle not just in Game magazines, but any form where there is advertising revenue.
Honest journalism review vs piss off your advertiser and lose future advertisements.

[Cronson]

I think its an on going battle not just in Game magazines, but any form where there is advertising revenue.
Honest journalism review vs piss off your advertiser and lose future advertisements.

I'll second that.

[MrEco]

2. Stop saying: "What brings you in today?" What the fuck do you think brings me in today? Video games. If you want to talk to me, say "how's it going?" That would be a much better opener than "what can I sell you today?/we just want your money and to offer you things."

Really? I feel sorry for you. I don't think I've ever been asked anything by the Gamestop employee's like that. Yes they always offer me pre-orders and magazine subscriptions and stuff like that but when it comes to just walking in the store they usually just ignore me.

[Cronson]

Yeah, it must be the district manager around here that makes then say that stuff, because they always say "What brings you in today?" without fail. It just annoys me so much.

Sorry to derail the conversation.