Game Review Scores ‘Not Important’
Analyst implies Metacritic scores are corrupt.Published 25/11/2009 at 15:30 by Tuffcub
My new favourite crystal ball gazer, Cowen Group analyst Doug Creutz, has been doing some, er, analysis. He has discovered that out of the seven identified factors used when considering a game purchase, the review score is the least important. According to Doug, word-of-mouth recomendations are valued more than decent score on Metacritic.
“We note this, in part, because of persistent rumors that some game developers have been jawboning game reviewers into giving their games higher critical review scores,” said Cowen. “We believe the publishers are better served by spending their time on the development process than by ‘grade-grubbing’ after the fact.”
The eight seven factors are, in order of importance:
- Genre – If we like First Person Shooters, chances are we will buy more of them.
- Franchise – Good news for Activision, if we liked the first game the chances are we will pick up the sequel.
- Price – Everyone loves a bargin.
- Word Of Mouth Recommendation – We are more likely to trust friends who recomend a game.
- Advertising – Dynamic and exciting adverts help sell the game.
- Publisher Reputation – ‘Brand loyalty’ is low within gaming.
- Metacritic Scores - Least important due to alleged ‘fixing’ of scores for exclusives.
Source: Gamasutra
Comments
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Damigos | 25/11/2009 18:01
* Banned *
-828 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2009
I’m going to be an analyst when i grow up..Like Pachter!!! Who has managed to be out of his predictions more than anyone i’ve ever known or heard..
rht992 | 25/11/2009 18:47
Member
2860 TSA Points | Member since: Apr 2009
Review scores for me. Or if its been getting awards
Don’t think i trust friends opinions. I mean a few of them did buy terminator and hanna montana
and they don’t like half life 2 or fallout
Some developers or development teams get me interested; naughty dog, valve, bioware, guys who worked on games like dead space, assassins creed, bioshock.
cc_star | 25/11/2009 18:53
Team TSA: Writer
7891 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Advertising & review scores are the lowest factors for me
Review content (or at the very least TSA pros & cons) carry more weight with me, If I like the idea of the game and feel the ‘cons’ won’t bother me then I’ll mentally add a point or two to the score.
If you’re a fan of a genre, then a good example of the genre is a must buy, surely
Its when you’re thinking of buying a game from a genre that you’re previously not keen on that a reviews actual content matters.
Radboud | 26/11/2009 09:15
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974 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2008
Totally agree with this, I love the “Pros – Cons” list at the end of the reviews here at TSA! The actual number given is of low interest to me….
legalisemurder | 25/11/2009 19:10
Member
320 TSA Points | Member since: Aug 2008
I don’t pay much attention to review scores.Some games which i love,the dynasty warriors games for example,always get slated.I used to pay attention to opm reviews they were usually pretty spot on.I do find gametrailer pretty useful.you can usually see in game footage there.As for metacritic,who takes them seriously.The public side of things anyway.Its just a place for xbots to give poor reviews to PS3 games theyve never played.I bought the original Disgaea on the strength of an advert in opm years ago and thats one of my favourite games of all time.In general i know what i like and buy accordingly.
BIGAL-1992 | 25/11/2009 19:34
Member
1269 TSA Points | Member since: Jan 2009
Pretty obvious with the genres and Prices. I’m surprised with the Review scores being so low.
Lorcan | 25/11/2009 23:31
Team TSA: Writer
1248 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
I don’t really think the average joe is going to think that review scores are fixed. Maybe an industry fanatic, but not your average person.
hairfreax | 26/11/2009 10:11
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867 TSA Points | Member since: Jun 2009
I know someone who only buys games that have trophies. He thinks it proves he is a better gamer and a far superior ps3 owner than the rest of us