The position of game reviews in video game journalism

Abstract

This theoretical study discusses the influence of game journalism on its audience’s decision-making in the process of purchasing a digital game product, as well as the possibilities of providing feedback to the creator of a digital game. Game review, as an elementary and characteristic genre of game journalism, forms a link between creators and players of a digital game. Due to its opinion-forming influence and the necessity to maintain a relationship with game developers, it is criticized not only by the game audience but also by representatives of traditional journalism, especially abroad. In addition, different opinions emerge in the discourse of games journalism regarding the differences between game reviews and game criticism. In this thesis we try to define these terms from different positions, to understand them and to find the link that connects the different claims. The aim of the present study is to highlight the importance of game reviews in the customer’s product selection process and to reflect on the relevance of game reviews on the acceptance of digital games in society. To investigate the existing empirical research, we have chosen comparative and discourse analysis and some logical analysis methods.