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Bethesda Will Continue to Give Review Copies the Day Before Release

"We encourage you to wait for your favorite reviewers to share their thoughts."

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Bethesda has stated in a new blog post that it intends to keep sending out review copies of new games to reviewers only one day before the game’s release. This will mean that gamers will either have to hold off from pre-ordering games until the reviews are out, or chance it.

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In a post written on Bethesda.net, global content leader Gary Steinman wrote that, for upcoming releases, Bethesda intends to keep giving out review copies only a day before the game is released. This means that many gamers may go into the game without having heard what critics have to say.

Some gamers may be irritated by this, but the post also stated that gamers who are concerned should hold off from buying the game until reviews are out. The post reads:

“We read them. We watch them. We try to learn from them when they offer critique. And we understand their value to our players.

“Earlier this year we released DOOM. We sent review copies to arrive the day before launch, which led to speculation about the quality of the game. Since then DOOM has emerged as a critical and commercial hit, and is now one of the highest-rated shooters of the past few years.

“With the upcoming launches of Skyrim Special Edition and Dishonored 2, we will continue our policy of sending media review copies one day before release. While we will continue to work with media, streamers, and YouTubers to support their coverage – both before and after release – we want everyone, including those in the media, to experience our games at the same time.

“We also understand that some of you want to read reviews before you make your decision, and if that’s the case we encourage you to wait for your favorite reviewers to share their thoughts.

“Skyrim Special Edition releases globally on October 28 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Dishonored 2 releases globally on November 11 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.”

What do you think of this policy? Are they trying to have their cake and eat it, or is it fair enough?

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Thom Peart

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