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How To Write A Game Review In 7 Steps

Writing a video game review can be a great way to share your experience and knowledge. Learn how to write a game review below .

When a new video game comes out, you can’t wait to play the game. If you’re deep into the game world, you’re also likely interested in what gaming sites have to say about your new game, whether review sites view the game favorably, and what the game mechanics will be like during your first-time playing experience.

It can be fun to share your thoughts on a new video game with others, and it can help other gamers decide whether the game would be a good fit for them.

If it’s your first time reviewing games, it’s likely that you have a lot of questions. You might be unsure of the word count you should aim for as you review games, or you might not be sure of whether you should give an objective view or your own opinion on a particular game.

Whether you’re writing your first indie review for fun or you’re ready to break into the world of gaming journalism, our step-by-step guide will tell you everything you need to know about writing reviews on video games.

Step 1: Choose Your Audience

Step 2: choose your game and start playing, step 3: collect information, step 4: create a review outline, step 5: write your first draft, step 6: revise, step 7: publish, the final word on how to write a game review, where can you publish video game reviews, what’s the appropriate word count for a video game review.

How to write a game review?

Before you dig into writing your first review of a video game, it’s key to know your audience. If you want to write for gaming sites, you might write differently than if you were crafting a review for your own website. 

If you’re still working to develop your writing skills , you might consider writing for social media or your own website before you try to get a video game review picked up by a large publication. 

If you feel that you’re able to write a good review for a gaming publication, be sure to check with the specific publication for their requirements for reviews. Some publications may require that you follow a certain format or meet a certain word count in order to be considered for publication. Don’t know how to copyright your book? Check out our guide on how to copyright a book . You can also check out our other how-to articles by typing “how to” in our search bar.

How to write a game review?

After you’ve selected the audience that makes the most sense for your review, it’s time to select a good game. It’s smart to start with a new game that hasn’t been heavily reviewed. As you begin to gain credibility in the video game world, you may find that companies reach out to you to allow you to test out games before they’re released to the general public.

You’ll want to spend seven to ten hours playing the game before you begin your review. Whether you choose a mainstream game (like an IGN-created option) or an indie game, you’ll want to be sure that you take the time necessary to provide your readers with valuable information. 

You may want to set an alarm to go off every ten to fifteen minutes as you play to help you remember to pay attention to the positives and negatives of the game. Excellent video games can make you feel like you’re transported to another world, and it can be easy to lose focus on your review. Setting an alarm to remind you to jot down notes from time to time can help you stay on task as you play. Pay attention to sound effects, visual effects, and other factors that people debating purchasing the game may want to learn about.

Accompanying your thoughts with screenshots to help readers get a visual of what you’re trying to convey can be helpful. Be careful not to reveal spoilers (or fully warn readers if spoilers are impossible to avoid).

Your review should have a brief introduction (if it’s a new game, explain why the game is trending), followed by a few body paragraphs that explain what you did and didn’t like about the game. 

This review on The Gunk does a great job at sharing both positive and negative points about the game: 

What could be a silent, Metroid-style dive into buried secrets thus becomes something slightly different. The Gunk is as much about the bond between this duo and their difficult situation as what they find. The act of exploring is pushed and pulled between their two perspectives – a simple twist on an old formula that’s easy to appreciate. It’s a shame then that the planet itself renders their adventure a little flat.

There’s no need for your outline to be comprehensive—a few rough bullet points can help you stay on task as you begin to create your full review. 

If you’re reviewing Xbox or Playstation games for an online publication, you may need to check in with your editor to discuss whether they’d like you to make changes before you move forward with writing your article .

Go back to your outline and begin to flesh out each point, expanding on what you did and didn’t like about the game. Be sure to keep your desired word count in mind so that you’re able to keep each section to a similar length. 

As you begin your draft, create an introduction that draws the reader in, like this review on Solar Ash : 

I’m increasingly convinced that movement-driven games aren’t just my type of game; they’re the best type of game. Demonstrably – mathematically, even. Because a game that turns the simple act of getting to point B into a constant delight, and then presents infinite points to get to, is always at its best. No dips, no clutter, just 100% uptime on the thing you signed up for. 

If you find that you’re struggling to express your thoughts while staying under the appropriate word count, reach out to your editor to discuss whether they’d be comfortable with a longer game review. Focus on expressing yourself as you write your review, and try not to worry too much about mechanics during your first draft. You’ll have plenty of time to polish your draft during your revision.

When you complete your draft, it’s time to go back and revise. Carefully review your text, and keep an eye out for spelling and grammatical errors . You may want to run your text through an online spelling and grammar tool to ensure that you’ve corrected all mistakes. 

Consider asking another gamer who has played the game to take a look at your review before you submit it for publication. Getting another set of eyes on your work can be a valuable tool in ensuring that you’ve hit all the necessary main points. 

After you’ve revised and cleaned up your draft, it’s time to publish. Whether you choose to share your draft on social media, with friends, a gaming website, or a print publication, be sure to share your work. Looking for more how-to-guide articles? You might find our guide on how to write a testimonial helpful in writing that testimonial on a product or service you enjoyed.

If you’re getting started with writing video game reviews, you’ll want to identify your audience, get experience playing the game, and create an outline prior to writing your review. Then, you’ll move on to the writing, revision, and publishing stage. Enjoy the process—sharing your newfound knowledge of the latest video game with other games is fun, exciting, and worthwhile.

FAQs On How To Write A Game Review

You can publish a video game review on your own website, or you can submit your review to an online or print publication.

While requested word counts can differ from publication, most video game reviews are approximately 500 words.

how to write a game review reddit

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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How to Write a Video Game Review

Last Updated: March 18, 2024

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden . Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music. This article has been viewed 290,690 times. Learn more...

The gaming industry is booming, and is expected to have a net worth of $137.9 billion as of 2018. [1] X Research source As such, video game reviews are becoming more and more prevalent. If you’d like to write a video game review of your own, play the game for about 10 hours, take notes on what you like and dislike, and give your own opinion on the game to create a comprehensive video game review.

Playing the Game and Taking Notes

Step 1 Play the game for 7 to 10 hours.

  • If the game has different levels, try to level up as many times as possible. If the game is an open world, explore as much of it as you can.

Step 2 Take notes on what you appreciate about the game.

  • Details as small as the trees waving in the wind or a character’s headband can help a reader envision the in-game world when they read your review.

Step 3 Write down what could be improved about the game.

Tip: Try to be specific. Instead of writing “The main character sucks!” try, “The main character didn’t have as many weapon options as I would have liked.” This will be helpful when you start writing.

Step 4 Note how the game compares to other games like it.

  • For example, you could say, “This racing game has more car model options, but less customizable pieces than their last release.”

Compiling Your Notes into a Review

Step 1 Aim to write about 1,000 words in your review.

Tip: If you are publishing a video game review on your own website or blog, you can choose your word count. However, your readers will probably appreciate a comprehensive review.

Step 2 Start with a 2 to 3 sentence introduction.

  • For example, say something like, “After the success of Injustice, the newest game from the NetherRealm Studios is Mortal Kombat X. With this installment in the MK series, Nether Realm has mended all the shortcomings that Injustice had and added so much more. MK X is by far the best MK game we have seen in the series.”

Step 3 Discuss the quality of the sound and graphics.

  • For example, “The movements of the characters and flair with which the executions and bonus moves are performed are one of the best we’ve ever seen. The blood and gore of MK coupled with the next generation graphics truly delivers an experience like no other.”

Step 4 Write about the story and the characters.

  • For example, “This game breathes fresh air into the market by offering characters who each have a different playing style, offering you the opportunity to learn the combo moves of each character.”

Step 5 Note your personal opinion on the game.

  • For example, “I certainly advise you to go pick yourself up a copy of this game. It might just be the best fighting game to come out in 2016. I rate it 8.8/10.”

Step 6 Proofread your review for any errors before you submit it.

  • Your review may get sent back to you by an editor if it needs to be changed.

Video Game Review Template and Examples

how to write a game review reddit

Community Q&A

wikiHow Staff Editor

  • Avoid giving out obvious information about the game like the publisher, year, and developer, as this is a review of the game, not a summary of the game's statistics. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Supply Line Fallout 4

  • ↑ https://newzoo.com/resources/blog/global-games-market-reaches-137-9-billion-in-2018-mobile-games-take-half
  • ↑ https://www.freelancewriting.com/freelancing/writing-a-video-game-review/
  • ↑ https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/03/22/you-got-game-but-can-you-write
  • ↑ https://gamersushi.com/2011/03/23/how-to-write-a-video-game-review/

About This Article

Hannah Madden

To write a video game review, you’ll want to give readers an overview of the game’s different elements and provide your personal opinion on how good it is. You’ll need to play the game for at least 7 hours to get a real feel for it. Try to explore as many different parts of the game as you can, like its main story, side quests, multiplayer, and challenges. While you’re playing, take brief notes on the things you like and things that don’t work so well to help you write your review. You’ll want to cover topics like graphics, sound design, story, game mechanics, and how well it runs. You can also compare it to other games in its genre to show readers what’s unique about it. Give it a grade out of 10 or a star rating at the end. For more tips, including how to edit and proofread your game review, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Video Game Review

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There might be numerous reasons why you have to write a video game review. First of all, it might be a part of your academic program if, let's say, you are majoring in game design. Alternatively, it might be a part of your job if you are working as a game tester. But, regardless of the reasons, the chances are that you will face a number of challenges in the process of writing.

So, where do you start? In case you are not sure if you can handle it on your own, there is a simple way to delegate the writing of a video game review to professionals. Services that let students pay someone to write my paper could help you with this task.

Typically, using such paper writing services, you can simply say, "I want to pay for essay " and get professional help with pretty much any type of assignment. But, there is also a different path. If you are interested in writing a review yourself, this article will guide you through this process step by step.

Let's dive in and see what steps you should take to create a brilliant video game review on your on!

how to write a game review reddit

1- Define Your Purpose and Audience

Before you get to work, you should clearly understand the purpose for which you are writing your review. It might be for a college or another educational institution, for a magazine, for a reviewing site, etc. Depending on who you are writing for, you might need to change the tone and voice of your review. So, start by defining your purpose and audience.

2- Understand the Basic Requirements

Depending on who you are writing for, the basic requirements for your review, such as length or uniqueness, can also vary. So, after identifying your purpose, be sure to take your time to understand what is expected of you in this review.

For example, if you are writing for college, your review will have to meet the word limit, be 100% unique, well-structured, include proper citations, and have a formal tone of voice.

3- Play the Game

After you know the purpose, audience, and requirements, you can finally get to your review, and, whether you like it or not, you won't be able to get it done without actually playing the game you are writing about.

So, your next step is to devote at least 7-10 hours to playing the game you will be reviewing to get a good feel of it and learn more about its features. At this stage, pay attention to the details - try to note any advantages and disadvantages, see how the plot develops, etc.

4- Take Notes

After you've played the game for a while, take your time to write down all important notes about it. Start by outlining the basic information, including the plot, characters, design, type of game, genre, main features, add-on purchases, etc.

Then take notes based on your own experience. Write down everything you liked and didn't like about the game. Be sure to describe your player's experience in detail to have more information for your future review.

5- Make a Comparison

It is always good if you can compare the game in your review with similar games or, maybe, previous releases of the same game. However, if you decide to include such comparisons, be sure to use specific examples instead of general phrases in order to make your review sound complete.

how to write a game review reddit

6- Write Your Review

When you have collected all the information and notes, you can start writing your video game review. Here are the key steps you should take:

  • Look through several examples of such reviews to see how it should look like;
  • Make an outline;
  • Write an attention-grabbing introduction that starts with a hook and introduces the topic of your review;
  • Write the body of your review - be sure to discuss such important points as graphics, sound effects, plot, characters, and your personal player's experience. Feel free to use examples and details. But, keep your review straight to the point and informative;
  • Finish your review with a logical conclusion, and don't forget to give your final rate to the game.

7- Proofread and Edit

Finally, when your review is done, don't forget to take enough time to proofread it to make sure that your review is free of errors. Also, don't forget to check your text for plagiarism if necessary.

The Bottom Line

Just like that, in seven simple steps, you can write a compelling video game review. The good news is that handling this type of task shouldn't be too hard because video games are fun. What is more, now you have a complete guide with tips to make the process simple and enjoyable!

So, you have faced the necessity to write a compelling video game review. What's now?

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How to write a video game review.

Don't you know how to rate a video game and write a review? We will tell you what you should pay attention to, what parts the article should consist of and what mistakes should not be made.

how to write a game review reddit

In the modern world, video games are one of the largest segments of the entertainment industry. The scale of the gaming industry is comparable to, for example, the film industry. And in terms of growth rate over the past five years, the video game industry has significantly outpaced it. In 2021, the global gaming market will be $159,3 billion. Therefore, it is not surprising that writing gaming commentary is becoming more and more popular. Not sure how to structure your paper? Then our guide will be the best assistant for you.

Steps To Create A Video Game Review

Conventionally, the process of writing a review can be divided into two stages:

  • Testing and notes.
  • Compilation of a video game review.

Below we have described each step by which you will achieve the desired result.

Testing & Notes

First, decide for whom you are writing a review. For example, for game review sites, a magazine, or for an educational institution. If you are writing an article for a magazine, the question arises: "How do I get paid for writing for magazines?" Of course, you must agree on the moment of payment with the magazine. The amount for a journal article can vary from $ 50 to $ 200 - it all depends on your writing skills.

If you are writing an article for a website, you may be concerned about the question: "How much should I charge for a 500-word article?" Writers who write in this area charge $ 50 per article of 500 words. This is the most reasonable price to which website owners respond well. However, you can set a higher price list, provided that your article is entirely original and does not contain errors.

Separately, we would like to pay attention to articles for the educational institution. Teachers set very high requirements: the paper must be 100% free of plagiarism, properly structured, formatted in the same style, and include a list of citations. In this case, we recommend you to ask to   write my paper for me   from experienced experts. An expert's advantage is that he gets into the subject and knows how to please a strict teacher. Note that research papers help - is cheap, reliable, fast, and safe because professors, and sometimes doctors of sciences work with the texts. Now let's get back to how to take notes and test the game.

Play the Game 7-10 Hours

Sometimes it can take you a month to test a game. However, most websites that publish articles expect to see a video game review a couple of days after its release. Therefore, you should spend 7-10 hours playing the game to see all the functions and get a feel for it. During this time, find out the advantages and disadvantages of the game. If the game has levels, try to get to a high level to see how the game develops. If the game is like an open world like Minecraft, explore it thoroughly.

Write Down What You Liked About The Game

Notes while testing the game will help you when creating an article. You can use a simple notepad or apply modern technologies: voice recorder or screen recording. The experts from essaypay.com  offer to uncover game features and add-on purchases. Uncover game features, add-on purchases, graphic design, and sound effects. Write down what you remember and liked the most. For example, you are attracted by 3D trees and the player's clothing. Describing these points in detail will help the reader understand what the game world looks like.

Write Down What You Would Like To Change In The Game

Games cannot be perfect, so your review should include any flaws or points you would like to change. Perhaps the graphics are too simple, or the sound in the game sounds loud. If any of these elements irritate you, be sure to mention them. Don't write in general phrases. Use specific examples.

Compare the Game with Previous Releases

If the game is not new, such as The Sims, you can compare it to previous releases. For example, indicate that the updated version has more features or additional customization functions. You should also note the genre the creators submitted the game: action, horror, racing, building, etc.

Compilation of a Video Game Review

When you have made all the notes and have tested the game well, you can start the writing process. Below we have described a few steps that you should pay attention to.

how to write a game review reddit

Explore Examples

Review papers samples before you start creating your review. This is necessary for you to understand how many words you will need for the article, what parts the paper should include, what to look for. Readers appreciate reviews that don't exceed 1,000 words. Papers over this volume tire readers, and most likely, people will ignore your review.

Write an Introduction

How do you start a review? We recommend that you remember the essay format, which includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Introduce the reader to the game in the introduction. You can use the hook to grab attention: statistics, quotes, aphorisms, examples, etc. For example: "Among Us is the most played game in history, and it amassed half a billion monthly active users."

In the central part, you can discuss all those points that you tested in the game. For example, discuss sound effects and graphics. You can also tell readers if the game is available on a computer, TV, smartphone, or other gadget. If the video games contain characters, describe them. Mark the character that is best to play with. If the game is racing, describe the cars and their functions. You can also give examples of what your feelings were during the game. Add images to make the review more informative.

Write a Conclusion

At the end of the review, add your own opinion. Write if you recommend your readers to play the game or if it's not worthy of their attention. You can also rate the game on a ten-point scale. For example: "The game left a pleasant impression, so my score is 10 out of 10." Remember! Before submitting your review, proofread the text and eliminate any errors. Good luck.

The Final Insight

The video game review is usually an easy task since most of the games are interesting. Thus, you will be involved in the task to the fullest. Nonetheless, you have to be very attentive and follow the outline to make your review amazing.

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How To Write a Video Game Review

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Hello! This guide is intended for people that do not have much experience in writing reviews, and are looking for a good guide or template to get started about how to write a video game review. It can also be used by people more experienced, to help evolve their own style. Ultimately, everyone ends up writing reviews in their own way, so the information in this guide is useful as a starting point, but is by no means definitive. Reviewers should feel free to adapt and enhance their style over time, to make their writing unique!

The first, and most obvious part of writing a review, is to play the game. Spend as much time as you can playing it, and take notes too. These notes don’t have to be extensive, short-hand is fine, as long as you can understand them later on. It’s also useful to take screenshots or record footage at this point, especially if this is intended to be a YouTube review. If you record too much footage, you can always just delete it later! When you are taking notes, make sure to note not only things you liked and didn’t like about the game, but also general parts of the experience. i.e ‘After level 2, the difficulty increases’ or ‘The bosses aren’t animated as well later in the game’. Items like that help to show people that you have played the game, and help give context to any opinions you may give out during the review.

It can sometimes be important to learn some of the history of the game or the game developer. For example, I recently reviewed SUMADRA which was funded by a grant intended to help developers create games with a positive message. If players didn’t know this, they may not understand why the game was made in the way that it was made. Additionally, some games may have an interesting history themselves, such as Duke Nukem Forever, which took fifteen years to develop due to various issues with the games development. This doesn’t mean every review has to be a history lesson, but any additional background information helps the reader understand the wider context in which the game was created.

how to write a game review reddit

Before starting the review, it’s important to understand your target audience. This matters because the information within the review could vary wildly depending on the target. For example, let’s say you are writing a review of ‘Pokémon X & Y’. If you was writing this review on a Pokémon fan site, you wouldn’t have to explain what Pokémon are, how they are caught, or any of the basics. Conversely, if this was written on a more mass market site, you would have to explain those things. On the former website, they may be interested in some of the more advanced information that only expert players care about, whereas the mass market reader may not need to know that kind of information. Ensuring a review is targeted correctly is key in getting across the information that matters.

The first section of any review should usually just contain factual information. State the name of the game, the platform it is being released on, and the genre the game fits into. Explain some of the core mechanics, how the game works, how long it is, what sort of things are included in the package and who the developer and publisher are. Put yourselves in the shoes of someone whom has never played or even heard of the game you are reviewing. If you jump straight into your opinions, they will have no idea what you are talking about or how to relate it to any game. Giving the context and factual information up front is key.

how to write a game review reddit

At this point, you can start discussing your opinion on the game. This should include all the key areas that make up a video game. The gameplay, the controls, the music, the graphics – talk about all of it. Talk about the things you liked, the things you didn’t like, anything that could potentially change with an update. Try to explain things from different angles too, if there’s an aspect of a game that you don’t like, maybe the reader will, so make sure to be thorough in your explanations so they can make up their own mind. This is where you can be creative, and use different metaphors and jokes to get across your opinion. It’s this section of a review where most people develop their own signature style of getting their points across.

After getting across your opinion, it’s time to get across some more factual information. List the different systems the game is available on, the price of the game, and where the reader can purchase the game. It’s typically useful to give your opinion on the price too. This is because video game prices naturally change over time – so if you put in your review that it isn’t worth it at one price, but is worth it at another, if someone comes across your review at a later time when the price has changed, it may influence their purchase.

Finally, give your overall conclusion and a rating. The conclusion should sum up your overall feelings on the game and your feelings on your experience of playing it. Keep it relatively short and punchy, as parts of it can also be used as an excerpt or summary. In terms of a rating, this can be anything from a score out of ten, to a recommended or not recommended, that is up to you! Some people also like to make lists of pro’s and con’s, but this is a personal choice and it’s by no means essential. Before publishing, make sure to give the draft a once over, before sending it out into the world for all to see.

If you want an example of a review I’ve written, check out my review of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the PS5.

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A question we're often asked is: How do you get into games journalism? Well, to put that question to bed once and for all, below is the definitive guide by Howcast.com . Every single one of our trade secrets given away. The industry is going to be inundated. Those without moderate gaming knowledge need not apply.

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How to Write a Great Video Game Review

  • January 25, 2022
  • Ajax Moroni

video-game-review-0

Playing video games can be a lot of fun. But, writing a critique on them can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the gaming world. We’ve put together some crucial tips to help you craft an impressive video game review.

Playing the Game and Taking Notes

One of the best ways to write game reviews is to keep taking notes while you play. Do not get too indulged in the game. Keep reminding yourself you’re playing it to write a review. While you’re playing, you’d note several features and different aspects of different stages. It is better to pause the game right away and jot it down. Otherwise, you’ll forget some of the details when you’ll sit to write later. Remember, there are professional essay writers and law essay writing services available that can provide guidance and support if you need help with your academic writing tasks. Experts at Essay Zoo also suggest that playing a game to write a review is the best way. You can ask your gamer friends for feedback or read online reviews, but you won’t be able to craft an impressive piece until you experience it yourself. So, never rely on others’ feedback to write your own. Experiencing it yourself gives you the advantage of checking all its features. Besides, it also allows you to make an opinion about it.

Consequently, you’d be able to write a great piece. But remember to keep noting everything down, even if you’re good at making mental notes. Taking notes will help you create an outline and not miss anything important. And it will also allow you to write your draft fastly and appropriately. So, spare a reasonable amount of time for playing and taking notes. You can play it for several hours before you start writing your first draft.

Prepare an Impactful Introduction

Want to know how to write video game reviews that leave an impression? If so, make sure you understand the proper structure. Your draft should be divided into three parts:

  • Introduction

But this doesn’t mean you have to put a heading before each section. Simply divide your video game review into logical paragraphs. The first paragraph is the introduction. The last paragraph is the conclusion. And the paragraphs in the middle are the body. To create an impact, ensure your introduction is impressive. Here are some suggestions to craft a great intro:

  • It must include a hook to engage the reader right from the start
  • Avoid using cliche statements
  • Start with an exciting background statement
  • Mention the name of the game you’re reviewing and its launching date etc
  • Give an interesting fact and your opinion about it briefly

video-game-review-1

Explain The Gameplay

After the introduction, explain the reason behind your opinion. Tell the reader more about the different aspects of the game, such as:

  • Sound effects
  • Difficulty level

But, above all, you must explain the story and why it is played. Explain it in a way that you’re telling someone who has never played it.

  • What are players required to do?
  • Why is gameplay compelling?
  • What is the ultimate motive of players?
  • What challenges do they have to face to achieve it?
  • How are these challenges overcome?

There is a lot of explanation other than the graphics and sounds. But, if you feel stuck, check out some essays on video games available online. Reading them will give you an idea about how to go about it. You can also opt to take professional writing help if you think you can’t do it on your own. Writing reviews can be challenging, especially when you have a lot on your plate. And, it’s okay to ask for help.

Be Concise and Straight To The Point

Are you wondering how to rate a game? The simple way to do so would be to gather the overall experience and rate it on a scale of 1-10. Do keep these questions in mind when rating:

  • Did I enjoy it while playing?
  • Did you feel like playing again after quitting it?
  • Were the sound effects pleasing or annoying?
  • Was it easy to understand?
  • What ages of players can play it?
  • Does it have a message?
  • Does it contain violence?

Having these questions in mind will help you craft an impressive game critique. However, make sure you don’t go overboard. Include only relevant details that are concise and straight to the point. Explaining the same issue in different ways won’t do you any good. It will give a wrong impression to the reader. So, have a clear outline in your mind. And write your critique precisely. Besides, ensure you have divided it into logical paragraphs and have maintained cohesiveness.

Don’t Add Spoilers

It is effortless to give spoilers when reviewing something without even realizing it. Remember, you don’t have to reveal the plot twist or climax. Although giving spoilers won’t decrease the reader’s enjoyment when they play it, it is not recommended. If it is inevitable to reveal some crucial details, provide a spoiler alert. It will allow the reader to decide whether or not to continue reading it. If you’re writing this critique for your blog, you must remember this tip. If you’re writing it for a class assignment, your professor will also note all of these points. So, make sure you follow all the rules of crafting an excellent critique. When writing an essay about video games, don’t forget to give your opinion. Also, your conclusion must have a rating and whether you recommend it to others or not.

Compare the Game with Previous Releases

Another crucial aspect to keep in mind is to discuss the previous releases or versions. If the game you’re reviewing is the latest version, compare it with the earlier versions. Here are some questions to consider:

  • Which version is the most popular among gamers and why?
  • What are the differences and similarities between these versions?
  • Was it necessary to launch a new version?
  • Does the new version cater to the issues found in the previous versions?
  • Can the players easily transit from the earlier version to the new one?

The answers to these questions will give a unique angle to your critique. Inscribing about the current game features only could be boring. So, don’t forget to add exciting yet relevant details.

All in all, crafting a critique requires good writing skills and some techniques. Now that you know the techniques of writing a great review make sure you keep them in mind. These tips are sure to help you craft a perfect piece.

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Writing a Video Game Review: A Guide for Gamers

The gaming industry is humongous, and today, it encompasses much more than the games or consoles themselves. One aspect that is almost as popular as the games themselves is game reviews, whether written or video. A lot of fans appreciate the reviews, and they can be really influential for fans when they’re trying to decide whether or not they want to buy or play that game.

That’s why so many gamers curate reviews, so that they can help fellow games make a decision on if a game is for them or not. If you have ever played on Steam before, then you will be familiar with how the community of reviews works here! Some will be funny , some will be serious, but they all offer an opinion. If you want to leave a review for a game, but don’t know how to get started or what to think about, then this posting will be ideal for you!

Playing the Game

Before you start writing anything, it will be ideal to actually play the game first! How else can you offer an opinion? If you haven’t already given it a go, then you should really get to it. If you manage to make a name for yourself and write reviews professionally , then some developers do give their new games to reviewers before they are released to the public.

Ideally, if you want to carve out a niche, you should try to choose a game that hasn’t already been heavily reviewed and debated online. To craft an honest and informed review, you should spend at least ten hours playing; you need to make sure that you have really given it a chance.

Collecting Your Thoughts

As you play the game, you need to start collecting your thoughts. Try to take regular breaks to write down your findings. To be unbiased, you’ll want to include both negatives and positives. It is really easy to get lost in a good game, and in fact, doing so is often the mark of a good game, but if you do, you probably won’t have a whole lot to say.

It’s important not to let your emotions run wild here, and you should try not to be too reactionary. It’s best to think about the game as a whole, including the visuals, dialogue and sound effects, rather than just focus on one little bit.

You might also want to take screengrabs – if you can – to illustrate your points. Be mindful of leaving spoilers in your review. It is also worth thinking about whether there is any other pertinent information that you should include. For example, if you are reviewing a casino game like the ones from Jackpot, you will definitely want to include these promotions in your review.

Writing the Review

The next step is obviously to start writing and compiling the review. For the most part, you’re going to want to start with an introduction which outlines the game and provides a bit of background. If you are writing for someone or something, then they may have a word count that you need to adhere to; otherwise, you have free reign.

You might want to start by just looking over your notes and beginning to give them some structure. Then you will need to do the first draft, whereby you go back over it and flesh out all of the points that you have made thus far. After you have the first draft out of the way, it is time to go back over it and revise and redraft it. When you are going back over your review, you should look for spelling and grammatical errors , as well as check the content itself.

If you have ever written before, you will be familiar with the dread feeling of re-reading your draft and doubting yourself. It could be best to let someone else take a look, just to get reassurance, if nothing else!

After all is said and done, you can go ahead and post it! It doesn’t matter whether you are simply sharing your review on your social media platforms for your friends and family, on a forum, print publication or wherever else; just getting your work out there can go a long way in building your fan base. It can be rewarding in and of itself, too, even if game reviews are only ever supposed to be a hobby for you.

If you are only just getting started with video game reviews, then the above advice can really help you to get started. Identifying your audience should really be common sense, but it isn’t something that a lot of people think about. In order to write a review, you also need to have dedicated a significant amount of time to playing the game – you can’t write a review after an hour of gameplay.

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COMMENTS

  1. How to review a game? : r/truegaming

    Make sure you're competent enough to review the game. If you only had time for a first impression, call it a first impression and not a review. A review creates the expectation of a certain thoroughness. If you didn't understand the game, explain why, instead of bashing the game.

  2. How to create video game review? : r/letsplay

    Step 4: Edit your script. Seriously, the first draft is very rarely any good. Writing must have a flow, and you're technically writing a script to read off of. Especially if you want to add in live-action bits, where you have to write down exactly what you want to happen and how; you WILL forget.

  3. How To Write About Games : r/patientgamers

    Be clear about what is good, bad, or neutral/indifferent. Make clear what your gaming preferences are and how they influence your review. Make recommendations or anti-recommendations based on who you think would enjoy the game most or least. 2. Reply.

  4. What are elements to consider when writing a review for a videogame?

    3. I will soon start with writing reviews and guides for games and I am divided between simple raging of a game or in-depth rating, like considering few different elements in game. The simple rating would be just to gather the overall experience and enjoyment of a game and just rate it from 1 to 10. This would be good on one hand because the ...

  5. How to Write a Quality Game Review

    Compare the game you're reviewing with these benchmarks to give readers context. Understand the Audience: A real-time strategy game will attract a different audience than a narrative-driven adventure game. Cater your review to the intended audience of the game. Highlight Genre-Specific Features: The complexity and innovation of puzzles are ...

  6. How To Write A Game Review In 7 Steps

    Step 2: Choose Your Game And Start Playing. You may find that companies reach out to you to allow you to test out games before they're released to the general public. After you've selected the audience that makes the most sense for your review, it's time to select a good game. It's smart to start with a new game that hasn't been ...

  7. How to Write a Video Game Review: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

    Download Article. 1. Aim to write about 1,000 words in your review. If you are submitting your review to a gaming site, they will most likely want between 800 and 1,000 words in your review. Indie games or mobile apps can be on the lower end, while popular games should be more in-depth and closer to 1,000 words. [6]

  8. How to Write a Video Game Review

    Here are the key steps you should take: Look through several examples of such reviews to see how it should look like; Make an outline; Write an attention-grabbing introduction that starts with a hook and introduces the topic of your review; Write the body of your review - be sure to discuss such important points as graphics, sound effects, plot ...

  9. How to Write a Video Game Review

    Write a Conclusion. At the end of the review, add your own opinion. Write if you recommend your readers to play the game or if it's not worthy of their attention. You can also rate the game on a ten-point scale. For example: "The game left a pleasant impression, so my score is 10 out of 10." Remember!

  10. How To Write a Video Game Review

    The first section of any review should usually just contain factual information. State the name of the game, the platform it is being released on, and the genre the game fits into. Explain some of the core mechanics, how the game works, how long it is, what sort of things are included in the package and who the developer and publisher are.

  11. How does one get into writing game reviews? : r/truegaming

    I gave it 1/6 back in the day. Here are two articles that I found awhile ago when I wanted to learn more about video game journalism: 1 and 2. Set up a wordpress (free, simple n can easily move onto self-hosted), start writing, post your stuff to r/gamereviews, start fishing about to see if any sites will pick you up.

  12. How To Write A Game Review (Via Game Informer's Reviews Editor)

    In this excerpt from The Game Informer Show podcast, Ben Hanson talks to Game Informer's reviews editor Joe Juba about how to write a video game review and t...

  13. How To Write PC Game Reviews

    Microsoft announce Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 Game Pass launch alongside teaser trailer Zenless Zone Zero gets a release date of July 4th, plus a trailer with lots of kicking John Walker : Once one of the original co-founders of Rock Paper Shotgun, we killed John out of jealousy.

  14. How to Write a Great Video Game Review

    Simply divide your video game review into logical paragraphs. The first paragraph is the introduction. The last paragraph is the conclusion. And the paragraphs in the middle are the body. To create an impact, ensure your introduction is impressive. Here are some suggestions to craft a great intro:

  15. Writing a Video Game Review: A Guide for Gamers

    The next step is obviously to start writing and compiling the review. For the most part, you're going to want to start with an introduction which outlines the game and provides a bit of background. If you are writing for someone or something, then they may have a word count that you need to adhere to; otherwise, you have free reign.

  16. How to Write Game Reviews

    But sometimes, due to circumstances, a text about a game is written by a "stranger". As a rule, such a person shyly writes somewhere at the beginning of the review "I'm not a fan, so I'm evaluating from the position of a non-fan". In reality, this is a wonderful approach. Game journalists are a dime a dozen, so it's hard to fathom that anyone ...

  17. What makes a good video game review? : r/truegaming

    Step 1. Don't be on a site where page views matter. soon as they put ads on ti and get a taste of what sensationalism can do to page views, all credibility goes out the windows. Rest of the steps don't matter. 90% of "game journalism" is about driving page views through finding controversy. 1.

  18. How To Write A Game Review (Via Game Informer's Reviews Editor)

    In this excerpt from The Game Informer Show podcast, Ben Hanson talks to Game Informer's reviews editor Joe Juba about how to write a video game review and then answer questions from the community about the reviewing process. If you prefer to listen to the full episode, you can subscribe to the audio version of The Game Informer Show podcast.

  19. Steam Community :: Guide :: Writing Steam Reviews

    A Guide for Steam. By: Jimo. I will give you instructions on how to become a Steam Curator. < 1 >. I will give you an introduction to Steam Reviews. I will give you information on how you can write one, and how you read and vote on existing reviews. ...

  20. Game Writers' Corner || Writing for Video Games: Why it's different

    Thinking about starting a career writing for video games? Or are you currently working on your own game narrative?In this video, I go over a few things that ...

  21. How to write a game review : r/gaming

    Animals and Pets Anime Art Cars and Motor Vehicles Crafts and DIY Culture, Race, and Ethnicity Ethics and Philosophy Fashion Food and Drink History Hobbies Law Learning and Education Military Movies Music Place Podcasts and Streamers Politics Programming Reading, Writing, and Literature Religion and Spirituality Science Tabletop Games ...

  22. How to Create and Develop Your YouTube Channel for Game Reviews

    On YouTube, you can talk to your subscribers through comments. To increase the bond with your viewers: reply to the comments actively, throw in some topics to discuss with pinned comments. Use the live chat option in your streams. Address your viewers directly from your video, encouraging them to leave a reaction.

  23. How To Write A Game Review : r/TDLH

    The writing ability for the game is usually deemed as the most important thing when we grow up a little older, because this is the stuff that makes the game "smart." The order of water is "sticking to something" which means coherency and a lack of random noises bursting out like mad.

  24. 'Gangs of Godavari' movie review: A spirited Vishwak Sen shoulders an

    Comments. Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.. We have migrated to a new ...

  25. I need game writing advice : r/Writeresearch

    I think looking for game writing/game design subreddits and r/worldbuilding might be helpful too. Did you get a question removed from r/writing? The moderator text says 'or a genre-specific subreddit' or something like that. You're not the first person this week to just drop the same question in here without reading the sub information.