The Role of Mock Reviews in Game Development: Insights from Industry Experts

The practice of mock reviews is a common yet rarely discussed aspect of the game development process. To shed light on this topic, we spoke with experts in the field of game consultancy, publishing, and PR. The purpose of this article is to explore the benefits of mock reviews and game evaluations, and how they can be used to improve the development process. A mock review is essentially a written assessment of a game, similar to those found in gaming media outlets. It is typically commissioned by publishers or marketing agencies and written by individuals with a background in games journalism. The goal of a mock review is to provide an honest evaluation of a game's strengths and weaknesses, allowing developers to identify areas for improvement before the game's release. According to Sterling McGarvey, head of consulting at Hit Detection, the primary objective of a mock review is to gauge the potential success of a game and anticipate the critical reception it will receive. Mock reviews can be used at various stages of the development process, from early concept to near-release. They can help developers identify potential issues, manage expectations, and make data-driven decisions. Rebecca Attard, head of global integrated communications at Splash Damage, notes that mock reviews can be used to assess specific aspects of a game, such as its narrative or mechanics. The terms 'mock review' and 'game evaluation' are often used interchangeably, but they describe distinct forms of feedback. A mock review is typically a written review with a score, while a game evaluation is a more comprehensive report that may include breakout paragraphs, questionnaire results, and other forms of feedback. Game evaluations can be used to identify problem areas and provide recommendations for improvement. They can also be used to manage internal expectations and gauge the potential success of a game. Mock reviews and game evaluations can be commissioned by clients of all sizes, from small indie developers to large AAA publishers. Lewis Denby, founder and managing director of Game If You Are, notes that even small studios can benefit from mock reviews, as they can provide valuable insights and help manage expectations. To become a game evaluator, one should hone their criticism skills, build a portfolio of work, and gain experience writing for professional outlets. It is also essential to have a broad knowledge of the gaming landscape and the ability to specialize in specific areas, such as UI/UX design or accessibility. Networking and building relationships with PR agencies and consulting firms can also help attract mock review work. A good evaluator should be able to provide useful feedback without being distracted by bugs, detach themselves from personal tastes, and communicate effectively with publishers. By leveraging mock reviews and game evaluations, developers can gain a deeper understanding of their game's strengths and weaknesses, make data-driven decisions, and ultimately create a better gaming experience for players.