Gaming reviews: How to update scores/text for game patches & DLC effectively?

In an era where games are constantly evolving through patches, seasonal updates, and extensive downloadable content (DLC), the traditional ‘set it and forget it’ approach to game reviews is rapidly becoming obsolete. A game reviewed at launch might be a drastically different experience six months or a year later. For reviewers and readers alike, the challenge lies in how to keep pace with these changes and ensure reviews remain accurate, relevant, and helpful.

The Evolving Landscape of Game Reviews

Gone are the days when a game’s launch build was largely its final form. Today, many titles, especially live-service games, are platforms for ongoing development. Major bug fixes, balance changes, new game modes, story expansions, and quality-of-life improvements can fundamentally alter a game’s value proposition and player experience. An initial review, no matter how thorough, risks becoming outdated quickly if these significant updates aren’t acknowledged.

Why Update Your Gaming Reviews?

Updating reviews is not just good practice; it’s essential for several reasons:

• Credibility: Outdated reviews can mislead readers and damage a reviewer’s reputation. Addressing significant changes demonstrates a commitment to accuracy.
• Accuracy: A review should ideally reflect the current state of a game. If a critical bug has been fixed or a highly anticipated feature added, the review should reflect that.
• Reader Trust: Audiences rely on reviews for informed purchasing decisions. Keeping reviews current helps them understand what they’re truly getting into.
• Fairness to Developers: Developers often put in considerable effort post-launch to improve their games. Updated reviews can acknowledge and reward this commitment, showcasing a title’s improved state.

Strategies for Effective Review Updates

There are several methods for effectively updating game reviews, each with its own advantages:

1. Addendum or Update Sections

This is often the simplest and clearest method. Keep the original review intact but add a clearly labeled section (e.g., “Update – [Date]” or “DLC Review”) at the top or bottom. This section can detail the changes, their impact, and any revised thoughts or score adjustments. It preserves the original context while providing new information.

2. Revising the Original Review with Clear Notations

For more substantial changes, some reviewers opt to directly edit the original review text. If taking this approach, it is crucial to:

• Clearly state at the top of the review that it has been updated and on what date.
• Use strike-through text for removed sentences or paragraphs, and highlight new additions.
• Provide a concise changelog explaining the nature of the edits.

3. Separate DLC/Expansion Reviews

When a game receives a major content expansion that significantly adds to the experience, a dedicated review for the DLC or expansion can be more appropriate. This allows for a deep dive into the new content without diluting the original review’s focus on the base game. These separate reviews can reference and build upon the original, but maintain their own distinct score.

4. The “Living Review” Model

For games designed for continuous evolution (e.g., MMOs, competitive multiplayer games), a “living review” approach can be highly effective. The review is treated as an ongoing document, regularly updated with new sections, thoughts, and potentially a fluctuating score. This requires a strong commitment from the reviewer to consistently revisit and re-evaluate the game.

Key Considerations When Updating

• Transparency is Paramount: Whatever method you choose, always be explicit about what has changed, when, and why. Trust is built on clear communication.
• Impact on the Original Score: Deciding whether to change the original score is a critical decision. Small fixes might not warrant it, but significant improvements (or regressions) certainly can. If you do change the score, explain your reasoning thoroughly.
• Focus on Significant Changes: Not every minor bug fix or cosmetic addition requires an extensive review update. Prioritize updates that genuinely alter the player experience, game balance, or overall value.
• New Content vs. Core Experience: Differentiate between additions that enhance the existing game and those that fundamentally change its nature. DLC often falls into the former, while a massive overhaul might fall into the latter.

Best Practices for Reviewers

• Maintain a Changelog: Keep a running list of all updates made to your review, including dates and a brief description of the changes.
• Use Version Numbers: For games with clear versioning, referencing the game version being reviewed can be helpful for context.
• Explain Score Changes: If you adjust a score, provide a clear, concise justification for the change.
• Engage with Reader Feedback: Pay attention to comments and discussions from your audience regarding game updates; they can highlight areas needing re-evaluation.
• Set a Policy: Decide on a consistent policy for how and when you will update reviews for your platform.

Conclusion

The dynamic nature of modern video games demands an equally dynamic approach to their critical evaluation. By adopting clear, transparent, and strategic methods for updating scores and text in response to patches and DLC, reviewers can maintain their credibility, provide invaluable, accurate insights to their audience, and ensure their work remains relevant in an ever-evolving digital landscape.