Last Updated: 12 June 2026
Our Approach to Reviews
At The Games Quarter, our goal is simple: provide honest, fair, and informative reviews that help readers decide whether a game is worth their time and money.
Every review represents the genuine opinion of the reviewer based on their personal experience with the game.
We do not guarantee positive or negative coverage, and our opinions cannot be influenced by publishers, developers, advertisers, or sponsors.
Editorial Independence
All review decisions are made independently by The Games Quarter.
Publishers, developers, PR agencies, advertisers, and sponsors have no control over:
- Review scores
- Review conclusions
- Publication decisions
- Editorial content
Review scores and recommendations are determined solely by the reviewer and editorial team.
Review Copies
We may receive review copies, preview access, beta access, or early access versions of games from publishers and developers.
Receiving a free copy of a game does not influence our review process or final verdict.
Whenever a review is based on a code, copy, or access provided by a publisher or developer, we will disclose this within the review.
Examples of disclosure include:
- “Review code provided by the publisher.”
- “Early access provided by the developer.”
- “Played via a review copy supplied by the publisher.”
Time Spent Playing
We aim to spend sufficient time with a game before publishing a review.
The amount of time required varies depending on the type of game.
For example:
- Story-driven games may be completed before review.
- Large RPGs may be reviewed after substantial progress.
- Live-service games may be evaluated over an extended period.
- Multiplayer-focused games may require significant online testing.
Where a game has not been fully completed before publication, we will make that clear to readers.
Review Criteria
While every game is different, our reviews may consider factors such as:
- Gameplay
- Controls and mechanics
- Performance and technical stability
- Graphics and visual design
- Audio and music
- Accessibility options
- Story and narrative
- Online features
- Replay value
- Value for money
- Overall enjoyment
Not every category will apply equally to every game.
Updates and Live-Service Games
Some games continue to evolve after release through patches, updates, downloadable content, and seasonal content.
Where significant changes occur after publication, we may:
- Update the review
- Add editor’s notes
- Publish follow-up coverage
- Reassess our verdict where appropriate
We believe reviews should reflect the state of a game at the time they are published while acknowledging major post-launch developments.
Review Scores
The Games Quarter uses a 10-point scoring system.
Scores are intended as a quick summary of the reviewer’s opinion and should always be considered alongside the full written review.
Score Guide
10/10 – Exceptional
A must-play experience that excels in nearly every area.
9/10 – Excellent
Outstanding quality with only minor flaws.
8/10 – Great
Highly recommended and enjoyable for most players.
7/10 – Good
A solid experience with some noticeable issues.
6/10 – Average
Enjoyable in places but held back by significant flaws.
5/10 – Below Average
Contains major problems that limit enjoyment.
4/10 and Below
Serious issues prevent the game from reaching its potential.
Early Access Reviews
Games released in Early Access may be reviewed separately from their full release version.
In these cases, we will clearly indicate that the game is being evaluated in an unfinished state.
Hardware and Accessories
When reviewing gaming hardware, peripherals, and accessories, we aim to evaluate:
- Build quality
- Performance
- Features
- Ease of use
- Compatibility
- Value for money
Any products supplied by manufacturers will be disclosed.
Conflicts of Interest
Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including:
- Employment relationships
- Financial interests
- Personal relationships with developers or publishers
Where a significant conflict exists, another reviewer may be assigned.
Corrections and Updates
If factual errors are identified within a review, we will correct them promptly.
Significant corrections may be accompanied by an editor’s note explaining the update.
Contact Us
Questions regarding our review process can be directed to:
The Games Quarter
Email: jason@thegamesquarter.com
Thank you for supporting independent gaming journalism.