In the past, reviewing a video game was a fairly straightforward process. Once an individual procured a copy of said video game, he or she would play through it in its entirety, and subsequently give an opinion and/or analysis of what they thought of the game.
Yet, the world spins madly on. The times have changed, and an increasing number of video game publishers, developers, and public relations firms have placed stringent limitations on what a game reviewer can reveal about an early review copy of a video game. More often that not, being provided a review copy of a video game ahead of its official release date (in order to publish the review before or when it launches) is only possible if the reviewer agrees to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA from now on).
NDAs usually state that reviewers must abide by specific guidelines, such as not releasing a review for a game before a given date (known fondly as a review embargo). In general, modern NDA’s are understandable, preserving healthy competition between various video games in the market.
However, there are a few video game publishers that push the envelope when it comes to the specifics of their respective NDAs, such as Nintendo and Square Enix, forcing game reviewers to agree to a slew of conditions that hinder proper, ethical principles, in order to receive an early review copy of one of their video games.
One of the more recent cases is related to the Nintendo-published, Platinum Games-developer, and critically acclaimed Bayonetta 2.
Read more about the challenges Bayonetta 2‘s NDA presents to game reviewers after the break.
Bayonetta 2‘s NDA Presents Ethical Challenges
According to Norwegian gaming site, Gamer.no, Bayonetta 2‘s NDA is one of the most detailed non-disclosure agreements that have laid their eyes on to date, leading to a large number of problems (both practical and ethical) – stating the following in regards to it:
(The following was roughly translated by Google and meticulously paraphrased by myself – interesting, relevant passages have been bold-faced)
Bayonetta 2’s non-disclosure agreement is perhaps the most detailed we’ve ever encountered. In short, we cannot disclose certain parts of the story or describe content for a given chapter. We also must accept a general ban on taking screenshots and recording lengthy videos. Additionally, there are specific restrictions on what we are allowed to say about Bayonetta 2’s costumes, weapons, equipment, enemies and game modes. In fact, the list of things we are prohibited from revealing is quite long.
Let me emphasize two important things before I go any further:
- We are very conscious of spoiling any story/events in any video game (in this case, Bayonetta 2) that we review. It is important that the player experiences these things themselves. We do not wish to be told what to write, and believe it is possible to give our opinion on the game’s story without give it away.
- We always receive a review copy of a game. If we do not agree to a game’s respective NDA, the worst thing that can happen is that we get the games on launch day or later. However, there are still many challenges presented by detailed confidentiality agreements.
Now, imagine this hypothetical scenario:
A game has an amazing structure, its story is magnificent and captivating, the levels are varied and delightful – until a given time. Towards the end of the game, something unravels, and the game (and everything great about it) is thrown out the window just before the credits roll. Perhaps there is a huge bug, maybe this story as a whole, or other various things must be criticized. You never know.
But here’s the kicker (still hypothetical here), Gamer.no signed an agreement that prevents us from writing about anything regarding the last three chapters of the game. Thus, we can not tell the reader about this.
Author’s Take:
It’s entirely understandable that game publishers/developers would want to use a well-designed NDA to prevent gaming press from revealing everything a video game has to offer – especially in terms of story or new gameplay mechanics.
If an NDA fails to be implemented well, a review may reveal a game-breaking, story-ruining spoiler in their coverage of a game, leading to a firestorm of epic proportions.
In my opinion, it is paramount to stick strongly to good, ethical principles, which is something that, apparently, Bayonetta 2’s (and other games) NDAs make difficult to abide by due to strict limitations on what a game reviewer can or cannot reveal to readers. It should be up to the respective reviewer (using his or her best judgement) on what to say in regards to a video game.
I believe there is a place for non-disclosure agreements, but only if it benefits the consumer, rather than the publisher/developer.
Side Note:
This is not the first time something like this has happened, with the similarly well-received Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor being the subject of a controversial reviewer brand deal.
You can read more about that here, here, and here.
What are your thoughts on Bayonetta 2‘s NDA? What is your opinion on non-disclosure agreements in general?
Let us know in the comments section below! As always, stay tuned to GamerHeadlines.com for the latest in video game and technology news.
Source: Gamer.no
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