Editorial Policy

Last updated: 1 November 2024

This policy explains how Alphaconsolefeed selects games to review, how we write and score them, and how we handle the relationship between editorial content and commercial partnerships.

1. What we review

We cover console games released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. We do not review PC-only titles. Coverage is limited to games the team has actually played — we do not publish reviews based on press materials, trailers, or other people's footage.

We select games based on: upcoming release dates, reader requests, team interest, and occasionally sponsored placement requests from developers or publishers. The last category is always labelled — see Section 4.

2. How we play and write

A review is not written until the reviewer has either completed the game's main campaign or, for open-world and sandbox titles, reached a point of sufficient depth to give an informed opinion. For most games this means 15–40 hours of play. For shorter titles, we complete 100% of available content where practical before writing.

Reviews are written entirely by the named reviewer. We do not use AI text generation for reviews. We do not accept pre-written "review packages" or press kit talking points as source material for our own text.

After a first draft, a second team member reads for factual accuracy and clarity. The reviewing author has final say on the score and verdict.

3. Scoring

Our scores run from 1.0 to 10.0 in 0.1 increments. We use the full range — a 5 means a genuinely average game, not a bad one. Scores are assigned after the review is written, not before.

• 9.0–10.0: Exceptional. Among the best on the platform this year.
• 7.0–8.9: Good. Worth buying with the right expectations.
• 5.0–6.9: Decent. Has merits but notable problems. Consider carefully.
• 3.0–4.9: Weak. Hard to recommend at full price.
• 1.0–2.9: Skip. Serious problems; we explain exactly why.

Scores are not adjusted to meet industry averages or publisher expectations.

4. Sponsored content

Some reviews are paid for by game developers or publishers. This means the developer or publisher has paid for the placement on this site. It does not mean they have paid for a positive review.

Every sponsored review carries a visible Sponsored label at the top of the article. A disclosure note at the bottom of each sponsored piece explains the commercial relationship.

Sponsors cannot: approve or reject the review before publication, request changes to the score or verdict, or withhold payment based on editorial outcome. If a sponsor disagrees with the outcome, they may raise factual inaccuracies for correction — editorial opinion is not negotiable.

Sponsored scores are handled identically to non-sponsored scores. We have published sponsored reviews with scores below 7.0.

5. Review keys and early access

Publishers sometimes provide early access or review keys for games. Receiving a key does not guarantee coverage or a positive outcome. Keys are disclosed in the review where provided. We also purchase games at retail where no key is available.

6. Corrections

We correct factual errors promptly. A correction note is added to the affected article, visible to readers. Scores are not retroactively changed unless the factual error directly led to a materially incorrect assessment.

To flag a factual error: [email protected] with the article URL and the specific error.

7. Independence

Alphaconsolefeed is independently owned and operated. No publisher, platform holder, or advertiser holds equity in the company or has editorial rights. Team members are not permitted to accept gifts, hospitality, or personal benefits from publishers beyond standard review materials.

8. Contact

Editorial questions: [email protected]