That sounds like a great idea!
Thank you for taking the initiative, this will be a lot of effort...
I would love to apply as reviewer. I am missing my writing days and this could very well scratch that particular itch. ;)
One remark: Maybe the "Story" category can be optional for sports games. There are a few titles that have a "career" mode for a player that sometimes has a story (like in NBA 2k games), but a lot of other sports games don't really have any story mode.
My request to join the Steam group will reach you in a moment as well. :P
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Hello and thank you!
Yes, it is a lot of effort, but I want to build a community around it and I think I've already managed that. As more people get behind it, the easier it becomes to make :)
Request granted! I will add you to the members list as a Reviewer.
And about your remark. If you read the rules carefully you'll notice that this was already addressed:
Not all games will require 100% completion in order to be reviewed. Sport games, racing games, simulators or other type of "sandbox" games can be reviewed if a minimum required number of hours is met (that number will be decided separately).
Story based games will require completion!
And yes, career mode can be considered story mode if they are similar to FIFA (Alex Hunter story), NBA or WWE games.
Also make sure to hop on Discord as well! We're quite active there and it's a fun and friendly place ^^
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Thank you for the quick approval. :)
I think there is a slight misunderstanding: What I meant is that for some games the category "Story" makes no sense in the 5-star marking system and should be optional. But I guess this can be addressed when it comes up, anyway. :)
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now that the current wave (3) of games is almost finished and seeing the poor amount of entrants i would like to suggest some changes of rules/procedures.
concretely... right now out of 15 games being currently given away, only 3 have at least 5 entrants, and 5 games have no entrants at all.
i know the contributors were aware of the fact that they might not get at least 5 entrants, but i still find it a bit sad and would wish for them to get their CV.
remove the 3 entry limit.
usually this would regulate itself as the waves consists of different genres and usually a person isn't interested in all kinds of genres. of course it might happen that some waves have more games overlapping with a persons interest so they might find more games they would want to join, while there will be waves with less interesting games like it happened this wave.
generally i don't see a problem with a person participating in a lot of GAs as long as it is clear that they would get re-rolled if it happens that they won more than 1 GA or maybe they can promise to review them all in time.
less waves, but more games
with the rule "Once a Reviewer wins a game, he or she will be forbidden from entering any future wave giveaways UNLESS they've finished the game and submitted the review" in place most reviewers that won a game in the previous wave wont be able to participate in the next wave. those with smaller games might make it in time, but those with bigger games most likely wont make it. so there will be less potential participants.
of course i also understand that it might have been on purpose so that not the same ppl win each time. but this could be changed until more members are available.
change "Game should be completed before reviewing it" requirement for some games
to my understanding "completion" means to get all achievements. wouldn't it be enough to "just" beat the game?
some achievements are really difficult to get or need multiple playthroughs to get them so some ppl might have a really hard time to do that.and would take "forever" to do those if at all which would mean they cant review and hence cant participate in the next wave or the wave after.
to make it clear... my suggestions are only trying to get more entrants out of the current amount of group members available.
i think everything would be solved when more ppl join the magazine as reviewers. so you might consider these until more members join.
of course a lot of members also means a lot of managing is required to go through the giveaways, fix stuff, find rule breakers, etc
some food for thought
Thanks for reading
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change "Game should be completed before reviewing it" requirement for some games
to my understanding "completion" means to get all achievements. wouldn't it be enough to "just" beat the game?
some achievements are really difficult to get or need multiple playthroughs to get them so some ppl might have a really hard time to do that.and would take "forever" to do those if at all which would mean they cant review and hence cant participate in the next wave or the wave after.
talking with some guys on discord made it clear that they dont think that "Game should be complete" means that you need to get all achievements but rather you simply have to finish/beat the story/main game.
essentially what i was trying to suggest ... as completing all achievements seems a bit too much of a requirement...
so i would like to ask to rephrase this part to make it clear what is meant.
thanks
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Wave 4 is AWESOME - I already have my 3 entries picked :)
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Wave 4 is too good, I had to skip out on some I wanted despite having three choices. XD Not that I think I'll win the ones I entered since they're going to be some of the most popular but hey, trying anyway~
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Dead Cells is tricky as the actual completion is insanely difficult. It requires beating the game 5 times with increasing difficulties with the last one having extra levels for the ending. I'd recommend changing the terms to beating the game once.
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Hola! This is an excellent idea, and I also like that there is a perfect correlation between the full energy of the dreams and desire for the <SteamGifts Magazine> and the structure+norms in the group: This is dreaming big, and all seems organized to achieve big! Also, the entusiasm is contagious and everyone is happy to be a part of it. Love it!
I do not have any experience doing reviews, but I'm a PC gamer since forever and I do like to talk about them with friends... and I do have a tendency to talk a lot :)
So, if you would have me: I will love to start as a reviewer member in the group!
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Thank you for the support!
We'd love to have you as a Reviewer. Send a group request and I'll add you :)
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I'm writing this aside my entry request, as I think is an important topic so as to be identified in a separate reply:
Are you doing translations of the Magazine to other languages than English? I think it could be great for expanding to a wider audience.
I know that cannot be done as a One-man band, you need a team. But, perhaps if you open this idea, you can gather volunteers to do it (my native language is Spanish/Latin America/Argentina, and I can tell you the audience is big). Food for thought :)
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I haven't thought that far, to be honest. So I don't know what answer to give you.
It would require a considerable amount of work to make it happen. And it's not only about having a team dedicated to it. The whole magazine's text and screenshots must be realigned in order to fit the new text.
I'd wish to make it happen, but for now it remains only an idea.
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Yeah, I thought the same, just wanted to send the feedback about something that could be good. And so, at least set it in you pipeline :)
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Bump!
Please comment here, or on Discord, your desired Group role before submitting a request to join. We have received many requests with no info attached. WE CANNOT ACCEPT THEM unless you specify your desired role first!
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Hey! I'm here from the first issue and I must say, great work to all of you! I'd love to join as a Full Member, I really miss writing for a magazine. I haven't tackled anything quite like it since my high school days (that two page article on how the vending machine stole my 60 cents was well worthy of the front page, if I do say so myself XD).
So, let me know if you have space in there for one more. In any case, have a good one and keep up the amazing work!
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Hello!
Thank you for the support.
I've added you as a FM! Make sure to check the discord server too. That's where most of us hang out anyway, and we're quite active :)
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Just read the magazine its amazing how a few people with no real connection can achieve hats off to every one of you. The reviews especially the evil within made me realize how much i wanted to write something like this so yeah if a reviewer position is empty im in :D (again hats off to graphic designer)
Role: Full Member
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There is no limit on the how many Reviewers or Contributors the Group can have. From my point of view, more = better.
Added you as a FM. Welcome!
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Hello,
You need to specify the desired role before requesting to join!
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You can still go for the "Retro Reviews" or those indie games that do not require a powerful system.
Regardless. If you want to join as a Reviewer, send a group request and I will accept it! :)
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i think you cant beat f76 in 7 weeks as it is mmo type of game+7 weeks is really not much, especially ppl mostly have work and their lifes
Also: if u add me as reviewer but i wont win any games to review or im not interrested in current batch games-do i get deleted or stay as reviewer?
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You can stay as a Reviewer for as long as you want. You're not forced to enter giveaways you don't like.
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Send a group request and I'll add you.
Edit: I'm sorry, but on further investigation, we found out you're using SAM to unlock game achievements. While that is not in direct conflict with the Group Rules... we had ex-members that tried to trick us into believing they've actually played and finished the game they were supposed to review. With regret, I consider it's best to reject your application.
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lol what do you mean cheater? i cheat nobody and didnt cheat in any online game, so you know
what is your lose because someones using SAM?
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it fakes what you did in game and they only want fair reviews
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Well, you can use SAM and still play the game and give it a fair review. Earning an achievement doesn't equate to a fair review. The issue is that it would be easier to abuse getting a free game, so with so many games under their belt having used SAM, and the group having a person already do this by using SAM to try and cheat more free games, it was for the best.
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thats why im okay with this, i understand this. But i cheated noone, as this guy said
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maybe - include a section mentioning Youtube channels based around gaming would be cool
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Just finished the first issue, great job to all involved.
You convinced me I'd like to apply to be a reviewer 😊
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Can you link the issue(s) in the OP?
Big link for the newest, and when we have new ones, perhaps smaller links to the last three (the rest in a reply maybe for organization)??
Unless it's already there and I'm not seeing it, haha. In that case, I think it should be easier to find. 😂
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I’ll add it later tonight. I was just waiting for the second issue to be released before I create an index table containing each issue.
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Bump!
I keep receiving requests from members that want to join our Group. Please mention the desired role here before you apply, otherwise I will ignore your request!
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Starting today, the following Group Rules have been changed:
Each Reviewer can enter up to 3 giveaways per giveaway "wave"!
Changed to: Each Reviewer can enter any group giveaway until they win a game. After that point, the Reviewer is forbidden to enter additional giveaways unless they have played, reviewed, and submitted the review from the previously won giveaway.
After the current wave of giveaways ends, the next one will commence. You need to carefully consider and plan on which games you actually want to play and review.
Changed to: There will be two giveaway 'waves' per month. Each wave will feature up to 10 giveaways, and each giveaway will last exactly 24 hours. Therefore, make sure to check the giveaway table as often as possible.
Once a Reviewer wins a game, he or she will be forbidden from entering any future wave giveways UNLESS they've finished the game and submited the review.
Changed to: REMOVED
In case you use all 3 of your entries and you end up winning more than one game, you'll have to decide which one to keep and then drop the rest. Allowing SG to reroll the winner for the dropped games.
Changed to: REMOVED
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Once a Reviewer wins a game, he or she will be forbidden from entering any future wave giveways UNLESS they've finished the game and submited the review.
Changed to: REMOVED
Why removed?
Some entrants can still try and enter a new GA in the same wave after already winning one.
How will you prevent them from entering newer GAs?
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Removed because it's a repeat of the first changed rule.
Each Reviewer can enter any group giveaway until they win a game. After that point, the Reviewer is forbidden to enter additional giveaways unless they have played, reviewed, and submitted the review from the previously won giveaway.
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I don't understand, what do you mean??
Every giveaway lasts 24 hours. Right? A new one will be created AFTER the key has been sent to the winner of the first one.
It is clearly stated, in the first rule changed, that it is forbidden to enter additional giveaways if you already won a game (unless you play/review and submit the review of the first game won).
Members breaking that rule will get a warning. In case of wining the second game and not accepting to reroll, they get blacklisted. Receiving a second warning for breaking the same rule twice, will also result in a blacklist.
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So what you're describing to handle bad apples is exactly what's already been done in the system you just changed.
Again the question is how is this new system that has a GA that lasts only 24 hrs/game different from the previous system with more duration and a less hectic pace for reviewers?
Why make the change if the result is exactly the same?
Bad apples will still try and enter multiple GAs, regardless of whether the GAs are concurrent or back to back.
The result is exactly the same, no?
The system to deal with them is exactly the same.
In case of a multiple winner, the same ticket as before needs to be sent to SG support to get the issue fixed.
So why change the GA system then?
Also, this happened last GA and they didn't get blacklisted. Just got a second warning.
It's easy to see who did it in the SGM page.
In case of wining the second game and not accepting to reroll, they get blacklisted.
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It is obviously better as it deals with the fact that less desirable games will (hopefully) gain more entries, since nobody will know what the next game might be. Also the fact that you know you don't need to wait 2 weeks to find out if you've won a game, will entice more people to enter the daily giveaways.
It also helps that we don't have to wait 2 weeks for all giveaways to end, which means the winner of today's giveaway can start working on the review iimmediately. This way I'll have an even better influx of submitted reviews.
While it does not stop the hit & runners (and realistically, nothing can stop them) from joining multiple giveaways, it will help get rid of them quicker. We don't have to wait until the wave ends in order to deal with all that mess in one day... having multiple winners, multiple rerolls, dealing with bad apples and so on.
This system is clearly more efficient.
Also, this happened last GA and they didn't get blacklisted. Just got a second warning.
It's easy to see who did it in the SGM page.
That was MY mistake for sending the key before all the giveaways ended. A problem which WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN using this system. Dante had all the rights to keep both games, as he wasn't presented with an option to chose between Aliens: Colonial Marines and DMC3. I just told him to review Aliens because I've already sent him the key, and he activated it. And I let him keep DMC3 as well because he wanted it more than the other game, but as I said, I've robbed him of that choice. I've made an additional separate giveaway for DMC3 which will get reviewed by the other winner. So what is the issue? It was my bad and I've fixed it. Dante received a warning for it. His actions didn't warrant a blacklist.
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The main issue is the multiple winners.
Sadly there seems to be virtually no change in both wave systems in that regard, making the new one seem redundant.
The issue could've been dealt with a little more coordination without the need to overhaul the whole system, as in all GAs end at the same hour; for example, 8pm GMT.
That was the case, more or less, in the flawless GA wave that just ended yesterday, Mar 15. Everything went smoothly, even with the need to file one or two support tickets, which won't change in this new system.
All the other expected changes are hypothetical though. All remain to be seen.
The time given to reviewers never was a problem either.
About the other issue, no point in debating that one again, I'm afraid. What's done is done.
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We'll see how it goes. Changes can be reverted in case it does more bad than good.
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Is it an intentional change to the rules that people can now win (and keep) multiple games from a wave, and will no longer need to choose only one from their wins? That doesn't seem to be mentioned anywhere now.
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It isn't mentioned because people could potentially win a game today, play and review it in 1 week, submit it to me, and still be in time for the last giveaway of the wave which should happen 10 days from now.
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Sure, but if someone wins 2 (or more) games simultaneously they still have to choose just one, right?
Edit: Or is the idea now that there will be no simultaneous giveaways?
I think I get it now - each giveaway "wave" will last for up to 10 days, and for each 24 hours of the wave there will just be one single giveaway?
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Exactly. There won't be 2 active giveaways at the same time.
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Hello and Welcome to the central hub of SteamGifts Magazine!
The SG Community's own digital monthly gaming magazine in which ANYONE can join for a chance to win a game and review it, putting down their thoughts on "digital paper" for the whole community to read! Each submitted review will be published.
Steam Group Rules and Member Roles
Please make sure you have read and understood the rules for each role before requesting to join the Group:
Reviewer - As a reviewer you can enter the Group's giveaways for a chance to win games and review them.
The Rules:
1) Before entering giveaways, make sure you check the deadline assigned to them. Enter only if you truly believe that you can play and review the game in that timeframe. The deadline varies depending on game size and length, from 3 weeks up to a maximum of 8 weeks!
In case you cannot reach the expected deadline, you can request additional days in order to finish. A maximum of 5 additional days can be requested!
Not all games will require completion in order to be reviewed. Sport games, racing games, simulators or other type of "sandbox" games can be reviewed if a minimum required number of hours is met (that number will be decided separately).
Story based games on the hand, need to be finished before submitting the review!
2) Each Reviewer can enter any group giveaway until they win a game. After that point, the Reviewer is forbidden to enter additional giveaways unless they have played, reviewed, and submitted the review from the previously won giveaway.
3) There will be two giveaway 'waves' per month. Each wave will feature up to 15 giveaways.
4) In case you win multiple giveaways, you'll have to pick the game that you want to play and review the most, and then accept to re-roll the other game/s that you've won. This way everyone has a higher winning chance and you will be able to better focus on the review.
5) You’re not a professional game reviewer. We get that. Nobody is asking you to be one, but if you took upon yourself this task, you should at least try your best. We don’t want to stress you about creating the perfect review. But on the other hand, please respect the Magazine and the Group. Each review should be at least 1-2 pages long for smaller games, and 2-6 pages for bigger titles.
One page is measured in 400 words – font Calibri – size 11
Don’t worry if English isn’t your first language. It isn’t for most of us. I will correct mistakes the best I can before publishing it. Editors will help as well.
We also encourage a lighthearted approach in writing the review. Don’t take yourself too serious! Add some personal stories to make the reader feel more empathic towards you, rant about certain aspects of the game if you feel like it, make jokes, damn.. even add memes if you want to. The point is… be original. This is YOUR review. Pretend you’re explaining the game to your childhood's best friend. The reader is that friend :)
6) Do not try to copy/paste reviews from other sources. Stealing from others isn’t cool. And if caught you’ll be blacklisted. We want the authentic YOU!
7) The only “mandatory” review format is the game scoring. At the end of the review, you’ll have to score it accordingly to the magazine’s format.
8) As you play the game, you’ll be required to take and submit at least 5 in game screenshots, with small descriptions on what you were doing or trying to capture. These screenshots will be added in the magazine.
9) Some games might be too difficult to beat. Maybe you're stuck on a level? Or maybe the game is a mess filled with bugs that stops you from finishing it. If that's the case and you REALLY tried your best, but just couldn't move past a certain point, let us know in the Group. We can find a solution together.
10) The usage of any type of AI software or tool to write reviews or paragraphs from the review is strictly forbidden. We have an AI detection tool that we use on each submitted review, and it is highly effective, accurately identifying AI-generated content 9 out of 10 times.
If you are caught with 2 or less AI-generated paragraphs, you will receive a warning and lose your Premium membership (if you have one). If you are caught with more than 2 AI-generated paragraphs, you will be banned.
11) If you win a game, you have 7 days to redeem the key/gift and mark the game as received. Falling to do so will get you blacklisted.
12) Have a positive and friendly attitude.
Contributor – As a contributor you can support the Group with game giveaways (maximum of 4 per month). A game which will be reviewed by the winner and published in the magazine.
The Rules:
1) You’ll have to ask for permission before creating a Group giveaway. Via direct messaging me or requesting it in the dedicated post "Contributor's Dropxbox" in the Group Forum. The reason behind that is mostly because we’ll need to coordinate with the other giveaways. Also, no repeats of previous games.
2) There is going to be a limit of 4 giveaways per month (for the first few issues) and then, at a later date, the limit is going to be restricted to only 2 giveaway per month. The reason for that is because I want multiple members to participate on both sides. As a reviewer and a contributor. And since we can’t have too many giveaways going on at the same time, we need to limit the amount you can contribute.
3) Contributors will have a special "Thank You" section reserved in the magazine..
4) As a contributor you need to accept the fact that there is a small chance that some of your giveaways won't get to 5 entries. That means you will not receive any contributor points on SteamGifts.
5) Have a positive and friendly attitude.
Full Member – As a FM you’ll be able to contribute games for others to participate in, and you will also have access to other members giveaways for the purpose of playing & reviewing them.
Editor - As an editor, your task is to help us "tidy up" the reviews before we publish them in the Magazine. That means correcting any grammar mistakes you can find, making sure that the reviewer's ideas are well translated and interpreted into text. This is a vital role, as it will dictate the overall quality of the reviews and Magazine.
Moderator - Forum moderators will help with certain activities on the Steam Group Page. Making sure everyone is on their best behavior :)
Okay, now onto the Magazine..
Magazine Format
So far, this is very much up for debate. Everything you’ll see listed here are my own suggestions. By the time the magazine will be completed, many things will be changed or entirely new sections will be added.
• TEAM OF THE MONTH section, in which the editors and all reviewers will be listed, alongside their games (and the page # in which the reader can find that specific review).
• GAME GIVEAWAY section for the readers. Each issue will have a page dedicated to a game that is being given away through link invitation. The game will have a small review on it’s own. The giveaway will end on the last day of the month, right before the next issue is published. There might be multiple copies of the game in the same giveaway so more readers get a chance at it.
• SPECIAL section for different kind of articles related to gaming.
• NEWS section for gaming news.
• HANDS-ON REVIEW for games contributed by developers. If any indie game developers want to advertise their game and are looking for a honest review. (This might not be available in the first issue).
• REVIEWS section.
• COVER GAME REVIEW section, is going to be the “big” or “main” review. Which shall be the longest and most detailed (also the bigger game of them all).
• SCREENSHOT OF THE MONTH section, in which ALL SteamGifts members can submit their favourite screenshot from any game. Only 3 will be selected for publication. 3rd place, 2nd place and the winner. (don't know yet where they should submit the photos)
• FREE2PLAY GAME OF THE MONTH section, in which we’ll feature a Steam game that is free to play.
• HYPE section, in which we list a few upcoming releases that we’re hyped for.
• CONTRIBUTOR “Thank You” section in which all members that contributed with games will be mentioned. Each of them having a quote underneath the game they’ve gifted.
• And more… (if you have any suggestion, please share!)
The Rating System
I decided against using a conventional 10 digits or percentage scoring method.
Instead, the rating system for each game will be the following:
Story – Based on overall storyline, sidequests, environment, characters and dialogue.
Graphics – Based on overall graphics capabilities, visual effects and how well they hold up (for older games).
Sound – Based on sound effects, music and voice acting.
Gameplay – Based on gameplay mechanics, fluidity of the game, learning curve and engine stability.
Fun Meter – Based on originality and how much you’ve enjoyed playing it.
For EACH of these categories you need to assign a number of stars.
⭐ - horrible
⭐ ⭐ - poor
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ - good
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ - very good
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ - perfect
Besides the star system, we’ll also use a “VERDICT” section in which you can list up to 5 positives and 5 negatives of the game.
In the end, the reviewer will have to choose between “Approved” or “Rejected” on the “Seal of Recommendation”.
List of Reviews in Progress here
List of available Games (Wave 12 - Limited "Lost & Found" Wave):
Finished reviews can be submitted directly to staff member via Discord or Steam. Just message any of us and we'll take it from there.
How to Join the Group?
If you've read the rules and want to be part of the team, please leave a comment here with your desired role, then request to join here
Join our Discord..
if you want to say hi or submit your game screenshot for the "Screenshot of the Month" contest.
Screenshot of the Month
You have a cool, artistic or funny game screenshot that you want to share with us? Then submit it to us on Discord in the submission channel!
At the end of each month we're going to set up a vote poll for the best submission. The winner will be added in the Magazine's "Screenshot of the Month" section!
Submit your favourite screenshot on our Discord channel or on the Steam Group Page here.
Additional Info
After the first issue is released, we’ll have a monthly vote on “best review”, which will grant the winner the option to chose from 3 games. The won game can be reviewed for the next month's issue, but it is not mandatory.
Magazine Index
edit: Please comment here, or on Discord, your desired Group role before submitting a request to join. We have received many requests with no info attached. WE CANNOT ACCEPT THEM unless you specify your desired role first!
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