Ok, let's say you've got a game that you feel pretty happy about. You've play tested it a lot, and now you'd like to pitch it to some game publishers, but first, you want to get a review or two by 3rd party folks who aren't your friends. You'd have to ship them a copy of course. Any suggestions on how and who to ask about writing a review for an unpublished game? And do you think that this is a worthwhile step at this phase?
Game reviewers
If you looking to get reviews to show to publishers i don't think itβs worth it. Unless your reviewer is famous the publisher is not going to value their opinion and even if they do they will want to decide for themselves if the game is any good.
And there are so many good games out there, most reviewers are only going to want to review published games.
However, as said before, if you get get a well-known group of people to get excited about playing the prototype, then it can be helpful. I'm thinking of all the talk about the 7 Wonders and Last Will prototypes played at the Gathering of Friends the past couple of years.
And, of course, it is still always a good idea to send your game to other gaming groups to blind playtest the game. Their feedback can help you make the game better, increasing its chances of getting published.
And there are so many good games out there, most reviewers are only going to want to review published games.
However, as said before, if you get get a well-known group of people to get excited about playing the prototype, then it can be helpful. I'm thinking of all the talk about the 7 Wonders and Last Will prototypes played at the Gathering of Friends the past couple of years.
And, of course, it is still always a good idea to send your game to other gaming groups to blind playtest the game. Their feedback can help you make the game better, increasing its chances of getting published.