Larian CEO Swen Vincke Criticizes Game Reviewers, Suggests Evaluating Their Work
Swen Vincke, the CEO of Larian Studios, has sparked controversy with his recent comments regarding video game reviewers. In a series of social media posts, he suggested implementing a rating system for critics, similar to Metacritic, where their critiques could be evaluated by others. Vincke’s proposal aims to encourage restraint among critics, claiming that harsh reviews can inflict real emotional damage.
Critique of Game Reviewers
Vincke expressed his belief that some game reviewers become overly personal in their reviews, which he attributes to the desire for social media attention. He noted that while he may not enjoy certain games, it is essential to recognize the hard work and passion that developers invest in their creations.
Comments on Reviewing Standards
In his posts, Vincke emphasized that reviews should strike a balance between personal opinion and objective assessment. He stated, “I get that if people are charging money, you want to know if it’s good or not.” He suggested that reviewers could simply express their enjoyment level or the perceived value of a game without resorting to harsh criticism.
Industry Response
Vincke’s comments have been met with significant backlash from the gaming community. Notably, Jeff Gerstmann, a former journalist at GameSpot and Giant Bomb, criticized Vincke’s perspective. He pointed out that many game reviewers endure disrespectful emails, including threats, for merely offering honest game scores.
Chris Tapsell, Eurogamer’s deputy editorial director, also weighed in, arguing that personal biases should not undermine the integrity of a review.
Debate Over Reviewer Accountability
- Swen Vincke advocates for a scoring system for reviewers.
- Critics argue that professional reviewers experience undue harassment.
- Discussion centers on balancing personal opinion with objective review standards.
As discussions continue, the industry is left pondering the implications of Vincke’s assertion regarding game review standards and the responsibilities of critics.
