I’m Not Writing Previews Anymore
Okay, I did a formal preview for APB for LoreHound. Sue me.
I’ve come to the decision after looking at my PAX East workload to stop writing previews. It’s not because I’m lazy, or think that the collection of titles at PAX East aren’t worthy. Many of them are. I do plan to write about the games that were on display, I simply won’t be writing in the style of a hard-defined preview. Instead, I plan to zone in on the aspect(s) of the games that got me really excited, thinking or upset.
Personally, I’ve never enjoyed writing, or even reading, previews. That is why I’ve rarely done them up until now. But because I have been attending so many conventions lately, I have received a lot of requests for the extra coverage. Part of the reason I don’t like writing them is because of the incredibly limited exposure I have with the game. Ten to fifteen minutes of the opening level or specially created demo is not something I’d call all encompassing. Yet I’m asked to put together a 500-1000 word article on the game in question. On top of that, most editors require the opening to regurgitate information from the official announcement of the game (setting, plot, technology used, developer, etc.).
The other issue is that of marketing. The PR people that are part of game companies, or hired by them, are very good at their craft. They’ll make sure that what is being displayed is eye-catching, at least the ten minutes that I’ll manage to see. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just pre-packaged and rehearsed. Much like eating Kraft Cheese and Macaroni. Tasty, but it has no flair.
It really comes down to the fact that previews aren’t a form of writing I enjoy producing. Whatever the reason, if I don’t enjoy doing something, I shouldn’t bother with it. I would not want to sell you, my readers, or my editors something that my heart isn’t behind. And again, this doesn’t mean you won’t ever see a preview from me. I just plan on writing them a bit differently; more bloggish and with more heart than a cold, objection-based preview.
