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GTA 4 "10/10" Reviews Rigged by Rockstar

On Playstation Nation's weekly podcast, industry expert Andrew Yoon from the Joystiq network sheds some light on the industry practice of early exclusive game reviews. He mentions that Rockstar blacklists review sites, such a Joystiq, that give them unfavorable reviews/previews and have a direct hand in the content of the written reviews. This may explain IGN's perfect score for the game since they had the exclusive first online review of the game. Joystiq is still blacklisted for an unfavorable preview of Liberty City Stories for PSP.

Listen at at around 10:00 minute mark for the question that garners this reponse from Yoon.

Listen to the PodCast >>

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issa3032 - contributor
Published: 593 days 1 hour ago | Podcast | PlayStation 3 | Xbox 360 | Gaming | Industry News

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smokeymicpot - 593 days 2 hours ago

1 -

To many conspiracy's everything is these day's. But what ever if people want to believe it they will.

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chaosatom333 - 593 days 2 hours ago

1.1 - i don't think there is a conspiracy from Rockstar's side.

As far as reviews goes, they have become much more lenient and they don't actually care for the score much.

2+2= 10 or something.

Also they have to maintain pedigree. They handed out 10s way early to games like halo 3 and when it comes to gtaiv, they can't really graded it down.

I would personally give gta vice, gta SA, and gtaiv all 10s because i am a gamer, not a reviewer. Reviewers should be more strict.

The physics in gtaiv is awesome, like the euphoria system and there are number of improvements.

I think that the graphics look great, i am not going to lie, it's just my opinion. But offcourse if they perfected the graphics, then there will be nothing to look forward in the next gta series.

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Omegasyde - 593 days 2 hours ago

1.2 -

The single player is great. The multiplayer on the other hand needs to be fixed. If only the reviewers played the game with the ammount of people playing online on launch day.

The game is definitely not perfect, because of R* inability to really test out the multiplayer. Lots of options but the stupid "discontected/ returning to single player" error is ridiculous. I called R* on how to prevent this error and they stated that I should either Host games or goto a NAT 1 connection ( cat5 cable directly linked to router).

What a B.S. fix it answer. They must of forgot that 60 gb Ps3 has a wireless connection from the get-go.

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Martini - 593 days 1 hour ago

1.3 -

Sucks for you but the multiplayer on 360 runs fine and is the best aspect of the game. BTW I remember reading a story few years ago about R* strongarm some of the reviewers so I believe there is some truth to this.

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Amnesiac - 592 days 11 hours ago

1.4 - the multiplayer

works fine on the ps3..ive gotten that error like one time in 30 hours of gameplay...that goon above just needs a better router

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Rick Astley - 593 days 2 hours ago

2 - Not surprised.

GTA IV is insanely overrated. San Andreas, Vice City and III were all better. I don't even see what's so "next-gen" about GTA IV. The graphics are horrible and it's smaller than SA.

It just pisses me off that the games that actually DESERVE a 10 don't get it.

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2.1 Hydrolex | 593 days 2 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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Omegasyde - 593 days 2 hours ago

2.2 -

Hydro, I admit that the single player game is to time focused when doing the side mission i.e. Dating, hanging out with buddies.

The only side missions I can think that you can do with out the cocpect of Liberty City time is the police missions.

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PoSTedUP - 593 days 1 hour ago

2.3 -

i dissagree, gtaIII was better than vice, sanandreas. gta4 is better than all of them. my opinion. III and IV have the best story line, i used gtaIII to kill the time a week b4 gta IV came out

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SRuN4 - 593 days 1 hour ago

2.4 -

I thought Vice City and San Andreas were horribly overrated, I didnt even finish either of them. They were just so cheesy.

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ScentlessApprentice7 - 593 days 1 hour ago

2.5 - GTA IV is an awesome game,

And definately a contender for game of the year, but I have to honestly say that the characters in SA and VC were more charismatic. I think CJ and Tommy Vercetti were way more likable protagonists than Niko.

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Meresin - 593 days ago

2.6 -

GTA IV has really bad pixelation issues. It makes me wonder if the reviewers played it on an 11" TV or something, because that's the only way they'd be able to claim that the game was beautiful.

Don't get me wrong...It's fun. It just isn't beautiful. Too many jaggies for that. :P

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Condoleezza Rice - 593 days 2 hours ago

3 - GTA IV is a great game

Is it a 10?no.

I knew something was up when EVERYONE was handing out 10s,but I guess that's the business for ya

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Odonnus - 593 days ago

3.1 -

Yeah, i think the problem is also when these outlets start giving out 10's to more and more games (alot un-deservingly), they have to keep giving 10's when they realize that a better game is out (they can't give a lower score to a better game :p).

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SlyGuy - 592 days 23 hours ago

3.2 - I agree with you pal...no 10

definitely not a 10.

If the game had branching dialogue...maybe

If I injured the mission guy, called the ambulance and they helped him....maybe (they don't heal anyone else but me? lame, even more lame is that the guy disappears and then calls me on my cell phone! lol)

Sry but the innovation and real-world feel is still a bit off.

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niall77 - 593 days 2 hours ago

4 - I dont think Rockstar and take2 have the time or money to rig the 100 10/10s GTA4 got

but hay the internet is full of conspiracys.

one more cant hurt

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issa3032 - 593 days 2 hours ago

4.1 -

I don't think that Rockstar rigged all the review sites. But I think they rigged their early exclusive with IGN and got their 10/10. Then all the other competing sites followed suit. I don't know if you remember that originally Gamespot had given GTA 4 a 9.5/10 but then they changed it to a 10/10.

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Charlie2688 - 593 days 1 hour ago

4.2 -

Rockstar maybe not but considering 2Ks current position they are probably working magic as we speak and the release of GTA4 was there chance to do WHATEVER it takes to obtain there life saving "boost" and like EVERYTHING in life you can either do it one way (a LOT of advertisement) and/or the other way (pulling a few strings here and there to ensure good word) and we all know that in a ruthless business like theirs its more likely the second cuz they cant take any chances in there position

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RecSpec - 593 days ago

4.3 -

GTAIV is Take 2's Final Fantasy.

Everything, including their future, is riding on this game. So the fact that reviews may have been influenced is no big deal. Even if eventually down the road we find out that this was true. It wouldn't matter if Take 2 survives the EA situation. They need to survive this, whatever the cost.

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OnslaughtX - 593 days 1 hour ago

5 -

I think people, especially the "casual" consumers, need to stop taking ANY review score as fact and make their OWN opinions. Scores should be abolished since people use the arbitrary number to judge instead of inform, without reading the actual CONTENT of the review.

I decide what I like, not IGN, Gamespot,or any other $$$ driven site.

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skynidas - 593 days 1 hour ago

6 -

Who cares if they gave the game 10/10, the game was gonna sell anyway, the same's gonna be with MGS4

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OnslaughtX - 593 days 1 hour ago

6.1 -

I hope MGS4 scores well because it deserves it, not because its a major PS3 exclusive or any other stupid inflating factor. Then again, for some reason the media hate still exists on excellent games like Ratchet and Clank ....... 7.5? Are you kidding me?

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Hagaf22 - 593 days 1 hour ago

6.2 - @ onslaught

i know what you mean, ratchet and clank was an awesome game, definitely a great ps3 game- had it been multiplatform it would have gotten better ratings, but it came out during a major "hate ps3" time.

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mclazyj - 593 days 1 hour ago

6.3 -

@6.1

What aspects of MGS4 give it the qualification of deserving a good score? I am assuming that you have played it. It may deserve it, but until it is out, how do we actually know it is worth a 9 or 10?

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OnslaughtX - 593 days 1 hour ago

6.4 -

No no, what I am saying is, I want MGS4 judged on the merits of itself, and scored accordingly. If it scores a 10, I want it to be because it deserves it, not because of $ or because its a major hyped title (like Halo 3). At the same time, if it deserves a 5, then give it a 5, but don't give it a low score or knock it simply because its a PS3 title. And let's be honest, that bias is still incredibly prevalent in the media today, this week just goes to show that.

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Slayer OP - 593 days 1 hour ago

7 - Why are you guys so jealous?

Its a near perect game in a world of crappy games! Its deserves its reception! It didnt not pay for it like halo 3 did so GTA haters please shut up!

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7.1 Big Jim | 593 days 1 hour ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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DailyAddict - 593 days 1 hour ago

8 -

I'm not one to speculate on theories, but a conspiracy theory for the IGN review holds some truth. Sure, Rockstar may not have rigged a ton of 10's across the board, but in a way, they did. IGN is the world's LARGEST and most well-known games network out there. By that reputation, they indirectly set the trend for EVERY OTHER SITE OUT THERE because - if you've noticed - most editors out there are just copycats of other people's scores. More importantly, they typically want to be somewhat close to whatever IGN says. So, by IGN giving the game a perfect 10, it set the trend for everyone else because at the risk of (dare I say it!?) actually being an editor and having your own opinion, the other networks do not want to give the game anything less than what IGN says at the cost of a fanboy uprising and losing credibility (to the fanboys).

That is why IGN's review was exclusive. So that every other network out there could see they gave it a 10, they'd have time to readjust their reviews and scores to match it.

It was a perfect setup. Don't be surprised if you see more of this from IGN or other largest networks in the future for any really large game. I'm sure IGN made a crapload of cash off of this just from the advertising alone.

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ChefDejon - 593 days 1 hour ago

9 -

Grand Theft Auto 4 is no where on the same lvl as San Andreas

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Slayer OP - 593 days 1 hour ago

9.1 -

Your right. Its 10 times better.

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9.2 vickers500 | 593 days ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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Ri0tSquad - 593 days 1 hour ago

10 -

Not surprised at all

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Close_Second - 593 days 1 hour ago

11 - Its a catch-22.

Publishers want the best reviews possible to fuel the hype and help sell their product, which in most cases has cost tens of millions to develop. Gaming sites want that exclusive first review to get as much traffic and subsequent advertising dollars as possible. If you're going to give a totally honest review that will potentially burst a games hype bubble, then chances are the reviewer will get snubbed by the publisher.

You see similar practices with the movie industry except when the studio knows the movie is a real dog, then they don't let anyone from the press see it in advance.

I don't know if their is deliberate review fixing going on however, its in everyone's interests to maybe bend the truth a little.

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PimpHandHappy - 593 days 1 hour ago

12 - STUPID

look at all these websites up in arms over one site getting the 1st review

it was the first review by like 2 days

this is sick

gaming media is still to young and proves it daily

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DJ - 593 days 1 hour ago

13 - Well it happened with Halo 3.

But Halo 3 actually had problems and big technical/design issues. Only a few sources actually had the guts to give it a proper score, which was 7s and 8s.

Hillary Goldstein from IGN (who reviewed the game) literally states "I can forgive the occasional moments when the framerate jitters or there's some minor texture pop in. I get texture pop in just trying to butter a bagel."

But GTA IV actually deserves a 10 for gameplay. Graphics though should've only earned a 7~8. If PS2 titles like Jak and Daxter can have characters with articulated fingers, why not a PS3/360 title like GTA IV?

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The Closing - 593 days 1 hour ago

13.1 - Gameplay a 10?

What game were you playing?

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Skerj - 593 days 1 hour ago

13.2 -

Oddly enough, the PSP GTA's had articulated fingers.

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DJ - 592 days 23 hours ago

13.3 - Oh my god, seriously??

LOL

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Skerj - 593 days 1 hour ago

14 -

Isn't it a bit too late for these revelations now? The reviews are out in full force, it's not like any outlets are about to retract them.

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15 Big Jim | 593 days 1 hour ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

16 radzy | 593 days 1 hour ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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funkysolo - 593 days 1 hour ago

17 - he might have a point

I think GTA is a good game but it's not the best game ever and it's far from it...There is to many issues with it. The driving sux, the missions are repetitive. I'm only 25 percent and have already car chase 7 or 8 guys to kill them...So far I haven't really notice any innovation and kinda feels like the old GTA with a bunch of boring missions. I would of prefer a story driven game even if it would mean a shorter game. Just like the other GTA games i'm starting to get bored because of the repetitive. I like the game but it's not a 10 more like an 8. The antilaising is terible and the worst I have ever seen in a game. I don't know what game the reviewers were reveiwing but GTA in my opinion doesn't come close to the experiance I had when I play Orcania of time for the 1st time and thats what a game with a score of 10 should feel like. Gta is a good game but no where near the perfect score

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Wil Wheaton - 593 days ago

18 -

i think it is a good game but i believe the multiplayer is weak and tacked on. My biggest gripe is starting with a lame pistol i cant stand going through whole 30 minutes games with the weak ass gun its unbelievably frustrating all you have to do is go to weapons and select heavy or smg's its not hard people. Cop's and Crooks isnt as great as the reviews were saying. What has surprised me is team mafiya work that is a lot of fun and you start out with an smg thats actually probably the only reason i like it....
and lol if you guys want an honest review there is always yahtzee from zero punctuation

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kcdude - 593 days ago

19 -

I don't think any game should ever deserve a 10, there is always room for improvement and everybody has their own opinions.

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TheIneffableBob - 593 days ago

20 -

Sadly, the majority of reviewers out there today cannot be trusted.

You have to go to a regular gamer or an independent reviewer like Shacknews in order to get honest reviews.

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OldGamer - 593 days ago

21 - It's official

I'm addicted to GTA IV. I've been playing at least 4-5 hours a day since launch and I want to play more.
I have to force myself to stop playing and go eat, sleep, work, come here and read the news, etc.

Perfect? No. But nothing in life is.

Great game and lots of fun? Hell-f*cking-yes!!

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Bathyj - 593 days ago

22 -

After having Planes and Jetpacks and Parachutes its a shame not to have them in GTA4, but GTA4 DOESNT EVEN HAVE GANGS ! Unless I've missed something and I'm 50% throught the game, theres no territorys where gangs always hang, and shoot at you once you've crossed them. That sucks.

In GTA2 you could be on the outs with a gang but go and kill enough of their enemies and they would trust you again and offer jobs. Man I wish they brought that into the new games. But NO GANGS OR GANG CARS WHATSOEVER? WTF man?

I'll say this but. Why does no one mention the sixaxis controls. Bowling is ok, boats are cool, darts is excellent, but the pinical that makes it all work while, walking drunk. In case no one has noticed when you're drunk the sixaxis tilts and you walk in that direction. I didn't realize at first and kept falling on my arse. Man its funny trying to stay upright and walk like you're balancing a marble on a plate.

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Strife Lives - 592 days 23 hours ago

23 - Half empty or half full

Whats in the game is epic and awesome.but theres two few clothing stores and clothes.I miss tuning cars and applying bodykits. Its kinda misleading,what rockstar did,I went into playing this game expecting two thngs to stay on my negative list.namely,a smaller map than san andreas and no planes to fly.I was really disapointd with the car customisation being removed completly.oh.and no parking garages.two cars at a time.just wrng.

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mbmonk - 592 days 23 hours ago

24 - I don't like IGN

but lets not hold Joystiq up as an example of what gaming journalism should be. Their site is utter crap. Joystiq is a blog not a professional journalism.

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issa3032 - 592 days 22 hours ago

25 -

I feel that Rockstar is more at fault than the video game reviewers because if one site refuses, they'll just find another willing pawn.

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Breakfast - 593 days 2 hours ago

1 -

Stop with the conspiracies...lol....jesus. Now this aint gonna sound to pleasing....but, all conspiracy theories only come from one side. Which side might that be?

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1.1 Hydrolex | 593 days 1 hour ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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Hatchetforce - 593 days ago

1.2 -

Considering the entire Joystiq network is on the payroll of Microsoft they should hardly be pointing fingers.

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ShinGino - 592 days 5 hours ago

1.3 - Well......

GTAIV is a great game without a doubt, and has improved in a lot of areas from the latest GTA.

But I do not think it was 10/10 worthy. Especially in graphics. It isn't technically very good, and IGN said that its artistic design was good enough for a 10.......I don't see it.

In sound, it also received a 10........also not 10 worthy.

It would have been more realistic if they kept it in the 9s.

MGS4 has far better sound, and graphics, both technically and design-wise.

They better give it a 10, or else, we'll know something fishy happened in the review of GTAIV!

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PoSTedUP - 593 days 1 hour ago

2 -

to some peole gta4 was a 10/10 and thats that. i know people who didnt like it at all and returned it. so what??!!

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Electronic Arts - 593 days 1 hour ago

3 -

I MOTHERFVKING KNEW IT!!!!!!
I ABSOLUTELY TOLD YOU ALL!!!!!

THIS WOULDNT HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD TAKE 2

NOW DO YOU BELIEVE ME?!

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n00bPwner - 593 days 1 hour ago

4 -

But.....GTA4 is a 10...sooo....... yeah.

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Ali_The_Brit - 592 days 23 hours ago

5 -

oh please. rockstar didnt need any 10/10 scores anyway, regardless of the scores this still would have been biggest selling game of all time

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xg-ei8ht - 592 days 18 hours ago

6 -

My verdict on gta4:

Graphics 9
Gameplay 9
Handling of vehicles 5
Framerate on both versions 8

Fun factor 9

Enjoy it for what it is.

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7 pow3r of t3h c3ll | 592 days 16 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

8 Cynical-Gamerzus | 592 days 13 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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budbundystyles - 592 days 11 hours ago

9 - !

Yes, don't but GTA4, buy Saints Row 2 instead. It not like gta at all.

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RememberThe357 - 592 days 4 hours ago

10 - This is some bull sh*t.

You guys know this sh*t it happening. If you think this is BS then your naive as hell.
I do agree that GTA IV is closer to a 9 than a 10. But you people act like a 9 isn't good or something. sh*t I'd be happy with an 8.

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RememberThe357 - 592 days 3 hours ago

11 - This is some bull sh*t.

You guys know this sh*t is happening. If you don't than your naive as hell.
I do agree that GTA Iv was more of a 9 than a 10. But you guys act like a 9 is a bad thing. sh*t I'd be happy with an 8.

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