This past weekend invites to Marvel Rivals went out for its alpha play test, however one specific piece of the Creator Contract has gotten the game and developer a lot of heat, and not in a good way.

For those that don't know, invites to things such as alpha and beta testing and early review codes for games tend to go out to influencers and media and come with some rules attached. Typically these are such things as embargo dates (ie you can't speak on the game until this date), non disclosure agreements, what you can and can't steam (ie you can't stream a boss fight).

These are typical things in most of these contracts, and if you break one, well you might as well throw that relationship out the window. But what usually isn't in the contract is what NetEase did by telling anyone who got a code that they can't say anything negative about the game.

NetEase has since apologized and said it has been rectified but the damage might be done. But this happening has highlighted an issue that has long plagued both influencers and Media for a long time, and in some ways is what started me down the path of this website to begin with, and that is a lack of trust between consumers and influencers/media.

Many consumers think some media and influencers are for a lack of a better phrase, bought and paid for by developers and publishers. These companies send products to said influencers/media and it sways them to talk more positively about the game or product. Some even think reviews are paid for. After all, these review scores and influencer approvals are important to a games success.

Some even think media and influencers shouldn't get review codes for these games as that's enough to sway them (Full transparency here, we get many codes already and make sure it's known when we do). Personally I think getting codes is simply a way to help everyone do their jobs to inform the public. I'll never let our own opinions at GSC be swayed by receiving a code. But I know ultimately some don't like the idea of it all.

There's also the fear from the media side of things that I can now personally speak on. While I consider my team gamers first who just happen to write and not really media, we are by default of being a website part of the media now. If we get a code for a game and give the game a high review there will be some accusing us of only giving it a high score because of the "free" game. I get it and it comes with the territory.

Then there's the flip side, especially for a new site. If we get a code for a game and give a poor review, will the company understand and appreciate the review and effort, or be pissed and stop giving codes to your publication (ie Stevivor and PlayStation or the EU companies that Xbox omitted for Starfield)?

At the end of the day though everyone has to make the best, and right decisions. For the reader or listener it's deciding what outlet and influencer has their trust. For the outlet or influencer it's to make sure you have the readers/listeners AND publishers trust by making good content that is honest, fair and not influenced by gifts or showing a bias.

And finally the developers and publishers need to ensure they don't lost the trust of consumers or the media by not withholding access because they don't like a review. And definitely don't do things like tell influencers and media they can't say anything negative like NetEase did with Marvel Rivals.

Hopefully we here at Gamer Social Club are doing our part in gaining everyone's trust by producing great, honest content.