TechRaptor CEO Tackles the Limitations of Review Aggregators
It's time for a games media revolution...
If you've ever used Metacritic, you know that it’s a very one-note outlet. You find a game you're interested in, check the reviews, and that's it. There's no other reason to stick around. The problem, though, is that a game's lifespan doesn't begin and end at the review cycle. Especially if a game is in Early Access, there are hands-on previews that may initially pique interest.
That's just one area CriticDB looks to improve upon. The new aggregator and media tool launched by TechRaptor CEO Rutledge Daugette is a multifaceted project aiming to appeal to gamers, developers, and the media that connects the two.
Going Beyond MuckRack
A sort of MuckRack for game journalists, the site will also double as a means for PR and developers to find suitable outlets that fit their projects. Developing a new turn-based RPG? CriticDB can help align any outlets, big or small, that may specialize in the genre.
Unlike MuckRack, CriticDB allows outlets to seamlessly manage their editorial and review staff. This creates a layer of transparency for gamers, who can see without having to dig who is behind a review and what they may have reviewed in the past. The media-to-consumer review system is built on a trust that's not easily established. CriticDB's transparency makes it possible to foster these relationships without the intervention of crowded social media outlets.
As for the games themselves, CriticDB features fully customizable pages with a bounty of information. Reviews and previews tied to the game will populate on this independent page, as will a section for similar titles. While that may seem like a play for competing releases, it expands exposure for gamers who struggle to find similar titles in a specific genre or with a specific play style.
Expanding on a user-friendly experience, CriticDB puts some control in the player's hands. Is a game missing completely? Users can add new titles to ensure their favorite titles are being properly highlighted. They can also link games together, ensuring that suggested options are accurate.
A Focus on Community
Unlike Metacritic, CriticDB aims to build a community that benefits all facets of the industry. Journalists, gamers, developers, and PR all have something to gain and can use the platform to improve exposure and build fruitful, long-term relationships. This effort is supported by a fairly extensive user profile, which not only lists socials but also lets users showcase what they're playing, what they've played, what's in their backlog, and games they've stopped playing. There are also tabs for reviews they've left and wishlisted games.
CriticDB is free to use, but there will be two paid options that remove ads. For $2 or $5 per month, users enjoy ad-free browsing while supporting the website’s efforts. PR professionals have their own pricing at $20 per month, which grants them access to a backend dashboard, an informational company profile, and more.
The new site is scheduled to launch on January 30th. For now, visit www.criticdb.com/ to join the Discord and sign up for the newsletter. Also, be sure to follow CriticDB on Twitter, Facebook, and Bluesky.