Editorial Policy

GamePicks AU is built on a foundation of integrity, transparency, and respect for our readers. These values guide every editorial decision we make.

Our editorial team independently selects which games to review based on quality, innovation, player interest, and relevance to the Australian gaming community.

Selection Criteria:

• Quality & Innovation: Games that offer unique mechanics or exceptional execution
• Community Interest: Games requested by our readers or trending in Australia
• New Releases: Fresh titles from established developers or promising indies
• Genre Diversity: Ensuring coverage across different game types and player preferences
• Australian Availability: Games accessible to our local audience through official stores

Editorial independence is fundamental to everything we do. Our readers trust us to provide honest assessments, and we take that responsibility seriously.

What This Means in Practice:

• No Pay-for-Reviews: We never accept money, gifts, or incentives for positive coverage
• Affiliate Transparency: All affiliate links are clearly marked and never influence our recommendations
• Editorial Separation: Business partnerships are kept separate from editorial decisions
• Honest Assessment: We highlight both positive and negative aspects of every game
• Score Integrity: Review scores reflect genuine gameplay experience, not commercial considerations

We strive for accuracy in all our content, but when errors occur, we address them promptly and transparently.

Our Correction Process:

• Error Identification: We monitor feedback and regularly review published content
• Fact Verification: All corrections are thoroughly verified before implementation
• Transparent Updates: Corrections are clearly noted with update dates
• Reader Notification: Significant corrections may be communicated via social media or newsletter

If you notice an error in our content, please contact us at editorial@gamepicks.com.au with details and supporting information.

We receive press releases, game keys, and promotional materials from developers and publishers. Here's how we handle these materials while maintaining editorial integrity.

Press Materials Policy:

• Independent Evaluation: Press materials inform us About games but don't guarantee coverage
• Editorial Decision: All publication decisions are made by our editorial team, not partners
• No Quid Pro Quo: Receiving materials creates no obligation for positive coverage
• Standard Testing: All games undergo the same rigorous testing process

Sponsored Content Guidelines:

• Clear Labeling: All sponsored content is prominently marked as "Sponsored" or "Advertisement"
• Editorial Standards: Sponsored content must meet our quality and relevance standards
• Reader Value: We only accept sponsorships that provide genuine value to our audience
• Disclosure Requirements: All commercial relationships are transparently disclosed

We value input from our community and actively encourage game suggestions, feedback, and corrections from our readers.

How We Handle Community Input:

• Game Suggestions: Reader recommendations are considered in our editorial planning
• Feedback Integration: Constructive feedback helps us improve our content quality
• Correction Submissions: We welcome notifications About errors or outdated information
• Editorial Discretion: Final decisions About coverage remain with our editorial team

While we consider all suggestions, factors like editorial resources, game quality, and audience relevance influence our final decisions About which games to review.

We maintain strict policies to identify and address any potential conflicts of interest that could compromise our editorial integrity.

Disclosure Requirements:

• Personal Relationships: Any personal connections with developers are disclosed in reviews
• Financial Interests: Investment or financial relationships with gaming companies are disclosed
• Professional Connections: Previous employment or consulting relationships are noted
• Gift Policies: We decline personal gifts from developers and publishers

We may update this Editorial Policy as our practices evolve and industry standards change. The latest version will always be available on this page.

Update Process:

• Regular Review: We review our editorial policies annually
• Community Input: Reader feedback influences policy development
• Transparency: Significant changes are communicated to our audience
• Version Control: Update dates are clearly marked on this page