Navigating The Gaming PR Dance

PhPetey writes "I recently began reviewing games and gaming culture for a U.S.-based national trade publication. I find the most difficult aspect of my job so far to be the lack of communication skills possessed by many of the people involved with the public relations departments of various developers and publishers. Simply establishing a basic relationship with these organizations is mind-numbingly difficult, as calls and emails repeatedly go unreturned. Are there any tips and tricks from experienced gaming journalists that could make this process any easier?" Tips from people who just pretend to be journalists to get free games are, of course, also appreciated.

Comments

Interesting...

[dogzilla]

Reading the one comment on here by an actual developer and several other online articles/posts on this subject elsewhere, I'm developing a new perspective on the supposedly harsh world of game development.

From what I've seen/read, many of the same game developers who are crying about how hard it is to develop a successful title are also the ones who can't make time for their PR duties. Complain about the big studios all you like, but if you're a small developer you *need* each and every PR opportunity that comes your way, and if you're "too busy coding" to take the time...well, good luck getting anyone's ear next when you need them.

I think this is another sad case of geeks underestimating the need for good sales/marketing/presentation. We all hate to do marketing/sales, but if you want to be successful in business - any business - great code isn't enough and maybe isn't even the most important thing.

If you're anyone but the top 5 developers/publishers and you're turning away *any* PR opportunity for any reason, you should either have your head examined or hire someone that can do the job properly.