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

Bend over backwards to make it easy on them

[Teppy]

We're a small game developer that has gained a bit of notoriety, at least to the point where I can't keep up with the PR opportunities the way I'd like to.

When I do pick which to do, I choose the ones where a small amount of my time can go a long way. If someone wants an email interview, that's pretty tough because it takes a couple hours away from coding. If they would like an in-game tour, that's a bit easier - I can show them the highlights of the game, and then let them explore. If they want to do a review, and just want to spend a few minutes on the phone, that's best of all - I never turn down one of those.

So, my advice is to go out of your way to make it easy on the person you're trying to reach. At least that works on me :)