The following does not really pertain to how to technically write a credible review. But it helps sustain journalistic integrity in the long run especially when your website becomes popular.
- Secure revenue sources other than game advertisement.
In Japan there used to be a good critical magazine that just did this - it had no game advertisement and relied solely on the sales of magazines for its revenue.
It seemed that the magazine was founded by editors and anonymous developers who were disgusted with existing popular magazines that heavily relied on PR money and therefore inflated scores to appease major publishers.
Due to its business model, the magazine was reasonably independent from publishers' influence peddling, if not entirely. It was not hesitant to piss off big names when they thought games were poorly made. Their harsh reviews sometimes angered gamers as well but that was OK because at least they seemed honest. In the Japanese game community where game reviews were almost synonymous with disguised advertisement, this kind of journalistic integrity was precious.
Unfortunately, the magazine was discontinued due to financial difficulties. On the Internet, I presume it is very difficult to succeed with a subscription-based model unless you have other things to offer (e.g. exclusive videos and interviews). After all, only few people are willing to pay just to read a review.
But this is certainly one thing to think about.
No, it's not going to stop 'Til you wise up
No, it's not going to stop So just ... give up
- Aimee Mann
