Bethesda is Getting Better About Review Copies

Bethesda received a bad reputation last year when they decided that they would no longer give out early review copies of their games. Early copies allowed critics to play and review the game ahead of time so that ratings and impressions can be ready for when the game launches. It's hard to have solid thoughts on a 40-hour game if you have to rush to play it.

The Executive Editor of IGN revealed today in a Twitter conversation that Bethesda has "kinda" gone away from that. He clarifies that they are back to giving away review copies, albeit only a few days early. This is still a rather short timespan to play and review a game, and while he would prefer more time, this is at least a step in the right direction. This was all prompted by the upcoming Nazi-killing first-person shooter Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, due to release on October 27th.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus was internally reported to have no multiplayer in an effort to focus on making a worthwhile single-player experience, which is likely to mean a lengthy and fleshed out experience. The longer the campaign, the longer it takes to review.

An official IGN review will not be ready by the time of the game's release, and it is a safe assumption that the other major critics are in the same boat. If you are on the fence about purchasing the game this Friday, I suggest waiting until those reviews are out before making that decision.