Getting free review copies and early release game keys are some of the best parts about being a game journalist. Actually obtaining review copies on your own takes a little bit of work, of course, not to mention the work you're signing up for when you request that free game.
The following rules and templates will help you request review copies for games. They'll work both for pre-release games and games that have been out for a while. Use them for publishers, developers, and even big studios if you like.
This is part of our series on free review copies for game journalists:
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Rules to follow:
- Before writing an email, check to see if the game publisher/developer has a standard request process for review copies. If they do, follow that to the letter.
- Send no more than two emails: one to introduce yourself, and one no sooner than 5-7 business days after not hearing back. Don't pester anyone.
- Keep it short and to the point. Nobody has time to read long emails, especially not emails that make simple requests.
- Put the information the reader will want at the top of the email - Assume no one will read beyond the first 2-3 sentences.
- Be friendly and personable. Talk to them human to human, not PR machine to PR machine.
First email:
Hello (person's name)!
I'm (your name), writer for (your publication). We cover (type of games the publication writes about).
I'm getting in touch to request a (platform you want the game for) key for (game you want). We'd like to (compelling reason you need the review copy).
Thanks for your time!
(your name)
(your email address at the publication)
Real example:
Hello AmazingGameCompany!
I'm John, writer for BigBadGames.com. We cover strategy games for PC and have recently expanded to include strategy games for consoles, as well.
I'm getting in touch to request a Nintendo Switch review copy of Advance Wars 7, as we'd like to have a review and analysis ready for launch.
Thanks very much!
John McReviewer
john@bigbadgames.com
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Second email:
Hello (person's name)!
This is (your name) at (your publication). I emailed last week asking about a review copy of (game name) for (platform).
I haven't heard back yet, so I thought I would follow up to make sure our emails didn't get lost in spam filters or anything.
Do you have review copies of (game name)? What's your formal process for requesting or receiving keys?
Thanks!
(your name)
(your email address at the publication)
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