When GameSpy was first founded, its name was synonymous with multiplayer. GameSpy3D helped set the standards for getting people together to play online. On the editorial side, these roots have always been very important to us.

In this day and age, the gaming press pushes hard to be first in just about everything. The first information gets the most page views. Unfortunately, the push to be first often means certain things may not be accurate when a game becomes available to the masses. And the thing that usually takes the hit is multiplayer, particularly online multiplayer. How can you post a review on a game when you have not had a chance to see the PC net code in action or see if the servers are handling the load properly? How can you see what the Xbox Live experience is like or how the PS2 network component plays? Even the handhelds are getting into the act with wireless play.

Starting with the launch of the Xbox 360, you'll notice we're taking a more definitive stance in this area. The integrated online functionality of the Xbox 360 is bringing online gameplay to the masses, and it's our duty to make sure that our reviews accurately reflect the online experience you're going to get when you take the title home. That means we're going to test every online-enabled title -- PC and console -- on live servers, with real traffic. Every time.

As a result, online multiplayer games will not receive a final score until we have had a chance to test out all aspects of the game in the same environments that all gamers will play in. Instead, if we feel a game demands coverage as soon as it hits shelves, it will get an "Out of the Box" article offering our initial impressions, with the final review to follow shortly after the game's release. These "Out of the Box" articles will come complete with a simple, easy-to-understand system that lets you know how we're leaning:

  • Green Light (Promising): This game is already looking really good, although our testing hasn't finished yet.
  • Yellow Light (Wait on It): The jury's still out. Things could go either way.
  • Red Light (Looking Bad): Online or not, this game clearly has some major problems. Stay away.

    Ideally, games that have "Out of the Box" articles should have final reviews posted no more than two or three days after the game hits shelves. In the case of massively multiplayer online games, those reviews will hit within two weeks.

    As an extension of this policy, GameSpy will no longer pursue exclusive reviews on games that have a significant online multiplayer component. While we understand that gamers want our final opinions on a game right away, we strongly feel that it is more important to be right than first. People who need information immediately can get it from the "Out of the Box" feature. In the end, we feel that we are better serving you, the readers and gamers.

    If you have any questions or issues with our new policy, be sure to send us your feedback. We value your perspective.

    John "Warrior" Keefer
    Editorial Director
    GameSpy