Ethics · Legal View
Editorial Policy
The formal version. Still readable, just more careful.
This Editorial Policy sets out VGDB's commitments in respect of editorial independence, monetisation, and review integrity. It is a public statement rather than a contract, and is binding on us as a matter of editorial practice.
1. Editorial independence
We do not accept payment, non-monetary consideration, or pressure of any kind in exchange for favourable coverage, favourable placement, or altered review scores. Our editorial judgements are not for sale.
2. Financial interests and monetisation
VGDB earns revenue from optional paid membership tiers (Subscriber, Premium and Patron), described on the pricing page and billed through Stripe. Paid membership raises usage limits and adds cosmetic features. It confers no influence over editorial decisions, review scores, featured placement, or coverage.
As at the date of this policy, VGDB carries no advertising, no affiliate links and no sponsorships. Any new monetisation arrangement, including advertising or affiliate links, will be disclosed on this page and in the site changelog before it is introduced.
3. Review materials received from third parties
Where we receive a review key, free copy, or other consideration from a developer, publisher, or their agents, we commit to the following:
- We will review the game on its merits, with honesty and integrity.
- We will not award a favourable score because of pressure from any party.
- We will not award a favourable score because we received the game free of charge.
- We will disclose, on the review itself, the fact that review materials were provided.
4. Conflicts of interest
Any known conflict of interest involving the operator, a contributor, or a reviewer will be disclosed on the relevant page. Where a conflict is material, the reviewer will recuse themselves.
5. Corrections policy
Material factual errors are corrected promptly on discovery. Corrections are noted inline or in a footer where appropriate, so that readers can see what changed.
6. Community content moderation
User-generated content (reviews, lists, articles, comments) is moderated for conduct and factual accuracy, not for opinion. A negative review written in good faith will not be removed on the basis of its opinion.
7. Contact
Last updated: 14 October 2026