Many gamers often drool when the smallest tidbit of information 
comes out about a game. They fervently, at times, search for every ounce of information that can be had and read every preview and review available. Of late I’ve seen a tendency in gaming journalism that I think is poor form and unprofessional.
Namely, it’s commenting on the publisher and PR embargoes. Frankly, it’s just not necessary. It seems that many game journalists have forgotten what it means to be professional and instead choose to berate, point fingers and generally act like children when information is unavailable for disclosure to the masses.
They fail to realize that the publishers and developers have spent thousands of hours crafting intricate games and raising anticipation over them so that the fans will be ready to get the games when they’re available.
If a game is story-driven, as many recent titles have been, then the story is a major selling point. Ergo, if you write a review and run down the whole story, you have effectively taken value away from that game for many gamers who read your review.
Hence, publishers feel the need to put certain pieces or entire portions of games under embargo, so that the gamers will still have that element of surprise upon discovery. Your job as a games journalist is not to question why the publishers do it. Your job is to report the facts. That can easily be done without resorting to “well I can’t tell you about that because the publisher has made it hush-hush.”
That kind of comment amounts to taking your toys and going home like a 10-year-old child. Why not simply tell the gamers what they need to know and what you can tell them and simply let them find out the rest for themselves?
Have you received so many titles for free now that you have forgotten what it’s like to anticipate a game? To throw that disc into the drive after plopping down hard-earned cash for it and finding out all the cool things you were hoping for?
Personally, I am always happy to comply with an embargo. It has many benefits to everyone involved. For example, I get the games early and free. That means I get to play them and write them up for my readers. That’s a bonus in regards to traffic and since I’m a gamer, I get to play the games early and free. The embargo is beneficial for the gamers because then they too get to have the surprise and experience the game with fresh eyes that have not been tainted by someone spoiling the whole thing. That’s a bonus for them in the gaming experience and it also turns into a bonus for the publisher.
The Publisher and Developers have worked for years to create a game that they hope will be both appealing to gamers and successful. After all, it’s business and the bottom line is always in site and part of the plan. By refraining from divulging facts about the game prior to its release you help them achieve that success. It’s not selling out, it’s not censorship. It’s just a fact of business.
Finally, as an added benefit to the professional games journalist, the one that doesn’t whine, complain or overtly point to the fact that things are under embargo, the publisher will remember. They will be thankful and will see you as a sturdy and trustworthy business partner. So when their next big title rolls around, you’ll be on the list for advance info, copies of the game and special events. For you as a journalist, that’s a huge perk, because it’s all about access to information.
When you act unprofessionally and childishly needle them about an embargo on information, they’ll see you as sub-par. They’ll know you’re not 100% professional and that will affect your dealings. Can’t understand this? Perhaps I need to put it into a game-based example?
In a game with a reputation system, when you act like an ass to many characters, they will dislike you. This will negatively impact your ability to get information and cooperation from them. Don’t believe me? Go play Alpha Protocol. When you are on their good side, whatever that may be, it opens a world of new information and opportunity.
How do you think they developed that type of reputation system? Yes, from the real world. Perhaps it’s more black and white in games and exaggerated, but it’s still based in reality.
So how about you maintain that professional veneer we all have so tirelessly tried to create and act like a real, professional journalist. In the long run, it will be beneficial for everyone involved, including you and your colleagues.