Mystery Steam Reviews: advertising in video games

Do you love products? I know I do. You can eat products, you can wear products, you can smear products all over your body. Products are terrific.

Publishers and developers have heard that you enjoy products, so they’ve taken to advertising some in their games. That’s why we’ve centred this week’s MSR on those video games that are trying to sell you stuff, like Lilt. Mmmmm, Lilt. The totally tropical taste.

For the next edition ofMystery Steam Reviews, we’ve run another poll on theRock Paper Shotgun YouTube channel, so go and vote if you want to have a say in what the next MSR is all about.

The PC Gaming Weekspot: Anthem! Valheim! It Takes Two! Other Stuff!Watch on YouTube

The PC Gaming Weekspot: Anthem! Valheim! It Takes Two! Other Stuff!

Cover image for YouTube video

A pretty simple one: both myself and Matthew had to choose three games that feature product placement. So, things that you can buy in the real world, like cars and phones and the like.

If you like this, then you may very well enjoy this week’s episode ofThe PC Gaming Weekspot. We chatted about EA axing BioWare’sAnthem Nextproject, I chatted about my first hour and a half ofValheim, and I spoke about my early impressions ofIt Takes Two.

While you’re here, why not have a look atlast week’s episode of Mystery Steam Reviewsthat focused on horses in video games.

MYSTERY STEAM REVIEWS RULE BIBLE™

For those not in the know, or who need a refresher.

Colm and Matthew both bringthreeSteam reviews to the MSR arena (yes, arena), but they omit the name of the game each review is for. Their opponent must correctly guess the name of that game, including any numbers or subtitles. However, there is some leeway for things such as “Complete Edition” or “Definitive Edition.” One correct answer = one point.

While both combatants have90 secondson each Mystery Steam Review, they also have help in the form of three lifelines. These can be used at any stage during battle, and pause the 90-second timer. Each lifeline can only be used once.

Questionallows whoever is in the hot seat to ask a simple yes or no question, as long as the question isn’t, “is the name of the game [insert name of the game here]?". WhenSecond Opinionis used, the man in the warm chair will get to hear a second Steam review of the same game. And whenGenreis activated, the genre of the game is revealed to the man with the fiery arse.