Part 7/9:
He further discusses possible motivations behind the skewed reviews, including Sony’s financial interests tied to the Last of Us IP and the upcoming HBO adaptation. Since the show’s success may be linked to the game’s perceived reception, there is speculation that inflated reviews serve to support Sony’s broader media strategy.
The Broader Context of Industry Integrity
Ryan’s critique extends beyond review data to reflect on industry practices. He points out that, despite the flawed data, a significant portion of reviews may still be fraudulent or incentivized. He notes the presence of organized review bombing and coordinated campaigns—both positive and negative—as factors influencing the overall perception of the game.