Hello. I'm a long-time reader of your video game reviews. In light of recent controversy in the world of game reviews, I would like to know what your policy is on editorial independence, and/or where I can find it.

I am especially interested in learning what specific policies and procedures you have in place, if any, to ensure editorial independence. Where possible, I would hope to avoid conclusory statements (e.g., "Our reviewers have editorial independence") and instead obtain specific facts (e.g., "Our marketing team does not contact our editorial staff about a particular game once the game has been submitted for final review") that help me to continue trusting your reviews.

Thank you; any links you can provide are especially helpful. If it is not company policy to release such information, may I ask why that is? There often value in transparency, especially in a time when gamers have become more attuned to the relationship between advertisers and video game publications.

This is an open letter that I've also published on my personal blog. As of this writing, ____ other gamers have signed this letter in support. Your response will also be published. I truly believe this is an important time for games and gamers, as what was once little more than a mindless toy completes its transition to a fully mature, artistic, expressive medium. Thank you for helping to guide us along that journey; I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

MaxVest