For nearly two decades, VideoGamer has been one of the most trusted gaming and iGaming sites, thanks to our expertly crafted and thorough reviews. It all comes down to how we test the titles we cover. Whether we’re sharing our opinion on the hottest new releases, reviewing online casinos, or taking the story forward with detailed guides, explainers, and how-tos, the hands-on experience is crucial to our process.
Our VideoGamer team may have changed over the years, but the mission is the same: deliver trustworthy and detailed gaming and gambling journalism so you know which new games and platforms are worth your money, and which are better left behind. We achieve this by putting in dozens (potentially hundreds) of hours exploring every corner of a game or casino before delivering our verdict.
Important to note: AI has and will never be used in any of our content, nor will it play a factor in how we review games or rate gambling sites/services.
How we test & review games on VideoGamer
VideoGamer verdicts are delivered on a scale of 1 to 10, which takes an encompassing view of a game for areas such as its graphics, gameplay, game design, narrative, longevity, perspective, and overall value for money. The latter part is particularly important as today’s game releases now cost as much as $80 / £70 / €70, which makes them more of an investment now than at any other point in time. A release could be incredible, but if it’s only two hours long, it could be a harder sell as far as price-to-performance is concerned.
To get across how we deliver our review scores on VideoGamer, you first need to understand exactly what the difference is between a 5/10 game and a 10/10 game. No release is ever perfect, and few modern titles debut in a completely broken/unplayable state (1/10), so here’s what goes into our thought process when weighing up pros and cons before the numerical score.
Inside the VideoGamer game verdict system
Here’s a breakdown of our scoring system to help give you a clear indication of what each score means:
| Review score | Description |
|---|---|
| 10 | Must-play masterpieces that confidently delivers on its promise and offers a rare, unforgettable experience. |
| 9 | Highly enjoyable and recommended games, with only minor flaws that don’t significantly detract from the overall experience. |
| 8 | Solid and well-crafted games with noticeable shortcomings in key areas, but still enjoyable overall and potentially improved with future updates. |
| 7 | Decent but non-essential games, with some rough edges that impact the experience, yet still make it worth trying. |
| 6 | Promising titles that ultimately disappoint, excelling in one area but struggling significantly in most others. |
| 5 | Broken games plagued by critical flaws and constant bugs, leaving them nearly unplayable and in need of a complete overhaul. |
| 4 | Poor, flaw-ridden games plagued by bugs, weak gameplay, and subpar visuals, making it difficult to recommend. |
| 3 | Failed efforts with weak gameplay and presentation that offer little reason to play and cannot be recommended. |
| 2 | Broken games plagued by critical flaws and constant bugs, leaving it nearly unplayable and in need of a complete overhaul. |
| 1 | Games that are completely broken or offensive, unplayable, and should never have been released. |
How we write game guides on VideoGamer
Once a full game review is written, we then move on to providing our readers with supporting gaming guides, teaching them how to beat tricky levels/puzzles, equipping them with the best in-game gear to use, etc. All of our guides are based on dozens (potentially hundreds) of hours of play.
What’s equally true of our game reviews and gaming guides is our original imagery. We believe in the value of primary reporting, and that’s why you won’t find press images or stock key art in any of our first-hand reporting, no matter how minor the coverage or guide may seem. We pride ourselves on our commitment to delivering world-class content, and we aren’t slowing down any time soon.
How we test & review gambling platforms on VideoGamer
Finding a trustworthy online casino or sportsbook shouldn’t be a gamble. Our expert team thoroughly tests every platform before recommending it, so you can focus on enjoying your games without worrying about legitimacy.
Here are the areas we look at when reviewing gambling sites & services:
- Security & licensing
Your safety comes first. We only recommend platforms with valid licenses from respected regulators like the Malta Gaming Authority or the Curaçao Gaming Control Board. We verify they use bank-grade SSL encryption and have proven track records based on years of player feedback.
- Banking & payments
We verify that deposits and withdrawals work smoothly. Good casinos and sportsbooks offer multiple payment methods (credit cards, e-wallets, crypto), process withdrawals within 24 hours, and display all fees clearly upfront. We test payout times ourselves – anything longer than a day raises red flags.
- Games & fair play
Great gambling sites offer diverse game selections from top developers like NetEnt and Evolution Gaming. More importantly, we verify that all games use certified random number generators and undergo regular testing by independent labs like eCOGRA. Games must also run smoothly on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Customer support
We test support quality by asking complex questions across multiple channels. The best casinos offer 24/7 availability via live chat, email, and phone, with knowledgeable staff who solve problems efficiently rather than reading from scripts.
- Bonuses & promotions
We look beyond flashy numbers to ensure bonus terms are actually achievable. We also check for clear terms, ongoing rewards programs, and VIP benefits that provide genuine value.
What makes gambling sites special
The best casinos and sportsbooks stand out with exclusive games, smart tools such as advanced filters and gaming statistics, and exceptional VIP programs featuring personal account managers and faster withdrawals.
Instant disqualifiers
Some issues cause immediate rejection, including delayed payouts, unfair bonus terms, poor security, unresponsive support, or a history of unresolved player complaints. We continuously monitor our recommended platforms and remove any that drop in quality.
