Let’s face it.  There’s quite a bit of confusion going on these days with gamers and what we all feel we can believe about our favorite video games.  There’s just so much denial and then confirmation and then more denial and confirmation in the world of video game marketing and public relations (PR) that it’s hard to decipher the code.  What’s going on with our favorite title or console?  Who really knows?

Well, I decided to inject a bit of my famous Truth Serum to help you all get down to the bottom line of what is really meant with “PR Speak”.  I know the stress levels involved when you’re looking for straight answers so hopefully this little guide will help you figure out what’s going on.  What’s the truth you ask?  Let the Truth Serum do its magic and follow along.

PR Speak is what I like to call most of what you guys and girls read in today’s video game world via press releases or “statements”.  It’s the truth mixed with a bit of generic response to hide what was meant to be told in the first place.  Confused?  If so, then join the crowd.  PR Speak isn’t aimed at confusing you but rather aimed at providing any one publisher or developer the necessary “out” when it’s time to deny or confirm something.  What I hope will happen though is at some point they realize that contrary to what Jack Nicholson says, we can handle the truth.

Don’t blame the folks who dish out the PR Speak because there’s usually someone in a legal department somewhere pulling the strings on what can and cannot be said.  I’m sure they’d love to give us the whole truth and nothing but the truth, however, it’s just not possible when you consider shareholders, positioning and any number of things that don’t matter to the normal gamer.

Let’s identify some of the most commonly used sayings in PR Speak shall we?  After reading, let me know which version you all would rather be told.

PR Speak - “We have a policy in place not to comment on rumor or speculation.”
Truth Serum - “We’ll tell you when we’re ready to tell you but what you heard is probably right.”

PR Speak - “We have no plans to make (insert title) available on another platform at this time.”
Truth Serum - 1) “We’ll likely make it under the right circumstances especially if the $ is right.” 2) Yes, we’re making it but we’re not ready to release that information.”

PR Speak - “We have no plans to explore Blu-ray at the moment.”
Truth Serum - “Sure we’re thinking about it but we don’t know how best to implement it right now.”

PR Speak - “We feel that the price point is in line with what the content offers and according to market.”
Truth Serum - “The price is a bit high but this business is about profit and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

PR Speak - “Although it costs, it offers no advantage and it’s not necessary to complete the game.”
Truth Serum - “It’s not necessary but we’re hoping gamers don’t want to feel left out and buy it.”

PR Speak - “With this new chapter in (insert title), it’ll be the best (insert title) than ever before.”
Truth Serum - “We didn’t change much but hopefully it’s enough to warrant a purchase.”

PR Speak - “We recognize that unexpected issues have come up since the game’s release and we’re working on a patch.”
Truth Serum - “That’s something we anticipated but didn’t have enough time allowed to fix it before release.”

PR Speak - “Some of the things we wanted to do were left out because of time restraints.”
Truth Serum - “We planned to make some of this DLC anyway so it works out in the end and plus there’s always a sequel.”

PR Speak - “We feel like (insert title) is going to change the way people look at (insert genre).”
Truth Serum - “We’re here to get you hyped up no matter what because this is a big budget title for us.”

PR Speak - “It wasn’t possible to release with the quality our fans deserve so (insert title) has been delayed.”
Truth Serum - “It wasn’t possible to release with the quality our fans deserve so (insert title) has been delayed.”