Unknown Game Rules and Official Documentation

1. Different types of news postings

a. News
b. Reviews
i. Scores
c. Editorials
d. Posting Style and Rules
2. Different Forms of Media
a. Podcasts
i. Podcast Etiquette
b. Videos
i. Live Streams
3. Jobs and the Hierarchy
4. Code of Conduct
5. Common Log-in Information

Site Purpose:
We are a site interested in giving our honest opinion on all issues in the video game industry. We want to
create a healthy community and work environment and spread knowledge and opinions on video games to
the masses. Community is important to us in the site as well as staff.

1) Different types of news postings

Unknown Gamer is a web site that is looking to present opinions in an organized and proper manner,
therefore, our main point in all posts is to provide some sort of an opinion. Opinion is key here as well
as ample discussion on different topics which is why we want many stories to include opinions from
multiple staff. In news stories do not be afraid to speak your mind because that is what Unknown Gamer
is about.

a) News:
News is the item that will most often be posted. News is done a bit differently at Unknown
Gamer than will be found at many other sites. News must be a summation in the writers own
words of an article found online. In addition the news articles or email from which the news
comes from must be cited in the article. Any lack of the aforementioned will be considered
plagiarism. In addition to summation of each news story there must also be an accompanying
image (or images depending on story or length). In addition each news story must have some
sort of opinions attached to it in the second paragraph (or second half) of the story. All pictures
posted must not have watermarks and be uploaded directly to Unknown Gamer. All videos must
be embedded from the Unknown Gamer Youtube Account.

b) Reviews:
Reviews are a look into opinions on games. The reviews must give an adequate look at all parts
of the game. They should be well written. All reviews being done must be submitted to EIC or
Co-EIC level for approval. The Communications Manager is the main handler of all reviews.
Every review should start with:
Game:
Developer:
Published:
Genre:
Release Date (NA and EU):
Rating:
MSRP:
Console Played On (When applicable):
Reviews should then have an introduction paragraph introducing a general sense of what the
game is to the reader. There should also be a line (like a thesis statement) that gives a general
opinion of what the overall opinion of the game was. Body paragraphs of the reviews should
cover the following (and are in no way limited to the following): Graphics, Gameplay, Sound/
Music, and Story. There should also be images and videos that accompany the reviews that do
not have watermarks and are posted on a personal or the Unknown Gamer Youtube account. The
conclusion of a review should include:
Liked:
Hated:
Innovative:
Games this one reminded you of:
And then an overall score.

i) Scores: Scores are a very subjective concept as is a review in general. At Unknown

Gamer we have some guidelines as to what the scores should be so that there is a level
of consistency. Please do not let a score define the review, let it just be a numeric
representation of the game on a rough scale. The review should really get at the heart of
the game.

As well as this the best way to generally come up with an overall score for a game is by
breaking down its various parties and finding the “median”. An example of this is if I
give a games sound a 9, its graphics a 5, its gameplay a 7 and if i give the replayability
a 4 then the median would be the number of categories I judged it on (the number of
categories being 4) and i add all the scores up from each category and divide it by the
median number to get the overall score. Which in this case would be around a 6, so we’d
give it a 6 since we are only giving full numbers or halves.

However we are not publishing reviews with individual scores in each category.

1-5 - This game is broken in some way or another. It is not fun and has a major issue
with it in general. Depending on how broken is how low to go.

6 - A six is a game that is not quite broken but is not a wholly enjoyable experience. It
may be fun to some audience out there but for most gamers, this is not a good title.

7 - A seven is a game that is alright. The game is fun, but either has a gameplay flaw, a
story flaw, or something else wrong in the design.

8 - An eight is a good score. The game is of good quality. It is fun, has good design
decisions, it just does not do anything exemplary or innovative.

9 – A nine is a game that does many many things right. It innovates in some way and has
few flaws. A nine is an honor for a game to receive and should even then rarely be given
out.

10- A ten is outstanding. A game that is perfect (for its time) and is a must have for any
gamer. Any game that is worth of a 10 must be discussed and agreed upon by all staff.
As a note it is incredibly rare that a game will ever receive this high of a score due to a
ten being perfection.
 Unknown Gamer also does not have the .1, .2, .3 system. The most into that one can go
is .5 .

c) Editorials:
Editorials are in depth opinionated papers on a certain topic in the gaming industry. They can
be on a variety of things, interviews, looking into a certain franchise or console in depth, etc.
Editorials are longer articles on a certain area of topic. Editorial series may be done if seen
necessary. All editorial ideas must be submitted to an EIC or Co-EIC level for approval. The
Co-EIC is the main handler of all editorials.

d) Positing Style and Rules:

All articles must be written in English. The type of English is dependent upon the person location
and preference (i.e. American’s do not have to write in British English vice-versa). The articles
should show some sort of an opinion towards a topic. All articles must be totally the writers work,
otherwise it is found to be plagiarism and therefore grounds for dismissal or other repercussion.
Proper punctuation, spelling, and rules of grammar apply for all news articles. For discrepancies
on that please contact the EIC or a Co-EIC for questions. Some notes:
● Never start opinions with “I believe”, since you are the writer it is obvious that this is
your opinion.
● Spell out numbers unless it is a game name or otherwise proper to spell.
● Italicize game names.
● Do not use I (unless editorials) use we
Remember to try to make writing consistent. Consistency is key, it looks more professional. If
you spell something one way in an article, even if wrong, continue to spell it that way (though the
better option is look up the proper spelling). This also applies for abbreviations which need to be
explained when first used.

2) Different Forms of Media

a) Podcasts:
Podcasts are audio discussion panels. At Unknown Gamer we use them to discuss different
topics in the area of gaming. The goal for Unknown Gamer is to have different podcast series.
Currently we have the Unknown Gamer Weekly Podcast which is a broad podcast about gaming
in general. Anyone that would like to create a podcast may speak to an EIC or a Co-EIC.

i) Podcast Etiquette:
Podcasts are supposed to be professional, and while goofing around a bit is allowed, it is
important to maintain a level of professionalism the entire way through. Give in depth
opinions and have a level of intelligence to what is being said. Either yelling and being
annoying the entire time or not talking at all is not helpful to a podcast environment. Cursing,
disruptiveness, and other similar qualities will not be accepted on podcasts and be grounds for
being kicked off.

b) Videos:
Videos of game should be done well. This is preferred to be done with capture cards or other
forms of formal video capture when recording gameplay footage. Videos of unboxing, a certain
kind of reality show, or any live recording is allowed to be done via camera. In videos there may
not be profanity. Videos for the site are to be uploaded to our Youtube channel.
i) Live Streams:
A live stream is a live video feed of playing a game. In live streams please maintain a
level of professionalism. All live stream requests must go through to the EIC or Co-
 EIC’s. If doing a marathon run it is asked that a sort of charity or funding event is
affiliated with it. Also it is asked that you inform us within enough time so that we can
advertise the event and check all associated logistics.

3) Jobs and the Hierarchy.

EIC and Site Owner- This position is held by Alan Ellis. The EIC and Owner has supreme authority in
all site matters including but not limited to viewing and editing all articles and have admin position in all
site accounts. As well as final say in all matters pertaining to the site. For all matters pertaining to the site
however matters must be discussed or informed upon in some manner to the Co-EIC’s. The primary goal
of the EIC is to maintain order and organization on the site as well as run it properly and keep everything
up to date.

Co-EIC- This position is held by Blake Gross. The Co-EIC has permission to edit and view all articles,
maintain admin position in all site accounts, and has a say in all matters pertaining to the site. The Co-
EIC makes sure community is running properly as well as that everything is up to date and organized
including and not limited to podcasts, videos, all articles, forums, and IRC. The Co-EIC’s main job is
to keep everything in order and to quality as well as make sure all site operations are running correctly.
His job is to keep track of editorials. He also must maintain adequate communication between all
departments.

Communications Manger- This position is held by Kieron Craggs. The Communications Manager is a
Co-EIC equivalent position and should be thought as one in regards to power level in the site hierarchy.
Being that it is a Co-EIC equivalent position, the Co-EIC has permission to edit and view all articles.
While the dedicated Co-EIC position is more focused on maintaining site upkeep and communication
among departments, the Communications Manager is chiefly in charge of all press relations with other
companies. All contacts through press MUST GO THROUGH HIM unless otherwise permitted. As
a communications manager he must uphold strong press relations with different companies as well as
adequately handle review copies, press information, and etc. His job is also to keep track of reviews and
review copies. All information handled must be distributed to the proper people.

Contributing Editor- This position is held by Neil Daniels. The contributing editors main job is to edit
assorted articles on the site. He is in a level above staff writers, but he is lower than the Co-EIC’s.
Essentially this is an editor position. The contributing editors main job is to handle news stories and keep
them up to par. Any news inquiries should go through him.

Staff Writer- Currently this is the only other writing position available. The staff writers main job is to
write articles for the site whether it be news, reviews, or editorials. It is highly encouraged that a staff
writer also participates in podcasts, videos, or any other form of site media. The different staff writer tiers
are as follows:
a. Trainee (Trainee Writer) - A trainee writer is a new writer at the site. All of their
articles must be submitted for review. Until their writing meets the standard and wanted
requirements of an Unknown Gamer Staff Writer (see news posting section) and they
have been writing a consistency of a minimum of three articles a week for a time period
totaling three weeks may they go to the next level. Trainees may write news and reviews.
A Trainee Writer cannot ask for a review copy of a game.
b. Standard (Staff Writer) - A standard writer is a writer at the site who has gone above the
trainee status. This writer is allowed to self-publish articles. A standards writer, as in all
writing positions, must follow the Unknown Gamer Writing Rules. They are allowed to
also submit requests for review copies. A standard writer may write news, reviews, and
editorials. Reviews and editorials however must be submitted for review.
c. Senior (Senior Writer) - A senior writer is an experienced writer at the site who has
 shown that they can handle a higher level of responsibility in terms of posting. They have
higher precedence for review copies as well as allowance to submit requests for them.
This writer may self-publish all articles. A senior writer may write news, reviews, and
editorials.
*note* All writers must submit at least three articles per week.

Comic Writer and Artist- The comic writer and artist is the person who does the weekly comics.
The comic writer and artist has the same permission and levels as a staff writer. The comic writers
expectations are to create quality comics at least once a week.

Forum Moderator - At this point in time this is the highest level forum position being given out to non
EIC or Co-EIC. The forum moderators job is to make sure all threads and posts follows the Forum Rules.
For all discrepancies they must use best judgment (and also consult an admin regarding their decision).
Moderators must show a certain level of maturity and ability to get along with the community well as
well as not often fight. A forum moderator has the ability to ban members for an increment of time as
well as lock threads. They must be able to also be active in the forum an adequate amount. The primary
position of a forum moderator is to handle the forum community.

Chat Moderator- At this point in time this is the highest level chat position being given out to none EIC
or Co-EIC. The chat moderators job is to make sure the chat is running properly. It is to make sure there
is an unrowdy chatroom and to handle any disputes that may break out. They have the ability to kick as
well as ban for an increment of time. The chat moderator must also be found on chat for a proper amount
of time. The primary position of a chat moderator is to handle the chat community.

Hierarchy:
The following is the hierarchy of staff positions -
EIC
Co-Eic’s
Contributing Editor
Senior Writer
Staff Writer, Forum Moderator, Chat Moderator
Trainee Writer
*note* This does not mean the senior writer(s) have any say over the Forum or Chat. They simply have a
higher precedence over staff and trainee writing positions.

4) Code of Conduct:
As stressed throughout this document professionalism is key. There are a few things to stress however:
1. No plagiarism- This is by far one of the more important rules. Remember to respect intellectual
property. Never directly copy off of another site and always give credit. Try to find the original
source on stories as well.
2. Friendly Work Environment- We as staff are also a community. This means there is to be no
cutthroat nature at Unknown Gamer. We are working together not against each other. This is
something to always keep in mind. Personal disputes between people will not be tolerated nor
will any sort of degrading comments. In the case of such people will be dealt with adequately.
Keep in mind that we are all friends. Another person getting a review copy that you wanted is no
reason to get angry. It is not personal.
3. Review Copies - Review copies are simply games companies are sending us to review, they
are not to be used as a mean to act better than somebody or act cutthroat towards others. If
you are here for review copies we ask that you leave. We are a site interested in the games and
gaming industry. We are a site passionate about video games, not about getting games. If you are
interested in a review copy and are at the proper level to request one please submit an email to
 kieron.craggs@unknowngamer.co.uk.
4. Press Relations - All contacts must go through communications manager or else it is grounds
for dismissal. This does not mean you cannot be friendly with a certain company, but the
communication will still be handled by the communications manager or else things will get out of
hand (trust us we have been there). It is not that we do not trust, it is that we do not want people
stepping on each others toes.
5. Posting on other sites or media sources - Unknown Gamer is trying to maintain a level of
professionalism and with that we ask that anything written for Unknown Gamer stays at
Unknown Gamer. If it must be used for something else then please ask the EIC or Co-EIC for
permission.
6. In the case that problems ensue- Co-EIC’s and EIC have express permission to read the emails
on the email account of anybody working for Unknown Gamer. This will and should be a rare
occurrence. All major disputes will be handled expressly by the EIC and Co-EIC’s.