Last Updated: June 17, 2025
1. Foundational Principles and Mission
The establishment of LootSink is predicated upon a foundational principle: to disseminate honest, data-driven, and objective analysis within an industry sector frequently characterized by promotional hype and unsubstantiated claims. The primary commitment of this publication is to its readership. This Editorial Policy codifies the ethical standards and professional practices that govern the creation of all published content. The objective is not merely to analyze interactive entertainment, but to establish and preserve the trust of our audience through unwavering transparency and a rigorous adherence to factual accuracy.
2. Standards of Accuracy and Rectification
The publication endeavors to maintain the highest possible degree of accuracy in all its works. The analytical content is constructed upon a foundation of meticulous research, thorough testing protocols, and verifiable data.
Nevertheless, the possibility of error is acknowledged. In the event that a factual error is published, a commitment is made to rectify said error in a swift and transparent manner. For any inaccuracy deemed significant, a formal correction notice will be affixed to the top of the relevant article. This notice will explicitly state the corrected information and the date of its amendment, thereby ensuring the readership is consistently furnished with the most precise information available.
3. Journalistic Independence and Disclosure Protocols
The journalistic integrity of LootSink is considered paramount; our analysis and professional opinions are not subject to external influence. To guarantee this standard, the publication adheres to a stringent disclosure policy.
- Review Copies and Products: For the purpose of facilitating timely analysis, review copies of games, hardware, or other related products may be accepted from developers, publishers, or other commercial entities. However, the acceptance of any such product shall in no way influence the subsequent assessment. All products are evaluated according to the same rigorous, objective standards that would be applied to a product procured through direct purchase.
- Prominent Disclosure: Any content—including, but not limited to, Systems Deep Dives, Editorials, or future Scorecards—that involves a product received at no cost to the publication will feature a conspicuous disclosure statement. This statement will be placed at the top of the publication to ensure no ambiguity exists regarding the provenance of the product under discussion.
4. Methodology of Sourcing and Attribution
A core tenet of data-driven analysis is the provision of a transparent methodological foundation. The readership possesses a right to understand the origins of the information presented.
Consequently, all significant data, external articles, developer statements, and other third-party sources utilized to inform our analysis will be appropriately cited and, where feasible, linked at the conclusion of the relevant publication. This practice constitutes an integral component of our commitment to accountability and fact-based journalism.
5. Classification of Content: Factual Analysis versus Editorial Opinion
Clarity in the classification of content is essential to the publication’s mission. Two primary forms of content are produced, and a commitment is made to ensure the distinction between them is explicit.
- Objective Analysis (e.g., Systems Deep Dives): This category of content is focused on the deconstruction of game mechanics and systems. The objective is to present a factual, evidence-based examination of a game’s functional aspects, supported by verifiable data and direct gameplay examples.
- Informed Opinion (e.g., Editorials): This category of content presents a specific, well-reasoned argument or perspective concerning a topic within the gaming industry. While such pieces are predicated on factual evidence and research, the ultimate conclusion represents a professional opinion. All editorials shall be clearly designated as such to preclude any confusion between subjective analysis and objective reporting.
This Editorial Policy is a dynamic document and may be subject to periodic revision to reflect the growth of the publication and the evolving landscape of the interactive entertainment industry.