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At Explosion Network, editorial integrity and transparency are core to everything we produce. Our goal is to provide honest opinions, thoughtful criticism and trustworthy coverage across video games, film, television, technology and pop culture.
Editorial Independence
Explosion Network does not accept gifts, payments or products in exchange for favourable coverage, reviews or editorial treatment.
Publishers, studios, distributors, and companies may provide review copies, review codes, preview access, screeners, or products to assist with informed coverage, reviews, podcasts, videos, and streaming content. Acceptance of these materials does not guarantee coverage, review scores or positive commentary.
We do not enter into agreements requiring specific scores, positive opinions or guaranteed editorial coverage.
Our contributors are required to disclose any personal, professional or financial conflicts of interest that could reasonably affect, or appear to affect, their coverage. Explosion Network will not assign a review to a contributor where a meaningful conflict of interest could compromise their editorial independence.
Advertising, Sponsorships & Affiliate Links
Explosion Network clearly labels sponsored, paid or partnered content.
Sponsored content may include articles, videos, podcasts, social posts or other promotional material created in collaboration with a brand or partner. All sponsored content will be disclosed in a visible and understandable manner.
We do not publish pre-written sponsored articles or videos without editorial oversight and approval. Any sponsored content published on Explosion Network must align with our audience, editorial standards and values.
Explosion Network may use affiliate links through programs such as Amazon, Humble Bundle and other retailers. If you purchase a product through one of these links, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
Podcast sponsorships and advertisements will always be presented as advertisements and will not be disguised as editorial discussion or reviews.
Explosion Network reserves the right to reject sponsorships, advertisements or partnerships that do not align with our audience or values. We do not promote gambling, illegal products, illicit materials or deceptive services.
Reviews & Review Scores
Explosion Network uses a 20-point review scale for coverage of video games, films, television and technology.
Review scores are intended to summarise our overall opinion, but readers are encouraged to engage with the full written or spoken review rather than focusing solely on the final number.
Review Scale
1 — Awful
The worst of the worst.
2 — Stinker
Not quite awful, but it stinks.
3 — Lousy
There may be an audience for it, but we struggled to recommend it.
4 — Bad
Flawed and difficult to recommend.
5 — Okay
Perfectly average with both positives and negatives.
6 — Decent
A solid experience that falls short of greatness.
7 — Good
Strong overall quality with some noticeable issues.
8 — Great
Highly recommended and well worth your time.
9 — Amazing
Outstanding work that excels in nearly every area.
10 — Exceptional
Explosion Network’s highest recommendation.
Scores ending in “.5” indicate a work that falls between two ratings.
Review scores are considered final at the time of publication and will not be changed under pressure from publishers, developers, studios, advertisers, or other external parties.
In exceptional circumstances, Explosion Network may update a review when substantial patches, updates, or overhauls significantly alter the product under review. When this occurs, the change will be disclosed, and the original score and review context will remain documented.
Corrections & Updates
Explosion Network is committed to correcting factual errors in our published coverage.
Minor spelling, grammar, formatting or typographical corrections may be made without an editor’s note where they do not alter the meaning of an article.
Material corrections or updates that substantially change the meaning, context or conclusions of an article will be clearly disclosed within the article.
Where a review is materially updated after publication, including an exceptional change to its review score, the reason for the update and relevant original context will remain documented.
Early Access Reviews
Early Access games are reviewed using a thumbs rating system rather than a numbered score until their full release.
Double Thumbs-Up
Worth buying into Early Access right now.
One Thumb Up, One Thumb Down
Potentially worth buying depending on the player, but waiting may be recommended.
Double Thumbs-Down
We do not currently recommend purchasing this Early Access release.
Television Coverage
Most television series will not receive a full season score until the season or series has concluded. However, individual episodes may be reviewed and scored separately.
Reality television, competition programs and ongoing formats may receive scored reviews during their season due to the nature of the content.
Physical Media Reviews
DVD, Blu-ray and 4K releases may receive separate ratings for:
- The film or series itself
- The quality of the physical release and bonus features
Physical releases use the following thumbs rating system:
Double Thumbs-Up
An excellent release worth adding to your collection.
One Thumb Up, One Thumb Down
Recommended primarily for dedicated fans or collectors.
Double Thumbs-Down
A disappointing release that is difficult to recommend.
Community Guidelines
Explosion Network aims to foster a welcoming, inclusive and respectful community across our website, podcasts, videos and social platforms.
Respect Others
Don’t be a dick.
Harassment, bullying, hate speech, personal attacks or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated. Remember, there is a real person behind every username and profile.
Constructive Discussion
Criticism and disagreement are welcome. Trolling, baiting and deliberately inflammatory behaviour are not.
Spam & Self-Promotion
Spam, scams and excessive self-promotion may be removed without warning.
Inclusivity
Explosion Network welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. Discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, disability or personal beliefs will not be tolerated.
Healthy discussion and community participation are encouraged. We value differing opinions, thoughtful conversations and passionate fandoms — just remember the golden rule:
Don’t be a dick.