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 expected to disclose any personal or professional conflicts of interest that could impact their coverage.

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We do not publish pre-written sponsored articles or videos without editorial oversight and approval.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.

Explosion Network reserves the right to update reviews when substantial patches, updates or overhauls significantly alter a product. When this occurs, the original score and review 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.