Microsoft Sends Quantum Break Review Copies for Xbox One Early; Embargo Lifts “Well Before” Launch

Giuseppe Nelva March 16, 2016 1:17 PM EST

Many times we hear complaints about review copies sent just before a game’s release, or even after, but apparently this is not the case for Remedy Games’ Quantum Break.

The developer and Microsoft have started to send review codes for the Xbox One version of the game to media yesterday, as mentioned by Head of PR Thomas Puha.

In the last 24 hours we have started to send out #QuantumBreak review code. Well in advance unlike most games these days. @QuantumBreak — Thomas Puha (@RiotRMD) March 16, 2016

Puha also explained the reasoning behind the choice, which certainly isn’t too common in the industry nowadays.

Many reasons for that. As a former game journalist I believe press/influencers/etc should have enough time to play and not just a day or 2 — Thomas Puha (@RiotRMD) March 16, 2016

Our hands on previews were the full opening of the game, 2+hours of gameplay. not 20 minute demo as often is the case. #QuantumBreak — Thomas Puha (@RiotRMD) March 16, 2016

So with reviews we wanted to be open like that as well, guve enough time. Will that hurt scores? Too much time for ppl to analyse? Who knows — Thomas Puha (@RiotRMD) March 16, 2016

According to Puha, the decision was taken in full agreement with Microsoft:

Great that @xbox wanted that too, we are in this together of course. This is the Xbox One version ofc. @MSStudiosBlog #QuantumBreak — Thomas Puha (@RiotRMD) March 16, 2016

We also learn that Windows 10 review codes will ship closer to launch, as the team is just about done with development.

We are just about done on Win10 QB, working to the last seconds we can on it so review code for that ships closer to launch. @QuantumBreak — Thomas Puha (@RiotRMD) March 16, 2016

Puha did not mention precisely when the embargo will lift, but he did clarify that it will be “well before” the release date.

Also review embargo ends well before April 5th. Again, thats a risk Microsoft and @remedygames are taking. So not 12 hrs before release etc — Thomas Puha (@RiotRMD) March 16, 2016

Microsoft seems to be usually very confident with sending review codes of its games, often giving media a lot more time for reviews than most other publishers.

While I normally don’t complain about late review copies, I definitely have a lot of respect for this way of handling them.