Luckily most PC Hardware centric Youtube Channels such as GamersNexus, BitWit, JayzTwoCents, HardwareCanucks, eTeknix, GearSeekers, Paul's Hardware, and these guys are enthusiasts first and aren't swayed or influenced by shady payola tactics. That isn't to say there aren't those that do *cough*Tom's Hardware & wccftech*cough*. In fact, GN has been pretty vocal as to which hardware companies have been guilty of such practices and isn't afraid to call them out by name. But at least they have a long ways to go before they get to be as bad as the Video Game Industry.
While the video is about reviews on computers and PC parts, I think this is also very applicable to video game reviews. Whether it's sending a laptop or a copy to a reviewer, the provider will threaten to deny access to future products if the reviewer isn't positive enough.
Luckily most PC Hardware centric Youtube Channels such as GamersNexus, BitWit, JayzTwoCents, HardwareCanucks, eTeknix, GearSeekers, Paul's Hardware, and these guys are enthusiasts first and aren't swayed or influenced by shady payola tactics. That isn't to say there aren't those that do *cough*Tom's Hardware & wccftech*cough*. In fact, GN has been pretty vocal as to which hardware companies have been guilty of such practices and isn't afraid to call them out by name. But at least they have a long ways to go before they get to be as bad as the Video Game Industry.
While the video is about reviews on computers and PC parts, I think this is also very applicable to video game reviews. Whether it's sending a laptop or a copy to a reviewer, the provider will threaten to deny access to future products if the reviewer isn't positive enough.
Plus they were reviewing a gaming laptop. Doing business this way hurts any leftover consumer confidence from any reviewers.