### Controversy Surrounds Videogamer’s Review of *Resident Evil Requiem*
A recent critique of *Resident Evil Requiem* published by the UK gaming news source *Videogamer* has ignited controversy and has been taken down from Metacritic due to accusations that it was written by a fictional AI journalist. This discovery follows significant transformations at *Videogamer*, including layoffs and a pivot towards AI-generated material.
#### The Review and Its Fallout
The critique, which gave *Resident Evil Requiem* a commendable score of 9/10, was credited to Brian Merrygold, portrayed as an “experienced iGaming and sports betting analyst.” However, readers promptly observed that Merrygold seemed to be an invented character, with indications suggesting the employment of AI in both the writing style and the profile picture. Critics pointed out that the review was riddled with clichés and lacked detailed understandings of the game, further intensifying doubts about its authenticity.
An excerpt from the review states:
“*Resident Evil Requiem is not just a victory lap for Capcom’s survival horror dynasty; it is a chainsaw-revving, blood-soaked testament to why we love getting scared stupid.*”
This kind of generic phrasing raised alarms among gamers and industry watchers, who considered it typical of AI-generated writing.
#### Implications for Metacritic and Quality Control
The review was initially included on Metacritic’s score aggregator but was later removed after examination. The incident prompts considerable concerns regarding the quality control protocols of Metacritic, a service frequently utilized for consulting video game reviews prior to making purchases.
Marc Doyle, co-founder of Metacritic, confirmed in an email to *Kotaku* that the *Resident Evil Requiem* review, along with several others from *Videogamer*, had been taken down due to dubious authorship authenticity. The reliability of reviews is vital for both consumers and developers, and the rise of AI-generated content poses pressing questions about the future of gaming journalism.
#### The Shift to AI-generated Content
Sources have revealed that the shift to AI-generated articles at *Videogamer* commenced after the site was acquired by Clickout, a firm known for its involvement in gambling SEO tactics. Following the recent layoffs, it appears *Videogamer* has started publishing AI-produced pieces across various sections, including game critiques. This transition has led to the removal of the site’s former human bylines, replaced with profiles that appear to be artificially fabricated.
Further investigations uncovered that numerous authors on the site have similarly dubious backgrounds, with their profiles surfacing only recently and often utilizing AI-generated images. This has initiated a larger conversation about the ramifications of automated content generation in gaming journalism.
#### The Broader Impact
The controversy surrounding *Resident Evil Requiem* reflects a rising trend within the gaming sector where the distinction between authentic human commentary and AI-generated content is becoming increasingly indistinct. With gamers depending on reviews to guide their purchasing choices, it is crucial for platforms like Metacritic to thoroughly vet the material they compile for authenticity.
The removal of the *Resident Evil Requiem* review acts as a reminder for both consumers and journalists regarding the potential hazards of AI within the writing realm. As the domain of gaming journalism transforms, preserving integrity and authenticity will be essential in maintaining trust within the community.
### Conclusion
The unfolding events with *Videogamer* and its recent *Resident Evil Requiem* critique highlight the necessity for vigilance in this age of AI-generated content. As the gaming sector navigates these obstacles, consumers and professionals alike must push for transparency and accountability to ensure that the subtleties of gaming experiences are accurately conveyed.
