Sourcing: Official First, Then Verified
We start with primary sources whenever they exist. That means developer and publisher announcements, official blogs and patch notes, platform storefronts such as Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox and Nintendo eShop, ratings boards like the ESRB and PEGI, and official documentation.
When a story relies on secondary reporting, we name or link the source where possible and look for independent confirmation. Two outlets repeating the same original post count as one source, not two.
We do not invent statistics, quotes, scores or dates. If a detail cannot be verified, we leave it out or say clearly that it is unconfirmed.
Anonymous Sources and Tips
Reader tips and anonymous claims are a starting point, not a story. We look for supporting evidence, such as a store listing, a ratings entry or a second independent source, before reporting. If we cover an unverified claim because it is already widely discussed, it carries a Rumor label and we explain why we cannot confirm it.
How GoldPlayPot.com Labels News
Every news story about unannounced or unverified information on GoldPlayPot.com carries one of three labels:
- Confirmed: verified by an official source, such as the developer, publisher, platform holder, or a ratings board listing we checked directly.
- Rumor: a claim from reports or insiders we cannot yet verify. We explain who is making it and how credible the source has been.
- Leak: material that appears to come from real files, listings or documents but has not been officially acknowledged.
Corrections and Updates
Corrections
When we get something wrong, we fix it openly. Significant corrections are noted on the page with what changed, so readers who saw the earlier version know what was updated. We do not quietly rewrite errors away.
Readers can report errors by emailing hello@goldsplaypot.com. Correction requests are prioritized over other messages.
Updates
News changes. When a story develops, such as a rumor being confirmed or a release date moving, we update the article and add a dated note at the bottom. Guides are reviewed and refreshed when game patches or platform changes make steps outdated.
Reviews
Reviews reflect genuine time spent with a game on the platform listed in the review. We note the platform and, where relevant, the hardware used, since performance can vary a lot between setups.
If a developer or publisher provides a review copy, we disclose that in the review. Receiving a copy never buys a score, a positive tone, or a guarantee of coverage. Publishers do not see reviews before they are published and cannot request changes to our opinions.
If a game changes significantly after launch through major patches, we may revisit the review and note what was updated.
Reviews focus on what the game is like to play: how it feels, how it runs, and who is likely to enjoy it.
Advertising, Affiliates and Conflicts of Interest
The site is supported by advertising. Advertisers have no input into what we cover, how we cover it, or what we recommend. We do not publish paid placements disguised as editorial, and any sponsored content would be clearly labeled.
If affiliate links are used, they are disclosed on the page. They may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and they do not influence which products or games we recommend.
Conflicts of Interest
Writers do not cover games or companies where they have a personal or financial stake that could affect their judgment. If a potential conflict exists and coverage still makes sense, we disclose it on the page.
Use of Tools and AI
Software tools, including AI tools, may assist with tasks such as research, organizing notes or drafting. They do not replace editorial judgment.
Every page is reviewed and edited by a person before it is published. That person is responsible for checking facts against sources, removing anything that cannot be verified, and making sure the page meets this policy. We do not publish AI-generated images presented as real game footage or screenshots.
Guides that involve settings, performance or mods are checked against official documentation and, where practical, tested. When we could not test something ourselves, we say so rather than implying hands-on experience.
Spoilers and Mod Linking
Spoiler Policy
Major story details, endings and surprise reveals stay out of headlines, preview text and images. When spoilers are needed for a guide or story, we warn readers clearly before they appear.
Mod-Linking Policy
Mod coverage links only to official mod hosts and original author pages, such as Nexus Mods, Steam Workshop, CurseForge, Modrinth and Thunderstore. We never reupload mods or link to mirrors that take downloads away from creators.
We do not link to cracks, pirated games or cheats for online games. Mod guides recommend backing up saves and game files and scanning downloads before installing.
Frequently asked questions
Does GoldPlayPot.com use AI to write articles?
Tools may assist with research or drafting, but every page is reviewed and edited by a person before it is published, and facts are checked against sources.
How do I request a correction?
Email hello@goldsplaypot.com with the page link, the error and a source for the correct information. Corrections are made openly and noted on the page.
Do review copies affect your scores?
No. Review copies are disclosed, and they do not buy a score or positive coverage.
Why do some stories carry a Rumor or Leak label?
Those labels mark information that has not been officially confirmed, so you can judge how much weight to give it.