The Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement agreement with Warner Bros. over allegations that they did not disclose payments for positive coverage and reviews of the video game Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor. In other words, Warner Bros. paid for positive coverage.

The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Jessica Rich said, “consumers have the right to know if reviewers are providing their own opinions or paid sales pitches.”

This coverage, mostly in the form of videos by popular YouTubers like PewDiePie, have earned more than 5.5 million views. These videos had restrictions including the inability to discuss negative aspects, and the obligation to promote purchasing the game.

In the end, this is an awful way to advertise video games and I think it’s fair to say that everyone should take whatever they see with a grain of salt in regards to future advertisements; gaming or otherwise.

Source: FTC