In a time where things are getting worse for the gaming industry, there is one small glimmer of light coming over the horizon, as a new platform launches in CriticDB. Touted as “more than just a review aggregator site”, CriticDB looks to include a whole raft of ideas and features aimed at bettering the landscape for gamers, outlets, and PR people at the same time, something unheard of in today’s landscape.
CriticDB Fills a Hole We Didn’t Know We Had
CriticDB isn’t looking to completely reinvent the wheel when it launches on the 30th of this month, don’t worry, but it will have some features that no other sites have thought of. Whilst you, as a gamer, will be able to search the site for the latest (and plenty of aged) games, to see what the biggest and smallest critics think, it will be a platform with the ability to connect everyone in the industry as well. CriticDB’s mission statement says everything:
CriticDB’s primary mission is collect previews and reviews from around the web, connecting gamers to new games, and finding ways to help Outlets and PR connect easier. We aim to be a positive force in the industry, highlighting great work and games.
From the standard fare like giving outlets and creators their own pages, to more unique ideas like user-based rewards for contributing users, PR access to contacts for outlets and creators, customizable lists, and by far the biggest and best feature, the ability to group games together based on criteria you decide. Want to see the track record of a developer? Sure. How about the best games in a certain genre? Go ahead. It really aims to be the go-to platform for all who love gaming.
Planning for the Future
When speaking to Co-Founder Rutledge Daugette (of TechRaptor fame) he told me “I wanted to do this right”, and that he wanted “to build something for the industry that can grow, and HOPEFULLY help in what is such a trying time”, and it’s clear to see that shine through with what’s on offer.
Beyond just helping gamers find other games they love though, something no other site has even touched upon is to make the behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing you your favorite outlets/creator’s opinions on the newest games, and how to make it all easier. To aid in outlet discovery for PR companies/professionals, CriticDB will be highlighting outlets on CriticDB’s socials, homepage, and more, giving them their own unique page and connecting both PR and outlets together. This is massive, and as Daugette put it “It levels the playing field between small and large outlets”. With CriticDB, the days of the ‘Big boys’ monopolizing the landscape could be gone, and more unique, personable, and honest voices could finally get their chance to shine.
CriticDB is no small undertaking and with a promising roadmap of ideas and features ahead, 2025 is going to be an exciting year for gamers, PR, outlets, and developers, just when everything seemed dire.
For more Thumb Wars Gaming coverage, check out our 41 most anticipated games of 2025, or how about everything you could possibly need to know about The Blood of Dawnwalker?
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Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
