From preempting sensitive content issues to tackling the dreaded server crash or internal scandal, we're joined by our crisis comms sage Max, who shares invaluable strategies to keep your game's reputation spotless through its launch and beyond. Dissecting the fine line between a mere hiccup and a full-blown PR nightmare, episode 21 of the Games PR Podcast is all about mastering crisis communications.

Communication is more than a buzzword when it comes to weathering the storm of crisis management, and we're here to show you why. Exploring the 'three R's'—regret, reason, and remedy—we dissect the anatomy of a solid statement that resonates with players and calms stakeholders. The conversation takes a turn into the unique battlefield faced by indie studios, where the lines between personal and professional blur on social media. Our chat is peppered with actionable tips for maintaining transparency and keeping the dialogue with your community genuine and fruitful, even when the going gets tough.

As we wrap up, we navigate the tricky waters of game reviews and feedback, balancing the scales of taking criticism constructively and remaining unflinchingly professional. By analyzing the journeys of titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Helldivers 2, we showcase the importance of managing player expectations and evolving a game's reception over time. Honest communication, accountability, and the sometimes necessary day-one patch are tools we dissect. Every game developer's journey is fraught with ups and downs; join us as we chart a course through the choppy seas of games PR.