GamersRate takes part in affiliate programs. This page explains what that means for you, in plain terms.
What an affiliate link is
Some links on this site that point to game stores (for example Steam or other retailers) are affiliate links. If you click one and buy something, we may earn a small commission from that retailer.
It costs you nothing extra
Affiliate links never change the price you pay. The commission comes out of the retailer's margin, not your pocket.
It does not affect ratings
This is the important one. Affiliate relationships have zero influence on a game's score. Scores are calculated purely from community category ratings and community-voted weights. We do not, and cannot, boost a game because it earns us a commission. Editors and admins cannot manually set or nudge a game's overall score.
Sponsored placements are labelled
Separately from affiliate links, developers can pay for promoted placement (e.g. a slot on the home page or top of search). These are always clearly marked “Sponsored” and are kept visually distinct from organically ranked games. A sponsored placement still shows the game's real, unmodified community score.
Developer access
Studios verified by our team can respond to reviews and view analytics for their game. Developer access gives a developer no ability to change ratings, weights, or the overall score.
Questions
Anything unclear? Email hello@thatswhatithink.example. (Replace with your real contact address before launch.)