To my fellow YouTubers~

Hello guys ^_^ So I was just wondering how many of my fellow YouTubers here actually go to devs and publishers requesting review copies for games to feature on their channel, and how you word your requests. I am a smaller channel (40~ish subs, but I've been kinda inactive lately due to life), but I can generally get review copies from indie devs alongside afew bigger names.

For my friends who are just starting out on their channels or didn't realize that devs will actually give you free copies of their creations for you to feature on your channel, here's how I do it!

For copies of specific games:

Firstly, you'll need to goto the publisher/developer's main website. Lets take Kholat for an example, if you goto the steam page, and scroll down a bit, on the right you will eventually see this info, "title", "developer", "publisher", and "release date". What you want is either the developer or publisher, either can give you review copies, although sometimes the developers will ask you to goto the publisher for such requests. So in the case of Kholat, the dev and publisher are one in the same, IMGN.PRO, so let's google them! First result will generally be what you want, although sometime you will need to add the name of the game in the search as well to specify it further.

Now that we're at the publisher's site, we need to look for their contact page, in this case it's at the very bottom and you can write a message within the site itself. With some sites, you will be given a list of different contacts, what you are looking for is Press inquiries or PR, and sometimes this is found on a page dedicated to this. I generally prefer to copy and paste the direct email so I can have a copy on my email account and know who I have made requests to and for what games/software.

Now we get to the fun part, writing the request. No publisher or developer will give keys to a basic "give me a key for X game", that's just stupid, they are trying to make money like any other person, and will want to know who you are and why you should be given a free copy of their hard work. Key things you will want to have in your request are as follows:

Who you are. Real Name, channel name, etc... introducing yourself is a basic thing taught to all preschoolers, so take a breath and don't be shy.

What you do. Are you a YouTuber? Twitch Streamer? Journalist? Blogger? Let them know what you do so they can see, "hey, maybe if I give this dude(tte) a copy, it will promote my game to many more people."

If you're with a bigger network or organization. I'm with Maker Studios, a YouTube MCN, telling them this information will likely increase your chances of getting a review copy as anything that makes you seem more important will be vital, and if you're with a network then it will make them think "If they see something in this person, maybe it's worth one key."

What it is you are requesting of them. If you don't tell them why you are contacting them, then what's the point? Be clear and direct.

Link to your channel/content! Give them proof you are what you claim to be, link to your channel, bolg, etc... don't make them Google you themselves, that's just impolite.

Be respectful, kind, and professional. Karma, whatever you give will be given to you, if you are kind and respectful they will be as well, if you're not, then they may outright ignore you're email.

Here's an example of what I write for basic requests:

"Hello,

I am Shikibara, Twitch Streamer and YouTuber partnered with Maker Studios MCN. I would like to inquire about receiving a review copy of your game Kholat to feature on my channel. For examples of my content feel free to visit my channels.

YouTube: (insert YouTube channel) (don't wana get banned on accidentally advertising here X"D)
Twitch: (Insert Twitch channel)

Kindest regards,
Shiki"

Some times for certain requests I will personalize it a bit more, like if I've reviewed one of their games before.

If they give you a key, be sure to thank them! Also, when you make the content you were intending to make with it, be sure to give them a link to it as often they will post it on their social media and give you a bit more exposure for you brand!

If you are rejected, and you will be especially if you are smaller, then be kind and say thank you for the reply, this will help you develop a positive relationship with them in the future when you get bigger!

If you also do such requests and noticed anything I left out or that could help improve your chances, feel free to post what you do!

I hope this helped aspiring content creators and reviewers!

Kindest regards,
Shiki