Post
If a studio's last game was amazing, their next one gets automatic goodwill it may not deserve.
The halo effect is the cognitive bias where a positive impression in one area influences judgment in unrelated areas. In gaming, it manifests as brand loyalty that overrides critical evaluation. If you loved a studio's previous game, you are more likely to overlook flaws in their next one, rate it higher than you objectively would, and defend it against criticism. The effect works in reverse too -- a studio with a bad reputation has to work twice as hard because players approach their games with preloaded skepticism. The halo effect explains why some mediocre games from beloved studios review well at launch before sentiment corrects, and why excellent games from unknown studios struggle for attention.
Example
CD Projekt Red's goodwill from The Witcher 3 led millions to pre-order Cyberpunk 2077 without waiting for reviews. FromSoftware games get more benefit-of-the-doubt on divisive design choices because of the studio's track record. Conversely, EA's negative reputation means even good games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order had to overcome initial skepticism.
Why it matters
The halo effect shapes purchasing decisions, review scores, and community discourse in ways that are largely invisible. Recognizing it helps players evaluate games on their own merits rather than on studio reputation, and helps developers understand that past goodwill is a depreciating asset -- not a permanent shield.
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