Broken Age: Double Fine imposes post-launch review embargo on Kickstarter backers [Update]

Broken Age developer Double Fine has lifted the review embargo which was imposed earlier today, according to a recent tweet from Kotaku.

Update

Per a tweet from Kotaku editor Stephen Totilo: "There is no longer a Broken Age review embargo, Double Fine now says. Go, reviewers, go!"

An update sent to Kickstarter backers confirmed this: "Hey all, I just wanted to write and let you know that we have decided to go ahead and lift the embargo on Broken Age reviews. The decision to set this originally was not made with any sort of malicious or controlling intent, but rather to keep spoilers to a minimum and give press time to enjoy the game, reflect on it, and write a review without feeling rushed to get it out first. However, it’s clear the excitement will be difficult to contain.”

Earlier today, it was announced that the game's first-act was set to arrive into the hands of Kickstarter backers today, but backers with blogs or who are members of the press were unable to write about it until two weeks after launch. You read the original story below.

Original Story

In a Kickstarter update sent to VG247 today, Double Fine wrote, "Right now we’re working on a press release that will go out tomorrow morning. This will announce the public ship date of the game and a new trailer showing off Vella, the female protagonist!"

That date is today, January 14. Broken Age's first act will release exclusively for backers, but the press and gamers have been placed under embargo until January 27. It's an odd situation.

The post continues, "We’re also preparing to send out review codes to press, who will be under review embargo until January 27. This embargo also applies to any of you backers who are in the press or have blogs—we are requiring all formal reviews be held until January 27 at 10am Pacific time (6pm GMT). The same time limit applies to the press as to backers; everyone is in the same boat! We’re trying to be as fair as possible given that backers will have access to the game before everyone else."

What do you make of the above? It essentially states that backers who have laid down money for the game are unable to write about a product that is already released. Typically, such embargoes come pre-launch, which is understandable, but we're keen to see how many backers actually stick to these rules, and what he penalty will be for those who break the request.

To ask ordinary gamers "with blogs" to refrain from writing about their game is abnormal, but it's unclear where the line sits. Should they also refrain from tweeting or posting about the title on Facebook? The rules are hazy at best.

We'll have more on this as it comes.