Legality of a review/commentary site

[Gammaray]

I just got a video game review/commentary website up and running. I was wondering if I should be wary of any legal issues. I am under the impression that what I am doing isn't illegal because reviews are "educational" in nature and therefor don't require permission from game developers/publishers. Am I right in thinking this?

I am also a little curious about turning it into an actual business. For example, to get press passes to conventions you need to provide a "Business License for Media Outlet." How does one become a real media outlet? Or am I misinterpreting the term? Is a media outlet anything that provides journalistic information? Or is it a business term?

I have a lot of questions, and I really don't know where to start. I've tried searching the subject, but I guess I don't even know what I'm looking for and my results are current useless. I don't expect anyone here to have all of the answers, but if someone could point me to someone/thing to get me on the right track I'd appreciate that.

Thanks,
Mike

[ELCaD]

isn't illegal because reviews are "educational" in nature

Now, is this YOUR understanding of it, or what you have been told by an expert?
I would say that reviews probably aren't considered informative rather than educational.
Be sure to check this out before making any assumptions.

[Gammaray]

Well, yeah that was sort of the reason for posting this thread to begin with. I was asking if I was wrong or not.

Originally Posted by Gammaray

I am under the impression that what I am doing isn't illegal because reviews are "educational" in nature and therefor don't require permission from game developers/publishers. Am I right in thinking this?

But I do thank you for your concern. It's just kind of hard finding info on becoming a real media outlet.