[Ink]

if the devs aren't in it for the money, and don't want to take any risks to make money, then that makes sense.

but if devs are serious about being game developers as a living, then two-bit publicity and marketing won't get you anywhere, you NEED to shell out a little cash for someone with exposure and a real marketing team.

BTW, anyone can get covered in almost every game rating sites. Those sites are usually link farms, and it pays them to go looking for games themselves. That doesn't take publicity and marketing.