Maybe I'm misinterpreting, but for me "does not represent the final look of the game" means what it says...
That it is possible that nothing that is presented will be present in the final game. Basically, it is quite possible to change everything, to cut everything or to modify everything.
The 2 step process mentioned much earlier covered this topic.
It's completely understandable to slap work on progress on presented material. Nobody in their right mind thinks game studios immediately know
exactly what they intend to offer,
exactly how they intend to offer it and
exactly how everything along the way will play out to get there. It's a creative process. It's an iterative process. Regardless, WIP shouldn't be a convenient way to say A and change it to B without elaboration. Nor should it be a means to showcase a certain level of quality or functionality when it's known it will never actually exist.
As a consumer it's not unreasonable to expect better. I see a behavior I don't like and my choice is to say, "Dear dev studios, you should probably stop doing that.". Instead of passing it off as normal, claiming I'm exceptional at reading between the lines so it doesn't hurt me, falling back on "send it back", "manage your expectations", and things of this nature. Even if those type of comments aren't meant to deem it acceptable what is said and what is heard are two totally different things. When those comments are said what gets heard is "this is acceptable, by all means keep it up".
Wasn't the class action lawsuit about misrepresenting the state of the game? And what was it with not letting the press use their own footage? What seems somewhat ridiculous to me is suggesting that the most critically acclaimed video game company working on the second most expensive game ever did not know what state the game was in.
The lawsuits had nothing to do with players. The lawsuits were about misrepresentation to investors. As least as I understand it. Not that they'll go anywhere. Even if they did the penalties would likely be a slap on the wrist at best.
Hype can only happen if you pay attention to Hype
hype verb (2)
hyped; hyping
Definition of hype (Entry 3 of 5)
transitive verb
1 : put on, deceive
2 : to promote or publicize extravagantly hyping this fall's TV lineup
hype noun (2)
Definition of hype (Entry 4 of 5)
1 : deception, put-on
2 : publicity especially : promotional publicity of an extravagant or contrived kind all the hype before the boxing match
There are a couple versions of the definition for hype from Merriam-Webster. Take note of the words "deceive" and "deception" included in the definitions. Check virtually any other source for the definitions and you'll find more of the same.
If we want to say it only works or goes anywhere if the viewer believes the claims by all means. The viewer arguably shouldn't have to go to such lengths to disregard the claims though. The entities making the claims should be attempting to be as clear, concise, accurate and honest as possible. The viewer should expect better. The product should compete based on it's merits.
How does one make an informed decision on purchasing a product if they disregard any and all information provided about it? Flip a coin? Roll a dice? Keep in mind it's a rhetorical question. The answer is wait 6 months after release and buy the game on sale.