THE BORE

General => Video Game Bored => Topic started by: demi on December 06, 2007, 02:12:31 PM

Title: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: demi on December 06, 2007, 02:12:31 PM: For the past week, controversy has rocked the game news media--a controversy that originated here at GameSpot. The affair began last Wednesday when near-11-year veteran reviewer Jeff Gerstmann's tenure as editorial director ended. In keeping with the human-resources procedures of GameSpot parent company CNET Networks and in accordance with California State Law, no public comment was initially made about his departure.

In the void of information that followed, numerous conspiracy theories sprang up. First and foremost was that, as a result of pressure from publisher Eidos Interactive, GameSpot terminated Gerstmann because of his review of the multiplatform game Kane & Lynch: Dead Men. The game was released on November 13, 2007 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. (The PC version of the game was released on November 20, but has not yet been reviewed.)

Hundreds of reports pointed to the fact that the Kane & Lynch video review was pulled and the text review's copy was altered as evidence substantiating this hypothesis. In many readers' eyes, the fact that the entire GameSpot site was "skinned" with advertisements promoting Kane & Lynch all but confirmed the theory behind his firing. In the gaming press, the subsequent furor has been dubbed "Gerstmanngate."

Due to legal restrictions and corporate HR policy, GameSpot could not initially comment on Gerstmann's departure. Though the site officially addressed the issue on Monday, the full story behind his exit could not be told--until now.

In the spirit of full disclosure to our readership, GameSpot News has been provided the following answers by management to the questions below regarding the circumstances surrounding Gerstmann's exit. Further questions can be submitted to newstips@gamespot.com for review; those questions that merit posting will be addressed. (Please, no hate e-mail.)

Q: Was Jeff fired?

A: Jeff was terminated on November 28, 2007, following an internal review process by the managerial team to which he reported.

Q: Why was Jeff fired?

A: Legally, the exact reasons behind his dismissal cannot be revealed. However, they stemmed from issues unrelated to any publisher or advertiser; his departure was due purely for internal reasons.

Q: Why was the Kane & Lynch review text altered?

A: Jeff's supervisors and select members of the edit team felt the review's negativity did not match its "fair" 6.0 rating. The copy was adjusted several days after its publication so that it better meshed with its score, which remained unchanged. The achievements and demerits it received were also left unaltered. Additionally, clarifications were made concerning the game's multiplayer mode and to include differences between the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game.

Kane & Lynch
The original, unaltered video review.
Watch | Download

Q: Why was the Kane & Lynch video review taken down?

A: Both the text and video reviews of Kane & Lynch went up on Tuesday, November 13. The morning of Wednesday, November 14, the video was taken down due to concerns of quality. Specifically, its audio was deemed inferior due to a faulty microphone. There were also concerns about the limited amount of footage, which was unrepresentative of the game in the review.

Q: Why wasn't the video immediately reposted?

A: Due to the crush of high-profile games being released the following week, there were insufficient resources to reshoot and re-edit the video review.

Q: Why hasn't the video review been reposted since the "Gerstmanngate" controversy broke?

A: A determination was made by GameSpot Live, GameSpot's multimedia division, that reposting it would seem reactive and might exacerbate an inflamed situation. However, in the spirit of full disclosure, it has since been reposted, and is viewable on the site in its original form (See above). For those who want to be sure that it has not been altered after the fact, the video review is also available on YouTube for comparison purposes.

Q: Was Eidos Interactive upset by the game's review?

A: It has been confirmed that Eidos representatives expressed their displeasure to their appropriate contacts at GameSpot, but not to editorial directly. It was not the first time a publisher has voiced disappointment with a game review, and it won't be the last. However, it is strict GameSpot policy never to let any such feelings result in a review score to be altered or a video review to be pulled.

Q: Did Eidos' disappointment cause Jeff to be terminated?

A: Absolutely not.

Q: Did Eidos' disappointment cause the alteration of the review text?

A: Absolutely not.

Q: Did Eidos' disappointment lead to the video review being pulled down?

A: Absolutely not.

Q: Why was GameSpot "skinned" with Kane & Lynch ads when Jeff was terminated?

A: Due to design and development considerations, media buys on GameSpot are made weeks in advance. The timing of said ads was extremely unfortunate but was purely coincidental and determined solely by the game's release date of November 13, 2007.

Q: Why did the Kane & Lynch ads disappear from GameSpot right as the "Gerstmanngate" controversy began to heat up?

A: Advertising sales on GameSpot are sold by the day. The end of the Kane & Lynch "skin" promotion had been predetermined long beforehand. Internal documentation filed before the review appeared shows that the site skin was scheduled to run from November 17 to 29, 2007. Site-wide ad campaigns automatically change at midnight, hence the "skin" being removed after hours.

Q: Was Jeff's termination somehow tied to the departure of former GameSpot Live managing producer Tim Tracy?

A: No. Tim and Jeff are childhood friends and had been colleagues until Tim transferred over to other CNET Networks Entertainment properties. His exit was completely unrelated.

Q: Why didn't GameSpot write about Jeff's departure sooner?

A: Due to HR procedures and legal considerations, unauthorized CNET Networks and GameSpot employees are forbidden from commenting on the employment status of current and former employees. This practice has been in effect for years, and the CNET public-relations department stuck to that in the days following Jeff's termination. However, the company is now making an exception due to the widespread misinformation that has spread since Jeff's departure.

Q: When will the PC version of Kane & Lynch be reviewed?

A: We haven't decided when that will happen.

Q: GameSpot's credibility has been called into question as a result of this incident. What is being done to repair and rebuild it?

A: This article is one of the first steps toward restoring users' faith in GameSpot, and an internal review of the incident and controversy is under way. However, at no point in its history has GameSpot ever deviated from its review guidelines, which are publicly listed on the site. Great pains are taken to keep sales and editorial separated to prevent any impression of impropriety.

For years, GameSpot has been known for maintaining the highest ethical standards and having the most reliable and informative game reviews, previews, and news on the Web. The colleagues and friends that Jeff leaves behind here at GameSpot intend to keep it that way.

For a special report on Jeff Gerstmann's dismissal and a tribute to his legacy, tune in tomorrow to GameSpot's weekly live webcast, On the Spot. For a personal look at Gerstmann's exit, listen to the latest HotSpot podcast in which host Vincent Caravella discusses the controversial event with longtime Gerstmann colleagues Ricardo Torres, Ryan MacDonald, Alex Navarro, and Ryan Davis.

EDITOR'S (i.e. me) NOTE: HAHAHAHAHAHA @ THE INTERNET -- told you so, where's my cake
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: DJ_Tet on December 06, 2007, 02:18:16 PM: Quote
For a special report on Jeff Gerstmann's dismissal and a tribute to his legacy,

:lol

edit: Are they going to have a 4 min video tribute for him like Sean Taylor?
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 06, 2007, 02:18:48 PM: Uh, they don't really come clean at all. They say that advertiser pressure had nothing to do with his termination, but then do not say what prompted his dismissal whatsoever. And furthermore, this isn't really a credible source. Of course they're going to say it had nothing to do with anything. Why would they say otherwise?

The video game industry is relatively small. If a good amount of people are circulating this kind of information about his termination and the state of GameSpot, be it through contacts, blogs or what have you, the likelihood is that there is some credibility behind it.

As usual, demi is stupid.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: demi on December 06, 2007, 02:20:51 PM: Quote from: Willco on December 06, 2007, 02:18:48 PM
Uh, they don't really come clean at all. They say that advertiser pressure had nothing to do with his termination, but then do not say what prompted his dismissal whatsoever. And furthermore, this isn't really a credible source. Of course they're going to say it had nothing to do with anything. Why would they say otherwise?

The video game industry is relatively small. If a good amount of people are circulating this kind of information about his termination and the state of GameSpot, be it through contacts, blogs or what have you, the likelihood is that there is some credibility behind it.

As usual, demi is stupid.

OWNED
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: MrAngryFace on December 06, 2007, 02:20:59 PM: Haha I dunno if thats coming clean. Basically it's:

"We fired him because we, as a party seperate of the game's publisher, still pissed our pants when they yelled at us. We then altered his review because we pissed our pants, but we will not admit to doing it, except we WILL provide this interview which only provides facts that support the theory that we pissed our pants."
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: demi on December 06, 2007, 02:21:59 PM: It's all right there, case closed

Lemme just pull up my post from way earlier

Ah, here it is

Quote from: demi on December 06, 2007, 02:20:51 PM

OWNED
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: The Fake Shemp on December 06, 2007, 02:22:50 PM: You didn't own anybody, though. This is the worst ownage since FoC endorsed the gold standard in Patel's face.

Quote from: Chicken Joe on December 06, 2007, 02:20:59 PM
Haha I dunno if thats coming clean. Basically it's:

"We fired him because we, as a party seperate of the game's publisher, still pissed our pants when they yelled at us. We then altered his review because we pissed our pants, but we will not admit to doing it, except we WILL provide this interview which only provides facts that support the theory that we pissed our pants."

Basically. They didn't come clean at all. Worst topic ever.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: MrAngryFace on December 06, 2007, 02:23:00 PM: You need to make Nick Frost fat again, he looks weird now.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: demi on December 06, 2007, 02:27:15 PM: (http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x124/RocGaude/graph.png)
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: SpudBud on December 06, 2007, 02:36:48 PM: Oh gamespot.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Van Cruncheon on December 06, 2007, 03:13:31 PM: SONY reason behind gerstfiring CONFIRMED
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Joe Molotov on December 06, 2007, 05:21:06 PM: Quote
Q: Why was the Kane & Lynch video review taken down?

A: Both the text and video reviews of Kane & Lynch went up on Tuesday, November 13. The morning of Wednesday, November 14, the video was taken down due to concerns of quality. Specifically, its audio was deemed inferior due to a faulty microphone.

Well, I'm convinced. Now I can play **** Ex again without feeling like a traitor.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Robo on December 06, 2007, 05:25:29 PM: I saw that video elsewhere and didn't notice any problem with the audio or the footage being shown other than that it validated most Girthmann's complaints of the shit cover mechanics and awful artificial intelligence.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Ichirou on December 06, 2007, 07:31:36 PM: Does Gamestop really believe people are stupid enough to believe this shit? I mean, people other than demi?
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Sho Nuff on December 06, 2007, 09:01:49 PM: Absolutely not.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: bagofeyes on December 06, 2007, 09:10:13 PM: 'We can't reveal the reason why he was fired but it's not the reason you think is the reason - trust us!'

Good enough for me.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: hyp on December 07, 2007, 02:26:05 PM: gamespot's gerstamnnnnnnnnnnnnnn tribute video:

http://kotaku.com/gaming/jeff-gerstmann/gamespots-tribute-to-jeff-gerstmann-331252.php

the guy who introduces the video is literally in tears.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Robo on December 07, 2007, 02:35:20 PM: smh. i can appreciate that everyone is sad to see girthmann go, but this is too much. the man is not dead.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Joe Molotov on December 07, 2007, 02:36:04 PM: These tears have been sponsored by Ubisoft's Haze, the only first-person shooter that will make you cry.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: demi on December 07, 2007, 02:39:26 PM: Quote from: hyp on December 07, 2007, 02:26:05 PM
gamespot's gerstamnnnnnnnnnnnnnn tribute video:

http://kotaku.com/gaming/jeff-gerstmann/gamespots-tribute-to-jeff-gerstmann-331252.php

the guy who introduces the video is literally in tears.

HAHAHA look at Navarro, giving snide looks and shit - he dont give a fuck

And why is sexy Davis in the back :(

edit: wait he's not even there, fuck this then
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Joe Molotov on December 07, 2007, 02:54:33 PM: "6 games have problems but they might be fun." Sorry, Jeff, that's not going to be enough to save your job.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Himu on December 07, 2007, 02:58:47 PM: this has become the stpuidest thing ever this year i mean really
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: MCD on December 07, 2007, 03:00:54 PM: Drama queens.
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Joe Molotov on December 07, 2007, 03:05:26 PM: Quote from: Himuro on December 07, 2007, 02:58:47 PM
this has become the stpuidest thing ever this year i mean really

You what would have made it even better? If it had had Gary Jules - Mad World playing over the tribute video. After watching that tribute, I could almost imagine them doing it. It would have fit in well. :lol
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Bloodwake on December 07, 2007, 03:06:10 PM: This entire Gertsmann situation = RETARDISM
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Trent Dole on December 07, 2007, 05:36:57 PM: Quote from: Joe Molotov on December 07, 2007, 03:05:26 PM
Quote from: Himuro on December 07, 2007, 02:58:47 PM
this has become the stpuidest thing ever this year i mean really

You what would have made it even better? If it had had Gary Jules - Mad World playing over the tribute video. After watching that tribute, I could almost imagine them doing it. It would have fit in well. :lol
Somebody with video editing software make this shit happen. :lol
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: GilloD on December 07, 2007, 07:08:10 PM: I don't think this is completely crazy. I think K&L may have been the last straw for management already tired of Jeff's hardball. Frankly, his review fucking sucked. It was the laziest thing I've ever seen on a pro site. I would have fired the guy if he was on the fence, too. It probably didn't help that there was money on the game, either. Sounds fine to me, but just to join the party: ZOMG CORPORATIONS IS EVIL AND INTEGRITY IS GONE IN THE NEW CAPITALISM WAAAHHHH
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: hyp on December 07, 2007, 07:42:31 PM: did anyone cry after watching the video?
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: demi on December 07, 2007, 07:44:24 PM: hyp cried over a game reviewer! mad homo!
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: hyp on December 07, 2007, 07:53:35 PM: :'( :'( :'( :'(

spoiler (click to show/hide)
fuck that fat fuck, why would i cry over his lazy ass. i liked his rap, but the flow was a bit sloppy.
[close]
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Robo on December 07, 2007, 08:06:06 PM: :girthmann :girthmann :girthmann
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: Joe Molotov on December 07, 2007, 08:51:40 PM: Quote from: RoboJ on December 07, 2007, 08:06:06 PM
:girthmann :girthmann :girthmann

You're spelt it wrong, it should be : gerstmann (remove the space) to post the Gerstmann smilie...oh wait, I see what you did there!
Title: Re: Gerstmannia: GameSpot comes clean
Post by: MrAngryFace on December 07, 2007, 10:56:39 PM: Its not so much the quality of his work in question, but rather the idea of publishers pulling triggers like this. Where's the integrity, kids?