Gerstmann-Gate Isn't Over Yet: Gamespot Writer Quits Over the Debacle

[MCD]

While Gamespot and Eidos all wish we would just forget, the impact of Jeff Gerstmann's "complicated" firing still lingers over the industry. The latest development of the debacle is Frank Provo's departure from Gamespot. A freelance writer with over 7 years at Gamespot and who wrote 751 reviews, his reasons for departure can hardly be called respectful. From Provo's Gamespot blog:

"I believe CNet management let Jeff go for all the wrong reasons. I believe CNet intends to soften the site's tone and push for higher scores to make advertisers happy.

I won't lie to people and tell them a game is good when it isn't. I won't downplay negatives that readers have a right to know about."

All I can say is ouch. With only unconfirmed rumors that Gerstmann's firing from Gamespot was the result of advertisement pressure over his unflattering Kane & Lynch review, this will only deal another blow to Gamespot's reputation. Provo also directly targeted the management of Gamespot and CNet in order to defend his fellow writers at Gamespot by saying, "The Gamespot staff did not fire Jeff. The Gamespot staff are NOT corrupt. Gamespot itself is NOT the problem. CNet is. CNet's management is."

The video game journalism industry, like any industry that reviews and covers a medium, has only its reputation to rely on. Review readers rely on the integrity and taste of the reviewer, and if you feel you can't trust them, you won't read their reviews. I can easily see why the writers at Gamespot would want to leave, because whether or not Gerstmann was fired for his review Gamespot can not be a pleasant place to work these days.

http://www.gamingsteve.com/archives/2008/01/gerstmanngate-isnt-over-yet-gamespot-writer-quits-over-the-debacle.php

[MCD]

and here is his post at gaf:

I'm honestly surprised Kotaku, Ripten, and any other sites are bringing this to lite... but yes, it's me, and yes, I'm no longer freelancing for GameSpot.

Why didn't I do it a month ago? I did, I just didn't post about it. My last review was turned in December 17th... fulfilling promises I made. I'm an asshole, but I do what I say I'm gonna do. I only bothered to post in my GameSpot blog now because Alex finally let the staff know. Perhaps I shoulda kept my mouth shut. Eh, I admit, I wanted to get a parting jab in at CNet for ruining a choice gig for me.

My reviews are dull and lifeless? Hmmm, do I tell you to eat paint or explain that GameSpot has a structure they prefer writers to follow? We're allowed fleeting glimpses of personality, but by and large the commandment is "keep it concise, keep it straight." In the past, I've written for other magazines and sites that allowed more personality to shine through. I'm only about 70% as dull as my GameSpot reviews suggest. *grin* Also, eat paint.

And hey, here's some skinny for ya... I've been sitting on my ass the last 3 weeks playing games and sleeping a lot... I've had a couple inquiries thrown my way that I need to follow-up on, but basically don't have anything new lined up yet. Yes, I jumped ship without a life vest. This isn't the first time. Thankfully, I live in the midwest where the cost of living is ridiculously cheap, and my last CNet check will carry me a good 2 to 3 months. Maybe longer if I'm a tightwad. I'm going to start "knocking on doors" Monday. Who knows where I'll end up. Might just get a job with bennies locally.

I don't know what the staff's plans are. I do know they're feeling mighty isolated ever since management showed that it's unwilling to take its employees' and users' concerns into account. It's kind of like the first time a young child sees his dad punch his mom. Reality=shattered. I also know that San Francisco is one of the MOST EXPENSIVE cities to reside in. You don't just quit willy-nilly unless you have the resources to do so. Or you live in a box (or Sam Bishop's couch).

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9186510&postcount=36

[brawndolicious]

that's pretty admirable.  confirms all of this completely.

off topic, but I bet the game isn't all that bad.  demo was fun.

[AdmiralViscen]

Good luck getting a job.

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

I could not possibly care any less about this whole Gerstmann/Edios crap but I wonder if evilore is going to re-ban some more words over at GAF in "protest".

[MCD]

he is Frank Provo.

that his blog or someone else, not sure.

[MCD]

btw, he is the guy who gave Shenmue 6.8

http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/adventure/shenmue/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs%3Breviews&page=1

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2668561.html

[Beezy]

off topic, but I bet the game isn't all that bad.  demo was fun.

It was pretty meh to me.

[HyperZoneWasAwesome]

and their cheats were basically GameFAQs carbon copies. Now their reviewers are jumping ship, it's all over.

Well Gamespot is affiliated with Gamefaqs, so its more then a coincidence.
Who would have ever thought that IGN would end up more trustworthy then Gamespot.  My mind is blown here.

[ferrarimanf355]

btw, he is the guy who gave Shenmue 6.8

http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/adventure/shenmue/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs%3Breviews&page=1

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2668561.html

I came in here to post that.

[MrAngryFace]

mosaic has been around forever, he wont have trouble finding work

[brawndolicious]

It was pretty meh to me.

well as a one play-through game.  decent enough story.

[demi]

who? not a big deal. post when Ryan Davis leaves, then i'll riot