GameSpot editorial director fired for Kane & Lynch review? |
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Another video game has managed to entrench itself in controversy, but like the infamous ongoing Manhunt debate, the controversy concerns not just the game itself but is relevant to the entire industry, and even includes us gamers.
The controversy surrounds Jeff Gerstmann, who was recently fired from his post as editorial director of GameSpot. Until then he had worked there for 10 years. The controversy goes that he was fired because of the politics surrounding his review of Kane & Lynch: Dead Men (Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, PC).
The facts - and the surrounding speculations - are these. Basically the root of the controversy starts with Jeff Gerstmann' video review of Kane & Lynch, rating it with a rather low score of 6/10 and also giving negative remarks about the game.
Gerstmann was fired several days after the review was made live. He confirmed his termination to Joystiq via email, but he doesn't comment further. Sources then give more info on the story, saying that it was Gerstmann's review that caused the termination.
According to the sources, and a commentary by Penny Arcade, the review of Kane & Lynch caused Eidos Interactive, the studio behind the game, to withdraw "hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of future advertising from the site" (qtd. from Penny Arcade).
Kane & Lynch ads no longer appear on GameSpot's front page, which gives weight to the story. Gerstmann's video review was also taken down, although the text review was "updated [...] based on [GameSpot's] editorial standards," according to a CNET spokesperson.
GameSpot says that they "do not terminate employees based on external pressure from advertisers" but doesn't comment on whether any pressure was given on Eidos' part.
Eidos and Gerstmann gave the usual no-comment while GameSpot made an official statement saying that:
GameSpot takes its editorial integrity extremely seriously. For over a decade, Gamespot and the many members of its editorial team have produced thousands of unbiased reviews that have been a valuable resource for the gaming community. At CNET Networks, we stand behind the editorial content that our teams produce on a daily basis.
However, they do not comment on Gerstmann's case, saying it's not their policy to comment on personal employee matters. For now, every major party involved is remaining quiet on the issue.
The controversy is causing a lot of buzz on the internet, causing some talk about the role of advertising and their influence on games and reviews.
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Comments [refresh]
O.o!
but... does the game really suck?!
This is why I only trust reviews by random people. There's too many review sites motivated by hype and money.
the today smart comment lol... I only use gamespot for news and because I like the interface of the site... but they give so bad reviews that I will not trust in them anymore
Although Gamespot may have lost money, it was a mistake to fire him. I think if game companies want to sell product they need to make quality games. Gamespot just lowered it's reputation by doing this. The video review seemed accurate from what I have read of the game and Jeff Gerstmann seemed to hit the nail on the head. Just like Mr. Gerstmann said, the characters are unlikable. Since I seen stuff about Kane and Lynch, it seems like a boring unlikable game. Jeff Gerstmann also had some good things to say about the game such as the muliplayer double crossing mechanics.
If you guys haven't already, check out his video review. What do you guys think?
how lame, im so not buying Kane and Lynch now, screw you Edios. If you guys cant take a bad review, then dont make bad games!!! Dont shoot the messenger, you twits. I lost alot of respect for Gamespot if they did fire Jeff, cause he just reviewed a game the way it should be reviewed. Truthfully.
If youre getting pressured by a shaty game developer over the review. Ignore them, their one developer out of hundereds. You will get endorsed again, and get more money, which is apparently what you care about, not truthful reviews. If they threatened you, ruin them, no your good employees, i believe there must be some legal action to be taken upon things like this.
But idk, do what ever, if you want to ruin your fanbase, GOOD JOB!! YOU DID!!! (for both of you) either way, Eidos sucks, and Gamespot is becoming suckage.
/rant
judging by the meta scores I wouldnt go near the game either
http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/kaneandlynchdeadmen?q=kane%20and%20lynch
sucks that he has been fired i wondered why On the spot wasnt aired this week
Jeff Gerstmann was my favourite reviewer on GameSpot, he always managed to give the best most honest reviews and didnt have any bias.
gamespot is stupid for firing him.
I believe Arstechinca made a good point about this recently ...conflict of interest between game review site and advertisements. I too prefer user reviews as a point of reference....but definitely not Arstechinca, IGN, GT, 1UP, or IGN and the likes.... I wish Usenet was back again....
Remind me never to go on gamespot again.
it's like playing hitman in a more action oriented style. it's is a bit simple and hard, but in co-op it's ok!
there used to be things like freedom of speech.
Blackmailing seems to be legal these days...
I will NEVER EVER in life visit that disgusting site again!
Money money money....Making any sense now ?
i only use gamespot cuz of the setup aswell.
I mean come on they made they're name/fortune off of a lame game that sucked(Tomb Raider).
They only sold a zillion copies because they gave the games heroine a huge chest.
In the end firing a reviewer, based upon him DOING his job by honestly critiquing a game, is horrible.
I don't use gamespot for my gaming info anyways, as they have always been biased by the highest bidder.
I'm never going to gamespot again...They suck so horribly for doing that, I don't know what to say. I already didn't like them for their biased reviews, and i suspected them of fanboyism towards the 360, but they just made a lot of people angry...
the games aim system is'nt the greatest in the world which spoiled the game a bit!! but to sack someone for being honest in his opinion, which is what he is susposedly paid to do, is shocking!!
Freedom of Speech has nothing to do with your employer, only the government.
You most certainly can be fired for saying the wrong thing on the job.
That's not to say I disagree. It is pretty disgusting.
I agree all the multiplatform games that are on the top 10 list always has Xbox 360 on top of the list. Just look at Assassins Creed. Why can't they just write Assassins Creed PS3/XBOX 360 instead? They had the same score!
Also when i want to read a review of a multiplatform game, it always redirects to the Xbox 360 review! Why not just have a section called "Choose platform"?
doubt it, prior to reading this, I saw a Kane ad on the UK Gamespot site.
That was a Kanes Wrath ad I saw, I did'nt read it properly, sorry guys!!!
Halo 3 review was fixed.
he said something that he should, probably Vulgar, and got paid for it, his job!
Now Gamespot and IGN has been biased ever before PS3 came out and that site has alays been garbage. I only went on the site cause of the forums since gamefaqs couldn't quote people. I normally don't on there anymore, mainly for the reviews. Listen i don't know whats wrong with these reviews i rented this game and i found a very good game i would rate it 7.8. and i know many friends who has it and liked it alot. So i disagree with his score. I just just hope the site as a whole gets checked out. Since there is fishy business afoot there. Its not like he can't get a job anymore i don't see a reason to feel bad, probably cause of this his name will be out there and many places would hire him.
Gamespot had this controversy coming and its about time, i laugh at there lie about being unbiased, A trained monkey who doesn't rush games to meet deadlines(like the majority on Gamespot and IGN reviewers do) can rate these games fairly.
All he does is bash it like trash, says one good thing and continues on. And the way he does is unacceptable in the gaming world. if its bad ok just say whats bad and back up your thing not the way he just did.