Gamespot.com, a well renowned gaming website visited by avid gamers from around the world has found itself in the middle of a journalism controversy during the past few weeks. Recently, Gamespot has fallen victim to the gaming world's scorn after allegedly sacrificing journalistic integrity for the sake of money. This all started when a videogame development and publishing company by the name of EIDOS payed to have their ads for a newly released game (Kane & Lynch: Dead Men) plastered all over the website to attract gamers. The company also wanted it so that if the users clicked on the ads, they would then be brought to Gamespot's upcoming written and video review of the game. But, here's the catch...
Jeff Gerstmann (as seen on the Right -->), the gaming journalist who was sent out to review the game, did so, but apparently what he said about it didn't sit too well with EIDOS. According to rumor and speculation by the gaming industry and consumers alike, Jeff's rating of 6.0 and the MANY harsh words he had said about the game are supposedly to blame for CNET (owner of Gamespot) axing Jeff after an 11 year tenure. Many claim that the reason behind the firing was that EIDOS was threatening to pull its current ads and to never post future ads on the website.
Jeff Gerstmann, now the ex-senior editorial director and ex-employee of Gamespot was considered the face of the website by many gamers who respected his reviews of games whether they whole-heartily agreed with his ratings and opinions or not. Gamespot and EIDOS alike are taking heavy flak from the gaming world for the allegations. Both of these companies' websites forums have been overrun with angry gamers voicing their opinion on the topic. The response? Forum moderators locking each and every topic on the subject of course! Many gamers are boycotting EIDOS's products as well as any other company who buys ad room on gamespot in the future; gamers are also canceling their paid subscriptions to Gamespot.com. Even fellow game reviewers at the gaming website 1up.com have been acting out about the situation (below).
"Jeff was gamespot. I'm off to canceling my subscription," says Mindchamber, a member of Gamespot.com
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"I guess it just comes down to this: I’ll never ever use CNET/Gamespot again or ever buy a game from EIDOS. Now they can join the scum over at Lucas Arts and SOE [Sony Online Entertainment] on my “do not buy” list," states Dracis, a member of Gamepolitics.com
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The following is CNET's official response about the firing: "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." Yeah, real valuable to the gaming community considering you (CNET) may have been payed of in the past for all we know. Oh, CNET stands behind the content that their editorial team produces, huh? Well then why did CNET delete Jeff's video review from the website all together? This response does not deny or acknowledge the reason for the firing of Jeff due to pressure from EIDOS besides the statement that "Gamespot takes its editorial integrity extremely seriously," then how about a straight forward response.
Is a straight forward response too much for you CNET? Is this whole debacle really worth all of the lost money and negativity from the gaming world? The act of not divulging the reason of the firing is more fuel for those who insist that CNET was pressured into firing Jeff instead of facing the risk of losing potential advertising money. Oh wait is this it?! "With respect to Jeff Gerstmann, it is CNET Networks' policy not to comment on the status of its employees, current of former," says a CNET representative. Oh, guess not.
After searching for a bit on Google and a bunch of other gaming blogs and websites that have been posting the story, I have yet to find a response by EIDOS on the whole situation. What I have found though, was this petition against Gamespot and a few banners and pictures about the situation made by members of the gaming world (below). More on this story as it unfolds, but I pose these questions to all of you readers...
After searching for a bit on Google and a bunch of other gaming blogs and websites that have been posting the story, I have yet to find a response by EIDOS on the whole situation. What I have found though, was this petition against Gamespot and a few banners and pictures about the situation made by members of the gaming world (below). More on this story as it unfolds, but I pose these questions to all of you readers...
Do you feel that good press can be bought?
Would you trust Gamespot reviews after this?
Who is at fault here?
Will you support Gamespot or buy EIDOS' products if this is indeed true?
Think about it, share your opinion, and comment!
(Click HERE or on the comic to go to source for better quality)
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