Gamespot revolt after controversial firing
Cory Bergman December 3rd, 2007
I have to admit there are so many bits of information flying around, most unconfirmed, that I’m having trouble getting a grip on this story. But, wow. Here’s what we do know: Gamespot.com Editorial Director Jeff Gerstmann was fired soon after giving a video game, Kane & Lynch, a negative review (watch video here). The review then disappeared off the site, and gaming blogs were quick to point out that the video game is a big Gamespot advertiser. Hmmm. Meanwhile, CNET, which owns Gamespot, says it does “not terminate employees based on external pressure from advertisers.” Angry users began to post their own reviews of the game, voting down the score to 2.6/10 until Gamespot yanked it. And there are also reports that hundreds of Gamespot’s paid subscribers are canceling their accounts, calling it “Lamespot.” Stay tuned on this one, folks. (Thanks, Mike and Peter!)
7 Comments Add your own
1. joe | December 3rd, 2007 at 1:17 am
hopefully this will help similar sites and blogs realize that editorial credibility is still very important these days. the backlash costs much more than an advertiser.
2. Gorman | December 3rd, 2007 at 8:32 am
Does edge out the Jericho “Nuts” campaign for first runner-up (to the iPhone price drop) for the Biggest Internet Backlash of 2007? It’s year-end-awards time, you know.
(BTW, my name has a link to a Penny Arcade comic on the whole thing that went out on 11/29.)
3. KennFletch | December 3rd, 2007 at 10:40 am
I canceled my subscription. I had my account for years and I will never renew.
4. Alicia Crabtree | December 3rd, 2007 at 12:21 pm
i love the site Gamespot, but how can they fire someone for giving their honest opinion and guiding their viewers away from a game that isn’t worth the money?!?!?
5. JoeMo | December 3rd, 2007 at 4:27 pm
That’s how the media industry operates. If what your saying doesn’t fit into the organizations agenda you’re gone, plain and simple.
6. Biff Supprito | December 3rd, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Um, the dude got canned ’cause he’s ugly as homemade soap.
Duh.
7. James Clarke | December 3rd, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Jeff ROCKS. He needs to set up his own site pronto; he could do blogging, video podcasts etc and make a mint from advertising himself. Shamespot need not apply
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