GameSpot To Get Soft and Cuddly

In the wake of the Gerstmanngate, well actually because of the Gerstmann firing, long time freelance reviewer Frank Provo confirmed through his Gamespot blog today that he’s officially no longer contributing to Gamespot/CNET.

His blog reads:

“Farewell, GameSpot

It’s true, I’m no longer contributing to GameSpot.

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.

And so, the “Frank Provo era” at GameSpot ends after nearly 8 years of contributions. March 2000 through December 2007. It was a nice run.

I feel sorry for the GameSpot staff that have to continue to work there because they have no choice if they want to be able to pay bills and feed their families. For such upstanding people, the CNet overloads have created the ultimate soul-crushing work environment.”

Furthermore, as a response to one of the user comments Mr. Provo had this to say:

“Unfortunately, I don’t see myself now increasing my contributions to the user community, because doing so ultimately benefits CNet and its coffers. And CNet is one organization I don’t want to benefit, at least not until major changes regarding disclosure and separation of advertising and editorial are made. I mean, come on, the fact that PR representatives are told the impending score of a “AAA” title before the review goes up is INSANE. That needs to stop.

But you reminded me of one thing I’d love to re-iterate: 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 problem lies with the puppet masters. Unfortunately, those masters have RUINED GameSpot’s credibility and reputation… a reputation built up for more than a decade.”

It’s sad that a previously reputable source for game criticism has fallen from grace so quickly, will other GameSpot employee’s follow suit? Only time will tell.

Source: Gamespot