Friday, Nov 30, 2007
Once upon a time, I heard Jeff Gerstmann introduce himself as "Jeff GameSpot." A simple slip of the tongue that occurred off-camera, yet will forever be preserved in my mind as a symbol of the man's love and dedication to this web site, his co-workers, and the trusting audience we shared.
Jeff (and Tim) Will Rock Again
We will probably never learn all of the facts that led to the "why" of his departure, but the timing of the "how" is egregious enough to warrant such an amazing uproar. Right after the big review push is over, just before the warm and fuzzy holiday break, and with no chance for a friendly send-off episode or two. It all feels mean, and sad.
Voiced by Jeff
Part of me wishes I was still there, but I'm positive there are plenty of my friends saying the things I would like to be saying in those inevitable managerial explanation sessions. Jeff will be fine, yet I sympathize greatly with those left with the difficult choice of "kicking" (following one's moral compass out the door) or "sticking" (paying that San Francisco rent in a tough economy).
Run!
That said, I can speak from personal experience that there is no better time for a gaming fan to be unemployed, and if anybody wants to join me for some therapeutic Call of Duty, I'll see you online.
-Rich
Chute Out!
Comments
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:13 am PT
I can't believe it...
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:20 am PT
Well said, Rich. At least you and all the other great GameSpot employees left of your own volition to pursue other interests. It's absolutely diabolical that Jeff should go out this way. If I worked there I would definitely be following my moral compass right now.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:24 am PT
Like a slap in the face, huh Gallup? Such a facist move from Eidos and CNET...
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:26 am PT
Hear, hear. Though I had only been visiting GS for the past couple of years, it was obvious how important and influencial Jeff was. It's just plain sad to see him leave this way, just for doing his job ....
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:28 am PT
Extremely well put and delivered, Rich. It really is very depressing. I totally agree with your comments.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:28 am PT
Excellent post, I also wish there was a goodbye episode, Jeff would've made it super awesome. 
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:29 am PT
Great to see you commenting on the issue. I still can't believe it...you and Jeff both made Gamespot an excellent source for everything and anything videogame related. Its sad to see him go like that.
And I still remember the PSP Portable Ops Tournament where you kept yelling "Chute Out!" every time someone used the Fulton Extraction System. Good times!
And I still remember the PSP Portable Ops Tournament where you kept yelling "Chute Out!" every time someone used the Fulton Extraction System. Good times!
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:30 am PT
Great read, it's sad
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:30 am PT
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:30 am PT
I've always called Jeff, Mr. GameSpot. No idea he acutally said it himself at one point 
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:34 am PT
Thanks for commenting this happening, Rich. I'm totally with you.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:34 am PT
WOW, i cant believe its true. I thought maybe that someone had stretched the truth to make it sound more interesting as a news article, but this just confirms it. I have to say after visiting Gamespot for 7 years, this has made me want to leave GS and I dont even work there. Whats the point reading reviews if they have false pursuasions behind them, doesnt Cnet get the point of what a review is? dont games deserve an honest review? very dissapointing.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:36 am PT
Well said. Kevin, you, and now this. It's too much. Time to move on. Oh and how abut those Celtics!
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:39 am PT
Well spoken Rich it's great to hear from Jeff's past and present coworkers who suport him this is a terrible thing that has happend but i'm sure Jeff will be able to bounce back and be better then ever.
Also I would be up for some COD on live to help change the mood GT Kevin2684 if your interested RIch.
Also I would be up for some COD on live to help change the mood GT Kevin2684 if your interested RIch.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:41 am PT
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:46 am PT
Well said. This sucks, plain and simple.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:46 am PT
I don't know what to do. I use gamespot because the people have personalities, and Jeff was one of my favorities. You too, Rich. All over some company's money. I don't know what to think of gamespot anymore.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:48 am PT
I know people have to pay rent but this is much bigger then that. From here on GameSpots reviews have lost all credibility. And I'm sorry but with you and now Jeff gone that live shows will also be a disaster. Gamespot's a brand which has now been hugely tainted and I don't know if any of the remaining editors (while highly talented) have the charisma to take his place.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:51 am PT
I'm sad to say that I will probably stop coming here, Bob and Carrie sucked, then you left and Jeff was (no offence) more awesome than any of you guys so him getting FIRED really makes me mad.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:52 am PT
This post has answered one of my biggest questions.
JeffG voiced TriviaRobot!
Well, hope everything goes well in the future...
JeffG voiced TriviaRobot!
Well, hope everything goes well in the future...
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:52 am PT
chickens tend to come home to roost. what up, richie G?
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:52 am PT
These are sad times!!
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:59 am PT
It's a real shame. I wonder how things will continue after this.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 9:59 am PT
Well said. GameSpot has been falling apart ever since Carrie left, and now it's just getting worse.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:06 am PT
This is SHAMEFUL!!!
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:15 am PT
Are all the reviews for sale then... what is true and what isn't?
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:15 am PT
Beautifull words man, hey maybe jeff is better off playing a little CoD 4 instead of worrying about this stuff for a while.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:16 am PT
This is sad news to learn. Jeff was more than a fixture at Gamespot. He was a staple along with so many others that have already left that I sort of hoped would always be there.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:18 am PT
Well said Mr Gallup.
Whilst I realise that business is business, the manner and timing of his departure seems totally and utterly thoughtless. Especially for someone who's contributed so much to the success of the site.
Whilst I realise that business is business, the manner and timing of his departure seems totally and utterly thoughtless. Especially for someone who's contributed so much to the success of the site.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:19 am PT
Well said Rich... Good for you, you left on time...
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:19 am PT
Jeff GameSpot indeed... will miss him like hell...
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:22 am PT
Nicely said Rich, its sad to see Jeff gone. Gamespot really won't be the same without him.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:22 am PT
Very well done this is very bad news best of luck to him.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:24 am PT
A great tribute, Rich. GameSpot isn't the same without you and won't be the same without Jeff and Tim.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:26 am PT
Good post.
I believe his departure is completely unfair. Gamespot is killing the staff already.. Like you said, at least he will have a worry-free gaming time.
I believe his departure is completely unfair. Gamespot is killing the staff already.. Like you said, at least he will have a worry-free gaming time.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:26 am PT
Jeff supporters UNITE!
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:32 am PT
Yeah Rich gamespot is not the same with out you! nor will it be with out Jeff. Soon i will leave this site for good. which is sad because for a time this was the best video game site ever...but only for a time.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:35 am PT
This place will not be the same. Looks like you left at the right time Rich. Truely, sad times indeed.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:40 am PT
Nicely said Rich. I still feel a little shocked, i just really cant imagine checking gamespot out without Jeff there. Strange considering i don't know the guy personally but I liked him, and hes really gonna be missed. p.s. your missed too Rich don't worry 
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:41 am PT
Yep, Gamespot just isnt the same anymore, really sad, when you left, Carrie and now Jeff, it just keeps geting worse and worse.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:43 am PT
Well, we still have Ryan to watch at least. Man Tim could really dance couldn't he!?!?!
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:48 am PT
This dis-heartens me greatly, and by the looks of it everyone else to. Gamespot is now Gamecrap. Eidos look out, I hope everyone responsable gets what is coming to them. BLARG!!!!!
Oh and lol on the gifs.
Oh and lol on the gifs.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:49 am PT
Well said Rich. I loved and felt very connected to Gamespot, but having Jeff removed in this manner is completely ridiculous and immoral. I completely understand other editors staying under these circumstances, but a site that would allow its integrity to be compromised in such a way, and to get rid of such a charismatic and passionate guy, I just can't support anymore.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:49 am PT
"Right after the big review push is over, just before the warm and fuzzy holiday break, and with no chance for a friendly send-off episode or two. It all feels mean, and sad."
This is what I felt yet could not put in to words. Well said, Rich.
"Jeff GameSpot" made me laugh however.
I bet Jeff's cell phone has been ringing like crazy, his (personal) email is full and has been getting messages over XBOX Live like, well, crazy.
Personally I will miss Jeff Gerstmann. I didn't always agree with him but I respected his opinion. I have always been in awe of his video game knowledge and love of the games themselves. Good luck, Jeff!
This is what I felt yet could not put in to words. Well said, Rich.
"Jeff GameSpot" made me laugh however.
I bet Jeff's cell phone has been ringing like crazy, his (personal) email is full and has been getting messages over XBOX Live like, well, crazy.
Personally I will miss Jeff Gerstmann. I didn't always agree with him but I respected his opinion. I have always been in awe of his video game knowledge and love of the games themselves. Good luck, Jeff!
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:51 am PT
worst news ever
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:54 am PT
there are no doubt a few sides to the story that will not get much airtime. it's a shame this ended so ugly.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:56 am PT
Well said. This is very bad news.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:58 am PT
Greg, you, now Jeff. Gamespot has lost its soul, the life it once had. This is horrible news.
Posted Nov 30, 2007 11:12 am PT
ZeroGravX