So, this will be my final blog entry on Gamespot.com.

The big news of today: Gamespot has sacked Jeff Gerstmann, chief editor of Gamespot and one of the team that made this site so much better than every other gaming site out there.

The rumor: currently going round the theory-bowls amongst fans onsite here and amongst other journalists is this. Gamespot were paid a whole mess of money by Eidos to advertise their upcoming release, Kane & Lynch: Dead Men. Adverts plastered all over the site. This is fine, and more than acceptable practice. However, Jeff reviews the game, and offers a very negative video review, and a not-too-positive written review. This is why we like Jeff - he speaks his mind, and it helps us to believe that Gamespot, unlike many other sites, is unencumbered by bias and business-to-business bribery - that they are impartial.Ultimately, that they are providing the service that paying customers expect. Jeff's review is obviously in conflict with the advertising.

The next thing we know, Jeff has been "sacked" - at the time of writing, Gamespot have said only that he no longer works for Gamespot. Kane & Lynch adverts dissapear; as does Jeff's video review.

So, the current theory: Gamespot has valued the advertiser (i.e. Eidos) and their money more than Jeff's review, and for providing a review that is in conflict with the adverts (after all, why advertise your game on a site that says your game sucks?) he has been sacked. Not given a warning, or told off, just sacked.

There is no official explanation from CNet or Gamespot; nor will there ever likely be. Employer records of hirings and firings are confidential. But what if the theory is true?

It means one thing. Gamespot will not produce reviews that conflict with a paying advert. Which means that they are effectively taking a bribe to give a good review. Which means, to spell it out in even more simple terms, that if you see a game advertised on here, and it has a great review? It's probably paid for, and worthless. Gamespot has in one simple move removed ALL of it's journalistic integrity, and cannot be trusted ever again.

Jeff's review is more than in line with most of the reviews out there, and the metacritic review scores. He is also not afraid to call foul when a game really stinks. Personally, I would like to think that rather than being fired, Jeff was simply told to re-write the review, refused, and quit, putting HIS integrity first.

Latest rumors also suggest that Tim Tracy has also quit (or is no longer employed) and also possibly that Ryan Davis has done the same (although there is no evidence I can find for Ryan right at this time).

It is a sad day. Jeff, Ryan and the regular public-facing team made Gamespot what it is - a unique gaming site with a true community - I have said before that Gamespot was like the Bungie of the game journalism world. That has now been destroyed and they are no longer a site of any value to me. Without the usual team on the Hotspot, or On The Spot, and without the inside jokes and humor, this place may as well be IGN or some other lifeless, corporate lapdog site.

To me, to lose your integrity is one thing. To lose the people who make your site what it is - that is a stupid, stupid corporate-minded, unintelligent moment of idiocy, and really tells us that CNet do not have A SINGLE CLUE about the community this site has engendered over the years. They are a business, and yes, I know that businesses are driven by money. But most are not so dumb as to walk around shouting it from the rooftops. They at least try to maintain some sort of community feel. Even, by all accounts, the forum Mods are up in arms and leaving in droves.

So, with no faith in the honesty and integrity of this site, and with Jeff and Tim gone, and, I hope, the others following suit - for their own sakes - I have no reason to return here. I feel sad. What friendly shore is there for us now to roll up on when we need our gaming information?

Jeff, Tim et al: you all have my respect, and I hope you do well in your future endeavors. I have no doubts that you will be snapped up by someone with at least a brain cell. Unlike these idiots here. Stick to your guns, keep your integrity. And if all else fails, start up your own site.

I suspect you would find that many Gamespot readers will follow you, willingly.

It's been fun, but I feel I must go. Catch dogsounds' blog on www.dogsounds.com.

Goodnight America, wherever you are.

dogsounds 30/11/2007