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{{short description|Video game website}}
{{short description|American video game website}}
{{Distinguish|text=[[GameStop]], the video game retailer}}
{{Distinguish|text=[[GameStop]], the video game retailer}}
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{{Use American English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2019}}
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{{Italic title}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{primary sources|date=June 2014}}
{{Update|date=January 2015}}
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{{Infobox website
{{Infobox website
|name = ''GameSpot''
| name = GameSpot
|logo = Logo of GameSpot.svg
| logo = Logo of GameSpot.svg
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| foundation = {{Start date and age|1996|5|1}}
|caption =
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| founder = {{ubl|Pete Deemer|Vince Broady|Jon Epstein}}
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|foundation = {{Start date and age|1996|5|1}}
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| location_city = [[San Francisco]], [[California]]
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|founder = {{ubl|Pete Deemer|Vince Broady|Jon Epstein}}
| parent = {{ubl|SpotMedia (1996–1997)|[[ZDNET]] (1997–2000)|[[CNET]] (2000–2008)|[[CBS Interactive]] (2008–2020)|[[Red Ventures]] (2020–2022)|[[Fandom (website)|Fandom, Inc.]] (2022–present)}}
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|location_city = [[San Francisco]], [[California]]
|url = {{URL|gamespot.com}}
| url = {{URL|gamespot.com}}
|type = [[Video game journalism]]
| type = [[Video game journalism]]
|registration = Optional (free and [[subscription business model|paid]])
| registration = Optional (free and [[subscription business model|paid]])
| owner =
|owner = [[Fandom (website)|Fandom, Inc.]]<ref name="fandom">{{cite web |last=Weprin |first=Alex |title=TV Guide, Metacritic, GameSpot Acquired by Fandom in $55M Deal With Red Ventures |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/tv-guide-metacritic-gamespot-acquisition-fandom-1235231819/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=October 3, 2022 |accessdate=October 3, 2022 }}</ref>
|launch_date = {{start date and age|1996|1|13}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://whois.domaintools.com/gamespot.com |title=GameSpot.com WHOIS, DNS, & Domain Info - DomainTools |work=[[WHOIS]] |date=2016 |access-date=February 15, 2016}}</ref>
| launch_date = {{start date and age|1996|1|13}} (Spotmedia)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016 |title=GameSpot.com WHOIS, DNS, & Domain Info – DomainTools |url=http://whois.domaintools.com/gamespot.com |access-date=February 15, 2016 |website=[[WHOIS]]}}</ref>
|current_status = Active
| current_status = Active
}}
}}


'''''GameSpot''''' is an American video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information on video games. The site was launched on May 1, 1996, created by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. In addition to the information produced by ''GameSpot'' staff, the site also allows users to write their own reviews, blogs, and post on the site's forums. It has been owned by [[Fandom (website)|Fandom, Inc.]] since October 2022.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Fandom Acquires Leading Entertainment & Gaming Brands Including… |url=https://about.fandom.com/news/fandom-acquires-leading-entertainment-gaming-brands-including-gamespot-tv-guide-and-metacritic |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Fandom |language=en-US}}</ref>
'''''GameSpot''''' is an American video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information on video games. The site was launched on May 1, 1996, created by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady, and Jon Epstein. In addition to the information produced by ''GameSpot'' staff, the site also allows users to write their own reviews, blogs, and post on the site's forums. It has been owned by [[Fandom (website)|Fandom, Inc.]] since October 2022.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2022 |title=Fandom Acquires Leading Entertainment & Gaming Brands Including… |url=https://about.fandom.com/news/fandom-acquires-leading-entertainment-gaming-brands-including-gamespot-tv-guide-and-metacritic |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]] |language=en-US}}</ref>


In 2004, ''GameSpot'' won "Best Gaming Website" as chosen by the viewers in [[Spike TV]]'s second ''Video Game Award Show'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Results of Spike TV's 2004 Video Game Awards |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/12-14-2004/0002631869 |access-date=June 9, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614230628/http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109 |archive-date=June 14, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and has won [[Webby Awards]] several times. The domain ''gamespot.com'' attracted at least 60 million visitors annually by October 2008 according to a [[Compete.com]] study.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://siteanalytics.compete.com/gamespot.com?metric=uv |title=Site Profile for gamespot.com |access-date=May 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019081558/http://siteanalytics.compete.com/gamespot.com/?metric=uv |archive-date=October 19, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In 2004, ''GameSpot'' won "Best Gaming Website" as chosen by the viewers in [[Spike TV]]'s second ''Video Game Award Show'',<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Spike TV Announces Winners of 'Video Game Awards 2004' |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2004/12/14/spike-tv-announces-winners-of-video-game-awards-2004-17429/20041214spiketv01/ |access-date=2023-04-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230421012942/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2004/12/14/spike-tv-announces-winners-of-video-game-awards-2004-17429/20041214spiketv01/ |archive-date=2023-04-21 |website=[[The Futon Critic]]}}</ref> and has won [[Webby Awards]] several times. The domain ''GameSpot.com'' attracted at least 60 million visitors annually by October 2008 according to a [[Compete.com]] study.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Site Profile for GameSpot.com |url=http://siteanalytics.compete.com/gamespot.com?metric=uv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019081558/http://siteanalytics.compete.com/gamespot.com/?metric=uv |archive-date=2008-10-19 |access-date=2008-05-18 |website=SiteAnalytics.Compete.com}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
In January 1996, Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein quit their positions at [[IDG]] and founded SpotMedia Communications.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idGame=559 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards by Video Game Details |access-date=August 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605212436/http://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idGame=559 |archive-date=June 5, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://courses.haas.berkeley.edu/descriptions/Descriptions/BA278-2_Spring01.htm |title=Course Number: Ba278}}</ref><ref name="Wired">{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/1997/02/research-dream-job-online-gaming-zine/ |title=Research Dream Job: Online Gaming Zine |magazine=Wired |date=1997-02-06}}</ref> SpotMedia then launched ''GameSpot'' on May 1, 1996.<ref name="Wired" /> Originally, ''GameSpot'' focused solely on [[personal computer]] games, so a sister site, ''VideoGameSpot'', was launched on December 1, 1996.<ref name="Wired" /><ref name="Navarro">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6154109/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930080927/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6154109.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |title=Burning Questions: July 14, 2006 |author=Navarro, Alex |date=July 14, 2006 |access-date=March 23, 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> Eventually ''VideoGameSpot'', then renamed ''VideoGames.com'', was merged into ''GameSpot''.<ref name="Navarro" /> In February 1999, ''[[PC Magazine]]'' named ''GameSpot'' one of the hundred best websites, alongside competitors ''[[IGN]]'' and ''[[CNET Gamecenter]]''.<ref name=pcmagtop100>{{cite journal |author=Willmott, Don |title=The 100 Top Web Sites |date=February 9, 1999 |volume=18 |number=3 |journal=[[PC Magazine]] |page=114}}</ref> The following year, ''[[The New York Times]]'' declared ''GameSpot'' and ''Gamecenter'' the "''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' and ''[[Newsweek]]'' of gaming sites".<ref name=nytimescenter>{{cite web |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180523185648/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/07/technology/basics-sites-keep-up-with-games-and-gamers.html |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/07/technology/basics-sites-keep-up-with-games-and-gamers.html |title=BASICS; Sites Keep Up With Games and Gamers |author=Olafson, Peter |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=December 7, 2000 |archive-date=May 23, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=May 27, 2018}}</ref>
In January 1996, Pete Deemer, Vince Broady, and Jon Epstein quit their positions at [[IDG]] and founded SpotMedia Communications.<ref>{{Cite web |title=D.I.C.E. Awards by Video Game Details |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idGame=559 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605212436/http://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idGame=559 |archive-date=2018-06-05 |access-date=2019-08-17 |website=Interactive.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grabowicz |first=Paul |title=Course Number: Ba278 |url=http://courses.haas.berkeley.edu/descriptions/Descriptions/BA278-2_Spring01.htm |access-date=2023-04-20 |website=Berkeley.edu |publisher=[[University of California, Berkeley]]}}</ref><ref name="Wired">{{Cite magazine |last=Farnady |first=Kate |date=February 6, 1997 |title=Research Dream Job: Online Gaming Zine |url=https://www.wired.com/1997/02/research-dream-job-online-gaming-zine/ |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102072826/https://www.wired.com/1997/02/research-dream-job-online-gaming-zine/ |archive-date=2020-01-02 |access-date=2023-04-20}}</ref> SpotMedia then launched ''GameSpot'' on May 1, 1996.<ref name="Wired" /> Originally, ''GameSpot'' focused solely on [[personal computer]] games, so a sister site, ''VideoGameSpot'', was launched on December 1, 1996.<ref name="Wired" /><ref name="Navarro">{{Cite web |last=Navarro |first=Alex |date=July 14, 2006 |title=Burning Questions: July 14, 2006 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6154109/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930080927/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6154109.html |archive-date=2007-09-30 |access-date=2007-03-23 |website=GameSpot |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> Eventually ''VideoGameSpot'', then renamed ''VideoGames.com'', was merged into ''GameSpot''.<ref name="Navarro" /> On January 6, 1997, SpotMedia and publisher [[Ziff Davis]] announced a $20 million agreement allowing the publisher to run content from ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' and ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' on SpotMedia's websites.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/1997/01/zd-spotmedia-to-create-online-gaming-goliath/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523184643/https://www.wired.com/1997/01/zd-spotmedia-to-create-online-gaming-goliath/ |title=ZD, SpotMedia to Create Online Gaming Goliath |last=Brown |first=Janelle |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=January 3, 1997 |archive-date=May 23, 2018 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> By the following month, Ziff Davis's substantial financial infusion enabled ''GameSpot'' to grow to 45 employees.<ref name="Wired" /> In February 1999, ''[[PC Magazine]]'' named ''GameSpot'' one of the hundred best websites, alongside competitors ''[[IGN]]'' and ''[[CNET Gamecenter]]''.<ref name="pcmagtop100">{{Cite journal |last=Willmott, Don |date=February 9, 1999 |title=The 100 Top Web Sites |journal=[[PC Magazine]] |volume=18 |page=114 |number=3}}</ref> On July 19, 2000, [[CNET]] announced its acquisition of [[ZDNET]], putting ''GameSpot'' and ''Gamecenter'' under the same parent company.<ref name="eurocnet">{{cite web |author=Vaggabond |date=July 19, 2000 |title=Cnet buys ZDnet |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_28565 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523191403/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_28565 |archive-date=May 23, 2018 |work=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> That December, ''[[The New York Times]]'' declared ''GameSpot'' and ''Gamecenter'' the "''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' and ''[[Newsweek]]'' of gaming sites".<ref name="nytimescenter">{{Cite web |last=Olafson |first=Peter |date=December 7, 2000 |title=Basics; Sites Keep Up with Games and Gamers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/07/technology/basics-sites-keep-up-with-games-and-gamers.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180523185648/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/07/technology/basics-sites-keep-up-with-games-and-gamers.html |archive-date=2018-05-23 |access-date=2018-05-27 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In February 2001, ''GameSpot'' was spared from a redundancy reduction effort by CNET which shuttered ''Gamecenter''.<ref name="chronicle1">{{cite web |author=Fost, Dan |date=February 15, 2001 |title=Heavy Lifting Begins for Cnet |url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Heavy-Lifting-Begins-for-Cnet-Dot-com-downturn-2951969.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523184059/https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Heavy-Lifting-Begins-for-Cnet-Dot-com-downturn-2951969.php |archive-date=May 23, 2018 |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]}}</ref><ref name="registergc">{{cite web |author=Smith, Andrew |date=February 7, 2001 |title=CNET shuts Gamecenter |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/02/07/cnet_shuts_gamecenter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041204094044/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/02/07/cnet_shuts_gamecenter/ |archive-date=December 4, 2004 |work=[[The Register]]}}</ref>


In October 2005, ''GameSpot'' adopted a new design similar to that of [[TV.com]], now considered a sister site to ''GameSpot''.<ref>{{Cite web |author=GameSpot Staff |date=November 2, 2005 |title=GameSpot Redesign: Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamespot-redesign-frequently-asked-questions/1100-6134513/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018065355/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamespot-redesign-frequently-asked-questions/1100-6134513/ |archive-date=2013-10-18 |access-date=2006-09-29}}</ref> ''GameSpot'' ran a few different paid subscriptions from 2006 to 2013, but is no longer running those.<ref>{{Cite web |last=GameSpot Staff |date=February 23, 2006 |title=GameSpot Revamps Subscription Model |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamespot-revamps-subscription-model/1100-6144748/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115124754/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamespot-revamps-subscription-model/1100-6144748/ |archive-date=2018-01-15 |access-date=2018-01-14 |website=GameSpot |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref><ref name="signup">{{Cite web |title=GameSpot Sign-Up Page |url=http://www.gamespot.com/signup/index.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070321212959/http://www.gamespot.com/signup/index.php |archive-date=2007-03-21 |access-date=2007-04-03 |website=GameSpot |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Lark |date=January 9, 2013 |title=GameSpot's Paid Subscription Service is Ending: FAQ |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/gamespots-paid-subscription-service-is-ending-faq-6402038/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206100619/http://www.gamespot.com/features/gamespots-paid-subscription-service-is-ending-faq-6402038/ |archive-date=2013-02-06 |access-date=2013-01-22 |website=GameSpot |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> In June 2008, ''GameSpot''{{'}}s parent company CNET was acquired by [[CBS Corporation]], and ''GameSpot'' along with CNET's other online assets were managed by the [[CBS Interactive]] division.<ref name="cbs">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbscorporation.com/news/prdetails.php?id=3503 |title=CBS CORPORATION COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF CNET NETWORKS; MERGES OPERATIONS INTO NEW, EXPANDED CBS INTERACTIVE BUSINESS UNIT |publisher=CBS Corporation |date=June 30, 2008 |access-date=June 30, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829001159/http://www.cbscorporation.com/news/prdetails.php?id=3503 |archive-date=August 29, 2008 }}</ref>
In October 2005, ''GameSpot'' adopted a new design similar to that of ''[[TV.com]]'', now considered a sister site to ''GameSpot''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamespot-redesign-frequently-asked-questions/1100-6134513/ |title=GameSpot Redesign: Frequently Asked Questions |access-date=September 29, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018065355/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamespot-redesign-frequently-asked-questions/1100-6134513/ |archive-date=October 18, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>


A new layout change was adopted in October 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://expoodle.com/experience/swipe-up |title= Swipe Up Game |access-date=September 29, 2021 }}</ref>
A new layout change was adopted in October 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swipe Up Game |url=https://expoodle.com/experience/swipe-up |access-date=2021-09-29 |website=Expoodle.com}}</ref>


CNET was sold to [[Red Ventures]] in October 2020.<ref name="redventures-acquisition-prnewswire">{{Cite web|title=Red Ventures Announces Closing of Acquisition of CNET Media Group|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/red-ventures-announces-closing-of-acquisition-of-cnet-media-group-301163922.html|date=2020-10-30|access-date=2020-11-06|website=PR Newswire|language=en|archive-date=June 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608220527/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/red-ventures-announces-closing-of-acquisition-of-cnet-media-group-301163922.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Two years later, [[Fandom (website)|Fandom]] acquired ''GameSpot'', along with [[Metacritic]], [[TV Guide]], [[GameFAQs]], [[Giant Bomb]], Cord Cutters News, and [[Comic Vine]] from Red Ventures.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="fandom">{{Cite web |last=Weprin |first=Alex |date=October 3, 2022 |title=TV Guide, Metacritic, GameSpot Acquired by Fandom in $55M Deal With Red Ventures |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/tv-guide-metacritic-gamespot-acquisition-fandom-1235231819/ |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> In January 2023, 40-50 employees were affected by a round of layoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=2023-01-19 |title=Layoffs Hit GameSpot, Giant Bomb Just Months After Fandom Buys Them |url=https://kotaku.com/giant-bomb-gamespot-metacritic-fandom-layoffs-1850008228 |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}</ref> More layoffs at GameSpot took place in January 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |date=2024-01-31 |title=GameSpot lays off portion of staff |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gamespot-lays-off-portion-of-staff |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref>
In October 2022, [[Fandom (website)|Fandom]] acquired GameSpot, along with [[Metacritic]], [[TV Guide]], [[GameFAQs]], [[Giant Bomb]], Cord Cutters News, and [[Comic Vine]] from [[Red Ventures]].<ref name=":0" />


===International history===
===International history===
''GameSpot UK'' (United Kingdom) was started in October 1997 and operated until mid-2002, offering content that was oriented for the British market that often differed from that of the U.S. site. During this period, ''GameSpot UK'' won the 1999 PPAi (Periodical Publishers Association interactive) award for best website,<ref>{{cite web |title=GameSpot UK Winner, PPAi Awards 1999 |url=http://www.ukaop.org.uk/Events/Annual-Awards/110#ppai1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926233911/http://www.ukaop.org.uk/Events/Annual-Awards/110#ppai1999 |archive-date=September 26, 2007 |access-date=October 7, 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and was short listed in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=GameSpot UK Short Listed, PPAi Awards 2001 |url=http://www.ukaop.org.uk/Events/Annual-Awards/110#ppai2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926233911/http://www.ukaop.org.uk/Events/Annual-Awards/110#ppai2001 |archive-date=September 26, 2007 |access-date=October 7, 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[PC Gaming World]]'' was considered a "sister print magazine" and some content appeared on both GameSpot UK and ''PC Gaming World''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Main site |url=http://www.gamespot.co.uk/ |website=GameSpot UK |publisher=[[ZDNET]] |access-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815053201/http://www.gamespot.co.uk/ |archive-date=15 August 2000 |quote=Some of the material on this site also appears in our sister print magazine |url-status=dead}}</ref> Following the purchase of ZDNet by CNET, ''GameSpot UK'' was merged with the main US site. On April 24, 2006, ''GameSpot UK'' was relaunched.<ref>{{cite web |title=GameSpot UK launches |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/newsitem.php?id=947 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611045243/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/947/Gamespot-UK-launches |archive-date=June 11, 2007 |date=April 24, 2006 |access-date=November 1, 2006 |url-status=live}}</ref>
''GameSpot UK'' (United Kingdom) was started in October 1997 and operated until mid-2002, offering content that was oriented for the British market that often differed from that of the U.S. site. During this period, ''GameSpot UK'' won the 1999 PPAi (Periodical Publishers Association interactive) award for best website,<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameSpot UK Winner, PPAi Awards 1999 |url=http://www.ukaop.org.uk/Events/Annual-Awards/110#ppai1999 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926233911/http://www.ukaop.org.uk/Events/Annual-Awards/110#ppai1999 |archive-date=2007-09-26 |access-date=2006-10-07 |website=UKAOP.com}}</ref> and was short listed in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameSpot UK Short Listed, PPAi Awards 2001 |url=http://www.ukaop.org.uk/Events/Annual-Awards/110#ppai2001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926233911/http://www.ukaop.org.uk/Events/Annual-Awards/110#ppai2001 |archive-date=2007-09-26 |access-date=2006-10-07 |website=UKAOP.com}}</ref> ''[[PC Gaming World]]'' was considered a "sister print magazine" and some content appeared on both ''GameSpot UK'' and ''PC Gaming World''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameSpot UK: Computer Games News, Reviews, Demos, and Strategy Guides |url=http://www.gamespot.co.uk/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815053201/http://www.gamespot.co.uk/ |archive-date=2000-08-15 |access-date=2023-02-14 |website=GameSpot UK |publisher=[[ZDNET]] |quote=Some of the material on this site also appears in our sister print magazine}}</ref> Following the purchase of [[ZDNet]] by [[CNET]], GameSpot UK was merged with the main US site. On April 24, 2006, ''GameSpot UK'' was relaunched.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foster |first=Lisa |date=April 24, 2006 |title=GameSpot UK Launches |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/newsitem.php?id=947 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611045243/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/947/Gamespot-UK-launches |archive-date=2007-06-11 |access-date=2006-11-01 |website=MCVUK.com}}</ref>


In a similar fashion, ''GameSpot AU'' (Australia) existed on a local scale in the late 1990s with Australian-produced reviews. It ceased in 2003. When a local version of the main CNET portal, CNET.com.au was launched in 2003, ''GameSpot AU'' content was folded into CNET.com.au. The site was fully re-launched in mid-2006, with a specialized forum, local reviews, special features, local pricings in [[Australian dollar]]s, Australian release dates, and more local news.
In a similar fashion, ''GameSpot AU'' (Australia) existed on a local scale in the late 1990s with Australian-produced reviews. It ceased in 2003. When a local version of the main CNET portal, CNET.com.au was launched in 2003, GameSpot AU content was folded into CNET.com.au. The site was fully re-launched in mid-2006, with a specialized forum, local reviews, special features, local pricings in [[Australian dollar]]s, Australian release dates, and more local news.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

''GameSpot Japan'' in its current form launched in 2007. It provides Japanese video game industry news, previews, reviews, features, and videos as well as translated articles from the other ''GameSpot'' sites.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}


===Gerstmann dismissal===
===Gerstmann dismissal===
[[Jeff Gerstmann]], editorial director of the site, was fired on November 28, 2007.<ref name="gsso">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6183666.html |title=Spot On: GameSpot on Gerstmann |website=GameSpot |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=December 5, 2007 |access-date=December 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725203926/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6183666.html |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Immediately after his termination, rumors circulated proclaiming his dismissal was a result of external pressure from [[Eidos Interactive]], the publisher of ''[[Kane & Lynch: Dead Men]]'', which had purchased a considerable amount{{Clarify|reason=vague|date=February 2021}} of advertising space on ''GameSpot''{{'}}s website. Gerstmann had previously given ''Kane & Lynch'' a fair or undesirable rating along with critique.<ref name="gsso"/> Both ''GameSpot'' and parent company [[CNET]] stated that his dismissal was unrelated to the review, but due to corporate and legal constraints could not reveal the reason.<ref name="gsso"/><ref name=cnetofficial>{{cite web |url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/50157 |access-date=December 24, 2007 |publisher=Shacknews |date=November 30, 2007 |title=CNET Denies 'External Pressure' Caused Gerstmann Termination |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515212056/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/50157 |archive-date=May 15, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> A month after Gerstmann's termination, freelance reviewer Frank Provo left ''GameSpot'' after eight years, stating that "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."<ref name=frank>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/greg-kasavin-bids-gamespot-farewell/1100-6163716/ |title=Farewell, GameSpot |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=January 4, 2008 |access-date=May 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607031555/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/greg-kasavin-bids-gamespot-farewell/1100-6163716/ |archive-date=June 7, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Jeff Gerstmann]], editorial director of the site, was fired on November 28, 2007 as a result of pressure from Eidos Interactive, a major advertiser; Eidos objected to the 6/10 review that Gerstmann had given ''[[Kane & Lynch: Dead Men]]'', a game they were heavily advertising on ''GameSpot'' at the time.<ref name="GiantBomb" /><ref name="kotakuGameSpot" /><ref>{{cite journal|first1=Peter|last1=Szuban|title=Reconstituting Vocabularies: User Generated Databases, Social Tagging, and Folksonomies in Giantbomb's Videogame Wiki Database|url=https://theijournal.ca/index.php/ijournal/article/view/32139|journal=The IJournal: Student Journal of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information|date=2018|issn=2561-7397|pages=41–49|volume=4|issue=1}}</ref> Both ''GameSpot'' and parent company CNET initially stated that his dismissal was unrelated to the review.<ref name="gsso">{{Cite web |last=GameSpot Staff |date=December 5, 2007 |title=Spot On: GameSpot on Gerstmann |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6183666.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725203926/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6183666.html |archive-date=2008-07-25 |access-date=2007-12-24 |website=GameSpot |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref><ref name="cnetofficial">{{Cite web |last=Faylor |first=Chris |date=November 30, 2007 |title=CNET Denies 'External Pressure' Caused Gerstmann Termination |url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/50157 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515212056/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/50157 |archive-date=2008-05-15 |access-date=2007-12-24 |website=Shacknews}}</ref> However, in March 2012, the non-disclosure agreement that forced Gerstmann to withhold the details of his termination was nullified. Not long after, ''[[Giant Bomb]]'' (a site Gerstmann founded after leaving ''GameSpot'') was being purchased by the same parent company as ''GameSpot'', and that they moved their headquarters into the same building. As part of this announcement, Gerstmann revealed that the firing was indeed related to threats of Eidos pulling advertising revenue away from ''GameSpot'' as a result of Gerstmann's poor review score, which was confirmed by ''GameSpot's'' Jon Davison.<ref name="GiantBomb">{{cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=March 15, 2012 |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/exciting-news-from-your-friends-at-giant-bomb/1100-4035/ |title=Exciting News From Your Friends At Giant Bomb |publisher=[[Giant Bomb]] |access-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-date=July 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720165520/https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/exciting-news-from-your-friends-at-giant-bomb/1100-4035/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="kotakuGameSpot">{{cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=March 15, 2012 |url=https://kotaku.com/yes-a-games-writer-was-fired-over-review-scores-5893785 |title=Yes, a Games Writer was Fired Over Review Scores |publisher=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409220352/https://kotaku.com/yes-a-games-writer-was-fired-over-review-scores-5893785 |url-status=live }}</ref>

''GameSpot'' staffers Alex Navarro, Ryan Davis, Brad Shoemaker, and Vinny Caravella also left as a result of Gerstmann's termination.<ref>{{cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/01/14/gamespot-staffer-alex-navarro-quits-in-wake-of-gerstmann-gate/ |title=Gamespot staffer Alex Navarro quits in wake of Gerstmann-gate |website=Engadget |date=January 14, 2008 |access-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203104054/https://www.engadget.com/2008/01/14/gamespot-staffer-alex-navarro-quits-in-wake-of-gerstmann-gate/ |archive-date=December 3, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/02/04/gamespot-exodus-continues-ryan-davis-to-leave/ |title=Gamespot exodus continues: Ryan Davis to leave |website=Endgadget |date=February 4, 2008 |access-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203152100/https://www.engadget.com/2008/02/04/gamespot-exodus-continues-ryan-davis-to-leave/ |archive-date=December 3, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Davis co-founded Gerstmann's subsequent project, [[Giant Bomb]], and was later joined by Shoemaker and Caravella. Navarro became the community manager at [[Harmonix]] and in 2010 joined with [[Whiskey Media]], a family of sites that includes Gerstmann's Giant Bomb site, to be part of their new site screened.com, focusing on cinema and television. Navarro later returned to Giant Bomb, where he worked as a senior editor.

On March 15, 2012, it was announced that [[CBS Interactive]], the parent company of ''GameSpot'' operator CNET, had acquired the Giant Bomb and [[Comic Vine]] websites from Whiskey Media. As part of the deal, the [[non-disclosure agreement]] between Gerstmann and CNET was nullified, allowing him to finally speak publicly about his termination over four years prior. Later that evening on ''GameSpot''{{'}}s ''On the Spot'' web show, ''GameSpot'' VP John Davison appeared on camera with Gerstmann, marking Gerstmann's first appearance on the ''GameSpot'' website since November 2007. In the segment, Gerstmann revealed that his firing was in fact related to the low review score he had given to ''Kane & Lynch'', though his explanation cited other similar events that led up to the termination, including a 7.5 (good) rating given to ''[[Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction]]'' by Aaron Thomas, then an employee under Gerstmann.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}


===Notable staff===
===Notable staff===
* [[Greg Kasavin]] – executive editor and site director of ''GameSpot'', who left in 2007 to become a game developer. He became a producer at [[Electronic Arts|EA]] and [[2K Games]] but he is currently working for [[Supergiant Games]] as a writer and creative director.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/profile/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=m-100-24849433&user=GregK |title=To Live and Die in L.A. |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=January 19, 2007 |access-date=May 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930082224/http://www.gamespot.com/pages/profile/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=m-100-24849433&user=GregK |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.supergiantgames.com/team/ |title=Supergiant Games |access-date=November 19, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Greg Kasavin]] – executive editor and site director of ''GameSpot'', who left in 2007 to become a game developer. He became a producer at [[Electronic Arts|EA]] and [[2K Games]]. As of 2021, he was working for [[Supergiant Games]] as a writer and creative director.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=January 19, 2007 |title=To Live and Die in L.A. |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/profile/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=m-100-24849433&user=GregK |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930082224/http://www.gamespot.com/pages/profile/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=m-100-24849433&user=GregK |archive-date=2007-09-30 |access-date=2007-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Supergiant Games |url=https://www.supergiantgames.com/team/|access-date=2021-11-19 |website=SuperGiantGames.com}}</ref>
* [[Jeff Gerstmann]] – editorial director of the site, dismissed from ''GameSpot'' on November 28, 2007, for undisclosed reasons, after which he started ''[[Giant Bomb]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.virtualfools.com/games/jeff-gerstmann/ |title=Jeff Gerstmann - Virtual Fools |access-date=April 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314151801/http://www.virtualfools.com/games/jeff-gerstmann/ |archive-date=March 14, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Following the announcement of the purchase of ''Giant Bomb'' by CBS Interactive on March 15, 2012, Jeff was allowed to reveal that he was dismissed by management as a result of publishers threatening to pull advertising revenue due to less-than-glowing review scores being awarded by ''GameSpot''{{'}}s editorial team.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/video/gamespot-and-giant-bomb-together-6366598/ |title=GameSpot and Giant Bomb, Together |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=March 15, 2012 |access-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308124102/http://www.gamespot.com/video/gamespot-and-giant-bomb-together-6366598/ |archive-date=March 8, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Jeff Gerstmann]] – editorial director of the site, dismissed from ''GameSpot'' on November 28, 2007, for undisclosed reasons, after which he started ''[[Giant Bomb]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeff Gerstmann - Virtual Fools |url=http://www.virtualfools.com/games/jeff-gerstmann/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314151801/http://www.virtualfools.com/games/jeff-gerstmann/ |archive-date=2008-03-14 |access-date=2008-04-15 |website=VirtualFools.com}}</ref> Following the announcement of the purchase of ''Giant Bomb'' by CBS Interactive on March 15, 2012, Jeff was allowed to reveal that he was dismissed by management as a result of publishers threatening to pull advertising revenue due to less-than-glowing review scores being awarded by ''GameSpot''{{'}}s editorial team.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Davison |first1=John |last2=Gerstmann |first2=Jeff |date=March 15, 2012 |title=GameSpot and Giant Bomb, Together |url=http://www.gamespot.com/video/gamespot-and-giant-bomb-together-6366598/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308124102/http://www.gamespot.com/video/gamespot-and-giant-bomb-together-6366598/ |archive-date=2013-03-08 |access-date=2018-01-14 |website=GameSpot |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref>
* Danny O'Dwyer – video presenter of GameSpot, founded crowdfunded game documentary company [[Noclip]] in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=dannyodwyer's Blog - GameSpot |url=https://www.gamespot.com/profile/dannyodwyer/blog/ |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=www.gamespot.com |language=en}}</ref>
* Danny O'Dwyer – video presenter of ''GameSpot'', founded crowdfunded game documentary company [[Noclip]] in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2013 |title=dannyodwyer's Blog - GameSpot |url=https://www.gamespot.com/profile/dannyodwyer/blog/ |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=GameSpot |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Chris Wanstrath]] – web developer of ''GameSpot'' who left in 2008 to start [[GitHub]], which became the world’s largest host service for software code.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Tom Huddleston |date=2018-06-04 |title=How this 33-year-old college dropout co-founded GitHub, which just sold to Microsoft for $7.5 billion |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/04/chris-wanstrath-co-founded-github-which-microsoft-bought-for-billions.html |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> In 2018 he sold GitHub to Microsoft for $7.5 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft finalizes its $7.5 billion GitHub acquisition |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-finalizes-its-7-5-billion-github-acquisition/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=ZDNET |language=en}}</ref>


==Community features==
==Community features==
⚫
''GameSpot''{{'}}s forums were originally run by ZDNet, and later by [[Lithium (forums)|Lithium]].{{citation needed|date=April 2007}} ''GameSpot'' uses a semi-automated moderation system with numerous volunteer [[forum moderator|moderators]]. ''GameSpot'' moderators are picked by paid ''GameSpot'' staff from members of the ''GameSpot'' user community. Due to the size and massive quantity of boards and posts on ''GameSpot'', there is a "report" feature where a normal user can report a violation post to an unpaid moderator volunteer.{{citation needed|date=April 2007}}


⚫
In addition to the message board system, ''GameSpot'' has expanded its community through the addition of features such as user [[blog]]s (formerly known as "journals")<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameSpot Forums |url=http://forums.gamespot.com/gamespot/index.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050814022225/http://forums.gamespot.com/gamespot/index.php |archive-date=2005-08-14 |access-date=2007-06-22 |website=GameSpot |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> and user video blogs. Users can track other users, thus allowing them to see updates for their favorite blogs. If both users track each other, they are listed on each other's friends list.
===Forums===
⚫
''GameSpot''{{'}}s forums were originally run by ZDNet, and later by [[Lithium (forums)|Lithium]].{{citation needed|date=April 2007}} ''GameSpot'' uses a semi-automated moderation system with numerous volunteer [[forum moderator|moderators]]. ''GameSpot'' moderators are picked by paid ''GameSpot'' staff from members of the ''GameSpot'' user community. Due to the size and massive quantity of boards and posts on ''GameSpot'', there is a "report" feature where a normal user can report a violation post to an unpaid moderator volunteer. The ostensible purpose of the reporting feature is to deal more quickly with violations of the website's posting policy. ''GameSpot''{{'}}s ToS<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 22, 2021|title=RedVentures/GameSpot Terms of Use|url=https://www.redventures.com/legal/cmg-terms-of-use.html|url-status=live|access-date=July 22, 2021|website=GameSpot/Red Ventures Terms of Use (TOS)}}</ref> states that users must be aged 13 or older to post content and maintain an account. Proof of a user's age when he/she creates an account is not required. Proof of a moderator's age is also not required. All users must agree to ''GameSpot''{{'}}s ToS (terms of service) during registration. ''GameSpot''{{'}}s ToS (as they apply to the community forums) give moderators the power to use their own discretion when deciding if a posting violation has occurred.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

⚫
In addition to the message board system, ''GameSpot'' has expanded its community through the addition of features such as user [[blog]]s (formerly known as "journals")<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forums.gamespot.com/gamespot/index.php |title=GameSpot Forums |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=June 22, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050814022225/http://forums.gamespot.com/gamespot/index.php |archive-date=August 14, 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and user video blogs. Users can track other users, thus allowing them to see updates for their favorite blogs. If both users track each other, they are listed on each other's friends list.

==Paid subscriptions==
''GameSpot'' formerly had a paid subscription service known as "GameSpot Complete". On February 21, 2006, the paid subscription model was changed.<ref>{{cite web |title=GameSpot revamps subscription model |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamespot-revamps-subscription-model/1100-6144748/ |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115124754/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamespot-revamps-subscription-model/1100-6144748/ |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> It now maintains two paid membership services: Total Access and Plus.<ref name=signup>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/signup/index.php |title=GameSpot sign-up page |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=April 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070321212959/http://www.gamespot.com/signup/index.php |archive-date=March 21, 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Total Access is essentially a replacement of GameSpot Complete, as it is the same price of US$5.95 per month or $39.95 per year and offers the same basic benefits.<ref name=signup/> The second premium service, GameSpot Plus, is a cheaper, intermediate-level service.<ref name=signup/>

On January 9, 2013, it was announced that the Paid Subscription model would no longer be accepting new subscribers, and current subscribers would not be able to renew after January 31, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/gamespots-paid-subscription-service-is-ending-faq-6402038/ |title=GameSpot's Paid Subscription Service is Ending: FAQ |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=January 9, 2013 |access-date=January 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206100619/http://www.gamespot.com/features/gamespots-paid-subscription-service-is-ending-faq-6402038/ |archive-date=February 6, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of Game of the Year awards#GameSpot|''GameSpot'' Game of the Year awards]]
* [[List of Game of the Year awards#GameSpot|GameSpot Game of the Year awards]]


==References==
==References==
Line 79: Line 60:
* {{official website|http://www.gamespot.com/}}
* {{official website|http://www.gamespot.com/}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20000619190627/http://www.gamespot.co.uk/ GameSpot UK] (archived)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20000619190627/http://www.gamespot.co.uk/ GameSpot UK] (archived)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041026020036/http://www.gamespot.be/ GameSpot Belgium] (archived)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19990117002707/http://www.gamespot.fr/ GameSpot France] (archived)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19981201194209/http://www.zdnet.de/spiele/ GameSpot Germany] (archived)


{{Fandom, Inc.}}
{{Fandom, Inc.}}

Latest revision as of 04:04, 6 October 2024

Not to be confused with GameStop, the video game retailer.

GameSpot
Type of site
Video game journalism
FoundedMay 1, 1996; 28 years ago (1996-05-01)
Headquarters
San Francisco, California
Founder(s)
  • Pete Deemer
  • Vince Broady
  • Jon Epstein
Parent
URLgamespot.com
RegistrationOptional (free and paid)
LaunchedJanuary 13, 1996; 28 years ago (1996-01-13) (Spotmedia)[1]
Current statusActive

GameSpot is an American video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information on video games. The site was launched on May 1, 1996, created by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady, and Jon Epstein. In addition to the information produced by GameSpot staff, the site also allows users to write their own reviews, blogs, and post on the site's forums. It has been owned by Fandom, Inc. since October 2022.[2]

In 2004, GameSpot won "Best Gaming Website" as chosen by the viewers in Spike TV's second Video Game Award Show,[3] and has won Webby Awards several times. The domain GameSpot.com attracted at least 60 million visitors annually by October 2008 according to a Compete.com study.[4]

History

[edit]

In January 1996, Pete Deemer, Vince Broady, and Jon Epstein quit their positions at IDG and founded SpotMedia Communications.[5][6][7] SpotMedia then launched GameSpot on May 1, 1996.[7] Originally, GameSpot focused solely on personal computer games, so a sister site, VideoGameSpot, was launched on December 1, 1996.[7][8] Eventually VideoGameSpot, then renamed VideoGames.com, was merged into GameSpot.[8] On January 6, 1997, SpotMedia and publisher Ziff Davis announced a $20 million agreement allowing the publisher to run content from Computer Gaming World and Electronic Gaming Monthly on SpotMedia's websites.[9] By the following month, Ziff Davis's substantial financial infusion enabled GameSpot to grow to 45 employees.[7] In February 1999, PC Magazine named GameSpot one of the hundred best websites, alongside competitors IGN and CNET Gamecenter.[10] On July 19, 2000, CNET announced its acquisition of ZDNET, putting GameSpot and Gamecenter under the same parent company.[11] That December, The New York Times declared GameSpot and Gamecenter the "Time and Newsweek of gaming sites".[12] In February 2001, GameSpot was spared from a redundancy reduction effort by CNET which shuttered Gamecenter.[13][14]

In October 2005, GameSpot adopted a new design similar to that of TV.com, now considered a sister site to GameSpot.[15] GameSpot ran a few different paid subscriptions from 2006 to 2013, but is no longer running those.[16][17][18] In June 2008, GameSpot's parent company CNET was acquired by CBS Corporation, and GameSpot along with CNET's other online assets were managed by the CBS Interactive division.[19]

A new layout change was adopted in October 2013.[20]

CNET was sold to Red Ventures in October 2020.[21] Two years later, Fandom acquired GameSpot, along with Metacritic, TV Guide, GameFAQs, Giant Bomb, Cord Cutters News, and Comic Vine from Red Ventures.[2][22] In January 2023, 40-50 employees were affected by a round of layoffs.[23] More layoffs at GameSpot took place in January 2024.[24]

International history

[edit]

GameSpot UK (United Kingdom) was started in October 1997 and operated until mid-2002, offering content that was oriented for the British market that often differed from that of the U.S. site. During this period, GameSpot UK won the 1999 PPAi (Periodical Publishers Association interactive) award for best website,[25] and was short listed in 2001.[26] PC Gaming World was considered a "sister print magazine" and some content appeared on both GameSpot UK and PC Gaming World.[27] Following the purchase of ZDNet by CNET, GameSpot UK was merged with the main US site. On April 24, 2006, GameSpot UK was relaunched.[28]

In a similar fashion, GameSpot AU (Australia) existed on a local scale in the late 1990s with Australian-produced reviews. It ceased in 2003. When a local version of the main CNET portal, CNET.com.au was launched in 2003, GameSpot AU content was folded into CNET.com.au. The site was fully re-launched in mid-2006, with a specialized forum, local reviews, special features, local pricings in Australian dollars, Australian release dates, and more local news.[citation needed]

Gerstmann dismissal

[edit]

Jeff Gerstmann, editorial director of the site, was fired on November 28, 2007 as a result of pressure from Eidos Interactive, a major advertiser; Eidos objected to the 6/10 review that Gerstmann had given Kane & Lynch: Dead Men, a game they were heavily advertising on GameSpot at the time.[29][30][31] Both GameSpot and parent company CNET initially stated that his dismissal was unrelated to the review.[32][33] However, in March 2012, the non-disclosure agreement that forced Gerstmann to withhold the details of his termination was nullified. Not long after, Giant Bomb (a site Gerstmann founded after leaving GameSpot) was being purchased by the same parent company as GameSpot, and that they moved their headquarters into the same building. As part of this announcement, Gerstmann revealed that the firing was indeed related to threats of Eidos pulling advertising revenue away from GameSpot as a result of Gerstmann's poor review score, which was confirmed by GameSpot's Jon Davison.[29][30]

Notable staff

[edit]
  • Greg Kasavin – executive editor and site director of GameSpot, who left in 2007 to become a game developer. He became a producer at EA and 2K Games. As of 2021, he was working for Supergiant Games as a writer and creative director.[34][35]
  • Jeff Gerstmann – editorial director of the site, dismissed from GameSpot on November 28, 2007, for undisclosed reasons, after which he started Giant Bomb.[36] Following the announcement of the purchase of Giant Bomb by CBS Interactive on March 15, 2012, Jeff was allowed to reveal that he was dismissed by management as a result of publishers threatening to pull advertising revenue due to less-than-glowing review scores being awarded by GameSpot's editorial team.[37]
  • Danny O'Dwyer – video presenter of GameSpot, founded crowdfunded game documentary company Noclip in 2016.[38]
  • Chris Wanstrath – web developer of GameSpot who left in 2008 to start GitHub, which became the world’s largest host service for software code.[39] In 2018 he sold GitHub to Microsoft for $7.5 billion.[40]

Community features

[edit]

GameSpot's forums were originally run by ZDNet, and later by Lithium.[citation needed] GameSpot uses a semi-automated moderation system with numerous volunteer moderators. GameSpot moderators are picked by paid GameSpot staff from members of the GameSpot user community. Due to the size and massive quantity of boards and posts on GameSpot, there is a "report" feature where a normal user can report a violation post to an unpaid moderator volunteer.[citation needed]

In addition to the message board system, GameSpot has expanded its community through the addition of features such as user blogs (formerly known as "journals")[41] and user video blogs. Users can track other users, thus allowing them to see updates for their favorite blogs. If both users track each other, they are listed on each other's friends list.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "GameSpot.com WHOIS, DNS, & Domain Info – DomainTools". WHOIS. 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Fandom Acquires Leading Entertainment & Gaming Brands Including…". Fandom. October 3, 2022. Retrieved 2022-10-03.
  3. ^ "Spike TV Announces Winners of 'Video Game Awards 2004'". The Futon Critic (Press release). Archived from the original on 2023-04-21. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  4. ^ "Site Profile for GameSpot.com". SiteAnalytics.Compete.com. Archived from the original on 2008-10-19. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
  5. ^ "D.I.C.E. Awards by Video Game Details". Interactive.org. Archived from the original on 2018-06-05. Retrieved 2019-08-17.
  6. ^ Grabowicz, Paul. "Course Number: Ba278". Berkeley.edu. University of California, Berkeley. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  7. ^ a b c d Farnady, Kate (February 6, 1997). "Research Dream Job: Online Gaming Zine". Wired. Archived from the original on 2020-01-02. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  8. ^ a b Navarro, Alex (July 14, 2006). "Burning Questions: July 14, 2006". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
  9. ^ Brown, Janelle (January 3, 1997). "ZD, SpotMedia to Create Online Gaming Goliath". Wired. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on May 23, 2018. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  10. ^ Willmott, Don (February 9, 1999). "The 100 Top Web Sites". PC Magazine. 18 (3): 114.
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