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{{short description|American video game website}} |
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{{Distinguish|text=[[GameStop]], the video game retailer}} |
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{{redirect|GameCenter|the Apple application|Game Center}} |
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{{more citations needed|date=February 2023}} |
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{{italic title}} |
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{{Infobox Website |
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{{Use American English|date=August 2019}} |
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{{Infobox website |
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| name = GameSpot |
| name = GameSpot |
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| logo = Logo of GameSpot.svg |
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| logo = [[Image:GameSpot logo.svg|180px]]<!-- FAIR USE of Image:GameSpot_logo.svg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:GameSpot_logo.svg for rationale --> |
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| foundation = {{Start date and age|1996|5|1}} |
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| screenshot = |
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| founder = {{ubl|Pete Deemer|Vince Broady|Jon Epstein}} |
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| caption = |
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| location_city = [[San Francisco]], [[California]] |
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| url = [http://www.gamespot.com www.gamespot.com] |
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| 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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| url = {{URL|gamespot.com}} |
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| type = [[Video game journalism]] |
| type = [[Video game journalism]] |
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| registration = Optional (free and [[subscription business model|paid]]) |
| registration = Optional (free and [[subscription business model|paid]]) |
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| owner = |
| owner = |
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| 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> |
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| author = Pete Deemer<br/>Vince Broady<br/>Jon Epstein |
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| current_status = Active |
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| launch date = {{start date and age|May 1, 1996}}<ref>The oldest content on the site is dated May 1, 1996 — {{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/updates/index.php?Month=05&Day=1&Year=1996 | title=All Updates (May 1, 1996) | accessdate=2007-08-17}}</ref> |
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| alexa = {{decrease}} 481 ({{as of|2012|2|2|alt=February 2012}})<ref name="alexa">{{cite web|url= http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/GameSpot.com |title= Gamespot.com Site Info | publisher= [[Alexa Internet]] |accessdate= 2012-02-02 }}</ref><!--Updated monthly by OKBot.--> |
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'''GameSpot''' is a [[video game|video gaming]] [[website]] that provides [[news]], [[review]]s, [[preview]]s, [[download]]s, and other information on certain video games. The site was launched on May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by [[ZDNet]], a brand which was later purchased by [[CNET|CNET Networks]]. [[CBS Interactive]], which purchased CNET Networks in 2008, is the current owner of GameSpot. GameSpot.com is currently one of the 400 highest-[[web traffic|trafficked]] websites according to [[Alexa Internet|Alexa]].<ref name="alexa">{{cite web|url= http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/GameSpot.com |title= Gamespot.com Site Info | publisher= [[Alexa Internet]] |accessdate= 2011-10-02 }}</ref> |
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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 [[ |
'''''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> |
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In 2004, GameSpot won "Best Gaming Website" as chosen by the viewers in [[Spike TV]]'s second ''Video Game Award Show'',<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> |
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==History== |
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GameSpot's main page has links to the latest news, reviews, previews, and portals for the following current platforms: [[Wii]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[personal computer game|PC]], [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation Portable]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation 3]], and [[Nintendo 3DS]]. It also includes a list of the most popular games on the site and a search engine for users to track down games of interest. In September 2009, GameSpot started reviewing and cataloging [[iPhone]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], and other mobile games. GameSpot also covers the following platforms to a lesser extent: [[Nintendo 64]], [[Nintendo GameCube]], [[Game Boy Color]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Xbox]], [[PlayStation]], [[Sega Saturn]], [[Dreamcast]], [[Neo Geo Pocket Color]], [[N-Gage]], and [[mobile game]]s, among others. |
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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> |
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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> |
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== History == |
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When it launched, the site focused exclusively on [[personal computer game|PC games]]. Its sister site, VideoGameSpot.com, was launched in December 1996 to cover [[console game]]s. In 1997, VideoGameSpot.com became VideoGames.com for a short period, and by 1998, the PC and console sections were united at GameSpot.com.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6154109/index.html | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070930080927/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6154109.html | archivedate=2007-09-30 | title=Burning Questions: July 14, 2006 | author=Navarro, Alex | date=2006-07-14 | accessdate=2007-03-23}}</ref> |
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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> |
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On October 3, 2005, GameSpot adopted a new design similar to that of [[TV.com]], now considered a sister site to GameSpot.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6134513/index.html | title=GameSpot Redesign: Frequently Asked Questions | accessdate=2006-09-29}}</ref> |
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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> |
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=== International history === |
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GameSpot UK ([[United Kingdom]]) was started in October 1997 and operated until mid-2002, offering Europe-oriented content which 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 | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070926233911/http://www.ukaop.org.uk/Events/Annual-Awards/110#ppai1999 | archivedate=2007-09-26 | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</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 | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070926233911/http://www.ukaop.org.uk/Events/Annual-Awards/110#ppai2001 | archivedate=2007-09-26 | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</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 | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070610045219rn_1/www.mcvuk.com/news/947/Gamespot-UK-launches | archivedate=2009-08-26 | date=2006-04-24 | accessdate=2006-11-01}}</ref> |
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===International history=== |
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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.com.au content was folded into CNET.com.au. The site was fully re-launched mid 2006, with a specialized forum, local reviews, special features, local pricings in [[Australian dollar|A$]], Australian release dates, and more local news. |
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''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> |
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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}} |
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GameSpot Japan ([[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. It had recently added a larger video player and community forums to the site. |
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===Gerstmann dismissal=== |
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[[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> |
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* [[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 writer and creative director for [[Bastion (video game)|Bastion]].<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=2007-01-19 | accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref> |
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* [[Jeff Gerstmann]] – editorial director of the site, dismissed from GameSpot on November 28, 2007 for undisclosed reasons, after which he started [[Giant Bomb]].<ref>[http://www.virtualfools.com/games/jeff-gerstmann/ Jeff Gerstmann - Virtual Fools]</ref> |
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* Carolyn Petit - associate editor and video game reviewer. She is known for her transgender identity. |
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* Tom McShea - site editor, often known for his controversial reviews on anticipated titles. |
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===Notable staff=== |
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== Reviews and rating system == |
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* [[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> |
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In January 2001, GameSpot introduced video reviews for games, which are released for all major games. Other games that the editors believe deserve special mention (for example, the very worst games) are reviewed by video as well. Video reviews mostly re-emphasize the written review text with clips of gameplay embedded. |
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* [[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> |
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* 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> |
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* [[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> |
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==Community features== |
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GameSpot has a detailed guide that explains its reviewing policies, as well as answering frequently asked questions about its reviews.<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot's guide to its ratings system | url=http://www.gamespot.com/misc/reviewguidelines.html | accessdate=2006-04-28}}</ref> |
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''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}} |
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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. |
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When GameSpot Complete was introduced in late 2001, older reviews were restricted to Complete members; however, those reviews became available to everyone again several months later. |
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==See also== |
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All games were judged on five different categories: Gameplay, Graphics, Sound, Value, and Reviewer's Tilt. Each category is assigned an [[integer]] score from one to ten, and these five integers are combined using a weighted average to arrive at an overall score. Should a game score at least 9.0, it is designated as "superb," and given "Editor's Choice" recognition. Although many games achieve this status each year, only eight in GameSpot's history have ever received a perfect ten. |
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* [[List of Game of the Year awards#GameSpot|GameSpot Game of the Year awards]] |
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==References== |
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On June 25, 2007, GameSpot began assigning scores by increments of 0.5 instead of 0.1.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6235833.html | title=GameSpot revamping reviews June 25 | author=thorsen-ink | date=2007-06-22 | publisher=GameSpot | accessdate=2007-06-26}}</ref> It also ended its practice of giving sub-scores for gameplay, graphics, sound, value, and tilt. Instead, user reviews now possess a medal system that permits the reviewer to highlight given characteristics of the game such as its artistic design, original soundtrack, or difficulty. GameSpot believes that this will create a more detailed rating system than the previous one. The only change in terms is the new term "Prime" for games that receive a 10.0 score, replacing "Perfect." Then editor-in-chief Jeff Gerstmann blogged about the change, answering questions regarding it.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/users/Jeff/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=m-100-25052667 | title=Letter from the Editor, 06/29/2007 - Our Reviews, Your Questions! | author=Gerstmann, Jeff | date=2007-06-29 | publisher=GameSpot | accessdate=2009-04-14}}</ref> |
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{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} |
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==External links== |
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While games are rated mostly with regard to how they compare to the other games available on their specific platforms, games released simultaneously for multiple platforms are also compared between systems, which often results in differing scores being given to the same game depending on the system, usually due to the inherent strengths and weaknesses of each platform. |
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* {{official website|http://www.gamespot.com/}} |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20000619190627/http://www.gamespot.co.uk/ GameSpot UK] (archived) |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041026020036/http://www.gamespot.be/ GameSpot Belgium] (archived) |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/19990117002707/http://www.gamespot.fr/ GameSpot France] (archived) |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/19981201194209/http://www.zdnet.de/spiele/ GameSpot Germany] (archived) |
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{{Fandom, Inc.}} |
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=== Game of the Year === |
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{{Red Ventures}} |
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Every year, GameSpot holds the Best and Worst Game of the Year awards, which recognize achievements in the gaming industry, positive and negative (in the form of "Dubious Honors", containing categories such as "Most Disappointing Game", "Worst Game Everyone Played", "Best Game No One Played" and "Most Despicable [[product placement|Product Placement]]"). GameSpot also allows users on the site to vote for the winners of the "Readers' Choice" awards. From 1998-2001, GameSpot selected one PC game and one console game for the top title, but from that point forward, they would select one single game from all mediums. |
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{{Video Game Critics}} |
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[[Category:Internet properties established in 1996]] |
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GameSpot's winners for [[Game of the Year]] have been so far (the console games from 1997 to 1999 were chosen by videogames.com) : |
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[[Category:Video game Internet forums]] |
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* 1996: ''[[Diablo (computer game)|Diablo]]'' (PC)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 1996 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/bestworst96/goty.html | accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> |
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* 1997: ''[[Total Annihilation]]'' (PC)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 1997 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/awards97/game.html | accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> <!-- - the VG.com apparently was FFVII, but archive.org doesn't have the page...- --> |
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* 1998: ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]'' (Nintendo 64)<ref>{{cite web | title=Best of 98: videogames.com The Game of the Year| publisher=videogames.com|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/19990508222939/www.videogames.com/features/universal/awards98/sec15.html|url=http://www.videogames.com/features/universal/awards98/sec15.html| archivedate=1999-05-08 | accessdate=2008-11-16}}</ref> and ''[[Grim Fandango]]'' (PC)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 1998 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/awards1998/gameofyear2.html | accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> |
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* 1999: ''[[Soulcalibur]]'' (Dreamcast)<ref>{{cite web | title=videogames.com The Game of the Year| publisher=videogames.com| archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20000818042635/www.videogames.com/features/universal/game_year/p15_01.html|url=http://www.videogames.com/features/universal/game_year/p15_01.html | archivedate=200-08-18 | accessdate=2008-11-16}}</ref> and ''[[EverQuest]]'' (PC)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 1999 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/1999/p4_01a.html | accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> |
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* 2000: ''[[Chrono Cross]]'' (PlayStation)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Video Game of the Year, 2000 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2000/p6_01.html | accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> and ''[[The Sims]]'' (PC)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot PC Game of the Year, 2000 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2000/p5_02.html | accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> |
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* 2001: ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'' (PlayStation 2)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Video Game of the Year, 2001 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p6_06.html | accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> and ''[[Serious Sam: The First Encounter]]'' (PC)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot PC Game of the Year, 2001 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2001/p5_06.html | accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> |
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* 2002: ''[[Metroid Prime]]'' (GameCube)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 2002 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/general2.html | accessdate=2007-05-26 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070517191101/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/general2.html |archivedate = 2007-05-17}}</ref> |
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* 2003: ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker]]'' (GameCube)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 2003 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2003/ | accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> |
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* 2004: ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' (PC)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 2004 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day6w_2.html | accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> |
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* 2005: ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'' (GameCube)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 2005 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=6&page=1 | accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> |
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* 2006: ''[[Gears of War]]'' (Xbox 360)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 2006 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/gameofyear/index.html?page=2 | accessdate=2007-05-26}}</ref> |
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* 2007: ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' (Wii)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 2007 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/best-of/gameoftheyear/index.html?page=2 | accessdate=2007-12-28}}{{dead link|date=August 2009}}</ref> |
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* 2008: ''[[Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots]]'' (PlayStation 3)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 2008 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/best-of/game-of-the-year/index.html?page=2 | accessdate=2008-12-26}}</ref> |
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* 2009: ''[[Demon's Souls]]'' (PlayStation 3)<ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 2009 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/best-of/game-of-the-year/index.html?page=2# | accessdate=2009-12-25}}</ref> |
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* 2010: ''[[Red Dead Redemption]]'' (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3) <ref>{{cite web | title=GameSpot Game of the Year, 2010 | publisher=GameSpot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/best-of/game-of-the-year/index.html?page=2# | accessdate=2010-12-25}}</ref> |
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* 2011: ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]]'' (PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3) <ref>{{cite web | title=Gamespot Game of the Year, 2011 | publisher=Gamespot | url=http://www.gamespot.com/best-of-2011-awards/game-of-the-year/index.html?page=1 | accessdate=2011-12-19}}</ref> |
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=== Worst Game of the Year/Flat-Out Worst Game === |
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Each year GameSpot also hands out a Flat-Out Worst Game award (known as Worst Game of the Year before 2003). The award is found in the Dubious Honors category every year. Like Game of the Year, GameSpot allows Readers' Choice awards for Flat-Out Worst Game. |
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* 1996: ''[[Catfight (video game)|Catfight]]'' (PC) |
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* 1997: ''Conquest Earth'' (PC) |
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* 1998: ''[[Spawn: The Eternal]]'' (PlayStation) and ''[[Jurassic Park: Trespasser|Trespasser]]'' (PC) |
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* 1999: ''[[Superman (1999 video game)|Superman]]'' (N64) and ''SkyDive!'' (PC) |
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* 2000: ''[[Spirit of Speed 1937]]'' (Dreamcast) and ''[[Blaze & Blade]]'' (PC) |
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* 2001: ''[[Kabuki Warriors]]'' (Xbox) and ''[[Survivor (2001 video game)|Survivor]]'' (2001 video game) (PC) |
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* 2002: ''[[Jeremy McGrath Supercross World]]'' (GameCube), ''[[Gravity Games Bike: Street Vert Dirt]]'' (PS2 & Xbox), ''[[Mortal Kombat Advance]]'' (Game Boy Advance) and ''Demonworld: Dark Armies'' (PC) |
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* 2003: ''[[Gods and Generals (video game)|Gods and Generals]]'' (PC) |
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* 2004: ''[[Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing]]'' (PC) |
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* 2005: ''[[Land of the Dead: Road to Fiddler's Green]]'' (Xbox & PC) |
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* 2006: ''[[Bomberman: Act Zero]]'' (Xbox 360) |
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* 2007: ''[[Hour of Victory]]'' (Xbox 360) |
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* 2008: ''[[M&Ms Kart Racing]]'' (Wii & DS) |
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* 2009: ''[[Stalin vs. Martians]]'' (PC) |
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* 2010: ''[[Fighters Uncaged]]'' (Xbox 360) |
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Note: ''[[Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing]]'' was released in 2003. |
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Note: There was no award for Flat-Out Worst Game in 2011. |
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== Shows and podcasts == |
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GameSpot has regular audio [[podcast]]s for its [[United States]], [[UK]], and [[Australia|AU]] websites, plus the following video shows: |
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*'''On the Spot''' <ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/shows/on-the-spot/ On the Spot]</ref> - Gamespot.com (US/international) weekly live video show with alternating hosts. Was replaced in 2009 by Today On the Spot, a pre-recorded show that was shown three times a week. Returned to live On the Spot format in April 2011. |
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*'''GameSpot Sync''' <ref>[http://uk.gamespot.com/shows/gamespot-sync/ GameSpot Sync]</ref> - Daily news show hosted by Jody Robinson. |
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*'''Start/Select''' <ref>[http://uk.gamespot.com/shows/start-select/ Start-Select :: Start-Select<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> - GameSpot UK's regular video show hosted by Guy Cocker. |
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*'''Crosshairs''' <ref>[http://au.gamespot.com/shows/crosshairs/ Crosshairs :: Crosshairs 02 December, 2010<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> - GameSpot AU's weekly video show hosted by Dan Chiappini. |
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*'''The Hotspot''' <ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/hotspot/index.php HotSpot - GameSpot<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> - Gamespot.com (US/international) regular audio podcast show, Tom Magrino is the current host. |
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*'''The OzSpot''' <ref>[http://au.gamespot.com/pages/features/ozspot/index.php The OzSpot - GameSpot<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> - GameSpot AU's weekly audio podcast hosted by Laura Parker. |
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== Community features == |
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=== Forums === |
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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 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. |
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One distinct feature of the GameSpot community is the ability of GameSpot Total Access and Plus Access users to create their own user-created board, which can either be set to public or private. The board's creator can appoint their own moderators, and also can display HTML markup at the top of their board. Also, all users have the ability to create or join what is known as a "Union". A Union consists of a user-created board which is attached to an editorial front, as well as a homepage with news bulletins and members lists. |
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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 | accessdate=2007-06-22 | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20050814022225/forums.gamespot.com/gamespot/index.php | archivedate=2005-08-14}}</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. |
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In May 2004, the [[GameFAQs]] message boards and the GameSpot boards merged most of their game-specific boards together.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://chris.insder.com/newlayout/beth_gamespot.htm | title=Forum Changes! (UPDATED 4/29, LITHIUM FORUMS GOING DOWN.) | author=Massimilla, Bethany | date=2004-04-29 | publisher=GameSpot | accessdate=2007-06-22 | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20041012082633/chris.insder.com/newlayout/beth_gamespot.htm | archivedate=2004-10-12}}</ref> |
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On November 11, 2008, GameSpot updated its forum software. Some of the changes include a wider page and a sidebar. |
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=== Profiles === |
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Registered users have their own profiles which they can make visible to only themselves, friends, or everyone through their preferences.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/preferences/notifications.php | title=GameSpot: Your Account Settings and Preferences (login required) | publisher=GameSpot | accessdate=2007-06-22}}</ref> Profiles can be useful and convenient to the user themselves and to others. In a profile a [[blog]] can be started and updated. The blog is shared with the user's [[TV.com]], [[MP3.com]], and MovieTome profiles. Other users can report blog posts to the moderators. |
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Users can keep a games list within their GameSpot profile which allows them (and others) to track games in four different categories. Users can keep track of news and updates by adding games to the "Tracked Games" list. "Collection" is used for games which the user owns. The "Wish List" is for games users want to try out or intend to buy in the future. Any game can be added to a wish list whether it has already been released or it is pending for release in the future. Users can indicate which games they are currently playing by adding them to the "Now Playing" list. |
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Emblems are awarded to users by completing various tasks. Some emblems show a user's status (free subscription versus paid subscription). Other emblems denote contest winners, voting participants, staff/moderators, and console aficionados. |
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Once one has a GameSpot profile, one can edit it, but not delete it. Asking a moderator to delete one's profile gets mixed replies since there appears to be no official posted GameSpot policy regarding the matter. Aspects of ones profile, like one's blog, can be set to "private and viewable by friends only" or "hidden to everyone." However reader reviews are always "public" unless individually deleted by the user who posted them. |
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=== Unions === |
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Unions act as online communities within GameSpot. Each union has a [[blog]]-style front page and a message board pertaining to a specific topic. Union members post messages and topics in the board and other members of the union can respond. Each union has a level and can receive emblems for growing, being active, or posting good news topics. |
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Union members can also be awarded ranks within a union, currently there are three: Leader, Officer, and Recruit. Leaders are similar to Administrators of the union, and have the power to modify anything about the union, including the name, avatar and banners, and moderate topics/messages. Officers have the ability to moderate topics and messages and any other abilities the leader wishes to grant to the Officers. Recruits are regular members with the ability to take part in topic and message posting. |
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== Gerstmann dismissal == |
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[[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|publisher=GameSpot|date=2007-12-05|accessdate=2007-12-24}}</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 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 cannot reveal the reason.<ref name="gsso" /><ref name="cnetofficial">{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/50157|accessdate=2007-12-24|publisher=Shacknews|date=2007-11-30|title=CNET Denies 'External Pressure' Caused Gerstmann Termination}}</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=http://www.gamespot.com/users/mosaic/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=m-100-25273350|title=Farewell, GameSpot|publisher=GameSpot|date=2008-01-04|accessdate=2008-01-04}}</ref> |
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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=http://www.joystiq.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 - Joystiq |publisher=Joystiq |date=2008-01-14 |accessdate=2009-08-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Orland |first=Kyle |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/gamespot-exodus-continues-ryan-davis-to-leave/ |title=Gamespot exodus continues: Ryan Davis to leave |publisher=Joystiq |date=2008-02-04 |accessdate=2009-08-26}}</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 up 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. |
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== Paid subscriptions == |
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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=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6144748.html | accessdate=2006-07-08}}</ref> It now maintains two paid membership services: Total Access and Plus.<ref name="signup">{{cite web | title=GameSpot sign-up page | url=http://www.gamespot.com/signup/index.php|accessdate=2007-04-03}}</ref> |
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Total Access is essentially a replacement of GameSpot Complete, as it is the same price of [[United States dollar|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"/> |
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The main advantage of a paid subscription is that ads are removed that would otherwise appear with a free GameSpot account. It bears mentioning that some ads will still appear with a paid subscription if GameSpot sponsors a contest and that contest is then sponsored by an advertiser. For example, in 2008, Stride gum ads appeared throughout the website, even if the user was a paying subscriber. |
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The major difference between the old and new membership services is the lack of GameSpot Complete's 10 percent discount at [[EBGames]].com. There was much discontent over this decision, and for a while, GameSpot claimed to have an unspecified replacement in the works. No further details were ever provided. |
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== GameCenter == |
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GameCenter was a gaming service which allowed players to host their own customized servers, chat with their friends, and play an assortment of PC games online with players all around the world, all while tracking users' stats. As of March 6, 2006, the GameCenter subscription service has been discontinued and merged into the GameSpot Total Access service. As a result, GameSpot is discontinuing support of the GameCenter client, but will continue tournament events for Total Access members.{{Citation needed|date=April 2007}} |
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The most recent GameCenter has no relation to the original GameCenter, which [[CNET|CNET Networks]] ran from 1995 to 2001 as a competitor to GameSpot. Shortly after [[CNET|CNET Networks]] acquired [[ZDNet]] and GameSpot in 2000, the original GameCenter was disbanded. |
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== References == |
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{{Reflist|2}} |
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== External links == |
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*[http://www.gamespot.com/ GameSpot website] |
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{{CBS Interactive}} |
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{{CBS}} |
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Latest revision as of 04:04, 6 October 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2023) |
 | |
Type of site | Video game journalism |
|---|---|
| Founded | May 1, 1996 |
| Headquarters | |
| Founder(s) |
|
| Parent |
|
| URL | gamespot |
| Registration | Optional (free and paid) |
| Launched | January 13, 1996 (Spotmedia)[1] |
| 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, 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]- ^ "GameSpot.com WHOIS, DNS, & Domain Info – DomainTools". WHOIS. 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
- ^ a b "Fandom Acquires Leading Entertainment & Gaming Brands Including…". Fandom. October 3, 2022. Retrieved 2022-10-03.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Site Profile for GameSpot.com". SiteAnalytics.Compete.com. Archived from the original on 2008-10-19. Retrieved 2008-05-18.
- ^ "D.I.C.E. Awards by Video Game Details". Interactive.org. Archived from the original on 2018-06-05. Retrieved 2019-08-17.
- ^ Grabowicz, Paul. "Course Number: Ba278". Berkeley.edu. University of California, Berkeley. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Willmott, Don (February 9, 1999). "The 100 Top Web Sites". PC Magazine. 18 (3): 114.
- ^ Vaggabond (July 19, 2000). "Cnet buys ZDnet". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on May 23, 2018.
- ^ Olafson, Peter (December 7, 2000). "Basics; Sites Keep Up with Games and Gamers". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2018-05-23. Retrieved 2018-05-27.
- ^ Fost, Dan (February 15, 2001). "Heavy Lifting Begins for Cnet". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on May 23, 2018.
- ^ Smith, Andrew (February 7, 2001). "CNET shuts Gamecenter". The Register. Archived from the original on December 4, 2004.
- ^ GameSpot Staff (November 2, 2005). "GameSpot Redesign: Frequently Asked Questions". Archived from the original on 2013-10-18. Retrieved 2006-09-29.
- ^ GameSpot Staff (February 23, 2006). "GameSpot Revamps Subscription Model". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2018-01-15. Retrieved 2018-01-14.
- ^ "GameSpot Sign-Up Page". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2007-03-21. Retrieved 2007-04-03.
- ^ Anderson, Lark (January 9, 2013). "GameSpot's Paid Subscription Service is Ending: FAQ". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2013-02-06. Retrieved 2013-01-22.
- ^ "CBS CORPORATION COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF CNET NETWORKS; MERGES OPERATIONS INTO NEW, EXPANDED CBS INTERACTIVE BUSINESS UNIT". CBS Corporation. June 30, 2008. Archived from the original on August 29, 2008. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
- ^ "Swipe Up Game". Expoodle.com. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
- ^ "Red Ventures Announces Closing of Acquisition of CNET Media Group". PR Newswire. 2020-10-30. Archived from the original on June 8, 2021. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
- ^ Weprin, Alex (October 3, 2022). "TV Guide, Metacritic, GameSpot Acquired by Fandom in $55M Deal With Red Ventures". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
- ^ Gach, Ethan (2023-01-19). "Layoffs Hit GameSpot, Giant Bomb Just Months After Fandom Buys Them". Kotaku. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ Sinclair, Brendan (2024-01-31). "GameSpot lays off portion of staff". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ "GameSpot UK Winner, PPAi Awards 1999". UKAOP.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2006-10-07.
- ^ "GameSpot UK Short Listed, PPAi Awards 2001". UKAOP.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2006-10-07.
- ^ "GameSpot UK: Computer Games News, Reviews, Demos, and Strategy Guides". GameSpot UK. ZDNET. Archived from the original on 2000-08-15. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
Some of the material on this site also appears in our sister print magazine
- ^ Foster, Lisa (April 24, 2006). "GameSpot UK Launches". MCVUK.com. Archived from the original on 2007-06-11. Retrieved 2006-11-01.
- ^ a b Gerstmann, Jeff (March 15, 2012). "Exciting News From Your Friends At Giant Bomb". Giant Bomb. Archived from the original on July 20, 2018. Retrieved April 9, 2022.
- ^ a b Plunkett, Luke (March 15, 2012). "Yes, a Games Writer was Fired Over Review Scores". Kotaku. Archived from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved April 9, 2022.
- ^ Szuban, Peter (2018). "Reconstituting Vocabularies: User Generated Databases, Social Tagging, and Folksonomies in Giantbomb's Videogame Wiki Database". The IJournal: Student Journal of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information. 4 (1): 41–49. ISSN 2561-7397.
- ^ GameSpot Staff (December 5, 2007). "Spot On: GameSpot on Gerstmann". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2008-07-25. Retrieved 2007-12-24.
- ^ Faylor, Chris (November 30, 2007). "CNET Denies 'External Pressure' Caused Gerstmann Termination". Shacknews. Archived from the original on 2008-05-15. Retrieved 2007-12-24.
- ^ Kasavin, Greg (January 19, 2007). "To Live and Die in L.A." Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
- ^ "Supergiant Games". SuperGiantGames.com. Retrieved 2021-11-19.
- ^ "Jeff Gerstmann - Virtual Fools". VirtualFools.com. Archived from the original on 2008-03-14. Retrieved 2008-04-15.
- ^ Davison, John; Gerstmann, Jeff (March 15, 2012). "GameSpot and Giant Bomb, Together". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2013-03-08. Retrieved 2018-01-14.
- ^ "dannyodwyer's Blog - GameSpot". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. December 31, 2013. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
- ^ Jr, Tom Huddleston (2018-06-04). "How this 33-year-old college dropout co-founded GitHub, which just sold to Microsoft for $7.5 billion". CNBC. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
- ^ "Microsoft finalizes its $7.5 billion GitHub acquisition". ZDNET. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
- ^ "GameSpot Forums". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2005-08-14. Retrieved 2007-06-22.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- GameSpot UK (archived)
- GameSpot Belgium (archived)
- GameSpot France (archived)
- GameSpot Germany (archived)