I'm not sure how I feel about Jeff Gerstmann being let go. Being a history major, I like to try and make my decisions based off of facts. I've done my best to look into things from all perspectives, but nothing seems to really add up. Here's what I know:
- Kane and Lynch was his last review. His review was lower then most, but not by much.
- The video review was removed from the site. Youtube users have made sure it remains on the internet.
- According to the 12/04/07 Hotspot, the other editors were unaware of Gerstmann being let go. Also, according to the hotspot, the video review had poor quality and only showed the first level.
you can see the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBD0cUeeEQc
- According to Cnet, the Decision to loose Gerstmann came from numerous events, not just the one review.
When I add it all together, I find myself baffled. The one piece of evidence that throws the wrench in the others, aside from the rumors that are abound, is the review. If Gerstmann has been skating on thin ice, why wait until this review? It looks terrible to gamespot and Cnet. I'm willing to admit it may have just been poor timing. I also, however, took the time to look at the video review. The first level comment is definetly accurate. With the exception of a few multiplayer shots, we don't really see much of the game. That being said, I really see nothing wrong with the quality of the review.
I will say this much. I will never know what goes on behind closed doors at gamespot. However, if the rumors are true, and Gerstmann was fired for having integrity... i tip my hat to him. There is no better way to bow out then to remind us all what it truly means to be a journalist. This whole event was handled horribly by gamespot, and I hope in due time the air of mystery around all this is finally taken care of.
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