GameSpot Denies Bending to Advertisers

While GameSpot will not discuss the issues that lead to the termination of reviewer Jeff Gerstmann last week, the company insists advertisers had nothing to do with it.

After taking heavy criticism from gamers and industry bloggers for firing seasoned game reviewer Jeff Gerstmann last week, GameSpot issued a statement on Tuesday denying that the decision had anything to do with advertising dollars. Critics allege that Gerstmann was fired for a negative review of Kane & Lynch, which clashed with a massive advertising investment in GameSpot from the game’s publisher.

“Due to legal constraints and the company policy of GameSpot parent CNET Networks, details of Gerstmann’s departure cannot be disclosed publicly,” GameSpot’s statement said. “However, contrary to widespread and unproven reports, his exit was not a result of pressure from an advertiser.”

CNET Networks, owner of GameSpot, reinforced this statement with a denial of its own, quite a bit stronger than the vague statement originally issued on Friday. “Neither CNET Networks nor GameSpot has ever allowed its advertising business to affect its editorial content,” said Greg Brannan, vice president of programming at CNET Networks Entertainment. “The accusations in the media that it has done so are unsubstantiated and untrue. Jeff’s departure stemmed from internal reasons unrelated to any buyer of advertising on GameSpot.”