In-Jokes for Game Journalists

In this chat, Phil Kollar and I riff on a theme introduced in the 11.28.07 release of GFW Radio. As Phil has commented below, this was in reference to the controversy surrounding GameSpot editor, Jeff Gerstmann regarding his recent firing from GameSpot. I know nothing personally about the circumstances, but there are numerous articles (and at least one prominent webcomic) commenting on the situation.

If indeed the allegations prove to be true, the implications are pretty disturbing. If not specifically for the enthusiast gaming press, then for editorial independence in general.

Most PR -- gaming or otherwise -- is so uninspired. There's just something about the field itself. PR is one of those professions that people always joke about and instinctively distrust. Presumably, because at its worst, the job has nothing to do with truth; it emphasizes instead an ability to put the best possible face on things. Presumably on mediocrity.

On the other hand, good PR people are invaluable. And some gaming PR folks are pretty cool. The following chat, however, is not meant to represent those individuals. And hopefully, won't offend the good ones too much. For the record, Jennie Sue and Stanley Phan over at Eidos have been pretty nice when I've dealt with them.

The fact is, game publishers are allowed to disagree with a reviewer's opinion of their product (and they frequently do.) They can also decide to withhold advertising support, as well. But if a publication decides to can one of its staff over such a decision, then I would place the blame more on GameSpot's shoulders than on Eidos'.

2:55 PM Philip: Hey, could you GameSpot me a couple hundred dollars for that review?

WHOOPS, THOUGHT I WAS MESSAGING THE EIDOS PR GUY

52 minutes

3:48 PM me: How do you know this isn't the Eidos PR guy?

I'll send you the entire Eidos catalog if you include every item in your Annual Holiday Buyers Guide.

3:51 PM Philip: Haha, fantastic

3:55 PM me: And free tickets to the Hitman movie. Best movie this holiday season! (According to Rich Heldenfels, star reviewer for the Akron Beacon Journal.)

3:56 PM Philip: Well, I'll say this: The Beacon Journal hasn't led me astray yet.

me: Other than Sundance and Cannes, Akron is the film capital of the world.

Philip: And it's inching those two out moreso each year.

3:57 PM me: Robert Redford's third cousin twice removed is an Akron native. Or as they like to say, an "Akronite."

He loves movies, and can say "hello" in French!

3:58 PM Philip: That's class. With a capital ASS.

me: Another great item from the Eidos suggested holiday gift guide:

3:59 PM We have some leftover stock from a promo mailing for Conflict: Denied Ops.

Philip: I need that.

4:00 PM me: It's a cozy hand warmer on cold nights.