GameSpot
URL	GameSpot.com
Commercial?	Yes
Type of site	Gaming
Registration	Optional (free and paid)
Owner	CNET Networks, Inc.
Created by	Pete Deemer Vince Broady Jon Epstein
Launched	May 1, 1996[1]

GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. Uniform Resource Locator is an URI which also specifies where the identified resource is available and the protocol for retrieving it The subscription business model is a Business model where a customer must pay a subscription price to have access to the product/service CNET Networks Inc is a media company based in San Francisco California, United States, and is part of CBS Interactive, owned Events 305 - Diocletian and Maximian retire from the office of Roman Emperor. Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) A video game is a Game that involves interaction with a User interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. A website (alternatively web site or Web site, a back-construction from the Proper noun World Wide Web) is a collection of Web pages News is any new information or information on Current events which is presented by print, broadcast, Internet, or Word of mouth See also Critic. A review is an evaluation of a publication such as a movie, Video game, Musical composition In Computing, preview is a function to display a document page film etc To download is to receive data from a remote or central system such as a Webserver, FTP server, mail server or other similar systems The site was launched in May 1996 by Pete Deemer and Vince Broady. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks, the current owner of GameSpot. In 1991 Ziff Davis Publishing Company brought together a small diverse set of online forums and information services (most notably "PC MagNet" under the name CNET Networks Inc is a media company based in San Francisco California, United States, and is part of CBS Interactive, owned GameSpot. com is currently one of the 200 highest-trafficked websites according to Alexa. Web traffic is the amount of data sent and received by visitors to a Web site. Alexa Internet Inc is a California -based Subsidiary company of Amazon

In addition to the content produced by GameSpot staff, the site also allows users to write their own reviews, blogs, and post on the site's forums. An, or message board, is a Bulletin board system in the form of a discussion site The forums are partially shared with those on GameFAQs, another website owned by CNET. GameFAQs is a Website that hosts FAQs and Walkthroughs for Video games It was created in November 1995 by Jeff "CJayC" Veasey and

History

At launch, the site focused exclusively on PC games. A personal computer Game (also known as a computer game or simply PC game) is a Video game played on a Personal computer, rather Its sister site, VideoGameSpot. com, was launched in December 1996 to cover console games. This article is about games played on consoles Video gaming is about this form of gaming in general In 1997, VideoGameSpot. com became VideoGames. com for a short period, and by 1998, the PC and console sections were united at GameSpot. com. ^[2]

On October 3, 2005, GameSpot adopted a new design similar to that of TV.com, now considered a sister site to GameSpot. Events 42 BC - First Battle of Philippi: Triumvirs Mark Antony and Octavian fight an indecisive battle with Caesar's Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. TVcom is a website owned by CNET Networks. The service was launched on June 1 2005 and replaced the popular TV Tome website ^[3]

International history

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. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located S. site. During this period, GameSpot UK won the 1999 PPAi (Periodical Publishers Association interactive) award for best website,^[4] and was short listed in 2001. ^[5] Following the purchase of ZDNet by CNET, GameSpot UK was merged with the main US site. On April 24, 2006, GameSpot UK was relaunched. Events 1479 BC - Thutmose III ascends to the throne of Egypt, although power effectively shifts to Hatshepsut (according to Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. (ne. ^[6]

In a similar fashion, GameSpot AU (Australia) existed on a local scale in the late 1990s with Australian-produced reviews. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. 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 AUD, Australian release dates, and more local news. The Australian dollar ( sign: $; code: AUD) is the Currency of the Commonwealth of Australia, including Christmas

GameSpot Japan (Japan) in it's current form launched in 2007 and is currently celebrating thier 1 year anniversary. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. GS Japan provides Japanese videogame industry news, previews, reviews, features, and videos as well as translated articles from the other GameSpot sites. They have recently added a larger video player and community forums to the site.

Main site

In 2004, GameSpot won "Best Gaming Website" as chosen by the viewers in Spike TV's second Video Game Award Show. Spike (formerly called Spike TV) a division of MTV Networks, is an American cable network designed for an audience described ^[7] Other gaming websites such as IGN, 1UP.com, and GameSpy have been their biggest rivals. IGN (abbreviated and formerly known as I magine G ames N etwork is a multimedia news and reviews Website that focuses heavily on Video 1UPcom is a video-game site owned and operated by Ziff Davis Media, publisher of the popular video game magazine EGM (Electronic Gaming Monthly. GameSpy, also known as GameSpy Industries, is a division of IGN Entertainment, which operates a network of game websites and provides online video game-related

GameSpot's main page has links to the latest news, reviews, previews, and portals for the following platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, PS2, PSP and Nintendo DS. A personal computer Game (also known as a computer game or simply PC game) is a Video game played on a Personal computer, rather The Xbox 360 is the second Video game console produced by Microsoft, and was developed in cooperation with IBM, ATI, and SiS. The PlayStation Portable (officially abbreviated PSP) is a Handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. The is a dual-screen Handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. 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.

GameSpot also covers the following platforms to a lesser extent: Xbox, PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, Neo Geo Pocket Color, N-Gage, Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance and mobile games, among others. The Xbox is a sixth-generation Video game console produced by Microsoft Corporation. The PlayStation (abbreviated PS, PSone, PS1, or informally as PSX) is a 32-bit fifth generation Video game console The is a 32-bit Video game console that was first released on November 22 1994 in Japan, May 11 1995 in North America The is Sega 's most recent Video game console and the successor to the Sega Saturn. The Neo-Geo Pocket Color (or NGPC) was released on March 16, 1999 in Japan and was released in the United States on August 6, The N-Gage is a Mobile telephone and Handheld game system based on the Nokia Series 60 platform The, often abbreviated as N64, is Nintendo 's third home Video game console for the international market The, often abbreviated as GCN, is Nintendo 's fourth home Video game console and is part of the sixth generation console era. The is Nintendo 's successor to the Game Boy and was released on October 21, 1998 in Japan and in November 19, 1998 The Game Boy Advance (often shortened to GBA) is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed manufactured and marketed by Nintendo. A mobile game is a Video game played on a Mobile phone, Smartphone, PDA or Handheld computer

The domain gamespot. com attracted at least 60 million visitors annually by 2008 according to a Compete.com study. Competecom is a United States Web traffic analysis service that publishes the approximate number of U ^[8]

Personalities

With the introduction of GameSpot Live, readers were introduced to some of the staff working at GameSpot who write the features and reviews for the site.

Current staff

Current staff who can be seen on GameSpot's broadcasts or whose work can be read on the site include: Lark Anderson, Justin Calvert, Brian Ekberg, Shaun McInnis, Tom Mc Shea, Andrew Park, Aaron Thomas, Kevin VanOrd, and Chris Watters form the Editorial team. Also, Shanker Srinivasan, a Sports Gamer editor.

Tor Thorsen, Brendan Sinclair, and Tom Magrino from the News team.

Ryan MacDonald, Homer Rabara, Kristin Reilly, Takeshi Hiraoka, and Tracy Peterson from GameSpot Live.

Don Francis and Jody Robinson from the Communities team.

Guy Cocker, Emma Boyes, Luke Anderson, and Laura Jenner from GameSpot UK.
Randolph Ramsay, Dan Chiappini, and James Kozanecki from GameSpot AU.
Seirou Kitoh from GameSpot Japan. ^[9]

Former staff

• Ron Dulin - executive editor who left the industry entirely in 2000.
• Elliott Chin - executive editor. Left in 2001. He is currently the director of marketing at Sega of America. is a multinational Video game Software and Hardware development company and a former Home computer
• Amer Ajami - senior editor. Left in 2002 and joined EA Los Angeles, where he is now a producer. EA Los Angeles was founded in 1995 as DreamWorks Interactive, a subsidiary of DreamWorks SKG. ^[10]
• Bob Colayco – left GameSpot in 2006 and joined Blizzard Entertainment. Blizzard Entertainment is an American Video game developer and publisher headquartered in Irvine California.
• Carrie Gouskos – features editor, who left to develop games for EA Mythic.
• Greg Kasavin – executive editor and site director of GameSpot, who left in 2007 to become a game developer. Gregory A Kasavin (born 21 August 1977 in Moscow) is the former site director and executive editor at the gaming website GameSpot. He is now a producer for EA Los Angeles. EA Los Angeles was founded in 1995 as DreamWorks Interactive, a subsidiary of DreamWorks SKG. ^[11]
• Tim Surette – news editor. Moved to sister site TV.com. TVcom is a website owned by CNET Networks. The service was launched on June 1 2005 and replaced the popular TV Tome website
• Greg Mueller – departed to pursue other interests.
• Rich Gallup – host of all the media content on GameSpot (The Hotspot, On The Spot, Button Mashing, Tournament TV); he left on July 27, 2007. Events 1214 - Battle of Bouvines: In France, Philip II of France defeats John of England. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[12]
• Jeff Gerstmann - editorial director of the site, dismissed from GameSpot on November 28, 2007 after which Jeff started GiantBomb.com^[13]
• Tim Tracy - moved to sister site MP3.com, (lately got fired or quit). Jeff Gerstmann (born August 1 1975) is the former editorial director of the gaming website GameSpot. For the town in Argentina, see 28 de Noviembre. Events Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Giant Bomb is a Video gaming Wiki and news site created by former GameSpot editors Jeff Gerstmann and Ryan Davis in collaboration with Whiskey MP3com is a Web site operated by CNET Networks providing information about digital music and artists songs services community and technologies ^[14]
• Frank Provo - freelancer. Quit on account of disliking CNET management. ^[15]
• Alex Navarro - quit on January 10, 2008, in response to Jeff Gerstmann being dismissed. Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[16] His last day was January 24, 2008, and around mid-May 2008 got a job as a Community Manager for Harmonix. Events 41 - Gaius Caesar (Caligula, known for his eccentricity and cruel Despotism, is Assassinated by his disgruntled 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common MAY ( also known as: Mei メイ 메이 is a Korean singer well known in South Korea for singing the song "Miracle" 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Harmonix Music Systems (or simply Harmonix) is a video game development company based in Cambridge Massachusetts in the United States. ^[17]
• Ryan Davis - quit on February 4, 2008, listing one of his reasons for leaving being the Jeff Gerstmann firing. Events 211 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus dies leaving the Roman Empire in the hands of his two quarrelsome sons 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[18] His last day was February 14, 2008, and has since joined Jeff Gerstmann in co-founding Giant Bomb. Events 842 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German swear the Oaths of Strasbourg in the French and German 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common
• Jason Ocampo - quit on February 26, 2008^[19], joined IGN as Editor in Chief of PC section^[20]. Events 747 BC - Epoch (origin of Ptolemy 's Nabonassar Era 364 - Valentinian I is proclaimed 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common IGN (abbreviated and formerly known as I magine G ames N etwork is a multimedia news and reviews Website that focuses heavily on Video
• Brad Shoemaker - quit on March 21, 2008. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[21], joined Giant Bomb on June 3, 2008. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common
• Matt Rorie - Games Guide Editor, left in favor of becoming Marketing & PR Producer at Obsidian Entertainment. Obsidian Entertainment, founded in 2003 after the disestablishment of Interplay Productions ' Black Isle Studios, is a Video game developer for His last day was April 18th 2008. ^[22]
• Vinny Caravella - Features Producer, left GameSpot^[23], joined Giant Bomb on June 3, 2008. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common

Features

GameSpot has separate sections for the current most popular consoles, as well as for the PC platform. There are other separate sections for various features such as reviews, previews, news, cheats, videos, tech, and downloads. GameSpot is well known for its original features, such as GameSpotting, a conglomeration of staff editorials usually posted on Sundays, but was replaced in June 17, 2005 by a new feature called Freeplay,^[24] a daily editorial in which a GameSpot editor writes about games, beginning his or her editorial with the last paragraph of the previous editorial. In turn, Freeplay later ceased to operate in this way, and began using the same system as GameSpotting had. ^[25]

On the Spot

On the Spot is a weekly talk show which airs live every Thursday at 4 p. m. Pacific time. The Pacific Time Zone observes Standard time by subtracting eight hours from Coordinated Universal Time ( UTC-8) It shows the GameSpot staff as they play, preview, review, and interview the people involved in making games. They also take questions from the live audience who are online watching from around the world on GameSpot. com. The show runs a basic template of events; the show starts out with an announcer giving an overview of what will be covered on the show. The video clip (e. g. a clip from a special event, a GameSpot feature, etc) will then usually be shown. The main section of the show features the editors demoing upcoming games, occasionally with a guest from the game developer showing the game. Towards the end of the show trivia prizes are given away. Each show runs for about 60 minutes; however there are occasions where some shows go over or under that set time. The show first aired on June 24, 2004. Events 972 - Battle of Cedynia, the first documented victory of Polish forces takes place "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The hosts of On the Spot are Ryan MacDonald and Brian Ekberg. ^[26]

The HotSpot

The HotSpot is GameSpot's weekly podcast about games and news about the gaming industry. It airs every Tuesday at around 11:00 PM Eastern time and 8:00 PM Pacific time. The Eastern Time Zone ( ET) of the Western Hemisphere falls mostly along the east coast of North America and the west coast of South America The Pacific Time Zone observes Standard time by subtracting eight hours from Coordinated Universal Time ( UTC-8) The first HotSpot aired on July 20, 2005. Events 1304 - Wars of Scottish Independence: Fall of Stirling Castle - King Edward I of England takes the last rebel stronghold Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The host of The Hotspot is Tor Thorsen.

Button Mashing

Button Mashing is GameSpot's "video game, game show. " It is a game show that consists of playing video games under a time limit, showing your knowledge of games, and competing against a GameSpot editor in a game of their choice. There are three rounds to Button Mashing. They are: Console-ation Round, Memory Leak, and Owned. There is no regular airing schedule for Button Mashing, although when it does air it airs on Mondays. The first episode of Button Mashing aired on March 20, 2004. Events 1600 - The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " It is unknown at this time who the new host of Button Mashing will be.

The Lineup/ From The Bleachers

The Lineup is GameSpot's sport video game show that resembles the same format as On the Spot. The Lineup is hosted by Brian Ekberg, Aaron Thomas, and Shanker Srinivasan. New episodes normally are released on Friday every two weeks. From The Bleachers is GameSpot's weekly sport video game podcast. A podcast is a series of audio or Video digital-media files which is distributed over the Internet by syndicated Download The hosts of From The Bleachers is mostly the same line-up as the hosts of The Lineup. New episodes of From The Bleachers are released every Wednesday.

Import Friendly

Import Friendly is GameSpot's import games and culture show hosted by Takeshi Hiraoka. Host introduces 2 or 3 import games from a specific genre or theme. Sometimes there are related news or events featured. Introduces viewers to import games and about how import friendly each title is. New episodes are released on the first Thursday of every month.

Game of the Year: Best and Worst

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", "Flat-Out Worst Game", "Best Game No One Played" and "Most Despicable Product Placement"). Product placement, or embedded marketing, is a type of Advertising, in which promotional Advertisements placed by marketers using GameSpot also allows users on the site to vote for the winners of the "Readers' Choice" awards.

GameSpot's winners for Game of the Year have been so far:

• 1996: Diablo (PC) ^[27]
• 1997: Total Annihilation (PC) ^[28]
• 1998: Grim Fandango (PC) ^[29]
• 1999: EverQuest (PC) ^[30]
• 2000: The Sims (PC) ^[31] and Chrono Cross (PS) ^[32]
• 2001: Serious Sam: The First Encounter (PC) ^[33] and Grand Theft Auto III (PS2) ^[34]
• 2002: Metroid Prime (GameCube) ^[35]
• 2003: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GameCube) ^[36]
• 2004: World of Warcraft (PC) ^[37]
• 2005: Resident Evil 4 (GameCube) ^[38]
• 2006: Gears of War (Xbox 360) ^[39]
• 2007: Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) ^[40]

Other features

Button Mashing consists of a three round game show involving games which the players generally have no experience with; it returned on July 25, 2006, due to high demand following a two year hiatus. Game of the Year (abbreviated GotY or GOTY) is a distinction awarded by various Magazines and Websites to a deserving PC or console Diablo is a Dark fantasy -themed Action role-playing game developed by Blizzard North and released by Blizzard Entertainment Total Annihilation (abbr TA) is a critically-acclaimed Real-time strategy game created by Cavedog Entertainment and released Grim Fandango is a graphic adventure computer game released by LucasArts in and primarily written by Tim Schafer. EverQuest, often called EQ, is a 3D fantasy -themed Massively multiplayer online role-playing game ( MMORPG) that was released The Sims is a strategic life-simulation computer game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. is a Console role-playing game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) for the Sony PlayStation Video Serious Sam is the title of a series of First-person shooters created by the Croatian company Croteam. Grand Theft Auto III (abbreviated as GTA III) is a sandbox-style action-adventure computer and Video game Metroid Prime is a Video game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo GameCube, released in North America The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker, known in Japan as, is an Action-adventure game and the tenth installment in ''The Legend of Zelda'' series. World of Warcraft (commonly acronymed as WoW) is a Massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG Resident Evil 4, known in Japan as, is a Third-person shooter Video game and the sixth installment in the Resident Evil Gears of War is a tactical Third-person shooter Video game developed by Epic Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. It was announced to be returning in April 2008 but has yet to resurface since most recent host Vinny Caravella's departure. Previously hosted by Rich Gallup.

GameSpot also holds tournaments for paid subscribers. The final is broadcast live on Tournament TV hosted by Ryan Mac Donald, Brian Ekberg, and various other editors. GSUK and AU have also started doing tournaments.

The UK and Australia Based Gamespot staff also run Bi-weekly podcasts which are similar to the Hotspot but features more region specific news and features. GameSpot UK also produces a bi-weekly video podcast called Start/Select hosted by Guy Cocker and various other GSUK and CNET UK editors about UK gaming news and features.

Reviews and rating system

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.

GameSpot has a detailed guide that explains its reviewing policies, as well as answering frequently asked questions about its reviews. ^[41]

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.

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. The integers (from the Latin integer, literally "untouched" hence "whole" the word entire comes from the same origin but via French 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 five in GameSpot's history have ever received a perfect ten: Chrono Cross,^[42] The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,^[43] Soul Calibur,^[44] Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (PlayStation 2 version),^[45] and Grand Theft Auto IV ^[46]. is a Console role-playing game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) for the Sony PlayStation Video is an action-adventure Video game developed by Nintendo 's Entertainment Analysis and Development division for the Nintendo 64 Video game is the second game in the ''Soul'' series of Fighting games developed and produced by Namco. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, often called THPS3 or Tony Hawk 3, is a Video game in the ''Tony Hawk's'' series Seven games have achieved a near-perfect score of 9. 9: NFL 2K,^[47] NFL 2K1,^[48] Perfect Dark,^[49] Super Mario Bros. Deluxe,^[50] Tekken 3 (PlayStation version),^[51] and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (Dreamcast and Playstation versions). ESPN NFL 2K (originally NFL 2K) was an American football Video game series developed by Visual Concepts ESPN NFL 2K (originally NFL 2K) was an American football Video game series developed by Visual Concepts Perfect Dark is a 2000 First-person shooter Video game for the Nintendo 64 Game console. Tekken 3 is the third installment in the Tekken Fighting game series The PlayStation (abbreviated PS, PSone, PS1, or informally as PSX) is a 32-bit fifth generation Video game console Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, often called THPS2, is the second game in the ''Tony Hawk's'' series. The is Sega 's most recent Video game console and the successor to the Sega Saturn. The PlayStation (abbreviated PS, PSone, PS1, or informally as PSX) is a 32-bit fifth generation Video game console ^[52][53]

On the other end of the spectrum, Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing is the only game to have received a 1. 0 ("abysmal"), the lowest score possible. ^[54]

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.

New system

On June 25, 2007, GameSpot began assigning scores by increments of 0. Events 524 - Battle of Vézeronce, the Franks defeat the Burgundians Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. 5 instead of 0. 1. ^[55] 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 first review under the new system was for Final Fantasy Anniversary Edition for the PSP. is a Console role-playing game developed and published in Japan by Square (now Square Enix) in and published in North America by Nintendo ^[56] 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 explaining the decision but still received criticism towards this change. Despite viewers claiming to have canceled memberships and suggestions for a different increment scale (reverting back to a . 1 scale, or changing to a . 2 or . 25 scale), the review system remains unchanged.

Mistakes and updates

GameSpot has occasionally had to rectify some of its reviews. Bob Colayco's original review for Metroid Prime Hunters criticized the game for having only one mode playable online, as well as certain glitches. Metroid Prime Hunters is a first-person shooter and adventure game for the Nintendo DS developed by American developers Nintendo Software Technology ^[57] However, all of the multiplayer modes are playable online (but only with friend codes or through the rival system). Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (commonly abbreviated WFC) is an online service run by Nintendo to facilitate free Internet play in compatible Nintendo DS and GameSpot reevaluated the review and removed the errors, appending an editor's note on the bottom of the review.

The original review for Shenmue was taken down from the site after GameSpot received many user complaints about the low score, and was re-scored, though the text review remained the same. is an Adventure game developed by Sega-AM2 and published by Sega for the Sega Dreamcast, produced and directed by Yu Suzuki. ^[58]

The review for Tetris Worlds for the Nintendo GameCube was updated after the editor found that the "easy spin" feature could be toggled off. Tetris Worlds is a version of the popular video game Tetris. It was originally released in 2001 for PC and the GBA. The, often abbreviated as GCN, is Nintendo 's fourth home Video game console and is part of the sixth generation console era. The score was raised to reflect the change in opinion. ^[59]

The review for Company of Heroes was updated after the editor of the review found that a performance bug was a "rare issue". Company of Heroes ( CoH) is a Real-time strategy computer game developed by Relic Entertainment. A software bug (or just “bug” is an error flaw mistake Failure, fault or “undocumented feature” in a Computer program that prevents it ^[60]

The review for Overlord (PC) was re-scored after receiving an unfinished version from Codemasters that had camera issues. Codemasters (earlier known as Code Masters and often nicknamed Codies in magazines is one of the longest running British Video game developers ^[61]

The review for Kane & Lynch: Dead Men (Xbox 360) has been updated to include differences between the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions and a clarification on the game's multiplayer mode^[62] as well as tone differences. Kane & Lynch Dead Men is a cooperative Action game developed by IO Interactive and published by Eidos Interactive for the ^[63]

The review for Geometry Wars: Galaxies (Nintendo DS) was updated after the original review stated the game did not support single-card multiplayer, which was incorrect. Geometry Wars Galaxies is a multidirectional shooter video game created by Bizarre Creations and Kuju Entertainment, which was released ^[64]

The review for Lost Odyssey (Xbox 360) was updated after copies of the game sent to the press for review played differently than retail copies of the game. is a Console role-playing game developed by Mistwalker and feelplus and published by Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox 360. The review was changed to note that some of the game's load times were actually shorter than represented in the version of the game sent to the press.

The review for Titan Quest (PC) originally made disparaging comments about having to travel back to town on foot in order to sell items and empty the inventory, and commented on earlier games (such as Diablo II) which featured a quick travel option that allowed players to instantly travel between the battlefield and towns. Titan Quest is a Action RPG developed by Iron Lore Entertainment. Diablo II, sequel to the game Diablo, is a Dark fantasy -themed Action role-playing game in a Hack and slash and " However, such a feature actually was present in Titan Quest, reviewer Ryan Davis having simply missed it. The text pertaining to the town portal system was removed, although the score remained the same. ^[65]

The review for Grand Theft Auto IV was initially submitted with a 9. 5 score by reviewer Justin Calvert. The initial score of 9. 5 became available on Gamespot's web site due to a bug in their publishing system. ^[66]

Community

Forums

GameSpot's forums were originally run by ZDNet, and later by Lithium. Lithium Technologies is an online customer support and brand loyalty company based in Emeryville, California. GameSpot uses a semi-automated moderation system with numerous volunteer moderators. A forum moderator, often shortened to just mod, is a person granted special powers to enforce the rules of an Internet forum ( Message board) or Electronic GameSpot moderators are volunteer moderators who are picked from trusted members of the community. However, 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 post to a moderator. The reporting feature saves a lot of time and makes sure a lot more content is handled correctly.

One distinct feature of the GameSpot community is the ability of GameSpot Total 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.

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")^[67] and user video blogs. A blog (a contraction of the term " Web log " is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary descriptions of 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.

In May 2004, the GameFAQs message boards and the GameSpot boards merged most of their game-specific boards together. GameFAQs is a Website that hosts FAQs and Walkthroughs for Video games It was created in November 1995 by Jeff "CJayC" Veasey and Although there is a very active community on Gamespot, many have criticized it for using extremely strict posting rules. ^[68]

Profiles

Registered users have the privilege of having their own profile which they can make visible to only themselves, friends, or everyone through their preferences. ^[69] Profiles can be useful and convenient to the user themself and to others. In a profile a blog can be started and updated. A blog (a contraction of the term " Web log " is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary descriptions of The blog is shared with the user's TV.com, MP3.com, and MovieTome profiles. TVcom is a website owned by CNET Networks. The service was launched on June 1 2005 and replaced the popular TV Tome website MP3com is a Web site operated by CNET Networks providing information about digital music and artists songs services community and technologies Other users can report blog posts to the moderators. Users can subscribe to a number of RSS feeds which provide updates for user-generated content. RSS is a family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works – such as Blog entries news headlines audio and video – in a standardized There are feeds for "Tracked Games", "Tracked Unions", "Friends' Reviews", "Friends' Blogs", and "My Blog". Other elements on profiles include their latest videos, games, tracked blogs, and ratings.

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.

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.

Unions

Unions act as online communities within GameSpot. Each union has a blog-style front page and a message board pertaining to a specific topic. A blog (a contraction of the term " Web log " is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary descriptions of 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.

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 no more than regular members with the ability to take part in the topic and message posting.

Controversy

Jeff Gerstmann, Editorial Director of the site, was fired on November 28, 2007. Jeff Gerstmann (born August 1 1975) is the former editorial director of the gaming website GameSpot. For the town in Argentina, see 28 de Noviembre. Events Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[70] 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 Gerstmann had previously given a Fair or undesirable rating along with critique. Eidos Interactive is a publisher of video and Computer games with its parent company based in England. Kane & Lynch Dead Men is a cooperative Action game developed by IO Interactive and published by Eidos Interactive for the ^[70] Both Gamespot and parent company CNET stated that his dismissal was unrelated to the review. CNET Networks Inc is a media company based in San Francisco California, United States, and is part of CBS Interactive, owned ^{[70] [71]} A month after Gerstmann's termination, 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. "^[72]

Frank Provo, Alex Navarro, Ryan Davis, Brad Shoemaker and Vinny Caravella also left as a result of Gerstmann's termination. ^[73][74]

Paid subscriptions

GameSpot formerly had a paid subscription service known as "GameSpot Complete". On February 21, 2006, the paid subscription model was changed. Events 362 - Athanasius returns to Alexandria. 1245 - Thomas, the first known Bishop of Finland Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[75] It now maintains two paid membership services: Total Access and Plus. ^[76]

Total Access is essentially a replacement of GameSpot Complete, as it is the same price of US$5. The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been 95 per month or $39. 95 per year and offers the same basic benefits. ^[76] The second premium service, GameSpot Plus, is a cheaper, intermediate-level service. ^[76]

The major difference between the old and new membership services is the lack of GameSpot Complete's 10 percent discount at EBGames. EB Games (formerly known as Electronics Boutique) is an international computer and video games retailer com. There was much discontent over this decision, and for a while, GameSpot claimed to have an unspecificed replacement in the work. No further details were ever provided.

GameCenter

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. Events 1079 - Omar Khayyám completes the Iranian calendar. 1454 - Thirteen Years' War: Delegates of Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. As a result, GameSpot is discontinuing support of the GameCenter client, but will continue tournament events for Total Access members.

Trivia Robot starring in an episode of Time Trotters

The most recent GameCenter has no relation to the original GameCenter, which CNET Networks ran from 1995 to 2001 as a competitor to GameSpot. CNET Networks Inc is a media company based in San Francisco California, United States, and is part of CBS Interactive, owned Shortly after CNET Networks acquired ZDNet and GameSpot in 2000, the original GameCenter was disbanded. CNET Networks Inc is a media company based in San Francisco California, United States, and is part of CBS Interactive, owned In 1991 Ziff Davis Publishing Company brought together a small diverse set of online forums and information services (most notably "PC MagNet" under the name

Trivia Robot

Trivia Robot was a fictional character who appeared frequently in a variety of video productions on GameSpot. Speaking in a digital electric monotone, Trivia Robot rose to prominence as the character who would answer viewer mail sent in to the weekly webcast show Let's GameSpot. Trivia Robot appeared in a one-episode series entitled Time Trotters. ^[77]

References

External links

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