GameSpot

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GameSpot
URL http://www.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 1996

GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady, and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks, the current owner of GameSpot.

Contents

[edit] History

At launch, the site focused exclusively on PC games. Its sister site, VideoGameSpot.com, was launched in December 1996 to cover console games. In 1997, VideoGameSpot.com became VideoGames.com for a short period, and by 1998, the PC and console sections were united at GameSpot.com.[1]

On October 3, 2005, GameSpot adopted a new design similar to that of TV.com, now considered a sister site to GameSpot.[2]

GameSpot UK (United Kingdom) was started in October 1997 by Ian Howie, Asher Rospigliosi and Suzie Daniels (née Rundle).[3] In 1999, the site's team was expanded to include Laura Jenner, Russ Willis, John Houlihan, and Justin Calvert. The site operated until mid-2002, offering Europe-oriented content which often differed from that of the US 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, and is edited by Phil Elliott, with Guy Cocker as Staff Writer and Emma Boyes as news editor.[6] Of the former staff, Laura Jenner became site manager, Russell Willis became art editor, and Justin Calvert contributes to the UK operation.

Recently, GameSpot AU (Australia) has launched, with a specialized forum, local pricings in AUD, Australian release dates, and more local news.

[edit] Main site

GameSpot is one of the most popular gaming review websites on the Internet. In 2004, GameSpot won "Best Gaming Website" as chosen by the viewers in Spike TV's second Video Game Award Show.[7] Other gaming websites such as IGN, 1UP.com, and GameSpy have been their biggest rivals.

GameSpot's main page has links to the latest news, reviews, previews, and portals for the following platforms: PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy Advance. 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: PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, Neo Geo Pocket Color, N-Gage, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, and mobile games, among others.

[edit] Personalities

With the introduction of GameSpot Live, readers were introduced to some of the staff working at GameSpot. They are the people who write the features and reviews for the site. Current staff who can be seen on GameSpot's broadcasts or whose work can be read on the site include: Jeff Gerstmann, Alex Navarro, Rich Gallup, Andrew Park, Ryan Davis, Brad Shoemaker, Brian Ekberg, Jason Ocampo, Aaron Thomas, Justin Calvert, Greg Mueller, Ricardo Torres and many more.

Greg Kasavin was a popular Gamespot personality who recently left the site to become a game developer. Kasavin blogged that his new job is an associate producer for Electronic Arts Los Angeles.

[edit] 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,[8] 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.[9]

[edit] On the Spot

On the Spot is a weekly talk show which airs live every Thursday at 4PM Pacific time for all members of GameSpot to watch. The show is hosted by Jeff Gerstmann, Rich Gallup, and Ryan Davis, with the rest of the GameSpot staff they play, preview, review, and interview the people and things of games. Recently On the Spot shifted from standard full screen viewing to widescreen. The show runs a basic template of events; the show starts out with a GameSpot staff member overviewing what will happen during the show. A major upcoming game will be previewed by a Staff Member, a short break will cut between this preview and the next preview (most of the time a "Rich Gallup Poll" and/or advertisement for sponsors of the website). Depending on the week, a handheld game will be previewed, while the rest of the show is used for any extra games to be previewed, and/or a trivia question where paid subscribers get a chance to win free gaming items if they answer a question correctly. 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.[citation needed]

[edit] Best and Worst

Every year, GameSpot holds the Best and Worst 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").

For a complete list of winners, see GameSpot's Best and Worst of the Year Winners.

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

[edit] Other features

Another feature is Burning Questions by Alex Navarro, in which users write in and have their questions answered, usually in a sarcastic tone.[22] In a recent interview dated December 16, 2006 (one of a series known as "Getting to know GameSpot"), Alex has said that the "Burning Questions" feature has been discontinued. The HotSpot is GameSpot's own podcast in which various editors discuss different issues and news stories in the gaming world. Button Mashing is a cult favorite among GameSpot's users, consisting 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.

In 2005, a feature called "Today on GameSpot" was introduced along with the redesign of the site. It is very similar to an older feature, now no longer running, "Let's GameSpot". Sections of "Today on GameSpot" include "The Rorie Roundup", which gives tips and hints on the latest games; "That's Fresh", which details the newest releases; "The Last Word", a Friday feature hosted by GameSpot News that recaps the week's biggest gaming-related news; "The Lowdown", which describes downloads on the site; and "Top Notch Games", which names GameSpot editor's favorite games (often being inducted into the "Greatest Games Of All Time").[23] Aside from "The Last Word" section of "Today on GameSpot" all of the other sections were discontinued due to the cost and time required to create each episode.

[edit] 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 regurgitate the written review text with clips of gameplay embedded.

GameSpot has a detailed guide on-site for the purpose of explaining their exact reviewing policies, as well as answering frequently asked questions about their reviews.[24]

When GameSpot Complete was introduced in late 2001, older reviews were restricted to Complete members; however, it was changed back several months later.

All games are 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 four in GameSpot's history have ever received a perfect ten: Chrono Cross,[25] The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,[26] Soul Calibur,[27] and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (PlayStation 2).[28] Seven games have achieved a near-perfect score of 9.9: NFL 2K,[29] NFL 2K1,[30] Perfect Dark,[31] Super Mario Bros. Deluxe,[32] Tekken 3 (PlayStation),[33] Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (Dreamcast),[34] and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (PlayStation).[35]

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.[36]

This is the list of rates GameSpot gives.

  • 1.0 - 2.0: abysmal
  • 2.0 - 3.0: terrible
  • 3.0 - 4.0: bad
  • 4.0 - 5.0: poor
  • 5.0 - 6.0: mediocre
  • 6.0 - 7.0: fair
  • 7.0 - 8.0: good
  • 8.0 - 9.0: great
  • 9.0 - 9.9: superb
  • 10.0: perfect

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.

[edit] Criticism

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.[37] However, all of the multiplayer modes are playable online (but only with friend codes or through the rival system).[citation needed] 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 and re-reviewed.[38]

[edit] Community

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[edit] Forums

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. There are currently more than 50 moderators[citation needed].

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 traditional message board system, GameSpot has expanded its community through the addition of features such as user blogs (once called user journals[citation needed]) and user video blogs. Users can track other users, 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 their game-specific boards together.[citation needed]

[edit] 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[citation needed]. Profiles can be useful and convenient to the user themself 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 FilmSpot.com profiles. When making a blog post the WYSIWYG box is identical to that seen on the forums. Other users can also report offensive messages in blogs as well. As of August 2006, a new section was launched called "My RSS" which allows the users themselves and others to subscribe to the RSS feeds[citation needed]. So far 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.

[edit] Games

Users can keep a games list within their GameSpot profile which allows them (and others) to track what games they own (or wish to own). Games can be added 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.

[edit] Emblems

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. There are currently close to one hundred emblems available[citation needed].

[edit] Unions

Unions act as online communities within GameSpot. Each one has its own message board pertaining to a specific topic, such as a Final Fantasy union. 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 are considered to be Co-Administrators; they 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.

[edit] Paid subscriptions

GameSpot formerly had a paid subscription service known as "GameSpot Complete". On February 21, 2006, the paid subscription model was changed.[39] It now maintains two paid membership services: Total Access and Plus.[40]

Total Access is essentially a replacement of GameSpot Complete, as it is the same price of US$5.95 per month or $39.95 per year and offers the same basic benefits.[40] The second premium service, GameSpot Plus, is a cheaper, intermediate-level service.[40]

One difference between the old and new membership services is the lack of GameSpot Complete's 10 percent discount at EBGames.com.

In August 2006, GameSpot reintroduced the subscriber-only "Ice" skin, which had been removed after a redesign in October 2005.[citation needed]

[edit] 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. As a result, GameSpot is discontinuing support of the GameCenter client, but will continue tournament events for Total Access members.[citation needed]

The most recent GameCenter has no relation to the original GameCenter, which CNET Networks ran from 1995 to 2001 as a competitor to GameSpot. Shortly after CNET Networks acquired ZDNet and GameSpot in 2000, the original GameCenter was disbanded.

[edit] Trivia Robot

Trivia Robot starring in an episode of Time Trotters
Trivia Robot starring in an episode of Time Trotters

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, often in a sarcastic, irreverent, or desultory fashion designed for amusement.[citation needed] Trivia Robot appeared in a one-episode series entitled Time Trotters.[41]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Navarro, Alex (2006-07-14). "Burning Questions: July 14, 2006". Retrieved on March 23, 2007.
  2. ^ GameSpot Redesign: Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved on September 29, 2006.
  3. ^ GameSpot UK contact page. Archived from the original on 1998-06-13. Retrieved on October 7, 2006.
  4. ^ "GameSpot UK Winner, PPAi Awards 1999". Retrieved on October 7, 2006.
  5. ^ "GameSpot UK Short Listed, PPAi Awards 2001". Retrieved on October 7, 2006.
  6. ^ "GameSpot UK launches" (2006-04-24). Retrieved on November 1, 2006.
  7. ^ Results of Spike TV's 2004 Video Game Awards. Retrieved on June 9, 2006.
  8. ^ First Freeplay article. Retrieved on July 8, 2006.
  9. ^ Announcement of Freeplay changing formats. Retrieved on July 8, 2006.
  10. ^ Game of the Year, 1996
  11. ^ Game of the Year, 1997
  12. ^ Game of the Year, 1998
  13. ^ Game of the Year, 1999
  14. ^ Game of the Year 2000 (PC)
  15. ^ Game of the Year 2000 (video games)
  16. ^ Top 10 PC Games of 2001
  17. ^ Top 10 Video Games of 2001
  18. ^ GameSpot Video Game of the Year, 2002
  19. ^ GameSpot Video Game of the Year, 2003
  20. ^ GameSpot's 2004 Game of the Year
  21. ^ GameSpot's 2006 Game of the Year
  22. ^ Description of Burning Questions. Retrieved on July 8, 2006.
  23. ^ Greatest Games of All Time. GameSpot. Retrieved on September 27, 2006.
  24. ^ GameSpot's guide to their ratings system. Retrieved on April 28, 2006.
  25. ^ Vestal, Andrew. Crono Cross (PlayStation) review. GameSpot. January 6, 2000.
  26. ^ Gerstmann, Jeff. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64) review. GameSpot. November 23, 1998.
  27. ^ Mielke, James. Soul Calibur (Dreamcast) review. GameSpot. August 9, 1999.
  28. ^ Gerstmann, Jeff. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 (PlayStation 2) review. GameSpot. October 29, 2001.
  29. ^ Mac Donald, Ryan. NFL 2K (Dreamcast) review. GameSpot. September 1, 1999.
  30. ^ Mac Donald, Ryan. NFL 2K1 (Dreamcast) review. GameSpot. September 8, 2000.
  31. ^ Fielder, Joe. Perfect Dark (Nintendo 64) review. GameSpot. May 22, 2000
  32. ^ Davis, Cameron. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe (Game Boy Color) review. GameSpot. January 28, 2000.
  33. ^ Gerstmann, Jeff. Tekken 3 (PlayStation) review. GameSpot. March 30, 1998.
  34. ^ Gerstmann, Jeff. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (Dreamcast) review. GameSpot. November 7, 2000.
  35. ^ Gerstmann, Jeff. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (PlayStation) review. GameSpot. September 20, 2000.
  36. ^ Narvarro, Alex. Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing (PC) review. GameSpot. January 14, 2004.
  37. ^ Colayco, Bob. Metroid Prime: Hunters review. GameSpot. March 23, 2006
  38. ^ Fielder, Joe (2000-12-22). "Shenmue explanation". Retrieved on July 8, 2006.
  39. ^ "GameSpot revamps subscription model". Retrieved on July 8, 2006.
  40. ^ a b c GameSpot sign-up page. Retrieved on April 3, 2007.
  41. ^ Time Trotters. Retrieved on October 15, 2006.

[edit] External links

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