GameSpot Controversy Update: GAFers Block, Official Word Tuesday?

Time for an update on the situation that is GameSpot. If your new to the situation, Jeff Gerstmann, reviewer for about a decade, has been fired over his Kane & Lynch: Dead Men review. No official word on the firing was ever given. Lets see whats new today.

- NeoGAF is blocking out anything related to GameSpot and CNET in protest and support for Jeff Gerstmann.
- In response to a Gamespot forum thread, the new Gamespot Manager of Community Development said he is "eagerly anticipating the official word to be released on Tuesday."
- Gamespot has stoped user reviews of Kane & Lynch after a flood of 1.0 ratings lowered the game's user score to a 2.6/10.
- Destructoid, who seems to be pretty pissed at GameSpot as well, registed the site CashWh0re.com, which leads to their site with the CashWhore banner.
- Aaron Thomas, a GameSpot employee, explains why more employees aren't speaking up on this situation: "This isn't GameSpot suddenly clamping down on me or any of us here--this is how it is for anyone with a job."
- Gamespot freelancer Frank Provo spoke his feelings: "Personally, my respect for CNet is shot, and writing for GameSpot is going to feel like a chore for quite some time going forward."
- GameSpot users are reportedly canceling paid subscriptions left and right, starting threads with every cancelled subscription, and planning boycotts of Gamespot and its advertisers.
- The main discussion thread on the GameSpot forums for the Gerstmann firing has reached over 11, 225 posts.
- GameSpot has removed it's "Most Popular Tags" box, which contained things such as "cnet, bullshit, integrity, fired, jeff gerstmann, corruption, credibility, etc."

Could this be the breakdown of the GameSpot we once knew and loved?

[Thanks JoyStiq!]

Rumor: Mass Effect Confirmed for PLAYSTATION 3?

GameKult, a french gaming site, recently posted an article on their site about BioWare's Mass Effect. The article, however, is no longer on the site. We have no idea why it was removed, possibly due to NDA violations. We have the translation of the article below.

"Bioware Confirms Mass Effect PS3

By Yukishiro, Gamekult.com
Work in progress, posted Friday, November 30, 2007 at 11h 13

The developers Bioware come to put an end to rumors and leaks in recent days, confirming that they were actually at work on a port of the inevitable Mass Effect for the PS3 Sony. The studio, who were willing excellent performance on Xbox (Jade Empire, Kotor), has also given that the possibilities of Sixaxis would include solicited for the use of grenades."

So Mass Effect is coming with SIXAXIS integration. We still have no idea if this is true, but GameKult is a very respected gaming site. When we find out more, we will let you know.

Remember, this is listed as a RUMOR.

[Via GT Forums]

PLAYSTATION 3 Downloadable Media Coming Next Year

According to a Nikkei report, Sony will begin to offer downloadable media content for the PLAYSTATION 3 on a worldwide basis early next year.

The site didn't get much into detail. They did mention high definition game footage and related documentary clips as being ready for the service. No mention of anything being non-gaming related.

Only catch is for you to save your cash, because the Nikkei report mentioned it won't be free.

[Via IGN]

Mark Rein on Content: "This is why we've made the game for the PS3 first."

In a new interview with Epic VP Mark Rein, he explains how the legendary Unreal Tournament came to be on the PLAYSTATION 3. It's all about the freedom.

"This is the full power of the Unreal Editor. The same editor we used to create the games is now available to you," he says. "You want to import your objects you made in 3D Studio Max or Maya? Bring them in! You want to code an UnrealScript? Code an UnrealScript! All those things you can do. If they fit on our map, you can stick them on the PlayStation 3 and they'll run!"

The main thing is, no approval is need from either Epic or Sony, you just grab it, put it on a memory stick, and play it. "When they embrace user-created content, that's what it means to be an open system. That's why we're on PlayStation 3 first—because they are embracing user-created content. It's not just moving the deck chairs around the boat. They are embracing real art," Rein told Gamasutra. This type of open experience may be more of a challenge with Microsoft. "...we will sit down with Microsoft and have a dialog with them and say, 'Here is what we want to do. How can we do it?' They may or may not embrace it. We don't know. That's why we've made the game for the PlayStation 3 first, because we knew exactly what the boundaries were going to be."

This is what makes the PLAYSTATION 3 version of the game great, and with possible Home support on the way, you never know the possibilities.

[Via Opposable Thumbs]

Hellboy: The Science Of Evil PLAYSTATION 3 Screenshots

GameInfoWire has obtained some new screenshots for Konami's upcoming title, Hellboy: The Science of Evil. The screenshots are from the PLAYSTATION 3 version of the game.

You can enjoy them at the link below.

[View: Hellboy Screenshots]

HAZE GamerTV Special

If you were one to miss the HAZE Gamer.TV special, no worries, you can watch it right now. In this new special, the team takes a behind the scenes trip to Free Radical's studio to see the work that is going into the development of PLAYSTATION 3 shooter.

Night Note: The Sickness Is Rising

To: onAXIS Readers
From: onAXIS Administrative
Subject: A Choo

Whats up readers? How have you been this weekend? Oh, good to hear. You know how I've been? I've been sick since Thusday, with a 104.4 fever. It's not really that bad, it's lowered to a 99.4 by today. The thing I can't stand is the constant sneezing, coughing, and nose drippings. Yeah, it can get annoying.

Anyway, about the new site, it may take a bit longer than earlier said, we found some bugs in the site we need to fix, and I still need to send out for my hosting. We will keep you updated.

I've said this before, and it's kind of odd. We never get any news flow on the weekend, nothing ever happens, you know? Its a pattern too, check our archives, weekend have at most 15 articles. It's weird.

Anyway, lets take a look at the hot stories for December 1, 2007. Happy December by the way, it's the season of joy.

Winter Warmth Stories for December 1, 2007
Afrika Mixtape Trailer
Army of Two Aggro Trailer
Tekken 6 Cusomization Scans
Uncharted Goes Submarine & Jeep
Assassin's Creed PLAYSTATION 3 Problems Still Exist
NY Times Makes Major PS3 Mistake
Peter Dille Talks About The PLAYSTATION 3

Afrika: New Mixtape Trailer

A new trailer for the PLAYSTATION 3's upcoming title, Afrika, appeared on YouTube today, which appears to be a mixtape trailer. No people, there will be no hunting in this game, sadly.

Broken Rock Band Guitar? Get a Free EA Game!

If you've been waiting for your broken Rock Band guitar to arrive in the mail, and still haven't received it, chances are that you will probably receive a free EA Game with it when you do.

A member of the official Rock Band forums received an e-mail today from EA about the situation.

"Greetings Rocker,

Congratulations on your purchase of Rock Band!

After reviewing our records, we see that your recent request for a replacement guitar has been subject to an unacceptably long delay due to a late shipment from our manufacturer.

By the time you receive this, your replacement guitar should be on its way to you. However, the Rock Band team is committed to providing a world-class customer experience and we do not believe we have met this commitment in connection with your request. As a token of our appreciation for your patience and understanding, we will be offering you a FREE EA game. Details will follow shortly.

We are sorry if your first experience with Rock Band has not met your expectations. We hope our gift will show you how committed we are to your satisfaction.

Thank you,
The Rock Band Team"

So far, there is no details on what the selection of games will be. If we find out, we will let you know.

[Via Rock Band Forums]

Army of Two: Aggro Gameplay

Some new gameplay footage of EA Montreal's upcoming shooter, Army of Two, appeared on YouTube today, showcasing the aggro ability in the game. Enjoy.

Tekken 6 Scans: Customization To The Max

Some new Tekken 6 scans were released today showing the level of customization to the upcoming fighter. It seems you can customize your Jin with a little bit of juice.

You see that devilish outfit he is wearing in the third picture? Does that not remind you of Ansem from Kingdom Hearts? Maybe it's just me. Anyway, enjoy the scans.

[Via PS3Forums]

Uncharted: Jeep & Submarine Bay Gameplay

A user of at GamerSyde sent in this video showing a jeep "on rail" sequence of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. He then sent in a second video of the game at the Submarine Bay. Warning, there are spoilers.

1UP Strikes Outside the GameSpot Office

A bunch of the guys over at Ziff Davis (including 1UP workers) marched over to the GameSpot offices two blocks away from theirs today to show their support for their fellow game reviewers.

This was all due to the firing of Jeff Gerstmann at GameSpot, with no actual reason specified, but many say it was because of his negative tone in his Kane & Lynch: Dead Men review.

Though 1UP & GameSpot are competition, what may have happened at GameSpot could have wide-spread implications in the game publication industry. Many people at GameSpot had been canceling their subscriptions as well.

We are not sure how GameSpot will address this issue. Only time will tell.

[Via Kotaku]

Burnout Paradise: Stunt Run Trailer

Electronics Arts recently posted this new Stunt Run trailer for Burnout Paradise on YouTube. It showcases the high flying cars that will really get you going... in the air.

Assassin's Creed PLAYSTATION 3 Problems Still Exist, Despite Patch

Despite the patch that was released for the PLAYSTATION 3 version of Assassin's Creed yesterday, there still seems to be problems.

It seems that the game is still freezing in various places. An Ubisoft forum member replied on the official thread.

" LOL - dont expect too much guys.

I was skeptic - and rightfully so.
I downloaded the 25 MB update. Game launched and I tried to continue my game.

Altair froze on the blue loading screen - AS USUAL.

THIS UPDATE DID NOTHING FOR ME...."

[Via Ubisoft Forums]

Seasons Greetings from the Companion Cube

Valve's online store has started to offering a little thing for a seasons greetings today. Are you already writing out those Christmas cards, but want to give them a little flavor?

Then head over to the Valve store and purchase these Companion Cube Portal themed cards. They come with 15 greeting cards that will certainly let your receiver know that you truly wish them a well Christmas.

They might even get cake.

[Via Valve Store]

The New York Times Doesn't Know It's Console Facts

Today's technology section in the New York times mentions video game consoles. Those consoles include the PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii.

The article clearly describes the Wii as it is, but makes some major mistakes on the PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360. Here is the excerpt.

“Those who have spent the day trading carbon credits have another opportunity to save the planet, this time from aliens in Halo 3, the third edition of the Xbox 360 game. The PlayStation 3 game Gran Turismo 5, a hyper-realistic, high-speed journey, is one of the best sellers for that Sony console, which starts at $299. Microsoft’s Xbox starts at $280. Both are built around the multicore Cell processor, which allows numerous tasks to be done simultaneously.”

Now, can you tell me where the errors are? No, well, take a look at the "answer key" below.

1. Gran Turismo 5 is not “one of the best sellers” for the PLAYSTATION 3, considering it's not even out yet.

2. The PLAYSTATION 3 does not cost $299. Nope, lowest price is actually $399.

3. Both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 aren't “built around the multicore Cell processor.” Thats only the PLAYSTATION 3 buddy.

[Via Nex-Gen.Biz]

Dille Talks PLAYSTATION 3: Life Span, Firmware Updates, & More

Peter Dile, Vice President of Marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment, sat down with Game Informer to talk about PLAYSTATION 3 exclusives, the blu-ray format, and their plans for 2008.

They first talk about competition between Microsoft & Nintendo. He says there is no better time than now to be a gamer, but "if you want the most technologically advanced gaming system that will stand the test of time for the next 10 years and comes with a free online gaming service, then the PS3 is a perfect choice."

He goes on to describe the console itself, saying the "continually expanding features of the free PlayStation Network makes PlayStation 3 the best choice on the market". How they've proven their 10 year system lifecycle. There are more than 160 games for the PLAYSTATION 3 (really?) with 19 exclusives.

He spoke of the DUALSHOCK 3, saying it's not included with the systems because they want to make enough of them to meet the popular demand.

He goes on to talk about the PLAYSTATION 3 firmware updates. He speaks on in-game XMB access, saying its an important features the consumers want, and they listen to what we want. They are working hard on addressing the feature, as well as expanding the other features of the PLAYSTATION 3. He finishes his firmware talk buy telling us some new enhancements are coming "very soon".

On the 2008 exclusives, Dille says "everyone knows we have an amazingly broad and AAA heavy line up from not only our first party studios with Killzone, Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet, but also AAA exclusive titles from our 3rd party partners as well with titles like Metal Gear Solid 4, Final Fantasy, Haze and many other genre defining games that you will only find on PlayStation 3."

His new year resoultion is to continue to bring us fans amazing new gaming experiences and provide the PLAYSTATION 3 with a variety of new games.

[Via Game Informer]