Kohnke v. Perpetual Suit Unveils 'Pay For Good Reviews' Angle

The recent debate brought about by Jeff Gerstmann's dismissal from Gamespot has focused a lot of attention on the role of advertiser manipulation of reviews. Now a lawsuit brought by PR firm Kohnke Communications against what remains of Perpetual Entertainment has unveiled an interesting element of their business relationship. From the language of the agreement: "Kohnke's public relations campaign was successful in creating pre-release 'buzz' around Gods & Heroes, and in convincing reviewers to write positive reviews about the game. In addition, on information and belief, Perpetual had signed up more than 100,000 beta testers for Gods & Heroes, a large number for an unreleased MMO." For another viewpoint on the Gerstmann issue, Dean Takahashi just recently interviewed the former reviewer.

Gerstmann interview not exactly revealing

[werdnam]

I just read the linked Gerstmann interview and was disappointed that it didn't add more clarity to the story. Of course, as has been repeatedly mentioned, Gerstmann is not allowed to comment on why he was fired. Given that GameSpot has very clearly denied firing him for hurting their bottom line, that doesn't seem quite fair. Why is GameSpot allowed to defend itself (by denying they inappropriately fired Gerstmann), but Gerstmann is not allowed to defend himeself (by perhaps insisting that GameSpot *did* fi

Re:Gerstmann interview not exactly revealing

[El Gigante de Justic]

It could also be that while they fired him to appease Eidos, they also offered him a substantial severance package as long as he stays quiet about what actually went down.

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[malbosher]

Now it starts to make sense, I always wondered why Game spot never gave top tier games a bad review.

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[enderjsv]

Are you kidding? You do know Game Spot is one of the toughest reviewers on top tier games. Why, Gerstmann received virtual death threats for his 8.9 review of the recent Wii Zelda. They also gave Bioshock a 9.0, which is significantly below the average.

This is simply a case of some idiot upper management flexing his muscles because he can. Gerstmann states in the interview that he feels the reviewers at Gamespot have integrity. I don't think it's far to punish the entirety of Gamespot and question

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[slashdot_commentator]

Is the dick supervisor still employed at gamespot? If so, then you know its management establishing operating guidelines on its employee reviewers.

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[enderjsv]

Not necessarily. If Gamespot is anything like the company that I work for, that an overall competent management level does not stop and individual manager from making a ridiculous decision. I'm guessing this unfortunate incident is more of a freak occurrence then an "establishment of operating guidelines." In fact, after the backlash from the gaming community, I wouldn't be surprised if CNET is revising it's managerial tactics in a way that is MORE accommodating to the reviewers. Hell, Gamespot might ju

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[slashdot_commentator]

Presuming that the acceptability of Gerstmann's work is the issue that got him fired, its apparent that there was a standard being drawn by his boss. How can a "tone" in one video review be grounds for dismissal? Lets presume Gerstmann believed his journalistic integrity required him to not comply with his boss's directives. Lets presume there was a personalized pissing match. You don't fire a guy on a "tone" of a review, you fire a guy because you don't have confidence he can acceptably carry out the

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[brkello]

Slashdot tends to defend the little guy and hate the corporations...so it is natural to get that slant on here. You bring up good points, but it almost feels like you are a Gamespot advocate trying to inject doubt in to the forums.

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[aichpvee]

It's kind of hard to side with any of them. Gamespot's site sucks and their reviews are the worst (which is no easy feat) so as individuals they are either shills or just incompetent idiots and as a corporation they employ either shills or incompetent idiots. And not to sound like a troll (I'm letting them off pretty easy), but fuck I hope the site just dies.

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[enderjsv]

"not to sound like a troll..."

That has to be the most hilarious thing I've ever heard someone say in a rant. It's kinda like me saying to you, "no offense, but you're a complete idiot."

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[teflaime]

In California, yes, Gamespot cannot say why Gerstmann was fired. Gerstmann can say why, unless he is bound by some contractual obligation not too.

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[rtechie]

Gamespot hasn't mention why they have actually fired Gerstmann. The last I heard, they are bound by law not to disclose why they terminated their employee.

Incorrect. Their lawyers have probably told them not to talk about it, but that's not the same thing as "bound by law" as in a court order. And even if their lawyers did not tell them to keep quiet, why would they possibly own up to this? Gerstmann is going to deny whatever lie they come up with, so their best strategy is to keep quiet.

Gerstmann has not stated in any way, why he was fired. However, I think he is also bound by law from confirming that he was fired.

Again, incorrect. Gerstmann has said, third hand, that he was "fired by Eidos". Read into that what you will. He probably refuses to comment directly because he thinks he h

Journalism? Nah, more like an extension of PR.

[Neutron Bob]

I've been in the games industry for a while now and can tell you any one familiar with the inner workings of Game PR and Marketing would not be surprised by this, or the allegations being made. Many things happen between game media and game developers / publishers that result in a less than objective review. I won't spill all the beans, but for example: You know those top ten lists? You can pay to have your game show up on most of those. Companies I've worked at have bartered exclusive first looks at new ti

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[Neutron Bob]

Right, I am saying that without a doubt *some* game reviews are skewed higher by the influence of PR guys working for the developer or publisher. They are not always the untainted opinion of the reviewer(s).

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[MegaMouth]

There weren't any reviews of the game. The PR agency responded: http://www.warcry.com/articles/view/breakingnews/2720-Kohnke-Responds-to-Allegations-They-Influenced-Reviews [warcry.com]

Perpetual Suit

[Translation Error]

Maybe it's just me, but when I read the subject, my first thought was "Perpetual Suit? What an odd name."

I don't know... maybe it could work for a marketing exec. turned supervillain.