Shoe = Dropped
February 4, 2008 3:07 pmIn a move that I have to imagine surprises no one, it has come out officially that I’ll be resigning from GameSpot (Joystiq gets the link for using my favorite picture.) While I’m confident in the Internet’s ability to distill this into screaming hyperbole about “moneyhats”, I assure you that my departure is a little more complicated than that. I will say that Jeff’s termination was certainly a catalyst. It shook my faith in the people running GameSpot, something I haven’t recovered from.
A few months have past since all that shit went down, and now editors and producers are getting back to work, trying in earnest to pick up the pieces and get GameSpot back on track, but my heart’s just not in it. I feel awful about dragging down the people who’ve still got something to give. I honestly could’ve coasted for a while longer here, but these are people who I deeply respect and will miss terribly, and I don’t want to make their jobs any harder in these troubled times than they already are. It takes a whole lot of energy to keep this massive machine running smoothly, and they deserve someone who’s going to give it their all.
I want to be crystal clear about this point: from Ricardo Torres on down, GameSpot’s editorial and video teams represent an incredible assembly of talented and dedicated people, and it has been an honor and a pleasure to get to work alongside so many truly brilliant people. I hold nothing against the people who actually create the content you see on GameSpot, and through all of this drama and confusion, I hope you won’t either.
I’m 28 years old, and GameSpot has been an important part of my personal and professional life for nearly eight years–this isn’t just where I go to work, it’s where my friends are, it’s where I funnel much of my humor and creativity. It’s time for me to go, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to miss it. Unless something dramatic happens (which, at this point, wouldn’t surprise me) my last day at GameSpot will be February 14th. Happy Valentimes!
After that, I’m taking a little break. I’ll be doing some freelance writing to keep my brain limber, spending more time with my girlfriend, and generally enjoying a bit of a reprieve from the regular 9-to-5. You can be rest assured that I’ll continue writing in this space, though, as I can’t keep my opinions to myself, and I love the sound of my own voice. I’ve been considering launching my own podcast featuring all my famous friends, and maybe a line of handbags as well. Oh yeah, and I’ll definitely be spending plenty of time, money, and energy advocating the use of LAFF instead of LOL. Stay tuned!
February 4th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
LAFF, sweet.
February 4th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
It’s really sad to hear that you are leaving Ryan. You were one of my favorite people in the Gamespot staff and it’s a shame to see you go. I hope you things go well for you outside of the site.
P.S. I really think you should do a podcast, I know I would watch and listen to it each time its up.
February 4th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I hope you and all the former Gamespot people are working on some kind of collaborative project. Wish you the best of luck.
February 4th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Can I just be the first to say that you amoungst many other editors at Gamespot have inspired me into the games industry and thank you so much for that. It is really sad to hear that you are leaving Gamespot, but after a number of departures I suspected that you would leave next. I think that you have shown an incredible amount of respect for your collegues by leaving. I wish you and the rest of the gamespot staff the best of luck in the future, thanks.
February 4th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
You will be missed but i can’t wait to see what you do in the future!!!
February 4th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Best of luck to you Ryan.
greatings from Portugal.
Mr. Garcia
February 4th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Wow, you got that out quick, thanks for the confirmation Ryan!
February 4th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
PS: i agree with Sean and Bib. Don’t know what are your plans but you’re great on video and audio man. And to me, your work with Jeff is top notch.
February 4th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I will miss you Ryan, you always were one of my favourite editors. Good luck with whatever you do next.
February 4th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
You, Jeff, Alex, and whoever else must join forces to create the ultimate supersite. You’ll be internet dweeb superheroes!
February 4th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
After about 6 years of getting to know the gamespot cast, it’s heartbreaking to see you guys go. That website has been a pretty big part of my adolescence.
That sounds cheesy, but it’s true. It’s been one of those little things I could count on. Get home, and make the daily website sweeps. GOTY awards, video reviews, sunday gamespotting articles, all that stuff. Completely nerding out when E3 came around and gluing myself to the coverage. You guys have been integral in informing and creating video game culture, and I’ve really appreciated it.
good luck Ryan Davis
February 4th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I know this is going to sound odd but when I saw you lately on On The Spot you looked kinda . . . tired. I hope you don’t disappear in to the ether, as you come across as a genuinely nice guy and I always enjoyed reading your reviews and appearances in video or audio shows. I know you must be sick of hearing this by now but if the ex GS team got together to create a new website you’d get a HUGE following. Times are changing and you wouldn’t need a flashy site to draw in the people, Kotaku being a great example. Hope to see your name tagged on reviews again real soon. Enjoy the down time, I envy you. Wish I had the time to finish Mass effect, darn thesis getting in the way.
February 4th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Well, I think that now Gamespot is gone for real, sorry but I do find Ricardo incredibly boring so I am looking forward to see, Jeff, Alex and you Ryan up and running again. I will subscrive to your website for sure.
All the best
Zebwork from Italy
February 4th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
If a person or persons were doing things with another person, and various persons were interested in these person’s projects, when could such persons expect the persons to make an announcement?
Personally,
A Person
February 4th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Ive been frequenting this blog for a number of weeks, waiting for this to be posted. Can i also just take the time to say, that you have been a particular inspiration to myself, some weiner-kid who wants to write about games, in the way you carry your oppinion and talk openly about all aspects of the industry. Looking forward to seeing where you pop up on the radar in the future.
I wish you the best of luck in your future endevours, both professionally and otherwise. Enjoy the time off man.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Whew! When I looked at your RSS feed and saw Shoe = Dropped, I expected a silly story about losing one shoe, rendering its twin unwearable. I’m wearing my surprised face.
Regardless, I am still down with Gamespot…almost completely out of loyalty, and not so much out of being excited for what Gamespot can bring to me. Brian Ekberg 4lyfe.
Also, DO THE PODCAST. GIVE IT TO THE FANS HARD.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
[...] made the announcement Monday afternoon on his blog where he states Jeff Gurstmann’s termination as a "catalyst" for his decision to [...]
February 4th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I think I would buy a Ryan Davis approved handbag. Maybe called a Schwagbag.
Another sad day in the history of GS. For the love of pencils and pencil related accessories the ex-GS staff members need to do something together now! Even if it’s just a weekly podcast about lint!
Don’t stay off the video internets too long Ryan
February 4th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
would you consider joining the site jeff and vince broady are rumored to be starting?
http://valleywag.com/347348/fired-gamespot-editor-to-start-new-site
February 4th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Handbags? Awesome. Podcast idea aint too bad either. You’ll be missed at GS but nice to know we can still hear from you here.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Sad to hear your leaving Gamespot, but I’m looking forward to what you’ll be doing in the future.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
LAFF is a good idea, pantent it if possible!
February 4th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Don’t bother with handbags. Competing against Monica Lewinsky ensures that you will file for bankruptcy protection. Her handbag line is one of the best sold on the Internet.
Oh, and good luck in whatever you do in the future.
February 4th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
It’s about frickin time you rolled out that handbag line man. I’ve been waiting FOREVER! Jeeesh.
Oh, and good luck btw. =P
February 4th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I kind of expected it but at the same time… I don’t know. Anyway, I can only imagine how hard is must be for you and your friends at gamespot.
So I guess I will keep tracking you here and I hope to see more of your productions in the future.
February 4th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
I can’t wait for the podcast! The OG Gamespot crew have been there to tell me what’s good for the last whole lot of years. I’m old (26) and have been there almost from the start. I’ve been trying but I just can’t find a replacement for you guys. The only other site I even came close to frequenting for game news was drunkgamers.com and that’s just because the site was hilarious. It didn’t last long though.
If there ever is a new site, magazine, whatever. I hope you will make it even more centered to the hardcore gamer, and keep it hilarious. Seeing the lot of you on the spot was like watching myself with my friends.
Keep your lady smiling.
oddWord
February 4th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Ryan, you were always my favorite GameSpot reviewer. I’m sad to see you go, but I look forward to what will, I hope, be more video-game musings in the future.
February 4th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Hey Ryan I’m sure you don’t know me but I’ve been following you for about 4 years now (I’m not stalking you).
I am sad to see you go as well as Alex I will really miss you guys. I know this might sound funny and you might get this from tons of people but you guys are my Idols and its really sad to see them all go one by one.
All I can do now is wish you the best of luck and say that I will be following your blog Closely will check dally as I do Jeff’
wish you the best of luck and I hope that you, Jeff, & Alex stay in the Game’s Industry
February 4th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
And the Killa ran, but all who knew, the fool who trust the weapon, he be running to fortune and death of the kings…
February 4th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
You got one thing right, man. You stepping out didn’t surprise me at all. Shame. You brought all the life to the Hotspot really well.
Well, enjoy the time off.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Ryan, you are too uncommon NOT to incite a paradigm shift. We will miss you.
Signed,
Your greatest fan (even though you don’t like Ninja Gaiden and Resident Evil 4.)
February 4th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
By the way, I would be first in line to download that podcast. LAFF!
February 4th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
RSS’d. You’re now broadcasting 24/7 on my PC.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Good luck, Ryan. I’m sending good vibes your way. And if that podcast comes together I’ll be there for every one.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
And another one bites the dust. Well, that does it, GameSpot = dead and buried.
You guys better get that new site up soon. And yes, everyone knows. So, please, just make it official.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Good luck to you, sir.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Wow.. everyone is leaving. Sad to see you go Ryan. Will definitely keep an eye on your new space, and good luck in your future endeavors! You were one of the best personalities on GS.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
You take it easy out there, Ryan. I really, really do hope i’m gonna see you, Jeff and Alex doing something in some form on camera again, man. It was always a pleasure to watch you guys play games and crack the wise. Take care, buddy.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Truly sucks to see another familiar face leave the GS community, but I honestly can’t blame ya one bit… those last few episodes of podcast and vids were showing something I don’t think you could hide any longer.
Much props and respect to you for doing what feels like the best decision for for GS and yourself. I wish the best to your future fellow gamer. And if you do start a podcast of some sort… you got one listener for sure ^_^
February 4th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
RYAN DAVIS, you better not be joshing me. This podcast idea sounds amazing! MAKE IT HAPPEN. DO IT. Cmon. DO IT.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Man… if Vinnie resigns… Gamespot is dunzo. All the great personalities are leaving. Good luck with what you pursue Ryan.
P.S: That before Thanksgiving HotSpot with you, Jeff and Brian… great, great stuff there. Definately my favorite one ever.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Ryan, Jeff and Rich on a podcast would automatically be my #1 podcast ever! Dunno how Rich would get in on the action, I suppose there is the speaker phone.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Best of luck with whatever you do in the future….and you starting a podcast is the greatest idea ever, I think I speak for alot of people when I say, yes please do that, we’re missing a really good podcast with you and Jeff.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Aww hate to see ya go but I completely understand your choice! Atleast now we might se a bit more of updates on this site I guess
Anyways, good luck with everything in the future!
// MiLeS, Sweden
February 4th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
I’d say i’d miss yah man but I’ll be able to hear all the ramblingss of a madman right here! Also love the idea of a podcast with you and your friends man!
February 5th, 2008 at 12:04 am
I’m sad to hear that we won’t see your work any longer on Gamespot, but on the other hand I’m glad that you’re moving on to something that you’ll be able to really put your heart into. You can bet I’ll be keeping tabs on your blog here. You’ve done some really great things at Gamespot there’s no doubt in my mind that many fans like myself will continue to follow you in whatever manner we can. With that, said, I’m all for your podcast idea. Yourself, Jeff, Alex and any other gaming goofballs you can muster up should be a bundle of fun and maybe even a little informative if you feel so inclined. =P
Best of luck, Ryan!
February 5th, 2008 at 12:46 am
and… there! gamespot is officially dead
February 5th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Gonna suck to see you go man. But hey, we all gotta do what feels right, and if this is the choice you need to make then so be it. I just wish you the best of luck in whatever it is you’re gonna do.
You will always OWN the standing desk @ On the Spot!
Roy (Kazona)
February 5th, 2008 at 1:25 am
I gave up on GS the day the first news broke, although I still trust some of the Editorial staff they cannot shine under the wrong pressure.
I was also somewhat unsure if it was as bad as it seemed at the time.
Then Alex, now yourself. I hope all the good people get out, most of us still associate Gamespots good name with you guys. Not c|net.
Good luck sir!
February 5th, 2008 at 2:52 am
Hate to see you go, but I was pretty sure this would happen. I can’t say I am looking forward to listening to the Hotspot without you, Alex or Jeff. Creating your own podcast is definitely the way to go. Ron Graphite still has more to tell us. Also, the idea of you not standing on the standing set is chilling. I don’t trust anyone else to inform us that they do indeed have a great show for us today.
If the rumors of you guys starting a new site are true, you need to persuade Brad to join you as well. His mighty voice must be harnessed for the greater good.
February 5th, 2008 at 3:22 am
Hey Ryan,
I look foward to see what you have in store for us all, I think your great and a comic genius “laff”:-)
As others have said You, Jeff and Alex should indeed unite in forming a new Cnet free super duper site! Yay!
PS i also support your many types of facial hair
>
February 5th, 2008 at 4:48 am
Oh wow, the thought of a podcast with all the ex-Hotspot staff has me excited. I’ve been going back and listening to the Hotspot episodes from the “good old days” with Rich, Jeff, and crew just for the nostalgia’s sake. A podcast with your guy’s humor and take on video games would fill a recently-formed void in my podcast-listening life.
February 5th, 2008 at 7:04 am
not too surprised, but still a shame that you’re leaving GS. The site has lost another important personality who lifted it above any other games site. glad you’ll still be writing etc.
February 5th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Hey Ryan.
We’ll see each other online!
Best of luck.
February 5th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I would definitely listen to such a podcast
February 5th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Joystiq’s picture is awesome.
I want to add that it would be super-triple awesome if you, Alex, Jeff, and Rich started a weekly podcast. I would pay money for that. (Just like I used to pay money for Gamespot, but no longer do.)
February 5th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Ever since you started this blog, I had a feeling you would leave. Best of luck, I know this sounds weird… but since you Jeff, Alex, and Frank Povo left, you should combine your wordpresses. Like have one blog everyone can post on. Get it?
That way, I wouldn’t have to go through 4 different websites to see the journalists who still have integrity.
Best of Luck to you Ryan,
you truly inspired me into becoming a gamer.
Hopefully one day, you’ll be able to come back to something.
February 5th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I could dig a Podcast from you guys, definitely. Or you could always sit on The Gerst’s Points! videos. Even if you just sit back there making funny faces at the camera like Alex Navarro did, I’d probably enjoy that.
February 5th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
RYAN IF YOU ARE JOKING ABOUT THE PODCAST THING I WILL BE EXTREMELY PISSED.
February 5th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
NOOO! GameSpot just isn’t the same anymore! I joined in the golden days, where Alex, you, Rich, Jeff and all the other guys were still there and now I have to see on of the great parts of my teenage life go down the drain, because of what? A motherfucking review!? I don’t give a shit about GameSpots statement, Jeff was fired for the Kane & Lynch review, period, and it hurts.
Sorry, just had to vent my feelings for a second. It just hurts to see such a glorius website turn to shit so quickly.
February 5th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
It’s becoming really hard for me to come up with new goodbye messages. Ryan you were always one of my favorites on the GS staff, and I’m sure you will be missed over there. You’re a good man and I know you’re going to be just fine wherever you decide to go.
It’s not really goodbye though, I’ll always keep checking on you right here. These blogs you guys keep kinda help ease the blow. I hope to hear from all of you guys soon!
BTW; If all you guys are going to keep blogs like these, why not unite them in one big site? It might also be a foundation for something much bigger down the line.
February 5th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I just don’t know if I should stay anymore. I was at the brink when Alex left… now you Ryan! I seriously hope that you, Jeff, Vince, and Rich steal Greg M and Greg K and even Bob C and create a new site. Heck, throw Carrie into the mix! You could call it newoldgamespot.com! I’ll keep coming to this site though, you’re too cool to not follow lol.
February 5th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
That’s it, absolutely no more reason to watch On The Spot. Too many crucial elements are gone.
Good luck on whatever you do in the future!
February 5th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
All the editors and faces of gamespot are leaving. This is definatly a sad time, but we all gotta move on at some point. Can’t wait to see what you do after gamespot
February 6th, 2008 at 8:05 am
A podcast of your own would be quality, i would pay (a very small fee because i am poor) for it.
Sad to see you gone from Gamespot, shows how great a team you guys were that none of you sell out what you believe in. Power to ya.
Good luck with whatever comes next
February 6th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
All the best for the future Ryan
I think your making a foot in the right direction,GS was good for Game reviews/previews/news
was being the key word…
But the forums are a joke,you get modded for saying hello,thats the biggest reason i cant stand GS
Anyways you jeff/alex/rich could easy make a site that would smoke GS
Good luck with whatever you do
February 7th, 2008 at 3:23 am
You are the last person I like from the site. I will follow Jeff, Alex and you where ever you guys go.
February 7th, 2008 at 8:26 am
I hope everything works out for you man – you’ve been a huge part of GameSpot in the years I’ve been visiting the site.
I hope you and the other ex-GameSpot crew decide to put something together permanently. You have the skill, the talent, and the following and I imagine with complete freedom, that passion will come right back. Honestly, I can’t think of anything I would be more excited about (including upcoming games, ironically.) Seeing all of you guys back together would be amazing.
Either way, I’ve been enjoying everyone’s blogs so keep the opinions flowing – not to get to your head or anything, but I’ve gotten used to hearing what you guys think and it’d be weird not to get your advice. Keep it up.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Sorry to see you go, but that’s how it is sometimes. Well I can not wait to see you on Points! and I keep an eye open for you your podcast.
February 8th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Best of luck to you.
We know for a solid fact that you, Jeff, and Alex can do a heck of a podcast, so here’s hoping. Special guest Rich Gallup?
Also, does GS own Time-Trotters? Ok, so that might be a little ambitious, but hey.
February 8th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I’m terribly sorry for everything that has ensued for the last couple of months over at Gamespot and of course that you’re steping out, however i’m glad i’ll be able to follow you on your personal blog as we all support you and are devoted to you.
Hope to see you more despite the srorrow that have culminated.
Get out and enjoy your life and take a break, you’re worth it
Take care sir and good luck and we look forward for any segment featureing you.
Regards
February 13th, 2008 at 4:26 am
You need to get together with Jeff, Alex, and Rich and do a weekly podcast. If you did it I’d listen to it. So, you should do it. Cause I’d listen.
Oh and Brad too. It’s just a matter of time.
February 13th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
You have to do a podcast!!!!!
Or at least I think you should as it would be great.
February 13th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Ryan, I was a premium paying member at Gamespot since 2003 and 2007 destroyed the once great site. It started with Greg K departing in January. Then next thing I know Rich G is gone and “On the Spot” was not the same. Then the bomb dropped with with Jeff G’s uncremonious departure. Then the other shoe drops with Alex N and Ryan D resigning. I am sorry but Gamespot is gutted and just a shell of itself in one years time. I cancelled my paid membership with GertsmanGate. I know Ryan, that you wish the editors that remain at Gamespot the best, but noone cares about Riccardo Torres and the rest.
Ryan, if you Jeff G, Alex N, Rich G and the heart and soul that was Gamespot get together on a gamingsite. I am in, I would pay a subsription for your guys honesty about games. Good Luck.
February 17th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Its sad to see you go Ryan but totally understandable after whats happened with jeff.
I really hope you and the others GS staff that have left get together and get your own website going.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I hope you and the rest of the Gamespot crew start up something. Pretty soon I’ll have Gamespot subscription money just lying around.