CNet responds to criticism

CNET has issued an official reponse concerning the departure of GameSpot US reviews editor Jeff Gerstmann, GamesIndustry.biz reports.

"GameSpot takes its editorial integrity extremely seriously," the company said. "For over a decade, GameSpot and the many members of its editorial team have produced thousands of unbiased reviews that have been a valuable resource for the gaming community. At CNET Networks, we stand behind the editorial content that our teams produce on a daily basis."

Rumours continue to swell around Gerstmann's departure, suggesting that the long-time editor was let go after an incident involving his unfavourable review of Kane & Lynch.

CNET would not elaborate on the circumstances, stating only that it was their policy not to comment on the status of its current or former employees.

Update: A CNET spokesperson has told Joystiq's Kyle Orland, a regular games media commentator who is keeping close track of the story, that "we do not terminate employees based on external pressure from advertisers". Orland notes other developments here, here, here and here.