Longtime freelance reviewer Frank Provo today announced that he has taken leave of GameSpot. Provo contributed to the site for nearly 8 years, through March 2000 to December 2007.

In his farewell note he cites the Gerstmann controversy, stating that “CNet management let Jeff go for all the wrong reasons.” Furthermore, he believes that CNet intends to “soften the site’s tone and push for higher scores to make advertisers happy.”

Below is Provo’s farewell note in full.

It’s true, I’m no longer contributing to GameSpot.

I believe CNet management let Jeff go for all the wrong reasons. I believe CNet intends to soften the site’s tone and push for higher scores to make advertisers happy.

I won’t lie to people and tell them a game is good when it isn’t. I won’t downplay negatives that readers have a right to know about.

And so, the “Frank Provo era” at GameSpot ends after nearly 8 years of contributions. March 2000 through December 2007. It was a nice run.

I feel sorry for the GameSpot staff that have to continue to work there because they have no choice if they want to be able to pay bills and feed their families. For such upstanding people, the CNet overloads have created the ultimate soul-crushing work environment.

Farewell, GameSpot [GameSpot]

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