Gamespot gets gut-punched for PS3 price promise
by Christopher Grant 
{ May 30th 2006 at 12:57PM }
"... Pricing for consoles has steadily climbed over the years, and it will certainly climb higher for this generation as well. I will say that I think selling any game console for $450 to $500 is downright suicidal, so it probably won't happen. And when I turn out to be wrong and you're dropping five Ben Franklins on a PS3, feel free to punch me in the stomach. Please. I'll welcome it." -Gamespot's Alex Navarro
While we're normally not ones to revel in the misfortune of others (well, sometimes), we feel compelled to share this video of Gamespot staffer Alex Navarro eating crow. One caveat: there is a serious conflict of interest here. You see, Navarro was punched by Gamespot's own Brian Eckberg (a fact made more clear by his Gamespot emblazoned hoodie). While we'll reserve judgment regarding the veracity of the gut-punch, we'd urge them to enlist a willing third-party (Joystiq staffers?) to deliver the punch, if only to ensure fairness. Another suggestion: trust Uncle Ken next time.
[Thanks, Fuzz]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
AoE @ May 30th 2006 1:04PM
Wait... the way he worded things, it sounds like we ALL get a crack at him... Alex, if you're reading this, I expect you to be standing outside Fry's Electronics in Burbank on launch day so I can give you a proper pummeling.
Beagle Bros 2nd cousin twice removed @ May 30th 2006 1:05PM
I suspect this is a stunt played for laughs. Alex's reviews and contributions are almost always done in jest. Anyone catch his Robocop review? hahaha
Besides, I'm a HUGE Gamespot fan and would never punch any of them
Derbeste @ May 30th 2006 1:08PM
Grant, this is the best story you've ever posted. I LOLed.
And since you posted the story, don't you think YOU should be the one to deliver the "punch line" if anyone at Joystiq has the honor?
boots @ May 30th 2006 1:09PM
Dan "Shoe" Hsu (from EGM) also had to eat crow on the DS after calling it a "gimmick" next to the PSP.
I used to predict a 500 dollar price point for the PS3, but that was when the hard drive was an optional add-on (i.e. PS3 price without a hard drive).
Alex Navarro @ May 30th 2006 1:16PM
I'll tell you all what. If I can pull a Houdini and build up my abdominal muscles to the point where I can absorb practically any amount of force shoved into my stomach, I'll line up and let you all take a crack at me. If that doesn't quite come together, then I'll have to ask that the one symbolic punch from Brian be enough.
For the record, he really hit me. And it did kind of hurt.
coalhalo @ May 30th 2006 1:16PM
Alex?...Oh, Alex?....I'm coming for you...
After a quick shot to the kidney's I'm going to brand MORON on your forehead...How could you have been so naive? I'm actually surprised that Sony did not price the PS3 higher. And one more thing Alex, I hope you know your picture is making the rounds. Have a fun summer.
jaemz @ May 30th 2006 1:19PM
Way to stay true to your word, Alex.
Got any more predictions? ;)
Fuzz @ May 30th 2006 1:19PM
I laughed whaen I saw this, had to share. :)
Good to see some integrity here. Takin' it like a man, not making excuses.
Alkaiser @ May 30th 2006 1:27PM
I'm betting Alex is going to choose his words a bit more carefully next time, but is also, very, very glad he didn't say "feel free to kick me in the groin" instead.
cringer8 @ May 30th 2006 1:28PM
Good thing he didn't say, "I'd eat my hat."
And on the punch itself, Brian shouldn't try out for the WWF anytime soon ;)
I know it's all for show, but some vomit would've been nice to see this morning. Yum.
Amir @ May 30th 2006 1:32PM
Didn't Houdini die from a punch to the stomach, Alex?
C. Grant @ May 30th 2006 1:36PM
Nice show Alex! Next time (if there is a next time) we'll make ourselves available to oversee the process to *ensure* fairness. =)
Derbeste @ May 30th 2006 1:45PM
@Amir
No....Houdini died from a kidney shot I believe.
Ocho @ May 30th 2006 1:54PM
A lesson to be learned: Being optimistic and staying true to your word will get you punched in the gut.
ill trooper @ May 30th 2006 2:06PM
Those guys look like they've been hitting THEMSELVES in the gut with Slim Jims and donuts a litte too much.
Maybe instate a daily 10am DDR session around the Gamespot office?
Average Joe @ May 30th 2006 2:08PM
What he should have said:
"And when I turn out to be wrong and you're dropping five Ben Franklins on a PS3,feel free to give me $600. Please. I'll welcome it."
Branewalker @ May 30th 2006 2:41PM
Houdini did in fact die from a punch to the gut, but it was somewhat unexpected (so he didn't have time to prepare and tense his abs). Also, he had appendicitis at the time, and the punch ruptured his appendix. So, the official cause of death was the ruptured appendix.
--Branewalker
Quang Nguyen @ May 30th 2006 3:24PM
Anyone wanna see the video where I said I'd take it in the poop chute if the PS3 cost more than the 360?
Eih'Beir @ May 30th 2006 4:28PM
Yeah....if it were a real punch, Navarro wouldn't have been able to squeak out a, "thanks" for two minutes.
The quote was, "feel free to punch me in the stomach," not, "i'll have Brian rubbie my tummy."
Weak...both of 'em..
Cottonball @ May 30th 2006 6:06PM
That's nothing. I really, really wish I hadn't said I'd fellate a chimpanzee if the PS3 was $499 or higher. Man that tasted awful.
epobirs @ May 30th 2006 8:59PM
Can't you just picture the poor guy curled up on the ground, cursing Sony?
"Damn you, I will be avenged! Howard Stringer, dead! Ken Kutaragi, dead! Kaz Hirai, dead! Shigeru Miyamoto, no, wait, I still worship the ground he walks upon. Reggie Wan, you're my own hope. Save me, Reggie..."
He then loses consciusness as industry figures merge with bloody pop culture icons in his tortured dreams.
epobirs @ May 30th 2006 9:03PM
The Moral?
Whenever you're making assertions that depend on the benign actions of person beyond your influence, never make conditional promises involving physical injury, ingestion of things that are not food, and the sexual satisfaction of persons chosen specifically for their unattractiveness.
Toast @ May 31st 2006 5:33AM
We're still waiting for the guy who said that if the PS3 was more than $400 he'd eat a DS, 3 games and a dongle to show his commitment...
emotaku @ May 31st 2006 9:19AM
Do game journalists require a warning for humor now? Believe it or not I'm sure he's not at home right now cursing about his decision.
David Taylor @ May 31st 2006 9:28AM
I'm going to gut punch Sony instead...figuratively speaking of course...by purchasing a Wii and not a PS3.