Jaffe swears off blogging ... was it something we said?
by Christopher Grant 
{ May 2nd 2007 at 4:31PM }
Dear David (can we call you David? We hope so ...),We could be very wrong, of course, but we're pretty sure the "unnamed" website that drove you to swear off blogging was (the potentially French) Joystiq, and we think we know why.
First, a discussion on the simile which we presume set you off: "Like a little girl struggling to keep her favorite doll out of the garage sale bin ..." Obviously, neither you nor we have ever been a little girl, but we imagine that it's pretty tough to part with something so dear. A garage sale bin -- though we can see the implications to a "bargain" bin -- is just the most likely way said little girl would be forced to give her precious friend away. Perhaps a better simile would have been, "Like an overprotective mother carting her still-suckling toddler to kindergarten for the first time," ... actually, you know what? Let's just forget about the similes for now and concentrate on what else we wrote.
Before we scribble out "game journalist" from our photocopied business cards, we would like to note that we did read your post on NeoGAF and linked it. Twice. In fact, our entire post was written in response to yours, mentioning the rationale for postponing the game in the very first sentence: "to make some fixes and revise some of the criticisms." The entire second paragraph addresses those bug fixes, quotes your post on NeoGAF (see, told you we read it!) and then closes with a hopeful comment on the delay's reception (much like your post does).
Now, we could take umbrage with your misreading of our post; we could point out the irony of you criticizing our lack of reading and research; we could even point out the irony of you misinterpreting our "little girl" simile and acting out like ... well, let's just forget about all that. We don't want to keep fighting! We just want to tell you that we like your candor, always have. In fact, in looking back at all that we've said about you and your projects, we found it to be overwhelmingly positive (shared with you below). In short, don't give up blogging. And definitely don't give up blogging over a simple misunderstanding! The industry needs more candid developers eager to address their fans and critics alike, not one less.
Love,
__________________________
If you haven't already, read Mr. Jaffe's comment (helpfully Shaq-Fu'd out by Cheap Ass Gamer). And then, a trip down memory lane:
-- "We do hope CAC comes out better after getting the nip and tuck that Jaffe thinks it needs."
-- "Go ahead Dave, wear that heart on your sleeve, we still think you're a maverick. ... A maverick of caring."
-- "Actually, we were looking forward to it, anxious to spend some serious time with another e-distributed title."
-- "We only wish there was another equally coveted, but less family-obligated designer to take his place [in developing a game similar to Heartland]."
-- "In typical Jaffe fashion, the post explodes, in ALL CAPS, into an excited ramble, envisioning the future of games as 'SHORTER, LESS EXPENSIVE' projects, akin to the churn'em-out-style of old Warner Bros. cartoons. ... You have our attention. Now please deliver."
-- [Concerning the last time he quit blogging] "That's a right bummer, too, because he was an entertaining read."
-- Headline: "Jaffe's Criminal Crackdown could be a hit for PS3 download service"
-- "One voice that certainly isn't afraid of biting the hand that feeds him is David Jaffe ... "
-- "David Jaffe is a fiery voice who's not afraid to speak his mind."
-- " ... outspoken developer David Jaffe (Twisted Metal, God of War) gave GameTrailers one of the most entertaining interviews we've seen in awhile."
-- " ... but aspiring game developers could learn a lot from this manic entry."
-- "After the success of God of War, creator David Jaffe did not take path most traveled with developers and get to work right away on God of War 2."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
JodyAnthony @ May 2nd 2007 4:36PM
hahahaha, joystiq wins the internet!
JodyAnthony @ May 2nd 2007 4:41PM
wow, I just read his last blog post..I was gonna download cc, but after reading that, fuck that. What a damn little baby.
Zertoss @ May 2nd 2007 4:42PM
lmao The Shaq-Fu censorship really makes it gold.
Joystiq, don't ever Shaq-Fuing change a Shaq-Fuing thing, you Shaq-Fus.
Tanya @ May 2nd 2007 4:44PM
LOL @ the cat picture!!! >_
Ken @ May 2nd 2007 4:50PM
Sigh... The more he acts like that, the more he fits the profile of: "Whiny little bitch". LOL!
NintendoFanbot @ May 2nd 2007 4:51PM
I think we should take swings at JAFFEtoid... obviously Jaffeturd said with a Bostonian accent.
Actually I'm just kidding [because D-toid's cool], but boy, what a big pissing contest this has been.
Aw hell I'll take a whack at his blog.
"One day I will learn my lesson: that people don't read the whole post"
"...hey, you guys are great, you guys rock."
He doesn't hate us, Joystiq. You inconsiderate dog excriments, Jaffe has been a class act through all this.
And I wonder if Gamespot wasn't happy with the inclusion of questioning THEIR credibility, as Jaffe addresses that in his last paragraph. :P
Ken @ May 2nd 2007 4:51PM
I don't know about you guys, but calling the developer of God of War a "whiny little bitch"... just tickles me.
DBX00 @ May 2nd 2007 4:51PM
Let's be honest here...Joystiq doesn't research anything before posting; this isn't a news site, it comments on rumors, news, and interviews of other sites and resources. It's all an opinion with responses to those opinions. Blogging is simply people with a certain level of web savy stating their opinion on numerous subjects without the obligation to provide evidence. Half the stuff on these sites end up being proven wrong and only corrected in a later post/blog. It's sad that people let blogs determine their own opinion, but I guess the majority of the world are 'sheep'.
Anyway, David needs to focus on making great games as he has done in the past and stop worrying about reviewers and blog sites. I've played some games that have gotten high reviews and simply hated them; the game will speak for itself and if word of mouth says its a great game the sales will follow. At that point, you'll start seeing blog sites and reviewers jumping on the bandwagon like they always do.
jfls @ May 2nd 2007 4:52PM
How old is this guy? Reading his blog reminds me of the fighting game forums I used to read as a teenager, right down to the angsty temper tantrums and "I'M LEAVING FOREVER" post.
I literally laughed when I saw the scrolling image below the text "GAMES I'VE DESIGNED, CO-DESIGNED, AND/OR DIRECTED." That's the kind of crap you'd see on a kiddie's geocities page. Way to try and toot your own horn.
I can understand being passionate about your game, but sheesh, he needs to grow up. Isn't this guy supposed to be a professional? Way to bring down the image of yourself and those you work with. Just let your product speak for itself and keep your mouth shut.
C. Grant @ May 2nd 2007 4:56PM
DBX00: I think you'd be quite shocked at how inaccurate your comment is. Some posts, sure. There's not a lot of research needed, or we miss something important. Other times, the simplest of posts take far more time than you'd ever think. It's not unusual for a single post to take over an hour to research.
Ken @ May 2nd 2007 4:57PM
"You guys are ridiculous and should quit blogging and start a carwash or something.."
Do it Chris Grant! I'd show up!
ck @ May 2nd 2007 4:58PM
waaaaahaaaa...ooooowww
breakFEAST!
waaaaahaaaa...ooooowww
Jaffe don't bring that weak tot action to the internet!
haywood jablomey @ May 2nd 2007 4:58PM
@7. It makes perfect sense. He creates in God of War what he could never do in real life. That is, being a man.
Zertoss @ May 2nd 2007 4:59PM
"Other times, the simplest of posts take far more time than you'd ever think."
So how long did it take to finish the "Halo 3 will sell consoles" post?
samfish @ May 2nd 2007 5:02PM
"I don't know about you guys, but calling the developer of God of War a "whiny little bitch"... just tickles me."
'God of Wuss' would also be a fitting title for him, methinks.
C. Grant @ May 2nd 2007 5:02PM
Zertoss: Longer than you'd think! We waffled over whether to run it, since it didn't really offer readers anything. After equivocating, we decided to run it with another post following immediately afterwards.
Geoff Gibson @ May 2nd 2007 5:03PM
@nabb
Did you even bother reading Joystiq's post? They quoted entirely what they said and followed through with it. Just because Jaffe is having a temper tantrum doesn't mean Joystiq should bow down to him.
Jaffe is acting like a prepubescent boy right now. He'll calm down eventually.
DBX00 @ May 2nd 2007 5:11PM
C. Grant
I appreciate the posts and discussions that we have on Joystiq. However, I have a hard time believing that Joystiq does their best to contact a third party to CONFIRM rumors or posts. Maybe that's just not what the site is about and if so that's fine. However, in the past many of the posts seemed more interested in creating a vivid dialogue to drive hits rather than reporting and commenting on the truth.
I've seen Joystiq go from arguing that Blu Ray storage will never be needed to recently arguing in the GTA IV post that they didn't think that the Blu Ray storage would be needed so soon. Maybe I'm missing something but this is just one example of the numerous times I've come to the site one day and see a post, then hear about news the next day that proves the rumor/post was false (yet you guys didn't cover that article). Usually, if it is updated the same day it isn't a problem because you just do the update post, but so many misconceptions about ALL these consoles have resulted in these massive flame wars it is ridiculous
Yourself @ May 2nd 2007 5:13PM
As far as blogs go, I find Joystiq is usually pretty well researched and not TOO biased. Otherwise I wouldn't read it. They also tend to be very good with labelling things that are "just rumors" as "just rumors" So watch it, #8.
And god I hate David Jaffe. I hated him before just because of his responsibility for that horrifically overrated game known only as God of War, but all this CaC stuff has just made him seem so much worse. Go Joystiq!
Space_Butler @ May 2nd 2007 5:13PM
David Jaffe is the M Night Shyamalan of the games industry. He was involved in a couple good projects, but his ego is out of control for what he has ACTUALLY accomplished. The narccicism that spews out of that mans mouth whenever he talks is enough to burn through metal, like Alien spit.
Joshua @ May 2nd 2007 5:15PM
Joystiq, don't apologize for Jaffe's misunderstanding!
DBX00 @ May 2nd 2007 5:19PM
David Jaffe is the equivalent to Cliffy B. They give a face to the developers; Both those guys have a certain level of arrogance because their games sell millions of copies. If you were one of the best at what you do, you'd expect some level of respect from the community. It's the same in politics, business, sports, or any other industry. I personally don't care to hear from the developers directly, but I do appreciate that the guy admitted the game has flaws and is willing to delay it to work out the kinks. I wish EA would do that with some of its titles because it is clear that they could use some more passion when it comes to their work.
Jim @ May 2nd 2007 5:22PM
You guys don't need to apologize for what you said. This guy and his games get more praise every day than he can read through, including from this site, yet when a site "criticizes" an action of his, he flies way off the handle.
DBX00 @ May 2nd 2007 5:26PM
I don't think he's asking for an apology; the guy just said to kiss his butt and stated his opinion about Joystiq, just like Joystiq states their opinion about him. It's a two way street; if you're willing to take shots at someone, then be prepared to take shots the other way. I don't think Jaffe or Joystiq feel bad about what they said, they just stated their opinions. People can disagree without one party being completely right and the other party being wrong. The world isn't black and white like people sometimes make it seem.
Someone pay me for my life lessons...
Jake @ May 2nd 2007 5:27PM
Jaffe is a good dev. God of War is great. I respect that he is honest and blunt. Just because he doesn't preface every sentance with "I think" doesn't make him an arrogant prick. He just states what is on his mind and you can take it for what its worth.
With that said, his outburst was very childlike. Joystiq makes sarcastic jokes about everything. Sometimes they are funny. Sometimes not. But to go into a hissy fit about it is very punk-bitchy.
Antonio @ May 2nd 2007 5:35PM
That post was seriously immature. His response to the GS review was still level-headed, but he looks childish now.
Pedro @ May 2nd 2007 7:47PM
Joystiq FTW! I love you guys and am so impressed/proud of your reply. *Beautifully* written! You guys rock. Mr. Jaffe, I love your work and think are you a brilliant game designer. I think your style is somewhat polarizing but, as you say, we are the nerds and if we can't love each other, well then... All the best! Joystiq love-in!
Aex @ May 2nd 2007 5:48PM
... I'm sorry, I may be confused.. Let me get this straight...
Joystiq: "...to make some fixes and revise some of the criticisms."
Jaffe: "The game got kicked out of format as two very key bugs were found at the last second. Fixing those allowed us time to go back in and fix the issue (or what we think is the issue) that IGN had with the magnet."
I fail to see where Joystiq's statement is correct. It is implied that Jaffe is going back to fix issues and criticisms... Criticisms, plural. He specifically states 1 issue by criticism and nothing more in his post. I don't think it was a misreading, It was a Mis-writing (not a word, I know).
Not to mention you compared him to a little girl, no matter how well you try to explain that part. If I said, Joystiq, like a retard trying to put a square peg in a circle hole, misses the point, would you say that "simile" is harmless and not insulting? It doesn't matter if the simile holds water or not, the insult implied is: Joystiq is retarded.
Tho, nice job on the spin C.Grant :) Whrrrrrllll!
BluLotusArtGuy @ May 2nd 2007 5:48PM
Dyack or Jaffe? Which one will succeed in completely making a fool of themselves first? Oh wait... Dyack was actually civilized and used a vocabulary consisting of more than 1 four letter word
MosquitoControl @ May 2nd 2007 5:51PM
I know he's got some credibility as a developer, having done several good games.
But he's got little as a human being. His blogs always seem so forced. "Look at me, I'm cool, I'll swear a lot! I'm not some nerdy white guy, I'm cool, mom says so!"
Embrace your dorkiness. Cliffy B eventually did it and he's likeable now. He was previously a step away from being a Jamie Kennedy character...
Dave, you're a video game designer. You lived on a couch in your mom's basement until you were 30. You didn't see a boob until that bank account hit a million. We understand. We'd like you for it, even love you for it, if you just accepted it.
Stop trying to be something you aren't. Stop trying to force us into thinking you're cool. If you stepped back and admitted you're a loser we would, in fact, think you were cool for it. But trying so hard... we just think you're a dumbass.
chris furniss @ May 2nd 2007 5:52PM
While I don't find joystiq the AWESOMEST PLACE TO GET GAMING NEWS EVAR, I think Jaffe was being a whiny bitch. Get over yourself and release a game.
Kelvin @ May 2nd 2007 5:56PM
Xl7 thats how hypocrisy works, accept what you like and delete what you don't.
I fail to see what Joystiq has done for the gaming community that Jaffe can not match and beat easily.
The only thing childish or "whiney little girl" is the very essence of using a professional blog to criticize what someone does on his personal blog. His blog is used to air out his opinions, yours is used to make a profit.
Also Grant your attempts at humour, please, leave it to ludwig next time, or at least get him to ghostwrite it before you publish, it will be doing me a personal favour.
MosquitoControl @ May 2nd 2007 6:02PM
Kelvin, this has nothing to do with who has done what for the gaming community.
It has to do with whether CAC is a good game or a bad game, and whether Jaffe is man enough to accept that something he created might not be perfect.
Trip Hawkins has done infinitely more for gaming than Jaffe could ever dream. That doesn't stop anyone from badmouthing 3DO, does it?
So why are you bringing what he's done for the gaming community into this argument? It's irrelevant when judging whether a product is worth purchasing, and whether someone is an immature brat trying too hard to impress people that love nerds.
BloodyDuck @ May 2nd 2007 6:05PM
Anyone who can't handle criticism probably shouldn't be in an industry with reviewers (or on the internet, for that matter).
That said, comparing Jaffe to "a little girl" wasn't exactly professional, either.
-Geoff
http://www.alinktothefuture.com
blasphemizer @ May 2nd 2007 6:09PM
WHAT A BUNCH OF WEAK LITTLE BITCHES YOU ALL ARE. IT IS REALLY EASY TO RIP SOME ONE DOWN FROM THEIR PEDESTAL, ESPECIALLY WHEN NONE OF YOU WILL EVER KNOW THAT LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT. THERE IS SO MUCH NEGATIVITY COMING FROM THE MAJORITY OF YOU, I AM GUESSING THAT IT IS JUST A BIPRODUCT OF HOW UNHAPPY YOU ARE WITH YOUR OWN PATHETIC LIVES. THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME I POST ON JOYSTIQ'S FORUM.
Aex @ May 2nd 2007 6:11PM
@blasphemizer
Contrary to popular belief, Caps lock is not Cruise Control for Cool.
AssemblyLineHuman @ May 2nd 2007 6:13PM
blasphemizer: I believe you may have accidentally pressed Caps Lock. So, for the sake of the eyes of anyone else reading the comments, here's what he said:
"What a bunch of weak little bitches you all are. It is really easy to rip some one down from their pedestal, especially when none of you will ever know that level of achievement. There is so much negativity coming from the majority of you, I am guessing that ti is just a biproduct of how unhappy you are with your own pathetic lives. This will be the last time I post on Joystiq's forum."
Not sure if that was a joke or not.
Bortuge @ May 2nd 2007 6:21PM
Just because DBX00 got his panties in a bunch over couple of PS3 posts doesn't mean Joystiq isn't a news source. Joystiq provides interviews. They also have over 90% rumor accuracy, trust me on this, more thanan 9 out of 10 of their rumors have come to pass. It seems Joystiq is very timid about which rumors they will even lend a comment (working in the video game industry, I frequent game news sites daily).
Let it go and realize that: Joystiq = game news.
Joe A. @ May 2nd 2007 6:22PM
@blasphemizer:
No one's gonna miss you posting in Joystiq. I wouldn't doubt that you'll be back under a different name. Take it easy on the CAPS LOCK.
@DBX00:
Why should anyone pay you for anything? You start in this thread bashing Joystiq and then say they're entitled to their own opinions like you didn't say anything prior? If you don't like what Joystiq has to say, why are you still here? Do you feel you have to police the bloggers here by "keeping them in check"?
Nice try. You can shove the "life lessons" you've given.
backflip10019 @ May 2nd 2007 6:21PM
Seriously, you guys handled this way better than Destructoid. Hats off, fellas.
happygolucky @ May 2nd 2007 6:31PM
blasphemizer... tit for tit
Bill @ May 2nd 2007 6:33PM
Jaffe should get together with Denis Dyack and have a HUGE WHIMPER FEST!
Look gents, if you can't stand being public figures then crawl back into your caves and develop in anonymity! If you wanna be big boy famous game makers then borrow a page out of Cliff Blizinski's book. One other piece of advice...don't shovel half finished broken versions of your games on the gaming press and expect them to swoon.
frankthurk @ May 2nd 2007 6:44PM
I don't get why the 'simile' was made in the first place. How is going back and fixing bugs similar to keeping your doll out of a freaking garage sale? Your initial article (can I call it that? I hope so) was both weak and inflammatory. I'm not a reader of joystiq, seems like I'm not missing much.
Jitty @ May 2nd 2007 6:45PM
I don't think Jaffe shouldn't care what joystiq says, it's only another man's worthless opinion. (Anyone who is thinking of arguing that it's not worthless seriously should just turn off the electron device their using the make posts here...) I don't think he's being whiny, I think he's just caring too much of what one site (or anyone for that matter) says.
chris @ May 2nd 2007 6:50PM
frankthurk: No, the simile inferred that Dave just didn't want to let his game go, see it grow up, move out of the house, etc. Pick your cliche. Of course, that was a simple opening line. The remainder of the post clarified why the game was not being released.
cool8man @ May 2nd 2007 7:19PM
What's the matter with you Joystiq? Don't you know "real journalists" get all of their facts and info from the NEOFAG forums. What an overrated windbag developer!
Mr Khan @ May 2nd 2007 7:22PM
First; lol at that picture
Second; Again, he has to remember that whether or not its his personal blog, he has to remember he represents SCEA in what he says and does, its better that he retreat from blogging than potentially embarass his company again. I could bet we would call A LOT of developers "whiny little bitches" if they responded to every little criticism on the internets
Third; i enjoy joystiq because all the news is right there on one page, if i wanted to, i wouldn't have to click on a single link off the main page and still get all my news. The same can't be said for other sites... The commentary is just icing
Fatass of Kickassness @ May 2nd 2007 7:29PM
This has got to be the biggest backlash in Joystiq's history.
I'm lovin' every bit of it.
Seriously though, while it was a misunderstanding, you could have worded it a bit better Joystiq.
Then again, Jaffe could have NOT made himself look like a 14-year-old.
And Blasphemizer, well, you're a fucking moron.
ledorky @ May 2nd 2007 7:32PM
Haha. If you can't take the heat, GTFO the kitchen. That's what should Dyack and Jaffe should work on. They both come out like whiny little bitches. You can't please everybody. If they took the time to read their own blogs (or watch/listen to their own interviews), they'll see what we see and hear as a 3rd party.
stu @ May 2nd 2007 7:46PM
LOL at Jaffe....
You can't help but feel a little justification in the world when a guy gets bent out of shape because a blog-site reports the short-comings of his game, ones he even addresses! And for this he gives up his own blog??!?! Way to admit defeat, and then to throw out a cheap shot without naming names is even more pu@%^... Whatevs, he's over-rated...the only games of his worth playing are the God of War series....and Mickey.