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Giant Bomb News

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Phase Two Is Go

We're saying goodbye to Sausalito and moving back to the big city. Our time is now.


Maybe a bit too literal, but hey, whatever works. 
Maybe a bit too literal, but hey, whatever works. 
I'm coming to you live, from my house... in my underwear. Just felt I should get that out of the way up front, but the reason for all the partial nudity is that we're between offices right now. Wednesday was our last official day in the old offices, and we spent most of that day packing everything up, slapping labels onto it, and drinking. Actually, I was driving, so I mostly watched other people drink. And I'm extremely lazy, so I mostly watched other people pack, too.

It's a big move for us that comes at the exact right time. With the addition of Tested and Screened to the Whiskey Media posse, Sausalito is now officially too small to contain us. So our new office is a bigger spot that'll give us more studio space, a dedicated podcast room, and, weirdly enough, an entire room devoted to our own private whiskey bar. I believe in the business world they call that "walking the walk?" This also means that I'll be able to make vague threats directly to Alex every time a bad game shows up in the mail and constantly pester Will to help me figure out which laser mouse is right for me without having to walk upstairs.

We'll have more to show of the old office getting dismantled and new office in the near future. But there's more going on than just a new basement to call home.

 The Human Tape Measure goes to work.
 The Human Tape Measure goes to work.
The number one question we get around here goes something like "how the hell do you guys stay in business with no ads on the site?" We've sold a few T-shirts in the past, but to be honest, those happened because we thought they'd be cool, not because we ever expected to make a huge profit on them. Same deal with the iPhone app, which is rapidly losing value now that you can view those same videos using your phone's browser. For us, it's been all about building a regular audience and treating the people that choose to spend their time with us with the respect they deserve. The business dudes have done some ad deals in the past, and they've signed a deal with an external firm called Six Apart, which will be largely responsible with putting ads onto Giant Bomb and the other Whiskey Media sites.

It's funny, a lot of people wanted to guarantee us a whole lot of money up front for the ability to sell ads on our sites. For just about any other company I can think of, this would have been the "cha-ching" moment, where you start grabbing as much cash as possible. That's the easy way out. We've gone a different way with it, instead focusing on putting a system in place that should hopefully prevent the Internet's worst types of advertising from ever sullying our pages. We're doing what we can to make sure that the ads don't ruin your experience on our site. There will be site skins, but you definitely won't see one every day. There will be banner ads, but not for dick pills or "YOU PUNCH MONKEY 4 FREE IPODZ" or all of the other bullshit that makes a website start to stink. It's nice to be working with guys that understand the value of your experience with our sites. My guess is that there will be some bumps in the road this month as we get things going, but it feels pretty good to be shifting into "proper business" mode. That'll give us some more leeway to do all of the stupid things that no other game website would dare to even try and continue having fun while we do it.

This is the part where I should come to you, hat in hand, and tell you how ad blockers block the fun in the worst way possible, but I'm not going to tell you how to live your lives. If you absolutely can't stand any form of advertising ever yet you still want to support what we're doing down here, well, we might have some things for you in the fairly near future that'll let you handle that without the intense guilt that comes from knowing that Coonce won't be able to afford any more tracksuits if you're blocking all of the ads.

My understanding is that today is the first official day that Six Apart is beating down doors on our behalf, and our office doors will open once again on Tuesday. In the meantime, we'll be working on some review stuff (I have a lot of Singularity to play) and celebrating... our Independence Day! *cue cheers*
  
Jeff Gerstmann on Google+

381 Comments

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deerhaunter

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Edited By deerhaunter

Giant Bomb is the only site that I have adblock disabled for. I know I can trust the staff to not get terrible face melting ads, and the ads that are here are pretty much all about video games that I might actually want.

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Tsukiyomi

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Edited By Tsukiyomi

Pretty sure you guys had a site skin for Halo 3 ODST when that was released. Not that I'm complaining of course, this news story is an example of why I love Giant Bomb so much.

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darkjester74

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Edited By darkjester74

Congrats to you and the guys Jeff!  Its really gratifying to see you guys come up from square one and successfully build one of the best communities on the net.  I'm pretty much here every day and want to keep supporting you, so keep up the good work!  
 
Ill even put up with those site skins I despise so much!  *bleh*  :-P
 
Anyway, looking forward to checking out your new digs!

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scottygrayskull

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Edited By scottygrayskull

So I have to go to elsewhere for my dick pills? D:

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blazingwookie

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Edited By blazingwookie

Thanks for the big update guys - good luck on the move and thanks too for your dedication to keeping the site pretty and dick pill ad free!  But I'm read for some ads - I know I'm not happy until you guys are getting paid!

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thepantheon

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Edited By thepantheon

The best and only site for gaming. And for entertainment in general, I treat you guys like buds, checking GB nearly every day and laughing along with you guys in the Bombcast or a QL, etc. 
 
Y'all rule.

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Supermarius

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Edited By Supermarius

Also, did you open the can? DO IT!

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Supermarius

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Edited By Supermarius

It's a weird way to make money really. Maybe it's different for general web surfers but I really really don't pay attention to web ads and i actively dislike companies more if they put up to many of them. Look at how the Halo ODST Video advertisement campaign went over. I think gamers fairly seldomly click through on ads. Its like a big conspiracy where websites pretend that their users like ads in order to trick advertisers into giving them money. It can't go on forever.
 
I would probably pay some premium thing, though. The monetary equivalent of an individual's monthly ad exposure can't be too high, can it?

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RobJ

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Edited By RobJ

Thank you for everything you and the gang do to entertain us Jeff!!! :)

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artofwar420

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Edited By artofwar420
@Kaigan said:
"
No Caption Provided
Where's my medal? "
Well I salute you.
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rabidwombat

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Edited By rabidwombat

I didn't even realize that there wasn't a monetization strategy already in place.
 
I've already spent money on games I wouldn't have bought until I saw them on this site.  RDR is a perfect example - I would never have bought a cowboy game, until I saw Brad playing it for the Quick Look.

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wunder_

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Edited By wunder_

Wait, so there's going to be popups?

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citizenkane

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Edited By citizenkane

Sean not being able to afford more tracksuits?!
 
What kind of sick, twisted mind would let this happen?

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confideration

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Edited By confideration

Best. Site. Ever. 
 
thanks guys

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newmania

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Edited By newmania

I love you guys. I am not running an adblocker. I bought your iPhone app, and I'd buy your shirts if you didn't hate Canada.

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BeautifulSpaceCowboy

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Hope the move goes well! Happy 4th to everyone.

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LtCasual

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Edited By LtCasual

Ad blocker = off!  Glad to help you guys out any way I can.  

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EdIsCool

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Edited By EdIsCool

ads are fine, site skins me no likey.

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Kaigan

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Edited By Kaigan

No Caption Provided

Where's my medal?
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Terranova

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Edited By Terranova

good luck GB and the rest of the Whisky Crew with the move, I would like to say i hope it all goes without a hitch but these things seldom do. 
 
I dont mind the odd Ad here or there it's when your bombarded with them that pees me off .  
 
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c1337us

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Edited By c1337us

I never blocked any ads anyway. I'm too lazy to make it happen.

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MrKlorox

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Edited By MrKlorox

Sweet. New servers. Will test videos soon. It reports as being in the US now instead of Canada :P
 
edit: videos seem to buffer much faster now. I'll try again during peak hours.

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the_purgatory_station

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jimmy johnson sells dick pills.  same jimmy johnson that won back to back super bowls for america's team dallas cowboys.  we're on the eve of america's birthday.  what are you trying to say jeff?  what are you trying to say? J/K
 
my position has always been let the ads flow; i don't care, so easy to ignore them.
 but good to hear the news on the ad deal.  my guess is us GB fans are just as excited as you guys about it.
 
love the looks of the new office; alot of space for you guys to work in.  looks like a cool place to have a art gallery party.  one of these days i'm going to go back up to visit & see the bay bridge in completed form.  i want an invite :p  oh allright i'll go back to my corner now.
 
have a nice weekend duders

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deactivated-5ffc9b0923f9f

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This means you're looking to hire another intern like me, right?

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meptron

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Edited By meptron

congrats! hopefully with all the new income generated by ads you'll finally be able to ship things to Canada?

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George_Hukas

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Edited By George_Hukas

Hope you guys don't ignore the users willing to pay subscriptions for an ad-free experience!

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MichaelBach

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Edited By MichaelBach

Congratulations guys, big step forward. I wouldn't mind a 10 usd a month fee for a no-ads version either.
 
Shared podcast room.... smells like synergy..

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Sersie

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Edited By Sersie

Glad to hear things are progressing nicely, not only with the Giant Bomb crew, but Whiskey Media in general.  It has been a blast following you all these many years (even before GB existed), and I have come to love the extended Whiskey Media crew regulars as well, so I am glad you are all moving together.  I was sort of worried we would not be hearing as much from Dave, Alex, and the others, but I need worry no longer.   My time here on the site is always fun AND informative and I try my best to evangelize the site to all my friends (gamers or otherwise).  I look forward to many more years of fun together.  Thanks guys. :)

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MiniPato

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Edited By MiniPato
@ZanzibarBreeze said:
"

I'm going to assume that that's the new place? That thing is a warehouse with carpets. Somebody is about to get a big payola from selling office/room dividers.
"
For a second, I thought they were in a subway station.
 
The lack of windows depresses me greatly. I hope they keep the lounge feel of the old basement and a bigger couch.
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MrKlorox

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Edited By MrKlorox

Nice. I hope the site load times and video speeds begin to match others now that ya'll will have real internet.

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SatelliteOfLove

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Edited By SatelliteOfLove

"For us, it's been all about building a regular audience and treating the people that choose to spend their time with us with the respect they deserve."
 
I know it isn't often said by many, but I always strive to return that respect in my dealings on this site so y'alls time, if used reading my postings, is enjoyable too. You deserve no less.

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lilburtonboy7489

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Edited By lilburtonboy7489

about time...now make some money and keep delivering the goods!

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Stefan

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Edited By Stefan

I've been a fan of you guys ever since you started podcasting back in the day together with Rich at GS and haven't lost any faith in your abilities as remarkably honest reviews and entertaining...dudes (your fun sides and goofiness exceed those regular journalists have, so I'm not quite sure what to call you, well entertainers fits I guess) It's just the other way around. With your increased responsibilities you grew with your tasks. For instance I was a little skeptical about Ryan hosting the bombcast but  after just a few weeks all my doubts were washed away by his competent, yet funny way of hosting which makes him an even better host than Rich was, I think. Countless hours were filled by your funny yet harsh judgement on games and I just want to thank you for all the joy you brought me so far. Of cause this also goes out to all the other folks that helped to shape the site and made it what it is today. I am looking forward to many more years of truthful and devoted reviewing, podcasting and quicklooking! so long :-)

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ZombiePie

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Edited By ZombiePie

Well I can't wait for bigger and better things duders!

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jakob187

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Edited By jakob187

Looks like all the Quantserve info is going to get put to some good use beyond what it already has! 
 
Congrats on moving on up in the world, and here's to Whiskey Media's future!

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LiquidPrince

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Edited By LiquidPrince

Wait, the whole Whiskey Media crew moved? I thought GiantBomb was moving alone. Epic!

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Undeadpool

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Edited By Undeadpool

For some reason I'm just picturing the beginning of 7th Legion where all the soldiers are pumping their fists in the air and cheering. 
...Yeah, I'm the guy who bought the one copy of 7th Legion. What of it?

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YoThatLimp

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Edited By YoThatLimp

I'll say it again , more tshirts and hoodies please!

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Dryker

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Edited By Dryker

I'd pay for Giantbomb's content in a heartbeat. I actively avoid ads. I don't watch TV. I turn off radio stations. I even turn away when one pops up on a website. Ads are brainwash. But, if the ads don't slow down the navigation of the site or viewing vids, no big.
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Kajaah117

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Edited By Kajaah117
@Crescendo1897 said:

" @Kajaah117 said:

" This may seem weird, but to me, hearing this news is the equivalent of a mother seeing her child go off to college. They grow up so fast. ='(
 
Seeing this site blossom from a simple blog to the greatest online resource for game info and awesome personalities has been a privilege. The way you guys have managed to strike a balance between professional coverage and small-town community-like atmosphere is a stunning achievement. That goes for all the Whiskey sites.  The future of Whiskey is bright, and I'm not referring to the ludicrous amounts of fluorescents lighting the new office. Keep up the incredible work guys.  "
100% Correct my dear sir. Good to know others appreciate this wonderful website as much as myself. I trust the Bomb Squad to not make those ads very intrusive, and I hope to generate revenue for them and maybe the companies advertising on site. Best of luck to the crew! "
That's one of the greatest things about building up such a tight community and earning the respect of the fans; I'm sure a lot of us have been concerned about how the site earns its revenue, and if whitelisting Giant Bomb on our adblockers is the only thing we need to do to support it, I don't think anybody will have a problem doing that.  
 
.... more shirts and hoodies wouldn't hurt though. *hint hint*
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Curufinwe

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Edited By Curufinwe

I have ABP disabled for GiantBomb, but I don't see any ads...

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Crescendo1897

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Edited By Crescendo1897
@Kajaah117 said:
" This may seem weird, but to me, hearing this news is the equivalent of a mother seeing her child go off to college. They grow up so fast. ='(
 
Seeing this site blossom from a simple blog to the greatest online resource for game info and awesome personalities has been a privilege. The way you guys have managed to strike a balance between professional coverage and small-town community-like atmosphere is a stunning achievement. That goes for all the Whiskey sites.  The future of Whiskey is bright, and I'm not referring to the ludicrous amounts of fluorescents lighting the new office. Keep up the incredible work guys.  "
100% Correct my dear sir. Good to know others appreciate this wonderful website as much as myself. I trust the Bomb Squad to not make those ads very intrusive, and I hope to generate revenue for them and maybe the companies advertising on site. Best of luck to the crew!
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Kajaah117

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Edited By Kajaah117

This may seem weird, but to me, hearing this news is the equivalent of a mother seeing her child go off to college. They grow up so fast. ='(
 
Seeing this site blossom from a simple blog to the greatest online resource for game info and awesome personalities has been a privilege. The way you guys have managed to strike a balance between professional coverage and small-town community-like atmosphere is a stunning achievement. That goes for all the Whiskey sites. 
 
The future of Whiskey is bright, and I'm not referring to the ludicrous amounts of fluorescents lighting the new office. Keep up the incredible work guys. 

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Adent

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Edited By Adent

Damn it I thought you meant Starcraft 2 Beta.

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Pepsicolaboy

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Edited By Pepsicolaboy

Jeff,  
This is literally the best site on the internet. Do whatever you have to to support it.  
- The GiantBomb community.

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rachelepithet

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Edited By rachelepithet

Millions of Americans refinanced their homes in 2007 with the help of Extenze. Now tell me if the boy in this photo grew up to be Usher, Snoop Dogg, or Tiger Woods, and an 64GB IPAD could be yours!

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eternitymemory

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Edited By eternitymemory

 I am green with envy that you guys are moving your business to San Fran. That city is awesome incarnate.  Good luck with the move, and may Whiskey Media make bank like it deserves to.  

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crusnchill

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Edited By crusnchill

Awesome! I didn't even know this site did ads. 
 
Lucky for GB that I can decide which site my pop-up blocker works on. 
 
I trust this site completely with my computer. :-)