Today, Spector sent an in-depth email of fairly substantial length to GameSpot, clarifying his position (and also stating that he is very much against Thompson's opinions and is not happy about having his words appropriated by the attorney). He points out that his comments regarding GTA and Rockstar were not from his keynote and were intended in more of a humorous light than was suggested by much of the internet coverage of them.

Look, I'm not really angry at Rockstar, for crying out loud. I was simply trying to make a point...in a semihumorous (if unsuccessful!) way that I thought gamers would 'get.' I don't actually know anyone who worked on any of the GTA games, but overall I respect the hell out of their work. I think GTA is a remarkable achievement--artistically and commercially--and represents a genuine advance for game design. The attention it's received may even have helped push gaming into the mainstream of cultural relevance, which is all to the good. ...

"Having said that, I am frustrated that the games in the GTA series, some of the finest combinations of pure game design and commercial appeal, offer a fictional package that makes them difficult to hold up as examples of what our medium is capable of achieving. The fictional context of GTA all but ensures that it will be portrayed in the mainstream press (and, I guess, in the courts!) as little more than a 'murder simulator' when it clearly is so much more--if you take the time to look.

Spector once again calls for more variety in game design, citing Will Wright's work and the lineup for the Nintendo DS as positive exceptions in mainstream gaming. He does not, however, indicate if he is planning any projects that will exemplify the different attitudes he hopes other games will take on. At this point, the only solid information on his next title is that it is has a fantasy setting. Let's hope he's putting his game where his mouth is.