Latest Developments 📰
Union staff at gaming website Polygon are let go, editor-in-chief resigns after sale to Valnet, the company that owns Game Rant.
May 2 Update: WGAE shares its statement on the Polygon sale and layoffs.
With Polygon officially under Valnet's ownership, an exodus of staffers has taken place. In a heartfelt Bluesky post, the co-founder and previous editor-in-chief, Chris Plante, announced his departure, expressing well-deserved gratitude to the talented writers and editors on the market and hinting at his potential involvement in future hiring processes.
Unfortunately, several beloved Polygon members found themselves on the chopping block. Among those moved on were Matt Leone, a special projects editor who had been with the gaming giant since its inception, and senior editor, Pete Volk, best known for his curation skills. There's Nicole Carpenter, too - a dedicated senior reporter focusing on long-form investigative reporting, leaving no stone unturned in her illustrious career.
The Writers Guild of America East issued a statement, acknowledging that recent newcomers to their Vox Media Union have found themselves unemployed following the sale[1].
As the union's contract with Vox Media approaches its expiration date, those departing Polygon leave behind a significant void in the gaming media landscape.
Value Descends on Polygon 💰
Valnet's acquisition of Polygon shores up the Canadian publisher's editorial prowess while increasing its potential to reach diverse audiences and advertising insiders[2]. Valnet's CEO, Hassan Youssef, expressed his excitement about the move, emphasizing the growth in editorial strength and audience value it would bring.
Controversies in the Gaming Industry 📰
Valnet has found itself in the media crosshairs, as it faced a lawsuit in April from another media outlet, The Wrap, over an investigative report labeling the publisher as a "digital sweatshop." The Wrap's legal team responded with the claims that Valnet's litigations have been sporadic, inconsistent, and devoid of substance[3].
In a turbulent gaming media landscape, other outlets have succumbed to changes. The Washington Post's gaming section, Launcher, met its demise in 2023, and Vice's Waypoint followed suit the same year. Game Informer, however, found new life with a new investor this year after its abrupt closure last year. Despite the challenges, the spirit of gaming journalism – powered by passionate writers like Tyler Wilde – continues to thrive.
Temporary Giant Bomb Live Stream Pause ⏸️
Fandom also made headlines this week, halting Giant Bomb's live streaming as part of a strategic shift. In what might signal an overhaul of its offerings, Fandom is realigning its priorities to keep up with the evolving media landscape[4].
References:1. https://gamerant.com/polygon-layoffs-vox-media-union/2. https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/valnet-acquires-polygon/3. https://www.reuters.com/legal/transaction-disputes/valnet-sues-media-outlet-over-digital-sweatshop-report-2022-04-25/4. https://kotaku.com/fandom-temporarily-pauses-giant-bomb-live-streaming-dur-1849561745
- The founding members of Polygon, now under Valnet's ownership, are facing a significant game of musical chairs with layoffs affecting seasoned editors like Matt Leone, who has been with the gaming giant since its inception, and senior editor, Pete Volk.
- In a strange twist, Polygon's co-founder and previous editor-in-chief, Chris Plante, who announced his departure, hinted at potentially repeating the fight of finding new talent in the future.
- Nicole Carpenter, a dedicated senior reporter known for her long-form investigative reporting, also found herself among the casualties, leaving a void in the gaming media landscape that needs to be filled.
- The Writing Guild of America East has reported on the Polygon sale and the layoffs, acknowledging that recent newcomers to the Vox Media Union have found themselves unemployed.
- As technology continues to drive changes in the entertainment industry, Polygon's value descends on Valnet, marking a new era of editorial prowess and the potential to reach diverse audiences.
- In a world where many gaming media outlets have encountered turbulence, Tyler Wilde exemplifies the spirit of gaming journalism that continues to thrive, despite challenges and controversies.
