Walmart-backed gaming site lays off entire editorial team
Restart, a games media website sponsored by Walmart, has laid off its entire editorial team, according to its former editor-in-chief. The site, operated by content marketing agency Moonrock, had claimed to be an independent publication with no editorial influence from Walmart.
Key points
- Restart, a games media website sponsored by Walmart, laid off its entire editorial team.
- The site was operated by content marketing agency Moonrock and claimed to be an independent publication.
- Restart's editorial mission page stated that Walmart had no influence on its editorial direction.
- The layoffs come after GameStop shut down its Game Informer magazine in a similar move.
Restart, a games media website sponsored by Walmart, has laid off its entire editorial team. The site, operated by content marketing agency Moonrock, had claimed to be an independent publication with no editorial influence from Walmart. According to its editorial mission page, Restart operated as an 'independent site' and said that Walmart 'doesn't influence our editorial direction.' However, the site's former editor-in-chief, Brandy Berthelson, has stated that the 'entire editorial team' has been cut.
This move comes after GameStop shut down its Game Informer magazine in a similar move. Restart was launched in late 2024 and was seen as Walmart's take on a popular gaming media outlet. The site's layoffs have raised questions about the future of independent gaming media and the influence of corporate sponsors on editorial direction.
Sources
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