The online game web site Polygon has been bought to click-farm powerhouse Valnet and far of its masthead has been laid off, Kotaku has realized. The sale was subsequently introduced in a press launch. A number of workers members have posted on-line about dropping their jobs or about colleagues now being out of labor.
“I‘m not with Polygon. In the event you’re hiring, please contemplate the various proficient writers and editors now in the marketplace,” posted Polygon co-founder and EIC Chris Plante. “Each certainly one of them deserves a spot in your workers. I gained’t be speaking extra concerning the sale as a result of I wasn’t concerned. Going to hang around with my child. Taking wins the place I can.”
The sale was confirmed in a press launch which didn’t point out the layoffs. The worth of the deal was not disclosed. Sources inform Kotaku that Deputy Editor Maddy Myers and Video games Editor Zoë Hannah are amongst those who stay at Polygon. Government Editor Chelsea Stark stated the layoffs included over 20 workers. Vox Media didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
“I’ll say extra later, however I not have a job,” shared Senior Reporter Nicole Carpenter. “I’m on the lookout for work, as are so a lot of my wonderful colleagues. I’ve a number of concepts and issues I’d like to jot down. I’m actually in shock.” “I had a good time working at Polygon,” posted Senior Author Michael McWhertor. “Please let me know you probably have any cool job openings!”
Based in 2012 below Vox Media, the location rapidly established itself as one of many premier retailers for unique critiques, reporting, and cultural evaluation on the earth of gaming. Polygon’s protection of video video games, motion pictures, TV, comics, and board video games are among the greatest round, whereas its forward-looking design sensibility helped elevate the way in which tales have been introduced and informed on-line.
Valnet relies in Montreal and operates Display Rant, Recreation Rant, Comedian E book Assets, and different mass aggregators. The corporate is run by Hassan Youssef, who received his begin in digital media with on-line porn web sites. “The addition of Polygon not solely strengthens our editorial muscle but in addition amplifies our capacity to ship unmatched worth to each audiences and advertisers,” Youssef stated in a press launch as we speak.
In a report earlier this 12 months by TheWrap, many former contributors accused Valnet’s present media holdings of being exploitative content material mills. “In journalism, there are actually unhealthy jobs. After which there’s a place like Valnet,” a former Collider contributor informed TheWrap. “[It’s] one of many worst locations that I’ve ever labored and might be one of many worst journalism publications I’ve ever seen.”
Valnet responded to the investigation by suing TheWrap for libel claiming the reporting was filled with errors and had triggered the corporate’s founder “large emotional misery, affecting (amongst different issues) his temper, temperament and his capacity to sleep.”
The Vox Media Union blasted the sale and layoffs which occurred because it bargains over its subsequent contract. “Arguably much more demoralizing is Vox Media’s determination to promote a lauded video games web site to an organization recognized for alleged exploitative circumstances and for devaluing rigorous journalism in favor of churning out content material,” it wrote in an announcement. “Vox Media’s lack of respect for Polygon’s repute in video games media, the onerous work and keenness of its workers, and the strong group of players and followers who help it couldn’t be clearer.”
It continued, “Dropping Polygon to such an organization isn’t just a loss for Vox Media, however for our business and web tradition as an entire. From a sustainability perspective, it makes little monetary or long-term sense, and speaks to an absence of care and consideration for this firm and its workers.”
Replace 5/1/2025 5:06 p.m. ET: Vox SVP Chris Grant, who was Polygon’s founding Editor-in-Chief, shared perception into the deal and is clear frustration with it on Bluesky. “14 years in the past I pitched what would turn into Polygon to a startup known as Sports activities Blogs Inc on the unfurnished third ground of a DC townhome,” he wrote. “I held a laptop computer on my knees and went via a deck. At this time that very same firm—now known as Vox Media—bought Polygon to Valnet.”
He continued, “Their press launch proudly calls Polygon a ‘premium gaming publication’ however Valnet actually refused to satisfy with me or reply a single query of mine all through this course of. They have been wildly incurious about how a gaming publication even turns into ‘premium.’ I actually, actually (!) hope that the remaining Polygon workforce will get an opportunity to proceed the work all of us cared about a lot! However one way or the other that is the tip of my journey with the factor I created.”
“My most heartfelt because of your complete workforce, I’m so sorry issues ended this fashion.”
Replace 5/1/2025 12:19 p.m. ET: Added feedback from the official press launch.
Replace 5/1/2025 4:13 p.m. ET: Added an announcement from the Vox union.
Replace 5/1/2025 4:50 p.m. ET: Added point out of Valnet’s lawsuit.
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