Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Emergence of humane gaming and digital culture outlets, such as Aftermath, Rogue, and 404 Media, in response to layoffs and increased reliance on AI-generated content in the media landscape.
- Significant acquisitions in the digital gaming journalism industry, with IGN Entertainment acquiring Gamer Networks digital brands, creating a consolidated platform that includes Outside Xbox, Nintendo Life, Pure Xbox, and more.
- The focus on in-depth investigations into our interconnected world and the climate crisis by smaller outlets like Aftermath and Rogue, as opposed to enriching brand value seen in earlier game writing.
- The rise of independent voices in digital journalism that are adapting to shifts in content consumption and production, challenging traditional news outlets and expressing solidarity with those affected by corporate practices.
Our favorite Goodies
Emergence of Humane Gaming and Digital Culture Outlets Amid Layoffs and AI Integration
Aftermath, launched in November 2023, has become a prominent source for gaming, internet, and digital culture news, distinguished by its humane approach to coverage. This emergence is part of a broader trend that includes Rogue, founded in September 2025 by former American games press staff, and 404 Media, created by ex-Motherboard employees from Vice Media. These new outlets arose in a media landscape marked by layoffs and cost-cutting, which have led to increased reliance on PR releases and AI-generated content. Aftermath was founded by former Kotaku employees, including Nathan Grayson—a journalist targeted during Gamergate and author of Stream Big, a book about Twitch’s history—who helped popularize in-depth gaming news coverage. Another site of note, run by former Polygon staff, also contributes to the current media landscape. This shift coincides with a growing preference for short-form, interactive video content over traditional articles.
Consolidation and Emergence in Digital Gaming Journalism Amid Acquisitions and Climate Investigations
The evolving media landscape also involves significant acquisitions. In May 2024, IGN Entertainment acquired Gamer Network’s digital brands—including Eurogamer (with its six local editions), Rock Paper Shotgun, and Vg247—for an undisclosed sum. IGN also holds interests in Outside Xbox and other entities operating Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. IGN is part of Ziff Davis, which also owns MapGenie and Humble Bundle. These sites were acquired from PAX and Reedpop, which retained EGX and MCM events, as well as Digital Popverse. This consolidation occurs as new, smaller outlets seek to establish themselves. Following the journalist firings at major U.S. gaming companies, the post-2023 period saw the rise of Aftermath and Rogue. Similarly, 404 Media was formed by former Vice employees. While operating with smaller teams than their predecessors at Kotaku and Polygon, Aftermath and Rogue are focusing on in-depth investigations into our interconnected world and the climate crisis. While early game writing often focused on enriching brands, even to the point of creating billion-dollar entities, the current focus is on maintaining journalistic integrity amid the dominance of Big Tech. The author notes a preference for independence from certain industry norms and expresses solidarity with those affected by corporate practices.
Transformation and Rise of Independent Voices in Digital Journalism Amid Shifts in Media Consumption
These changes reflect a media environment where traditional news outlets are being challenged by new, independent voices that are adapting to shifts in content consumption and production.
In Case You Missed It
In the gaming world this week, Players For Life has been bustling with intriguing insights. Kicking things off last week on November 4th was Marcus Thompson’s analysis that had everyone surprised – remakes are outshining remasters in revenue generation! ‘Oblivion: Remaster is This Year’s Most Successful Relaunch’ reveals how The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster attracted a whopping 7 million monthly players and brought in $180 million. If you’re curious about the financial power of remakes vs remasters, don’t miss this fascinating read Oblivion: Remaster is This Year’s Most Successful Relaunch. Following up just yesterday on November 5th, Carlos Mendoza shared exciting news for FFVII fans – his post ‘FF7 Rebirth Welcomes New Update with Highly Requested Features on PC’ delves into the latest updates for the game’s PC version and gives hints at what’s ahead for fans of this iconic series FF7 Rebirth Welcomes New Update with Highly Requested Features on PC. But that’s not all – our industry watchdog Carlos dropped another bombshell just two days ago with ‘Nintendo Aims for Consistent Release Cadence in Movies’ (published November 7th). In this insightful analysis, he uncovers Nintendo’s strategic plans for their film productions, including acquiring new studios and reinforcing internal structures. With projects like Super Mario Galaxy and The Legend of Zelda on the horizon, it seems we’re in for a consistent release cadence that’s sure to bring more joy to fans worldwide Nintendo Aims for Consistent Release Cadence in Movies.