Valnet Acquires Polygon
Business
02 May 2025 12:49
Polygon, one of the most prominent video game and pop culture websites of the last decade, has been acquired by Canadian media company Valnet, the parent of gaming news outlets TheGamer and Game Rant. The acquisition marks a significant turning point for the site, which was previously owned by Vox Media.
The transition has come with notable staff changes, as several long-time Polygon writers and editors announced their departures following the sale. Among those leaving are co-founder and editor-in-chief Chris Plante, senior writer Michael McWhertor, deputy editor Matthew Reynolds, games writer Tyler Colp, and senior reporter Nicole Carpenter. Many of the exits were shared by the journalists themselves on social media, with some citing layoffs and others stating they chose to move on.
However, not all staff have left. According to reporting from Kotaku, deputy editor Maddy Myers and games editor Zoë Hannah remain with the site post-acquisition.
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In a statement, Valnet founder and CEO Hassan Youssef expressed enthusiasm for the deal, saying, “It is with immense pride and gratitude that we welcome Polygon into our growing family of world-class gaming brands.”
Polygon was launched in 2012 by Vox Media as part of its effort to expand into digital verticals beyond politics and tech. The site quickly established itself as a distinctive voice in video games journalism, known for its long-form features, in-depth reviews, cultural critiques, and an editorial approach that centered the human experience behind gaming. Its founding team included high-profile journalists from other outlets like Joystiq, Kotaku, and The Verge, and its early video content—such as the Polygon Show and Monster Factory—garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
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