Latest news with #JimBankoff
Business Mayor
03-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Polygon sold to GameRant owner Valnet
Polygon, The Verge's sister site dedicated to gaming and entertainment, has been sold by Vox Media to Valnet, a company that owns brands like ScreenRant, GameRant, and Android Police. Some Polygon staffers will continue with the publication under its new owner, while others have been laid off, according to posts online and an internal message sent to Vox Media employees. Valnet owns more than 27 different brands that cover areas like entertainment, gaming, sports, and travel. A recent report from TheWrap includes one former contributor to a site under Valnet's purview describing conditions as 'almost sweatshop-level.' 'Perfectly aligned with Valnet's long-term growth strategy, Polygon will now integrate Valnet's Gaming Portfolio, which includes industry-leading publications such as Game Rant, TheGamer, Fextralife, OpenCritic, DualShockers, and HardcoreGamer,' the company said in a press release. 'This addition follows Valnet's recent acquisition of FextraLife earlier this year, further strengthening its position in the gaming media landscape. With Valnet's proven operational excellence, Polygon is poised to reach new editorial heights through focused investment and innovation.' Vox Media CEO Jim Bankoff said in a statement that 'this transaction will enable us to focus our energies and investment resources in other priority areas of growth across our portfolio of iconic digital publications and audio / video programming, while enabling Valnet to grow their leadership and authority in the gaming information category.' In his message to staff, Bankoff also cited the current 'uncertain economic outlook' and broader changes in the gaming industry as contributing reasons to the sale. 'I'm no longer with Polygon,' says former editor-in-chief Chris Plante. 'If you're hiring, please consider the many talented writers and editors now on the market. Every one of them deserves a spot on your staff. I won't be talking more about the sale because I wasn't involved.' Read More The most influential video game of all time - Bafta We've collected additional posts from some affected staffers below. Update, May 1st: Added posts from more Polygon staffers. READ SOURCE
Axios
01-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Vox Media sells gaming site Polygon
Vox Media on Thursday announced it is selling its gaming and entertainment site Polygon to Canadian company Valnet. Why it matters: The deal is part of a broader effort by the media company to streamline its portfolio and invest in its biggest brands. Zoom in: In a Thursday note to staff, Vox Media CEO Jim Bankoff said some Polygon staffers will join Valnet. Others will be laid off with the transaction while some will remain with the company and be transitioned over to Vox Media's tech news brand, The Verge. "Making this change allows us to better prioritize our strongest opportunities for growth," Bankoff said. "The sale also helps reduce risk related to the uncertain economic outlook, with our top priority always being the long-term strength of the company." Valnet owns a portfolio of media brands across entertainment, gaming, automotive, sports, travel and technology including ScreenRant, GameRant and Android Police. Zoom out: Gaming journalism has proven challenging for general news publishers to monetize and integrate within their portfolios. In 2023, The Washington Post shuttered its gaming vertical, Launcher, and Vice Media ended WayPoint. In 2024, GameStop shut down Game Informer, which was recently relaunched by game developer Gunzilla. The big picture: Vox Media is one of the few digital media holding companies from the 2010s era that has managed to remain independent.
National Post
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- National Post
Valnet Acquires Premium Gaming Publication Polygon from Vox Media
MONTREAL — Valnet, a leading global digital publishing and media investment company, announced today that it has acquired the premium gaming publication Polygon from Vox Media, the modern media company. Polygon will join Valnet's robust gaming portfolio, known as The Valnet Gaming Group, which collectively reaches over 1.2 billion users annually. The acquisition, an asset deal, closed today. Article content Perfectly aligned with Valnet's long-term growth strategy, Polygon will now integrate Valnet's Gaming Portfolio, which includes industry-leading publications such as Game Rant, TheGamer, Fextralife, OpenCritic, DualShockers, and HardcoreGamer. This addition follows Valnet's recent acquisition of FextraLife earlier this year, further strengthening its position in the gaming media landscape. With Valnet's proven operational excellence, Polygon is poised to reach new editorial heights through focused investment and innovation. Article content 'It is with immense pride and gratitude that we welcome Polygon into our growing family of world-class gaming brands,' said Hassan Youssef, CEO & Founder at Valnet. 'This moment marks a powerful reaffirmation of our deep commitment to gaming, a space we've passionately invested in for years. The addition of Polygon not only strengthens our editorial muscle but also amplifies our ability to deliver unmatched value to both audiences and advertisers. At Valnet, we're not just participants in this space; we are its undisputed leader, and today, that leadership has never felt stronger.' Article content Founded in 2012 as part of Vox Media's portfolio, Polygon reaches a high-value audience across its site, social media, YouTube channels, videos, newsletters, and more, with an emphasis on community engagement. The brand is known for its in-depth and analytical approach to video game journalism, publishing feature articles, essays, and reviews that delve into the cultural, social, and artistic aspects of gaming. While video games are a central focus, Polygon also covers a broader spectrum of pop culture and entertainment topics -including movies, TV shows, and technology. Polygon serves as a guide for a new generation of pop culture omnivores, helping them navigate the vast gaming and entertainment landscape with intelligence and a sense of fun. Article content 'We're proud to have built Polygon into the gaming authority for both experts and casual fans alike, a publication that has informed and delighted tens of millions of gaming enthusiasts since its founding at Vox Media more than a decade ago,' said Jim Bankoff, Vox Media's co-founder, chair, and CEO. 'This transaction will enable us to focus our energies and investment resources in other priority areas of growth across our portfolio of iconic digital publications and audio/video programming, while enabling Valnet to grow their leadership and authority in the gaming information category.' Article content Polygon attracts a US monthly reach of over 6 million (Comscore), with more than 3.5 million social media followers. Article content About Polygon Article content Polygon is the next-generation entertainment brand, illuminating the entertainment world through the lens of those who grew up playing video games, reading comics, and are obsessed with internet culture. As a leading industry voice, Polygon is a top source for smart, critical, and entertaining content surrounding cultural moments born of gaming and the future of entertainment. Polygon truly understands these next-generation communities because they are the fans and are embedded in YouTube, TikTok, and your favorite gaming communities. Article content About Valnet Article content Valnet is a leading digital publishing and media investment company that owns and operates over 27 authoritative publications across diverse verticals, including entertainment, sports, technology, automotive, gaming, lifestyle, and travel. Valnet is a premier acquirer in digital publishing, specializing in acquiring, operating, and growing digital publications that hold strategic importance in their respective markets. A global company, Valnet operates offices in Montreal, Miami, New York, Virginia, and Halifax. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Rony Arzoumanian Head of M&A (514) 733-1010 rony.a@ Article content Article content
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Valnet Acquires Premium Gaming Publication Polygon from Vox Media
Polygon joins Valnet's robust gaming portfolio known as The Valnet Gaming Group. MONTREAL, May 01, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Valnet, a leading global digital publishing and media investment company, announced today that it has acquired the premium gaming publication Polygon from Vox Media, the modern media company. Polygon will join Valnet's robust gaming portfolio, known as The Valnet Gaming Group, which collectively reaches over 1.2 billion users annually. The acquisition, an asset deal, closed today. Perfectly aligned with Valnet's long-term growth strategy, Polygon will now integrate Valnet's Gaming Portfolio, which includes industry-leading publications such as Game Rant, TheGamer, Fextralife, OpenCritic, DualShockers, and HardcoreGamer. This addition follows Valnet's recent acquisition of FextraLife earlier this year, further strengthening its position in the gaming media landscape. With Valnet's proven operational excellence, Polygon is poised to reach new editorial heights through focused investment and innovation. "It is with immense pride and gratitude that we welcome Polygon into our growing family of world-class gaming brands," said Hassan Youssef, CEO & Founder at Valnet. "This moment marks a powerful reaffirmation of our deep commitment to gaming, a space we've passionately invested in for years. The addition of Polygon not only strengthens our editorial muscle but also amplifies our ability to deliver unmatched value to both audiences and advertisers. At Valnet, we're not just participants in this space; we are its undisputed leader, and today, that leadership has never felt stronger." Founded in 2012 as part of Vox Media's portfolio, Polygon reaches a high-value audience across its site, social media, YouTube channels, videos, newsletters, and more, with an emphasis on community engagement. The brand is known for its in-depth and analytical approach to video game journalism, publishing feature articles, essays, and reviews that delve into the cultural, social, and artistic aspects of gaming. While video games are a central focus, Polygon also covers a broader spectrum of pop culture and entertainment topics -including movies, TV shows, and technology. Polygon serves as a guide for a new generation of pop culture omnivores, helping them navigate the vast gaming and entertainment landscape with intelligence and a sense of fun. "We're proud to have built Polygon into the gaming authority for both experts and casual fans alike, a publication that has informed and delighted tens of millions of gaming enthusiasts since its founding at Vox Media more than a decade ago," said Jim Bankoff, Vox Media's co-founder, chair, and CEO. "This transaction will enable us to focus our energies and investment resources in other priority areas of growth across our portfolio of iconic digital publications and audio/video programming, while enabling Valnet to grow their leadership and authority in the gaming information category." Polygon attracts a US monthly reach of over 6 million (Comscore), with more than 3.5 million social media followers. About Polygon Polygon is the next-generation entertainment brand, illuminating the entertainment world through the lens of those who grew up playing video games, reading comics, and are obsessed with internet culture. As a leading industry voice, Polygon is a top source for smart, critical, and entertaining content surrounding cultural moments born of gaming and the future of entertainment. Polygon truly understands these next-generation communities because they are the fans and are embedded in YouTube, TikTok, and your favorite gaming communities. About Valnet Valnet is a leading digital publishing and media investment company that owns and operates over 27 authoritative publications across diverse verticals, including entertainment, sports, technology, automotive, gaming, lifestyle, and travel. Valnet is a premier acquirer in digital publishing, specializing in acquiring, operating, and growing digital publications that hold strategic importance in their respective markets. A global company, Valnet operates offices in Montreal, Miami, New York, Virginia, and Halifax. About Vox Media Vox Media is the leading modern media company, reaching audiences everywhere they are. Known for its editorial properties, including Vox, SB Nation, New York Magazine, Eater, and The Verge, the company's portfolio features the most relevant, respected, and engaging editorial properties and voices. The company is home to the award-winning Vox Media Podcast Network, one of the largest in the U.S., as well as innovative technologies that support the entire media industry, including the Concert advertising marketplace. View source version on Contacts Rony ArzoumanianHead of M&A(514) 733-1010rony.a@ Yury SmagorinskyVP, Legal Affairs(514) 733-1010legal@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Valnet Acquires Premium Gaming Publication Polygon from Vox Media
MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Valnet, a leading global digital publishing and media investment company, announced today that it has acquired the premium gaming publication Polygon from Vox Media, the modern media company. Polygon will join Valnet's robust gaming portfolio, known as The Valnet Gaming Group, which collectively reaches over 1.2 billion users annually. The acquisition, an asset deal, closed today. Perfectly aligned with Valnet's long-term growth strategy, Polygon will now integrate Valnet's Gaming Portfolio, which includes industry-leading publications such as Game Rant, TheGamer, Fextralife, OpenCritic, DualShockers, and HardcoreGamer. This addition follows Valnet's recent acquisition of FextraLife earlier this year, further strengthening its position in the gaming media landscape. With Valnet's proven operational excellence, Polygon is poised to reach new editorial heights through focused investment and innovation. 'It is with immense pride and gratitude that we welcome Polygon into our growing family of world-class gaming brands," said Hassan Youssef, CEO & Founder at Valnet. 'This moment marks a powerful reaffirmation of our deep commitment to gaming, a space we've passionately invested in for years. The addition of Polygon not only strengthens our editorial muscle but also amplifies our ability to deliver unmatched value to both audiences and advertisers. At Valnet, we're not just participants in this space; we are its undisputed leader, and today, that leadership has never felt stronger.' Founded in 2012 as part of Vox Media's portfolio, Polygon reaches a high-value audience across its site, social media, YouTube channels, videos, newsletters, and more, with an emphasis on community engagement. The brand is known for its in-depth and analytical approach to video game journalism, publishing feature articles, essays, and reviews that delve into the cultural, social, and artistic aspects of gaming. While video games are a central focus, Polygon also covers a broader spectrum of pop culture and entertainment topics -including movies, TV shows, and technology. Polygon serves as a guide for a new generation of pop culture omnivores, helping them navigate the vast gaming and entertainment landscape with intelligence and a sense of fun. 'We're proud to have built Polygon into the gaming authority for both experts and casual fans alike, a publication that has informed and delighted tens of millions of gaming enthusiasts since its founding at Vox Media more than a decade ago,' said Jim Bankoff, Vox Media's co-founder, chair, and CEO. 'This transaction will enable us to focus our energies and investment resources in other priority areas of growth across our portfolio of iconic digital publications and audio/video programming, while enabling Valnet to grow their leadership and authority in the gaming information category.' Polygon attracts a US monthly reach of over 6 million (Comscore), with more than 3.5 million social media followers. About Polygon Polygon is the next-generation entertainment brand, illuminating the entertainment world through the lens of those who grew up playing video games, reading comics, and are obsessed with internet culture. As a leading industry voice, Polygon is a top source for smart, critical, and entertaining content surrounding cultural moments born of gaming and the future of entertainment. Polygon truly understands these next-generation communities because they are the fans and are embedded in YouTube, TikTok, and your favorite gaming communities. About Valnet Valnet is a leading digital publishing and media investment company that owns and operates over 27 authoritative publications across diverse verticals, including entertainment, sports, technology, automotive, gaming, lifestyle, and travel. Valnet is a premier acquirer in digital publishing, specializing in acquiring, operating, and growing digital publications that hold strategic importance in their respective markets. A global company, Valnet operates offices in Montreal, Miami, New York, Virginia, and Halifax. About Vox Media Vox Media is the leading modern media company, reaching audiences everywhere they are. Known for its editorial properties, including Vox, SB Nation, New York Magazine, Eater, and The Verge, the company's portfolio features the most relevant, respected, and engaging editorial properties and voices. The company is home to the award-winning Vox Media Podcast Network, one of the largest in the U.S., as well as innovative technologies that support the entire media industry, including the Concert advertising marketplace.
