Have you ever heard the expression, “When it rains, it pours”? That’s exactly what today feels like, as the news broke that Vox Media has sold the popular gaming outlet Polygon to Valnet.
The story was first reported by Kotaku, and honestly, I still can’t believe it. Sadly, along with the sale comes several layoffs. While the exact number isn’t confirmed, many former Polygon staff members have been announcing their departures across Twitter/X and BlueSky.
One particularly heartbreaking post came from Chris Plante, a co-founder of Polygon, who shared this on BlueSky:
“I’m no longer with Polygon. 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.”
Plante also noted that he wouldn’t be discussing the sale further, as he wasn’t involved with that.
It’s been a brutal week for the gaming industry. And honestly? As someone who lives and breathes this space, it’s exhausting watching talented people get tossed aside like they don’t matter. It sucks—plain and simple. Especially when it happens to folks who poured everything they had into building something great.
Polygon was home to some of the best in the business, and I’ve done my best to carry that same energy and passion here at The Outerhaven. I wish I had the budget to help some out, and if you operate a gaming-related outlet, I implore you to reach out to any of the writers who were let go. They’d make a fantastic addition to your team.
There’s been no word if Polygon will carry on as its former self or if changes will take place. We’ll likely learn more about the details behind Polygon’s sale in the coming days, and when we do, I’ll make sure to update this piece.
