Restart, the Walmart-backed video game outlet, has made a shocking move by laying off its entire editorial team. The five-person crew, led by editor-in-chief Brandy Berthelson and news editor Imran Khan, was let go on August 10th. This decision marks not only the end of their time at Restart but also possibly the conclusion of their careers in game media.
Berthelson took to Bluesky to share the devastating news, stating that after 20 years of working in games journalism, they just couldn’t continue. “Well, it happened again,” Berthelson wrote. “The entire editorial team at Restart, myself included, was laid off today. With that, my time in games media has also come to an end.” The tone of their post was one of resignation and frustration, a sentiment that’s all too familiar for many in the industry.
Restart launched in December 2024 with backing from Moonrock, a marketing outfit, and Walmart. Despite being backed by one of the largest retailers in the US, Restart styled itself as an independent outlet, claiming to have zero influence from its parent company on editorial direction. In fact, their announcement noted that they’d use partner tracking codes to provide purchase links for games, generating no revenue or biased reviews.
This move is just the latest in a string of layoffs that’s decimated the game media landscape. Recent victims include GamesIndustry.biz, IGN, and Polygon, which have either lost talent through forced exits or accepted buyouts. Even TheGamer’s parent company, Valnet, has implemented a new payment system where writers are paid based on article views, sparking concerns about the industry’s future.
As traditional media continues to contract under corporate ownership, more journalists are turning to independent outlets or going solo. This trend raises questions about the viability of game journalism as we know it and whether the current model can be sustained in a rapidly changing industry. With Restart’s editorial team joining the growing ranks of those who’ve left the fold, one thing is clear: the landscape is shifting.
For fans of VR and gaming media, this news serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly stable outlets can fall victim to the ever-changing tides of corporate priorities. As we navigate this evolving industry, it’s essential for creators and enthusiasts alike to stay informed about the latest developments and adapt to the changing landscape.
The future of game journalism is uncertain, but one thing’s clear: the industry will continue to evolve in response to these challenges. Will Restart’s editorial team find new opportunities or paths? Only time will tell, but their story serves as a poignant reminder that even in the midst of innovation, there are still risks and uncertainties lurking beneath the surface.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-08-10