Overview

• Vox Media sold its gaming publication Polygon to Valnet, marking its exit from the gaming media sector.
• The sale resulted in widespread layoffs, including Polygon co-founder Chris Plante and other key staff members.
• The Writers Guild of America East criticized the layoffs as the fifth workforce reduction at Vox Media in six months, calling the move 'short-sighted' and 'self-defeating.'
• Valnet has pledged to invest in Polygon as part of its gaming portfolio but faces scrutiny over alleged exploitative labor practices and ongoing litigation.
• Polygon now operates with a skeleton team of about ten staff under interim leadership, as Vox Media remains in contentious union contract negotiations.