Panic in the Gaming Kingdom: Layoffs Strike Again
Hold on to those game controllers, because the latest news from the gaming world reads like a plot twist in a survival horror game: layoffs have swept through a certain gaming website, leaving a trail of stunned faces and broken keyboards in their wake.
On a fine Wednesday, former staff members emerged from the shadows of social media, confirming that their employment status had taken a detour into the land of the unemployed. According to these intrepid ex-players—who were brave enough to go anonymous—entire sections of teams were not just trimmed, but “decimated” faster than a player losing all their lives in a particularly ruthless boss battle.
A Slimmed-Down Saga
The remaining team seems to be strapped in for a rollercoaster of uncertainty. Word on the street, courtesy of those still holding the fort, points to a leaner operation ahead. However, specifics remain as mysterious as a hidden Easter egg in a classic platformer. Employees seemed to have anticipated some cutbacks, but this level of chaos exceeded even their wildest gaming nightmares.
In an age where job security seems as rare as finding a gold coin in a pixelated Mario game, the future is murky for this particular gaming outlet. It appears that hope may soon come in the form of job postings for incredibly talented and hardworking writers. Yes, it’s a sad day when someone’s LinkedIn welcomes more engagement than a highly anticipated game release.
The Heartbreak of Talent Loss
Speaking of talent, it seems the features lead, Jade King, took to X (formerly Twitter, because renaming platforms is obviously a trend) to express her anguish. After confirming that her entire features team had been, let’s just say, “released back into the wild,” she shared, with a heart full of sadness, the plight of her incredible team. One can only assume her tweet was accompanied by a dramatic soundtrack of violins playing in the background.
Valnet unfortunately let go of the entire features team today alongside several other staff members. Many incredibly talented and hardworking writers I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past several years.
— Jade King (@KonaYMA6) October 22, 2025
Meanwhile, news editor Rhiannon Bevan, who is still trapped in the realm of employment, lamented the loss on Bluesky—an emerging platform that begs to be taken seriously. She poured her heart out in a tweet that was more supportive than a health bar in a particularly tough level:
TheGamer is losing so much talent today, it breaks my heart. On a personal and professional level, I cannot put the loss into words. Everyone being laid off today is incredible and would be an asset to your team…
— Rhiannon 🇵🇸 (@rhithewitch.bsky.social) 2025-10-22T15:06:51.103Z
A Troubling Trend
Alas, these job losses signify just the latest in a long series of unfortunate events plaguing the gaming media landscape. Back in May, another big player in the game world was sold, resulting in the kind of staff turnover that would make a game developer cry. Several writers and editors, including the then-editor-in-chief, found themselves on the unemployment line, clutching their resumes like a lifeline.
The sorrows don’t end there. Cult-favorite outlets have also been facing upheavals, imploding like a poorly executed game launch. It seems even the big bosses at IGN and Gamer Network—which oversees well-loved sites like Eurogamer and VG247—aren’t immune to this tumultuous time.
Game Over? Not Quite Yet!
So, as the dust settles on this uncertain stage in the gaming industry, it may feel like game over for many affected. However, in true gaming fashion, the hope remains that some may respawn in new opportunities, perhaps in unforeseen realms destined for adventure. Until then, this chapter in the saga continues, leaving the audience to wonder which joystick will be next to fall silent.
