Polygon’s new owner says it will ‘do what’s right for Polygon’ – The Verge

🔍 Summary:

Valnet, a company with a diverse portfolio of brands across gaming, entertainment, and other sectors, has acquired Polygon, a prominent gaming and entertainment website previously under Vox Media. In an interview with The Verge, Rony Arzoumanian, Valnet’s head of mergers and acquisitions, discussed the acquisition, which had been of high interest to Valnet due to Polygon’s status as a “triple-A gaming brand.” The deal, initiated by Valnet a few months prior, aims to deepen Polygon’s gaming coverage, although specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Arzoumanian expressed optimism about Polygon’s potential and outlined plans to invest in the site, ensuring it has robust operations for the next five to ten years. This includes recruiting top-tier writers and editors, though it remains unclear whether these will be full-time hires or contractors. The transition has seen about ten Polygon staffers move to Valnet, with Matt Patches temporarily leading the team. Despite significant staff changes, including layoffs and the departure of former editor-in-chief Chris Plante, Arzoumanian emphasized continuity and the maintenance of Polygon’s archives.

The acquisition has not been without controversy. Chris Grant, Vox Media’s group publisher, expressed frustration over Valnet’s communication during the acquisition process. However, Arzoumanian noted that Valnet primarily communicated with Vox Media’s CEO, Jim Bankoff. Looking ahead, Valnet has no current plans to introduce AI-generated content at Polygon and intends to maintain its course, focusing on strengthening the brand without significant changes in the immediate future.

📌 Source: https://www.theverge.com/games/660635/polygon-valnet-vox-media-new-owner-interview