
Polygon's Staff Reductions Follow Acquisition by Valnet
Following the acquisition of Polygon by Valnet, a significant number of staff members, including prominent figures, have left the company.
Gaming news outlet Polygon has undergone significant staff changes following its acquisition by Valnet, the parent company of Game Rant. Founded in 2012 by Vox Media, Polygon aimed to create a new kind of website focused on innovative technology and media strategies. Unfortunately, many staff members have been let go or have chosen to leave, including Chris Plante, the co-founder and editor-in-chief. In a post on Bluesky, Plante stated, “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. I won’t be talking more about the sale because I wasn’t involved.” He is joined in departure by long-time staff members including special projects editor Matt Leone and senior reporter Nicole Carpenter, who was known for her investigative work. Valnet’s CEO, Hassan Youssef, expressed that the acquisition would bolster their editorial strength and enhance their offerings to both audiences and advertisers, amidst ongoing legal disputes with The Wrap concerning allegations of creating a ‘digital sweatshop’.