Walmart Launches New Gaming Site: Restart

Walmart Enters the Games Media Landscape with Restart

The struggling games media industry has a new contender: Walmart’s Restart website, run by Moonrock, a marketing company specializing in connecting brands with video games. This isn’t inherently bad, given the shrinking games media landscape, with publications closing and ad revenue dwindling.

A New Model in a Changing Industry

Restart‘s business model isn’t entirely unique. Similar to past models like Game Informer (owned by GameStop) and Nintendo’s magazine, Restart will feature affiliate links to Walmart products. However, the site clarifies that it will receive no portion of sales, aiming to avoid biased reviews.

Editorial Independence in Question

Restart enters a media environment where the line between corporate interests and editorial independence is increasingly blurred. While Restart claims independence, Moonrock’s marketing strategy reveals a focus on connecting gaming content with Walmart’s retail platform.

Concerns and Considerations

The launch of Restart raises questions about the future of games journalism and the potential impact of corporate sponsorship on editorial integrity. The site’s success will depend on its ability to balance its commercial goals with the provision of unbiased, high-quality gaming content.