Walmart Supported Gaming Site

A Fresh Take on Gaming Sites?

The online world of gaming journalism is facing some tough times. We’ve seen closures and downsizing at established publications, painting a challenging picture for gaming sites. But amidst this uncertainty, retail giant Walmart is making a surprising move, launching Restart, a gaming site aiming to blend editorial content with retail opportunities. Could this be the future of gaming news?

Ad-Free Zone: Just Games, Please

Restart wants to offer a different experience. It operates under Moonrock, a gaming-focused marketing agency contracted by Walmart. This setup allows Walmart to gain insights into consumer behavior and preferences, while Restart maintains editorial control.

Think of it like affiliate marketing, similar to what sites like IGN and Polygon do with “buy now” links, but on a larger scale. And here’s the kicker: Restart promises an ad-free experience. No flashing banners, no intrusive pop-ups, no tracking cookies – just pure, unadulterated gaming content, crafted by human writers, not AI. This commitment to a clean user experience seeks to build trust among gamers weary of cluttered websites.

Editorial Independence

The biggest question surrounding Restart is its editorial independence. Can a gaming site funded by a retail giant truly remain unbiased? Brandy Berthelson, Restart’s editor-in-chief, insists that Walmart exerts zero influence over their editorial content. This separation is critical for maintaining credibility and trust within the gaming community. 

Restart’s revenue model relies on embedded links that direct users to Walmart’s product pages.

This allows Walmart to gather valuable consumer data without directly impacting Restart’s editorial decisions or financial bottom line.

The Human Touch

Restart is actively recruiting freelance writers, demonstrating a commitment to investing in quality, human-generated content. This, combined with Walmart’s financial backing, provides Restart with a level of stability rarely seen in today’s volatile media landscape.

This suggests that Walmart is taking a long-term view, aiming to establish Restart as a major player in the gaming media arena.

A Bold Experiment: The Future of Gaming Media?

Restart.run represents a fascinating experiment. Can a retail behemoth like Walmart successfully navigate the nuanced world of gaming journalism while upholding editorial integrity?

Will gamers embrace this new model?

The success of Restart hinges on delivering high-quality content, building a loyal audience, and seamlessly integrating its retail component without compromising its editorial vision.

Time will tell if this gamble pays off, but the launch of Restart.run undoubtedly marks a significant development in the gaming media landscape, potentially reshaping the relationship between content and commerce for years to come.