The gaming website Restart, sponsored by Walmart and operated by Moonrock, has laid off its entire editorial team.
Key facts
- •Restart launched in late 2024 with sponsorship from Walmart.
- •The site was operated by the content marketing agency Moonrock.
- •Former editor-in-chief Brandy Berthelson confirmed the entire editorial team was cut.
- •The site's editorial mission claimed it operated independently of Walmart's influence.
- •Restart remains accessible online despite the staff layoffs.
Restart, a gaming media website launched in late 2024, has laid off its entire editorial staff. Former editor-in-chief Brandy Berthelson confirmed the cuts in a post on Friday, and other staff members have also reported being laid off. The site is operated by the content marketing agency Moonrock and is sponsored by Walmart.
Site operations and editorial independence
Restart was marketed as an independent site, with its editorial mission page stating that Walmart did not influence its editorial direction. The site functioned by providing purchase links to Walmart for games mentioned in its articles, using tracking codes to help the retailer monitor customer traffic.
Status of the website
While the website remains online, it is currently unclear if Walmart and Moonrock intend to continue its operations following the layoffs. Moonrock and Walmart did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the future of the site. One affected staffer confirmed they signed a severance agreement with Moonrock.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Verge.
