Key Takeaways
- Waypoint, the gaming publication under Vice Media, will cease operations on June 2, 2023, as part of a series of cutbacks announced by the media company.
- Waypoint aimed to elevate the conversation around gaming journalism by exploring the stories behind why people play games and delving into the passion and politics surrounding the gaming industry.
- The closure of Waypoint follows the shutdown of other gaming sites and highlights the growing challenges faced by the gaming journalism industry as a whole.
- The media industry is grappling with an ongoing funding crisis, resulting in significant staff reductions in recent months, and raising questions about the future of journalism.
- The closure of Waypoint serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of the media industry and the uncertain future faced by many publications in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Waypoint, the gaming publication under Vice Media, will cease operations on June 2, 2023.
This closure comes as part of a series of cutbacks announced by the media company, which has been grappling with financial difficulties and a struggling news industry.
A Unique Vision for Gaming Journalism
Waypoint was launched in 2016 with the mission to provide an “immersive dive into the culture, passion, and politics of gaming.”
Unlike other gaming sites that focus on updates and industry news, Waypoint aimed to elevate the conversation by exploring the stories behind why people play games and delving into the passion and politics surrounding the gaming industry.
Under the guidance of original editor-in-chief Austin Walker, the site attracted top talent, including writers who had previously worked at Kotaku, as well as up-and-coming journalists and critics.
Challenges Faced by the Gaming Journalism Sector
The closure of Waypoint is a significant loss for the gaming journalism landscape, as it follows the shutdown of other gaming sites such as Launcher earlier this year.
The decline of these publications highlights the growing challenges faced by the industry as a whole, with the gaming journalism space becoming increasingly weaker.
The rise of ad-blockers and the decline of traditional print advertising models have created a precarious environment for many publications, leaving them vulnerable to cutbacks and closures.
Waypoint was launched in 2016 with the mission to provide an “immersive dive into the culture, passion, and politics of gaming.”
Vice Media’s Struggles and Industry-wide Challenges
Vice Media’s announcement of cutbacks, including the cancellation of its flagship news show, “Vice News Tonight,” is part of a broader trend of layoffs and closures affecting the media industry.
Newsroom employment in the United States has decreased by more than a quarter between 2008 and 2021, as traditional print advertising models have crumbled.
Other media outlets, such as BuzzFeed, CNN, The Washington Post, NPR, Vox Media, and NBC News, have faced similar challenges, resulting in significant staff reductions in recent months.
The media industry is grappling with an ongoing funding crisis that raises questions about the future of journalism.
Digital media startups, like Vice, which was once valued at nearly $6 billion, have struggled to adapt to the new landscape dominated by tech giants like Google and Meta.
Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Group Black had submitted a bid to buy Vice for about $400 million, a far cry from its peak valuation.
Bidding Farewell to Waypoint and Its Talented Team
The closure of Waypoint marks a sad day for gaming journalism, as many skilled writers and reporters are left without jobs.
Senior writer Patrick Klepek expressed his gratitude to the fans of Waypoint on Twitter, acknowledging that their support played a crucial role in keeping the publication alive as long as it did.
The closure of Waypoint serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of the media industry and the uncertain future faced by many publications in this rapidly evolving landscape.
As the industry continues to search for sustainable business models, the loss of unique voices like Waypoint will be keenly felt by both readers and fellow journalists alike.
