G/O Media is winding down its operations and has sold its last major site, Kotaku, to European publisher Keleops, leaving only The Root remaining among its properties, as the company and industry face ongoing challenges.
G/O Media sold the gaming news site Kotaku to European media company Keleops, which plans to expand its U.S. presence and focus on tech and pop culture, leaving G/O Media with only The Root. The move is part of Keleops' broader strategy to grow its media portfolio in the U.S., with plans for further acquisitions.
With Thanksgiving approaching, Kotaku suggests using mobile games as a distraction during potentially awkward family gatherings. Recommended games include Pokémon TCG Pocket, Star Wars: Hunters, and the mobile ports of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. These games offer engaging experiences that can help pass the time when social interactions become challenging.
Game publisher Prytania Media has shut down studio Possibility Space, with co-founder Jeff Strain seemingly attributing the closure to an upcoming article from Kotaku reporter Ethan Gach. Strain claimed that after receiving questions about a not-yet-public project, an emergency meeting with its publishers led to the cancellation of the project and subsequent closure of the studio. This marks the second Prytania subsidiary to close this year, following the shutdown of Crop Circle Games. The closure has surprised employees and sparked reactions on social media, with some expressing concerns about the impact of media reporting on the industry.
Kotaku asks readers to share their most anticipated games of 2024, with titles like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Tekken 8, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League already generating excitement. The article also highlights other highly anticipated games such as Granblue Fantasy: Relink, Dragon's Dogma 2, Rise of the Ronin, Skull and Bones, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Kotaku's top 10 stories of 2023 include topics such as asset theft accusations against a PC game on Steam, multiple versions of "Across the Spider-Verse" in theaters, a raid by Wizards of the Coast to retrieve Magic: The Gathering cards from a YouTuber's house, a YouTuber buying all video games on the Wii U and 3DS eShops before they close, and unintended next-gen vaginas in The Witcher 3. Other notable stories include the disposal of over $30 million worth of Funko pops, changes in HBO's The Last of Us series, and unhinged April Fools patch notes for Overwatch 2.
Kotaku readers have voted on the best video game sequels of all time, with Mass Effect 2, Street Fighter II, Halo 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Portal 2 emerging as the top choices. Other honorable mentions include Super Metroid, Mega Man 2, Silent Hill 2, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Super Mario Bros 3. These sequels were praised for their improvements upon the original games, innovative gameplay, and lasting impact on the gaming industry.
After 17 years at Kotaku, a writer reflects on their time at the website, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to talk about video games on the internet. They recount the ups and downs, the friendships made, and the challenges faced. Despite the difficulties, they are proud of the work done and the impact made. The writer thanks their colleagues and contributors, expressing appreciation for their support and talent. They conclude by expressing excitement for the future and the opportunity to explore life beyond video games.
A woman was supposed to be on stage at Summer Game Fest, but couldn't make it. The lack of diversity and representation in gaming events like this is a problem, as it can make underrepresented groups feel excluded.