Walmart-Sponsored Gaming Site Restart Cuts Entire Editorial Staff
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The gaming media venture operated by Moonrock has laid off its full editorial team, raising questions about the site's future.
As first reported by The Verge, the gaming media site Restart—launched in late 2024 with sponsorship from Walmart—has laid off its entire editorial staff.
Brandy Berthelson, the former editor-in-chief of the site, confirmed the cuts in a post on Friday. Other employees also reported being laid off, with one former staffer telling The Verge that they signed a severance agreement with Moonrock, the content marketing agency that operates the site.
While the site's editorial mission page stated that Restart operated as an independent entity and that Walmart did not influence editorial direction, the site was "powered" by the retail giant. The Verge reports that the site utilized partner tracking codes to direct readers to Walmart for game purchases, allowing the company to track customer arrival paths without providing the site a percentage of the sales.
As of the report, Restart remains online, though it is unclear if Walmart and Moonrock intend to continue operations. Both companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Verge. Berthelson stated she is unable to discuss specific details regarding the layoffs.