The gaming site sponsored by Walmart lays off its editorial staff

<figure> <img alt="Stock art featuring a Nintendo Switch OLED with video game controllers on its screen." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/STK465_VIDEO_GAMES_EMULATOR__CVirginia_A.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Restart</em>, a games media website launched <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/17/24323309/walmart-restart-run-game-informer-ziff-davis-buyouts">in late 2024</a> that was sponsored by Walmart, has laid off its "entire editorial team," according to <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:qir7w72of6577cnzgh3xr3mb/post/3msjehfgngc2d?ref_src=embed">a Friday post</a> from Brandy Berthelson, the site's former editor-in-chief. Other staffers <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:s4uzm3jecxyczihggkp3dyfb/post/3msjbx77d2s2u?ref_src=embed">have</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/imrankhan.bsky.social/post/3msjbnppvgs24">also</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mylesobenza.bsky.social/post/3msjc5tsq2c2l">posted</a> about being laid off.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Restart</em> is operated by Moonrock, a content marketing agency, though its <a href="https://www.restart.run/editorial-mission">editorial mission page says</a> it's "powered" by Walmart. That page outlines how Walmart is (or was) involved:</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When we mention a game, we'll provide purchase links that will take you to Walmart using a partner tracking code. This link provides us with 0% of the sale if you decide to buy the product, but it doe …</p></blockquote> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/games/977056/restart-gaming-site-walmart-moonrock-layoffs">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>