Restart, a games media website backed by Walmart and operated by content marketing agency Moonrock, has eliminated its entire editorial team. The layoffs were announced through a Friday post by Brandy Berthelson, the site’s former editor-in-chief, with additional staff members confirming their departures through social media.
The site, which launched in late 2024, functioned as Walmart’s entry into gaming journalism and editorial content. According to its editorial mission page, Restart maintained what it characterized as an independent editorial voice, stating that Walmart did not influence its coverage decisions. The site’s business model involved providing product purchase links directed to Walmart, which generated referral tracking data for the retailer but did not produce direct revenue for Restart itself.
Restart positioned itself as a competitor to similar gaming media properties, drawing comparisons to Game Informer, which was previously owned by GameStop before shutting down earlier this year. Game Informer has since been revived under different ownership. At least one laid-off employee confirmed signing a severance agreement with Moonrock as part of the separation process.
Berthelson indicated she cannot publicly discuss specific details surrounding the layoffs due to the terms of her departure. As of the announcement, the Restart website remained online, though the operational status and future direction of the property remain uncertain. Neither Walmart nor Moonrock provided immediate responses to inquiries regarding whether they plan to continue operating the site or what such operations might entail following the staff reductions.
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