Giant Bomb, the beloved gaming website, has officially gone independent! After a period of uncertainty following a content pause due to reported editorial interference from its parent company, Fandom, the team has announced it’s now employee-owned and operating independently. This news comes as a breath of fresh air for fans who were worried about the future of the site.
In a Bluesky post and on their website, the Giant Bomb team expressed their excitement about this new chapter. They emphasized their commitment to creating content free from algorithmic pressures or executive interference, focusing instead on the community and the unique personalities that make Giant Bomb special. This renewed focus on their core values is a welcome change for long-time fans.
To support this new independent venture, Giant Bomb has launched a subscription model. For a monthly fee of $9.99 or an annual fee of $99.99, subscribers will receive ad-free RSS feeds for all podcasts and access to exclusive Discord channels, including behind-the-scenes content and Q&A sessions. While the initial subscription page details might be slightly outdated, the team assures fans that they’re working on updates and encourage questions through social media.
This positive development follows news of content pauses and the sale of Polygon to Valnet, a company facing accusations of poor working conditions. The Giant Bomb story offers a refreshing counterpoint, demonstrating the power of a dedicated community and a team committed to its vision. The success of this employee-owned model could set a positive precedent for other gaming sites.
The team’s playful announcement, referencing Fortnite and even promising a Dan Ryckert skin, highlights their commitment to engaging their audience and maintaining their distinctive brand of humor. This transition to independence seems to be a strategic move to ensure Giant Bomb’s longevity and ability to continue providing quality content to its fans for years to come. It’s a victory for the community, the creators, and anyone who believes in the power of independent gaming journalism.
