Better Offline Saving Games Journalism With Giant Bomb
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May 21, 2025 
Dan Ryckert, Jeff Grubb, and Jeff Bakalar, co-owners of Giant Bomb, delve into the future of games journalism and the challenges they face. They share personal stories about transitioning ownership and maintaining journalistic integrity in a corporate landscape. The trio reflects on the decline of traditional media and the importance of independent voices in gaming. They also explore the rise of negativity in the industry, emphasizing the need for collaboration and genuine connections within the gaming community.
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Giant Bomb Ownership Story
- Jeff Bakalar, Jeff Grubb, and Dan Ryckert took over Giant Bomb from Fandom, becoming the fifth group of owners since 2008.
- Mike Minotti skipped full-time employment and became a co-owner immediately, highlighting their unique new structure.
Value of Independent Ownership
- Independent ownership suits games journalism better than corporate models focused on revenue extraction.
- Private ownership aligns journalistic values with sustainability, unlike typical corporate acquisitions driven by traffic monetization.
Risks of Equity Ownership
- Big private equity firms acquire gaming media for search traffic and ad revenue, often harming employees.
- Independent models thrive by fostering direct audience relationships and sustainable practices.