Gaming Outlets Face Staff Cuts as Gambling Company Shifts Focus to AI

Clickout Media has been on a mission to acquire gaming websites, only to turn them into platforms for unmarked advertorial content promoting gambling and casinos. The latest news indicates that the owner of several notable sites is planning to shift focus to AI, which unfortunately translates to significant layoffs and the further decline of these once-thriving communities.

Lloyd Coombes, a contributing editor at one of these sites, shared on BlueSky that his position is being made redundant. He expressed his confusion about the situation on LinkedIn, highlighting the uncertainty many are facing as Clickout’s decisions lead to widespread job losses. Reports suggest that the company will only retain a minimal team of “AI Editors.”

Cat Bussell also announced the departure of her team from another gaming site, calling it a very sad day and indicating that she would share more thoughts on the matter later. The overall sentiment is one of shock and disappointment, as the future of these sites hangs in the balance, potentially replaced by the façade of AI-generated content.

Clickout Media presents itself as a “PR and marketing agency,” yet its actions tell a different story. The company has been secretive about its ownership, often obscuring its name from the sites it acquires. This was evident when it took over Adventure Gamers, which has now been reduced to promoting online casinos, leaving its rich history of adventure gaming coverage nearly forgotten.

The same fate has befallen The Escapist, which has evolved through various phases, from a respected online magazine to a site that now struggles with the forced inclusion of gambling-related content. Despite its efforts to cover lesser-known games, the quality is often overshadowed by articles that seem to be generated by AI. Esports Insider faces a similar challenge, producing solid journalism while also featuring incongruous pieces about betting firms. VideoGamer continues to fight the good fight, but it too is inundated with casino advertisements.

This trend isn’t limited to gaming sites; other platforms like ReadWriteWeb, once a respected tech site, have also succumbed to promoting sports betting and casinos after being acquired. The company has been aggressively purchasing poker sites and other gambling-related platforms.

The exact number of job losses remains unclear, as those affected have reportedly been required to sign NDAs to receive severance. Attempts to reach out to Clickout have been met with silence, reflecting their ongoing reluctance to engage with the community.

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted during this challenging time for gaming journalism.