Games journalism took body blows January 16, 2026. Inverse shuttered its gaming section completely, laying off deputy editor Shannon Liao and three writers. The Verge lost gaming specialist Ash Parrish plus additional coverage capacity as Vox Media continues post-Polygon sale contraction.
Inverse Gaming: Dead at 8 Years Old
Zoom call delivered death sentence to Inverse gaming. Management cited ‘divestment from gaming content’ as Bustle Digital Group pivots to influencer marketing. Affected:
- Shannon Liao (deputy editor, ex-Washington Post)
- Hayes Madsen (staff writer)
- Two additional writers
- Skeleton entertainment crew remains
Liao confirmed on Bluesky: ‘Gaming section shut down. Out of job with my co-writers.’ Madsen: ‘Four years heart and soul into this.’ BDG bought Inverse 2019, oversaw layoffs 2020/22/23/24.
The Verge Coverage Slashed
Vox Media Union confirms two Verge union members cut alongside PopSugar/Eater. Ash Parrish, gaming specialist (ex-Kotaku), laid off same day. Polygon sold May 2025 to Valnet. Vox 2024/2025 rounds left gaming skeleton crew.
| Outlet | Cuts | Gaming Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Inverse | 4 staff | Section eliminated |
| The Verge | 2+ union | Coverage slashed |
| BDG Total | Multiple rounds | Influencer pivot |
Corporate Pivot Away from Gaming
Bustle Digital Group chases ‘influencer company’ model. Gaming’s niche audience, ad revenue struggles can’t compete with lifestyle content farms. Vox post-Polygon prioritizes general tech over specialist coverage.
January 2026 bloodbath context:
– Unity lays off Xbox legend Major Nelson
– Meta closes Deadpool VR studio
– Ubisoft Massive/Stockholm cuts 55
– Inverse/Verge specialist purge
Journalism’s Death Spiral Accelerates
Specialist gaming coverage systematically dismantled:
- Launcher (Washington Post) 2023
- Polygon sold to Valnet 2025
- Inverse gaming eliminated 2026
- Verge gaming hollowed out
- Kotaku staff turnover continues
YouTube, TikTok, Twitch streamers fill void with 10x reach, zero overhead. Corporate outlets chase clicks over depth.
Writer Perspectives Raw
Social media outpouring captures devastation:
Shannon Liao: ‘Flying back from Vegas, laid off today. Gaming section shut down.’
Hayes Madsen: ‘Heart and soul four years. Need time to process.’
Ash Parrish: ‘Laid off from Verge gaming. Open to work.’
Vox Media Union fights severance, WARN notice violations.
Bigger Picture: Gaming Coverage Collapse
2026’s specialist purge leaves:
– Game Informer print canceled
– IGN corporate consolidation
– Kotaku reduced skeleton crew
– YouTube/TikTok dominant
Advertiser flight to platforms kills enthusiast press. BDG’s influencer pivot perfects death spiral.
FAQs
Inverse gaming completely gone?
Yes. Four staff cut, section shuttered. Entertainment skeleton crew remains.
The Verge still covers games?
Reduced capacity. Ash Parrish gone, coverage slashed post-Polygon sale.
Why now, post-CES?
Corporate Q1 budget realignment. Gaming can’t justify specialist costs.
BDG history with layoffs?
2019 Inverse acquisition, cuts 2020/22/23/24. Gaming final casualty.
Where do writers land?
Freelance, YouTube, TikTok. Traditional outlets hollowed out.
Union fighting back?
Vox Media Union demands severance, WARN compliance across outlets.
Conclusion
Inverse gaming’s death, Verge’s hollowing proves specialist journalism unsustainable. Corporate pivot to influencers perfects vicious cycle – less coverage, less revenue, more cuts. YouTube/TikTok inherit audience as enthusiast press collapses. January 2026 claims another chunk of gaming’s fourth estate.