Giant Bomb, one of gaming’s most influential websites, has been acquired by a group of its former staff members in a landmark deal that returns control to the people who shaped its identity. This acquisition marks the first time since the site’s 2008 founding that it will operate under the stewardship of those with deep creative ties to the platform rather than corporate ownership.
The gaming media staple has passed through several corporate hands during its history. After its founding by ex-GameSpot editors Jeff Gerstmann and Ryan Davis, Giant Bomb was acquired by CBS Interactive in 2012. The site was later sold to Red Ventures and then packaged as part of a larger media deal with Fandom in 2022.
This transition to staff ownership comes at a big moment for online gaming media. Many independent sites have struggled with declining ad revenue, while corporate-owned outlets frequently face layoffs, budget cuts, or complete shutdowns. The acquisition gives Giant Bomb a chance to chart its own course outside corporate constraints.
While the specific identities of the former staff behind the acquisition haven’t been definitively revealed, this move seems to involve current or recent Giant Bomb team members rather than a reunion of the original founding crew—some of whom have since launched their own independent projects, like Gerstmann’s Patreon-funded operation.
Giant Bomb built its reputation on personality-driven content, including its flagship “Bombcast” podcast, video series, Quick Looks, and other formats that prioritized authentic voices over traditional review formats. Under corporate oversight, the site experienced significant personnel changes, with several founding members leaving in 2021 and 2022 to create spinoff projects like Nextlander.
The move toward creator ownership lines up with broader industry trends, as digital content creators try to take more control over their work and relationship with audiences. Many have turned to subscription models, Patreon support, or other direct ways to make money instead of depending on traditional media business models.
Bombs away from corporate control
This acquisition puts Giant Bomb in a growing crowd of creator-controlled media platforms that care about community connection and editorial independence. For longtime fans, the change could mean a return to the site’s roots as an authentic alternative to mainstream gaming coverage.