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Playstack CEO: new owner will keep it separate from its games media brands including GamesSpot and Fandom
Playstack, the publisher behind games like Balatro and Abiotic Factor, has been acquired by Integrated Media Company (IMC), the owner of Fandom and GameSpot. CEO Harvey Elliott stated that Playstack will remain a separate entity and continue its strategy as a "variety publisher" with a commitment to an eclectic lineup through 2028. The new ownership structure is expected to provide scale without operational integration, ensuring no staff changes and continued respect for Playstack's creative decisions.
Gaming media diaspora: where every writer landed | 2026
The article maps the post-collapse landscape of gaming journalism, detailing where writers from defunct publications like Kotaku and Vice have relocated. It highlights the rise of independent, worker-owned sites, solo newsletters, and bundled subscription services as the new hubs for quality writing, contrasting them with legacy outlets perceived as publishing press releases.
Jobs roundup: June 2026 | Bernard Kim joins Appcharge advisory board
Several key appointments and elections have occurred in the games industry. Bernard Kim has joined Appcharge's advisory board, Romain Dijoux is the new studio head at Netflix's Night School Studio, and the German Games Industry Association has elected a new executive board. Other notable moves include Sam Hilary at Team17, Charlotte Spurgeon and Celeste Valentine at Imprint Studios, and leadership changes at Side.
A private equity company has acquired Balatro publisher, Playstack
Integrated Media Company, which also owns Fandom, GameSpot, and Metacritic, has acquired Playstack, the publisher of the popular game Balatro. This acquisition marks a significant move in the gaming industry's business landscape.
Owner of Fandom and GameSpot looking to buy Playstack, the publisher of Balatro
VantageCo, a subsidiary of Integrated Media Company which owns Fandom and GameSpot, is looking to acquire an 84.5% stake in the publisher Playstack for £112.4 million. Playstack, known for publishing the award-winning game Balatro, is valued at £125 million. The deal is subject to shareholder approval, but Playstack's owner TruFin's board is recommending shareholders vote in favor.
Balatro publisher Playstack to be sold to GameSpot parent company for around $151 million
TruFin, the parent company of Balatro publisher Playstack, is selling its 84.5% stake in Playstack to VantageCo. VantageCo is a subsidiary of Integrated Media Company, the owner of GameSpot, for approximately $151 million.
Business and Finance
Playstack, the owner of Balatro, has been sold to the parent company of Fandom and GameSpot. Separately, NetEase reported a 6.9% increase in games revenue for Q1, reaching $3.7 billion.
Balatro publisher Playstack could soon belong to the same private equity firm that owns Fandom and GameSpot
Playstack, the publisher behind acclaimed indie titles like Balatro, is set to be acquired by Integrated Media Company, a subsidiary of private equity firm TPG. This move would place Playstack under the same ownership umbrella as Fandom and GameSpot. Despite Playstack's reported success, its current owner, TruFin, is encouraging shareholders to approve the approximately $151 million sale, citing capital allocation strategy.
Balatro Publisher Playstack Is Being Sold to the Parent Company of GameSpot and Fandom
Playstack, the publisher of the hit game Balatro, is being sold to Integrated Media Company (IMC), which also owns Fandom and GameSpot. TruFin, Playstack's majority owner, announced the sale for approximately £112.4 million, with the deal valuing the company at around £125 million pending shareholder approval. Playstack's CEO stated that operations will continue as usual, with no change to the company's strategy or commitment to publishing indie games.
Balatro publisher Playstack sold to GameSpot and Fandom parent company
Playstack, the publisher behind games like Balatro and Abiotic Factor, is being sold to Integrated Media Company (IMC), the parent company of GameSpot and Fandom. The deal, announced by Playstack's current owner TruFin, values Playstack at approximately £125 million ($169 million). IMC is an investment group focused on entertainment brands.
ARGs and Easter Eggs
The ending of 007 First Light has been revealed to tease a potential sequel. The article also touches upon the broader concepts of Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) and Easter Eggs within video games.
GamesRadar+ and The MIX to Premiere Two New BitSummit Showcases
BitSummit, Japan's premier indie game festival, announced its 14th edition, "PUNCH," concluded with record attendance and will return in May 2027. In the interim, GamesRadar+, PC Gamer, and The MIX will broadcast two new showcases on May 26th, featuring world premiere trailers and developer spotlights. The BitSummit PUNCH Steam event, offering game demos and sales, remains live through May 28th.
How To Unlock All Characters in Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
This guide details how to unlock all seven playable characters in Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. Each character, including Batman, Jim Gordon, Catwoman, Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, and Talia al Ghul, is unlocked through story missions and possesses unique abilities essential for progressing through the game and exploring its open world.
How To Unlock All Characters in Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
This guide details how to unlock all seven playable characters in Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. Each character, including Batman, Jim Gordon, Catwoman, Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, and Talia al Ghul, is unlocked through story missions and possesses unique abilities essential for progressing through the game and exploring its open world.
How To Unlock The Bioreactor In Subnautica 2
This guide explains how to unlock and craft the Bioreactor in Subnautica 2, a large base fixture that generates energy. Players need to scan three Bioreactor fragments scattered in the Shallows region and then craft it using Titanium Ingots and Copper Ingots. The Bioreactor can consume various biodegradable resources to produce energy, with an Overdrive mode offering increased output at a faster consumption rate.
How To Unlock The Bioreactor In Subnautica 2
This guide explains how to unlock and craft the Bioreactor in Subnautica 2, a large base fixture that generates energy. Players need to scan three fragments scattered in the Shallows region and then craft it using Titanium Ingots and Copper Ingots. The Bioreactor can consume various biodegradable resources to produce energy, with an Overdrive mode offering increased output at a faster consumption rate.
How To Grow Plants In Subnautica 2 - Growbed Blueprint Location Guide
This guide explains how to grow plants in Subnautica 2 by locating and crafting the Growbed. Players need to find Growbed fragments at the Research Station (Alien Ruins) to unlock the blueprint. The Growbed can then be built in bases and used to cultivate various alien flora for crafting, food, and fuel.
How To Grow Plants In Subnautica 2 - Growbed Blueprint Location Guide
This guide explains how to grow plants in Subnautica 2 by locating and crafting the Growbed. Players need to find Growbed fragments at the Research Station (Alien Ruins) to unlock the blueprint. The Growbed can then be built in bases and used to cultivate various alien flora for crafting, food, and fuel.
Preorders For Nintendo's New 'Choose Your Game Bundle' Are Now Open
Nintendo has opened preorders for a new $500 Nintendo Switch 2 bundle that includes the console and a digital code for one of three games: Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokemon Pokopia. The bundle, launching June 7, 2026, offers savings of at least $20-$30 compared to purchasing the console and game separately. Preorders are available at Best Buy, GameStop, and Nintendo.
GameSpot is moving!
GameSpot is migrating to a new platform, WordPress VIP, after 13 years on its custom-built CMS. The move aims to shift focus from website maintenance to innovation. User accounts will transfer, but user-generated components like forums and private messages will not be immediately available on the new site. The company plans a gradual rollout and will migrate comments in the near future.
