Aftermath: The New Video Game Publication
Four former Kotaku staffers, Nathan Grayson, Gita Jackson, Riley MacLeod, and Luke Plunkett, have come together to launch a new subscription-based video games and culture publication. Aftermath, as they’ve named it, is the brainchild of these long-time Kotaku members, and it has already gone live. The website embarks on a journey to bring a fresh perspective to discussing video games, the internet, and the intertwined relationship between capitalism and the modern-day online media. With a strong focus on community and cultural shifts, Aftermath aims to create content that resonates with and entertains its readers.
At the core of Aftermath lies a deep understanding of the current state of the internet. Gita Jackson sheds light on the essence of Aftermath, “It’s about the internet and everything that comes after.” Expanding on her initial description, Gita reflects on her vision, saying, “I’m so interested in taking Aftermath and using the site to discuss the way that we live now and the way that capitalism and the internet have really intertwined and changed a lot of the ways that we find self-expression, the way that media is made, and the way that we consume it.”
In today’s fast-paced and rapidly evolving online culture, the founders of Aftermath recognize the challenges facing modern digital media outlets. SEO optimization, unpredictable social media platforms, fluctuating advertising revenues, and coping with ownership changes have all contributed to the demise of many fellow publications. Despite video games experiencing a golden era, there has been a noticeable shift within the industry, as top studios such as BioWare, Bungie, and CD Projekt Red have all battled layoffs.
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In response, the Aftermath team seeks to give a resilient voice to games journalism and intends to navigate the adversities that have been plaguing the digital media landscape. With Chris Person and Alex Jaffe joining as featured contributors to the publication, Aftermath is set to harness the power of subscription-based revenue, veering away from traditional advertising models. Taking inspiration from worker-owned publications such as Defector and Hell Gate, Aftermath aims to cultivate a direct connection with its readers, centered around unyielding and thought-provoking content.
Beyond the written word, Aftermath will offer an audiovisual experience, with two in-house podcasts and a digital presence on Twitch. With a unique subscription structure in place, Aftermath’s readership will have the opportunity to choose among three tiers – each offering varying levels of access to content and additional perks, thereby giving the readers an opportunity to contribute directly towards sustainability.
The path ahead isn’t devoid of challenges, as the team grapples with the underlying worry of subscription fatigue. However, they remain optimistic, drawing inspiration from other worker-owned sites such as Defector and Hell Gate, which have witnessed substantial and sustained growth. Maximizing upon traditional media practices, Aftermath looks to carve a niche for itself in the affinity-driven content landscape, banking on quality journalism and its loyal readership base that seeks authentic and insightful narratives.
As they embark on this new venture, the co-founders of Aftermath are dedicated to upholding their journalistic integrity and speaking to a younger generation that is yearning for nontraditional video game media. Perseverance, adaptability, and resourcefulness are hallmarks of their approach, reflective of the very same characteristics they aim to champion within the gaming community. With Aftermath, they seek to carve out a steadfast path, guided by a commitment towards providing quality content and a workforce-centric business model.
