When did Kotaku launch and who was its first lead writer?
Kotaku launched in October 2004 as a video game website within the Gawker Media network. Matthew Gallant served as its lead writer during those early days.
Questions about Kotaku
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who acquired Kotaku in August 2016 and what happened to it in July 2025?
Univision Communications acquired Gawker Media including Kotaku in August 2016. G/O Media sold Kotaku to Gizmodo owner Keleops Group in July 2025.
Which regional branches of Kotaku closed down between 2020 and 2024?
Kotaku UK closed its doors on the 9th of September 2020. In July 2024, Pedestrian Group shut down Kotaku Australia as part of cost-cutting measures.
Why did staff members leave Kotaku following the transition to G/O Media management?
Staff departures accelerated following the transition to G/O Media management due to impossible working conditions and editorial conflicts. Joshua Rivera and Gita Jackson departed in January 2020 citing impossible working conditions while Jason Schreier announced his exit on the 16th of April 2020 blaming disruptions from sister website Deadspin.
What controversies involving game companies affected Kotaku during the 2000s and 2010s?
Sony temporarily blacklisted the website in 2007 following coverage of PlayStation 3 features. Nintendo blacklisted the outlet again in 2023 regarding unreleased game leaks and Bethesda Softworks claimed they had blacklisted Kotaku in 2015.