Restart, a games media website backed by Walmart, has announced the sudden departure of its entire editorial team. According to Brandy Berthelson, former editor-in-chief, this move comes despite the site's claim of independence from its sponsor.

The site was operated by Moonrock, a content marketing agency, but its mission page assured readers that Walmart had no influence over editorial direction. Now, with the editorial staff gone, it’s unclear if or how Restart will continue under new ownership.

One laid-off staffer told The Verge they signed a severance agreement with Moonrock, revealing little about the layoff process. As of now, Restart remains online, but its future is uncertain without its key content creators.

This development echoes recent corporate moves in media, where sponsored sites and platforms are quietly reshaped to fit broader business strategies. It leaves many wondering how much genuine editorial independence can survive in an era of corporate journalism.