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| GamesBeat Editorial Director Dean Takahashi (seated) and CEO Gina Joseph (standing) (Image Source: GamesIndustry.biz/GamesBeat) |
GamesBeat, one of the top global brands and leading news voices in gaming, entertainment, and tech industries, announces it will become an independent media brand under new leadership. Gina Joseph, former chief strategy officer at GamesBeat's parent company VentureBeat, is the new CEO, making history as one of the only female CEOs for a gaming media publication. Dean Takahashi, one of the gaming and tech industries’ most respected journalists, will be Editorial Director. This significant transformation positions GamesBeat for continued growth and innovation, allowing the publication to focus even further to expand reach and influence at the business intersection of gaming, interactive technology, and entertainment.
Joseph brings over two decades of leadership experience in media and technology. Under her direction, she’ll guide the GamesBeat brand into an exciting new era of innovation, as a premier resource for business leaders, and create valuable cross-sector partnerships by reshaping the future of how the gaming, tech, and entertainment industries collaborate, innovate, and grow together in an increasingly interconnected world. “We are excited about this powerful new chapter for GamesBeat and the industry we are serving. As a niche independent publication, we’ll unlock unparalleled insights, opportunities, and direct access to decision-makers, playing an integral role for this $177B (177 billion dollars) industry and the broader interactive tech landscape. We look forward to growing GamesBeat as an influential industry platform, not just for news, but to also foster connections and opportunities for business leaders, helping the industry to thrive while continuing our reputation for delivering authoritative thought leadership that will shape the future of this dynamic space,” says Joseph. Takahashi has been a prominent voice in the industry, writing the first story on Nvidia in 1996 and again the first to announce what became Blizzard Entertainment. GamesBeat, founded by Takahashi as part of VentureBeat in 2008, will continue its reputation for delivering authoritative content with an added emphasis on expanding its scope and coverage. He explains, “This is a new era for GamesBeat. I’ve seen firsthand how gaming has grown into a pillar of global culture and commerce. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, thoughtful reporting is more important than ever. Our goal is to deliver the kind of insightful journalism that offers our audience contextual insights needed to understand how gaming interacts with other high-growth sectors. We chronicle the day-to-day business of games and we also help make the connections that should exist inside such a close-knit community."
Becoming an independent media company marks a pivotal moment for the GamesBeat everyone knows. Its commitment as a premier outlet for industry leaders paves the way for the future introduction of new editorial initiatives; thought-provoking features; enhanced content formats; live event coverage; exclusive partnerships; and new opportunities for industry insiders to create valuable B2B connections. Influential live events, including the popular GamesBeat Summit, GamesBeat Next, GamesBeat Global Tour, and Games & Hollywood events will be expanded even more, further solidifying GamesBeat’s position as the hub for industry leaders to come together and shape the future across multiple digital platforms. Joseph adds, “Our events have always been a platform for meaningful connections and genuine conversations. As we build on this legacy, we will work to foster even more powerful connections, ensuring GamesBeat continues to be a critical point of intersection for the industry’s biggest players. It’s not uncommon for executives to land multi-million or billion-dollar deals thanks to connections made at exclusive GamesBeat events or through our influential B2B network."
Transition Comes At A Time Of Big Industry Changes
GamesBeat’s new direction comes at a critical time for the gaming industry, as technologies like AI (Artificial Intelligence) continue to transform entertainment and tech, making it more crucial for leaders to stay informed. Simultaneously, the media landscape has drastically changed. The new leadership team intends for GamesBeat to represent the future of media, by offering journalism that matters, is personal, authentic, and trusted, and with a human connection, delivered via a new site experience and channels that matter most to current and future generations, both coming soon. "We're creating content and opportunities for everyone - not limited to just leaders in gaming – this is about all business leaders understanding how the future of interactive technology and AI will shape industries far beyond entertainment. Whether you’re in Hollywood, healthcare, education, or any other sector, it's imperative to understand how it will impact your industry,” says Joseph.
Backed By Strong Industry Support
The new GamesBeat media company is backed by industry strategic advisors including Peter Levin, co-founder and managing director at Griffin Gaming Partners. Levin has been instrumental throughout the acquisition having extensive experience with media brand sales such as Deadline’s move to Penske Media Corporation and Nerdist Industries to Legendary Entertainment. Also, Greg Akselrud and Kelly Siobhan Laffey of Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP serve as legal counsel.
