Digital Foundry, a prominent voice in gaming technology and analysis, has officially severed ties with its corporate parent, declaring itself a fully independent entity. Established in 2004 by industry veteran Richard Leadbetter, the channel initially entered a partnership with Gamer Network in 2015, which saw the latter acquire a 50% stake. This ownership later transferred to ReedPop in 2018, and subsequently to Ziff Davis, parent company of IGN, following ReedPop's sale of Gamer Network last year.
The transition to full independence was facilitated by Richard Leadbetter's amicable acquisition of Ziff Davis's shareholding. This strategic buyout was made possible with the support of Rupert Loman-West, a co-founder of the former Gamer Network and current chairman of Hookshot Media. This pivotal move places the complete direction and editorial control of Digital Foundry squarely in the hands of its founders and dedicated team.
With newfound independence, Digital Foundry is poised to embrace a broader scope of content. The team now possesses complete freedom to determine its editorial agenda, promising an exciting evolution for its viewers. Senior staff writer John Linneman has indicated a particular emphasis on increasing retro-focused video content, a direction that has been highly anticipated by a segment of their audience.
Further solidifying its commitment to direct audience engagement, Digital Foundry is set to launch its own dedicated website. This new platform will serve as a central hub, enabling the channel to reach a wider global audience and offer a more comprehensive experience beyond its existing video content. This initiative reflects a strategic vision to foster a stronger community and provide enriched resources for gaming enthusiasts.
Richard Leadbetter articulated the core philosophy behind this move, emphasizing that all decisions concerning Digital Foundry will now be made internally. He declared that the organization's primary accountability is to its audience, signaling a commitment to unbiased and audience-centric journalism. This independence is seen as a pioneering step for the future of gaming media, driven by direct engagement and community support.