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Digital Foundry announces independence from IGN

The gaming tech experts have parted ways with IGN and will focus on audience-driven content.

August 7, 2025 at 03:11 PM
blur Digital Foundry Leaves IGN To Join Indie Games Media Gold Rush

The tech experts at Digital Foundry join the corporate games media exodus.

Digital Foundry Becomes Independent From IGN

Digital Foundry, the renowned gaming technology YouTube channel, has announced its independence from IGN. Founded by Richard Leadbetter in the early 2000s, the group has gained industry recognition for its technical breakdowns of gaming performance across consoles and PCs. In a recent statement, the team confirmed that they now have full control over their operations, stating they will answer only to their audience. This move comes after a buyout deal that allowed Digital Foundry to purchase shares from IGN, supported by external investor Rupert Loman. The team plans to build a new website and focus on retro and PC gaming analysis. This shift highlights the growing trend of media outlets seeking indie status after corporate ownership challenges.

Key Takeaways

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Digital Foundry is now fully independent from IGN
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The move was facilitated by a buyout of shares
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Focus will shift towards retro and PC gaming analysis
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Digital Foundry will engage more directly with developers
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The group aims to innovate within gaming media
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This trend signals a shift towards audience-supported outlets

"What this means is that from now on, all aspects of DF are decided upon by DF."

Leadbetter emphasizes the newfound autonomy of Digital Foundry.

"We have a great dialogue with developers, both hardware and software."

Battaglia highlights the importance of collaboration in creating better games.

Digital Foundry's independence signals a significant shift in gaming media landscape. As more creators prioritize audience engagement over corporate interests, this trend reflects a broader desire for authenticity in content. By positioning themselves as independent, Digital Foundry can provide unfiltered insights that many gamers value highly. This move also indicates a potential rebirth of niche media, allowing for innovative content creations tailored closely to the gaming community's needs. It remains to be seen how this will affect their growth and influence in an ever-evolving industry where corporate affiliations often deter critical voices.

Highlights

  • Digital Foundry is now fully independent and proud to serve our audience.
  • This is a new era for us, one entirely focused on our community.
  • We provide feedback to developers to improve gaming experiences.
  • Indie media outlets are on the rise as corporate ties fade.

Independent media growth raises concerns

The shift of Digital Foundry and similar outlets towards independence may provoke backlash from corporate media owners worried about audience-supported models.

As Digital Foundry embraces this new chapter, the impact on the gaming media industry could be profound.

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