Press release: Home of EGX, Eurogamer, RockPaperShotgun, and GamesIndustry.biz Teams Up with producer of PAX and New York Comic Con to Become Games Industry’s Coolest Events and Digital Specialist
ReedPOP, the world’s largest producer of games and pop culture live events, is adding Gamer Network and its portfolio of leading events, websites, and video channels to its portfolio. The addition of Gamer Network marks ReedPOP’s first expansion beyond the event production business.
Gamer Network is home to leading editorial and community websites and YouTube channels, including internationally renowned flagship brands Eurogamer, RockPaperShotgun, GamesIndustry.biz, VG247, Outside Xbox, Digital Foundry and USgamer. The company also organises the UK’s biggest games event, EGX and the world class indie games event, EGX Rezzed.
The acquisition of Gamer Network by ReedPOP, a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions, part of RELX Group, will take effect immediately.
The powerful combination of the two portfolios gives ReedPOP a truly unique opportunity to combine its leading live games events across four continents with a huge, dedicated worldwide online community of more than 50 million monthly users. ReedPOP will be focused on ensuring its events and digital channels are focused squarely on the communities they serve.
Lance Fensterman, global head of ReedPOP commented, “Gamer Network is one of the world’s leading voices for gamers and gaming culture. The opportunity to be in business with Rupert Loman and the brands, events and team he has created is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Bringing ReedPOP and Gamer Network together, PAX and EGX together – these are the kinds of mash ups you dream of. We are beyond excited to dream up new concepts that will blow the minds of fans all over the world.”
Rupert Loman, founder of Gamer Network added, “We’re delighted to join the ReedPOP group. I’m a big fan of PAX and the company culture that Lance has created. The ambition and strategy that we share means we’re extremely excited about what’s next. The combination of our online channels and European events with their internationally-respected US footprint is a powerful one.”
“I’m so proud that we’ve managed to grow to this point without any external investment and on our own terms. Gamer Network has achieved 18 consecutive years of revenue and audience growth by focusing completely on the needs and passions of our visitors, readers and viewers, and I couldn’t be happier to have found a like-minded partner to take the company further. I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to our incredible journey and I’m really looking forward to seeing where we can take things from here.”
Since ReedPOP’s first event in 2006, the sold-out New York Comic Con, the group has sought to produce exceptional experiences for passionate audiences and grow the industries surrounding these passions. This philosophy has led to continuous audience growth, with the flagship PAX events now firmly established as the largest consumer games shows in North America and Australia.
Rupert Loman will remain with the company to focus on ReedPOP’s global games strategy and expansion. Simon Maxwell is being promoted from his current role as chief operating officer, to Managing Director of Gamer Network and VP ReedPOP UK to run the company. All staff will remain with the business to continue the exciting journey ahead. Gamer Network’s new 11,000 square foot HQ in Brighton will open next week.