GamesBeat transitions to an independent media organization

Image credit: GamesBeat

GamesBeat has declared its autonomy by separating from the tech news platform, VentureBeat. As part of this shift, Gina Joseph, previously the chief strategy officer at VentureBeat, has been named as the CEO. Joseph boasts over two decades of expertise in media and technology leadership.

Joseph began her tenure at VentureBeat in 2018 as the director of strategic partnerships and played a pivotal role in launching the VentureBeat Lab. Within a year, she was elevated to vice president of strategic partnerships, later advancing to executive vice president of strategy and partnerships, and finally ascending to the role of CSO in March 2023.

Before her time at VentureBeat, Joseph was the leader of strategic partnerships at Hearst for four years, and she also managed digital ad sales strategy at MediaNews Group. In addition, she holds board positions at Midwest Games and the International Game Developers Association Foundation.

Dean Takahashi, who founded GamesBeat in 2008, will serve as editorial director following the outlet's shift to independence. Takahashi, a journalist since 1988, began his focus on the gaming industry in 1996 with The Wall Street Journal.

The transition of GamesBeat is supported by strategic advisors like Peter Levin, co-founder and managing director of Griffin Gaming Partners, and Greg Akselrud and Kelly Siobhan Laffey from Stubbs Alderton & Markiles.

Gina Joseph expressed enthusiasm for GamesBeat’s new chapter, emphasizing the potential for the publication to unlock unique insights and opportunities as a niche entity. She highlighted the aim to develop GamesBeat into a prominent platform that not only reports news but also nurtures industry relationships and opportunities, maintaining its role in pioneering thought leadership for the dynamic gaming sector.

Dean Takahashi shared his vision for this new phase, recognizing gaming’s vital role in global culture and business. He stressed the importance of insightful journalism to provide audiences with the context to understand gaming’s interaction with other burgeoning industries.