Walmart’s Restart.run: A new opportunity for developers to connect with players

Content marketing agency Moonrock today revealed its new gaming journalism website, Restart.run, an independent gaming website sponsored by major retailer Walmart. The new gaming site features game reviews, recommendations and interviews, and nearly every article includes embedded links to products described on Walmart’s website.

According to Moonrock, the site has a staff with more than 40 years of combined experience and focuses on social media presence and video content in addition to written articles on the site. Although Walmart sponsors them, Moonrock says the site remains independent, led by editor-in-chief Brandy Berthelson.

Frank Barbieri, vice president of content and digital at Walmart, told GamesBeat in an interview: “We continually strive to reach the gaming customer wherever they are and provide them with interesting items and solutions as part of our wide assortment. With our growth in online sales and same-day pickup and delivery in stores, we are the fastest way for most gaming customers in the United States to get the video game consoles they love.”

Barbieri added: “We recognize that there are many options for gaming and fandom customers: where and how to interact online, events to attend, and much more. “Our involvement with Restart presents an opportunity to contribute more than just selling gaming products, but also to be part of a broader community that provides engaging content and a great online experience.”

What Walmart brings to Restart readers

As noted, most of Restart’s content includes embedded affiliate links to products mentioned on Walmart’s site. This isn’t Walmart’s first foray into the gaming sphere, as the company most recently partnered with roblox launch an e-commerce platform. Restart maintains an “ongoing relationship” with the retailer, but does not earn commission from its affiliate links.

John Benyamine, CEO of Moonrock, said in a statement: “We created Restart.run to give gamers the kind of content they can truly trust: thoughtful reviews, real insights, and stories that really matter to gamers, from real people who care about games. “Walmart’s sponsorship allows us to delve deeper into what makes gaming great in a clean, ad-free presentation while maintaining an independent voice.”

Barbieri echoed the sentiment, telling GamesBeat: “The Restart team has been fantastic to work with. “As the Restart site grows by driving product discovery and engaging with the gaming community, Walmart will be there to support our customers by giving them the products they want and love.”