The age of the internet forum has been dwindling for some time, but in spite of that certain communities have thrived. One such example isResetEra, an online forum focused on gaming discussions and communities built to serve as a “bonfire at the crossroads of the gaming industry.” WhileResetErahas grown to be less of an industry gathering place since its launch in 2017, its relevancy within the online gaming discourse has only grown stronger. Needless to say, ResetEra’s community was shaken to hear Thursday morning that the site had been sold.
In a press release published by MOBA Network, a Swedish organization that owns a portfolio ofesportswebsites, the acquisition of ResetEra was confirmed for a price of $4.55 million in cash. MOBA Network describes ResetEra as a “strong, global community brand” and that the community’s core values and high membership requirements remain “essential to MOBA Network.” ResetEra’s existing operational team, including its homegrown moderation structure, will continue in place.
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While no immediate changes to ResetEra are referenced within MOBA Network’s press release, the company does state that it sees “significant opportunities” to increase the website’sadvertising revenue. Strategies listed include new ad formats, as well as long-term product development, which is likely to make members of the forum somewhat nervous. An administrator post on ResetEra states that MOBA Network will not collect or sell user data.
Reactions within ResetEra are understandably mixed. ResetEra users are confused regarding the forum’s profitability, said to be $700,000 a year with an impressive EBITDA margin of 80%, wasn’t shared among the site’s moderation structure, and how site-owner Cerium could comfortably cash out of what was built to be an independent community. The most vocal critics of the decision are already calling for a new forum to be made, akin to how ResetEra’s creation spun out ofcontroversies at NeoGAF.
In a post made by ex-ResetEra owner Cerium, he states that it’s his “honest belief” that the sale to MOBA Network is the “best way to secure the future of the site.” Cerium ambiguously goes on to say that MOBA Network can provide a “safety net” for ResetEra that he can’t provide on his own, all without ResetEra sacrificing any of its identity and focus ondiversity and inclusivity.
As for whether Cerium is telling the truth, or whether MOBA Network maintains its promise of a hands-off approach to ResetEra’s community, time will tell. Historically, these types ofacquisitions often prove tumultuousfor the existing community base, simply because new ownership strives to grow a site to have it become more profitable. It’s unlikelyResetEra’s community would abide that, regardless of MOBA Network’s intentions.
