About Paste Games
Paste Games was a video game coverage vertical under The A.V. Club, which itself is owned by Paste Media. Originally organized around a print music magazine, Paste Media transitioned to an online-only format in 2010, expanding into gaming with Paste Games. Over its 15-year history, the outlet was known for insightful voices in game criticism, particularly under the leadership of Garrett Martin.
Recent Changes at The A.V. Club
On May 1, 2025, The A.V. Club announced the layoff of its full-time gaming editors as it shifts focus back to its core strengths of movies and TV. This decision eliminated three roles, including two key staff members who previously oversaw the gaming coverage. The announcement reflects a broader trend of diminishing support for gaming journalism within the organization.
The Legacy of Paste Games
Paste Games' legacy, while significant, is now fragmented across various URLs and marred by link rot. The outlet briefly rebranded as Endless Mode in mid-2025, aiming to expand its coverage to include anime, theme parks, tabletop games, and more. However, this initiative lasted less than six months before being folded back into The A.V. Club. Garrett Martin expressed regret over the changes, stating, "We regret The A.V. Club couldn’t be a home to expanded video games coverage once again." He underscored the importance of gaming in culture, noting, "Games are big business. More importantly, though, they’re as vital to the culture and to people’s lives today as movies, TV, music, or any of the other mediums and art forms covered by The A.V. Club."
A Farewell to a Community
The closure of Paste Games and the layoffs mark the end of an era for gaming journalism that valued personal and expansive writing about games. In his farewell message on Bluesky, Martin thanked everyone involved, stating, "Thanks to everybody who wrote for us, thanks to Eli, Moises, Holly, Jenn, Gita, and Maddy for helping edit it, thanks to Kirk for passing the baton, thanks to Chris for starting it up, and thanks to everybody who ever read it. see ya around." This farewell reflects the emotional connection between the writers and their audience, emphasizing the void left by the loss of such a unique platform.