Kotaku UK To Shut Down This Week

Having started back in September 2014, Kotaku is now about to shut its virtual doors for good, at least in the UK. In an announcement today it was revealed that Kotaku UK will be shutting down on September 9th, that’s just two days. For those of you reading in the US there’s less need to panic should you frequent Kotaku (as well as our fine establishment), as the US version will remain open. The UK site was run by Future Publishing who have chosen not to renew the licensing agreements when they expire.

The US version of Kotaku is run by G/O Media and will not be affected. In a rather depressing post on the UK site, Kotaku editor Rich Stanton had this to say in a farewell post, the entirety of which you can read here:

Video games have changed a lot in the time since Kotaku UK launched, and will continue to morph and move at breakneck pace in the years to come. Sadly we won’t be around to guide you through them.”

He then states the reasoning with the licensing above, before thanking the people who were important to the site, as well as stating his respect for the US staff past and present. He finishes with this somber message.:

Finally I’d like to thank and say farewell to our readers. My sense was always that you love games, have a sense of humor, and value good writing: that’s what we always tried to deliver. I’m sorry to say goodbye. Hope you all enjoyed the ride, and please take one thing from Kotaku UK: see games differently.”

Regardless of whether you read the site or not, it’s always sad to see something like this close down leaving good people out of a job. We’d like to express our sympathy to all the staff involved and thank them for the competition over the years. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and if you could bring back one gaming website or magazine what would it be, and why?