The age of the internet forum has been dwindling for some time, but certain communities have thrived despite this. ResetEra, an online forum focused on gaming discussions and communities built to serve as a “bonfire at the crossroads of the gaming industry,” is one such example.
While ResetEra has become less of an industry gathering place since its inception in 2017, its importance in the online gaming discourse has only grown. Needless to say, the ResetEra community was shocked to learn that the site had been sold on Thursday morning.
MOBA Network, a Swedish organization that owns a portfolio of esports websites, confirmed the acquisition of ResetEra for $4.55 million in cash in a press release. MOBA Network describes ResetEra as a “strong, global community brand,” and the community’s core values and stringent membership requirements are still “essential to MOBA Network.” ResetEra’s current operational team, including its in-house moderation structure, will remain in place.
While there are no immediate changes to ResetEra mentioned in the press release, the company does state that it sees “significant opportunities” to increase the website’s advertising revenue. New ad formats and long-term product development are among the strategies listed, which is likely to make forum members nervous. According to an administrator post on ResetEra, MOBA Network will not collect or sell user data.
ResetEra’s reactions are understandably mixed. Users of ResetEra are perplexed as to why the forum’s profitability, which is said to be $700,000 per year with an impressive EBITDA margin of 80%, was not 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 opponents of the decision have already called for the creation of a new forum, similar to how ResetEra arose from NeoGAF controversies.
In a post, ex-ResetEra owner Cerium states that the sale to MOBA Network is the “best way to secure the site’s future.” Cerium goes on to say, ambiguously, that MOBA Network can provide a “safety net” for ResetEra that he cannot provide on his own, all without sacrificing ResetEra’s identity or focus on diversity and inclusivity.
Time will tell whether Cerium is telling the truth or whether MOBA Network keeps its promise of a hands-off approach to ResetEra’s community. Historically, these types of acquisitions have been tumultuous for the existing community base, owing to new ownership’s desire to grow a site in order for it to become more profitable. Regardless of MOBA Network’s intentions, the ResetEra community is unlikely to accept that.
