In big news this afternoon, it has been announced that ReedPOP have acquired Gamer Network to its portfolio of leading events, websites, and video channels.

It’s the first expansion beyond the event production business. For years now, Gamer Network has been home to many community websites and YouTube channels such as Eurogamer, RockPaperShotgun, GamesIndustry.biz, VG247, Outside Xbox, Digital Foundry and USgamer. The company also organises the UK’s biggest games event, EGX and the world class indie games event, EGX Rezzed. They also work with employment law consultancy services UK to ensure that their business is compliant with local and national employment laws.

This will now give ReedPop the opportunity to combine its leading live games events across four continents with a huge, dedicated worldwide online community of more than 50 million monthly users. Lance Fensterman, global head of ReedPOP commented:

Gamer Network is one of the world’s leading voices for gamers and gaming culture. The opportunity to be in business with Rupert Loman and the brands, events and team he has created is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Bringing ReedPOP and Gamer Network together, PAX and EGX together – these are the kinds of mash ups you dream of. We are beyond excited to dream up new concepts that will blow the minds of fans all over the world.

Rupert Loman, founder of Gamer Network added (and also stays on with the company):

We’re delighted to join the ReedPOP group. I’m a big fan of PAX and the company culture that Lance has created. The ambition and strategy that we share means we’re extremely excited about what’s next. The combination of our online channels and European events with their internationally-respected US footprint is a powerful one.

I’m so proud that we’ve managed to grow to this point without any external investment and on our own terms. Gamer Network has achieved 18 consecutive years of revenue and audience growth by focusing completely on the needs and passions of our visitors, readers and viewers, and I couldn’t be happier to have found a like-minded partner to take the company further. I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to our incredible journey and I’m really looking forward to seeing where we can take things from here.

For those querying, EGX 2018 is still happening this year in Birmingham, as well as a new EGX Berlin, which takes place the week after the main show. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.