After more than 16 years, a prominent mobile gaming website is ceasing operations. While this decision has been anticipated for some time, it doesn’t diminish the difficulty in announcing it. Normal daily operations have ended, though some final posts may appear to fulfill obligations, including a farewell message. The primary reason for the shutdown is financial.
The most effective way to continue supporting the team is by offering them employment opportunities.
The financial struggles of this website have been ongoing for years, and its longevity has been remarkable. Unfortunately, the economics of running such a website have become unsustainable. The website has resisted intrusive advertising, clickbait headlines, and ethically questionable sponsorships, which are, regrettably, the few remaining profitable strategies on the internet.
Numerous factors contributed to this decision. The website has been a significant resource for millions over the past 16 years and a full-time occupation for over 14 years. Saying goodbye is incredibly difficult. The focus now is on remembering the positive experiences rather than dwelling on insurmountable challenges.
This closure signifies the end of a livelihood for the author, who has a family and financial responsibilities. This also impacts Shaun Musgrave and Mikhail Madnani, who, despite being technically “freelancers,” have been crucial to the website’s operation.
Immediate Action: Hiring the Team
The most impactful way to help is by directly offering employment to the talented individuals who contributed to the site. The job market is challenging, particularly in the gaming industry.
Jared Nelson
Jared Nelson has 14 years of experience in the mobile gaming sector. His skills include writing, editing, staff management, and event attendance. His prior experience in management roles provides him with a diverse skill set. Contact him via LinkedIn or email at jared [at] toucharcade [dot] com.
Shaun Musgrave
Shaun Musgrave has been with the site for over 11 years and has more than 25 years in professional games media. He is a gifted writer with extensive knowledge of video game history. He is fluent in Japanese and English, making him suitable for localization work. Reach him at muzkind [at] hotmail [dot] com.
Mikhail Madnani
Mikhail Madnani has been a key contributor for more than 7 years. He excels at identifying and reporting on interesting news stories and creating in-depth features and reviews. Contact him at hello [at] failgunner [dot] com.
Future of Content and Podcast
All previously published content, including over 33,000 articles and 4,000 game reviews, will remain accessible online for the foreseeable future. These archives serve as a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of mobile gaming.
There are also plans to continue the podcast. After its 600th episode, the podcast may continue, focusing on occasional posts or special features.
The Patreon may be repurposed to support the podcast and potentially fund occasional articles or features. The Patreon’s description will be updated to reflect this change. Supporters can choose to discontinue their contributions, which would be fully understandable. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks. To stay informed, follow as a free member on Patreon. Questions and concerns can be directed to tips [at] toucharcade [dot] com or left in the comments.
The team expresses sincere gratitude to its audience for their support over the past 16 years.