Buckle up, everyone—Kotaku has just made a move that’s set to stir up some serious controversy. Austin Williams has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief, and if you thought Kotaku's drama couldn’t get any more intense, you might want to think again.
Williams arrives with a background in digital publishing from Complex Networks, BuzzFeed, Black Entertainment Digital, and Vibe Magazine. While his appointment as Kotaku’s first African-American editor-in-chief is being touted as a groundbreaking moment, it raises questions about whether this is more about hitting diversity targets than about enhancing gaming expertise.
Williams has a history of provocative and troubling comments. In 2016, he tweeted, “I’m in an office full of white people today, pray for me.” Such a remark would undoubtedly spark outrage if the roles were reversed. His problematic statements didn’t stop there: in 2018, he described working with white people as a “top five emotionally draining experience,” and in 2019, he labeled “white people really are the rudest MFs on the planet.” These sweeping generalizations about an entire race are not only offensive but also concerning for someone in a prominent role.
This appointment isn’t just about Williams—it’s a reflection of a troubling trend where diversity hires seem to be prioritized over genuine expertise and qualifications. Kotaku, known for its controversial and often divisive content, appears poised to deepen these issues under his leadership.
Williams’ background, marked by a focus on identity politics and extreme political stances rather than gaming, raises concerns about the future direction of Kotaku. His previous roles at Complex Networks, BuzzFeed, and Vice were marred by similar patterns of failure and divisive rhetoric, and it seems likely that Kotaku will continue down this problematic path.
Despite Kotaku’s claims of being "fan-first," Williams’ tenure suggests a shift towards increased activism at the expense of meaningful gaming content. If you’re worried about what this means for Kotaku and the broader gaming community, be sure to like, subscribe, and join the conversation. Thanks for tuning in!
Kotaku's NEW EDITOR IN CHIEF is Insane and Racist!