{{Short description|Video game news website}} {{italic title}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}} {{Use American English|date=December 2023}} {{More citations needed|date=December 2023}} {{Infobox website | name = ''Destructoid'' | logo = Destructoid logo.svg | logo_caption = Logo featuring the website's mascot, Mr. Destructoid<ref name="15th-anniversary" /> | screenshot = | caption = | url = {{URL|destructoid.com}} | type = Video game-focused blog | registration = Optional (free) | owner = Gamurs Group | launch_date = {{Start date and age|2006|3|16}} | current_status = Active }} '''''Destructoid''''' is a website that was founded as a video game-focused blog in March 2006 by Yanier Gonzalez, a Cuban-American cartoonist and author.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-turns-one-30430.phtml |title=Destructoid turns one |last=Gonzalez |first=Yanier "Niero" |date=March 15, 2007 |publisher=Destructoid |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022527/http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-turns-one-30430.phtml |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=August 11, 2009}}</ref> Enthusiast Gaming acquired the website in 2017 and sold it to Gamurs Group in 2022.
== History == ''Destructoid'' was owned by Yanier "Niero" Gonzalez so that he could attend the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/waiting-for-wii-and-ill-form-the-head/ |title=Waiting for Wii: And I'll form the head! |last=Kietzmann |first=Ludwig |date=May 12, 2006 |publisher=Joystiq |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128025134/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/waiting-for-wii-and-ill-form-the-head/ |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |access-date=July 8, 2013}}</ref> After being rejected, Gonzalez began writing original editorials and drawing cartoons which were picked up by established gaming blogs like ''Joystiq''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/quad-sli-gaming-for-cheapskates/ |title=Quad SLI gaming for Cheapskates |last=Quilty-Harper |first=Conrad |date=April 4, 2006 |website=Joystiq |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128024842/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/quad-sli-gaming-for-cheapskates/ |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |access-date=June 30, 2011}}</ref> and ''Kotaku''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/164054/destructoid-annihilates-360-stock-with-humor?tag=destructoid |title=Destructoid's First Comic |website=Kotaku |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018172242/http://kotaku.com/164054/destructoid-annihilates-360-stock-with-humor?tag=destructoid |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=June 30, 2011}}</ref> In 2007, the site relaunched with user blogs, forums, and a team of contributors. Yanier's blog was moved off the home page in favor of a staff-edited, multi-author format. Similar to ''IGN'', ''Destructoid'' offers free registration and readers can submit off-homepage blogs.
After E3, Gonzalez appeared at the press conference dressed as Mr. Destructoid (''Destructoid''{{'s}} robot mascot, shown on logos and promotional material) to hand out promotional flyers. Its original editorial work gained mainstream syndication including the web show ''Hey Ash, Whatcha Playin'?''. The Mr. Destructoid costume was redesigned in 2012 by Volpin Props, featuring animated LED circuitry, and is still active as their mascot at press events.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mr. Destructoid Helmet V2 – Volpin Props |url=https://www.volpinprops.com/mister-destructoid-v2/ |access-date=2024-07-03 |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2017 the site was acquired by Enthusiast Gaming, a company based in Toronto.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/enthusiast-gaming-acquires-destructoid-one-of-the-leading-websites-for-video-gaming-news-and-reviews-629904983.html |title=Enthusiast Gaming acquires Destructoid |date=June 21, 2017 |website=News wire |access-date=June 21, 2017 |archive-date=August 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811032941/https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/enthusiast-gaming-acquires-destructoid-one-of-the-leading-websites-for-video-gaming-news-and-reviews-629904983.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Enthusiast sold the website to Gamurs Group in September 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gamurs-group-buying-enthusiast-gaming-sites-report |title=Gamurs Group buying Enthusiast Gaming sites |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |work=Gamesindustry.biz |publisher=Gamer Network |date=September 30, 2022 |accessdate=September 30, 2022 |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930115529/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gamurs-group-buying-enthusiast-gaming-sites-report |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Features == ''Destructoid'' is split into six main sections: the Homepage where editors post daily news and reviews, the Community Blogs, the Videos section which consist of original skits and trailers, the Chat Forums, the Buy/Sell area where community members trade games, and the Fight area where members can play games against each other.
From 2010 to 2013, ''Destructoid'' produced the twice-weekly, in-studio video game news show, the Destructoid Show on Revision 3,<ref name="Revision 3 Show">{{cite web |title=The Destructoid Show |url=http://www.revision3.com/destructoid |access-date=December 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225145736/http://revision3.com/destructoid |archive-date=December 25, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> daily live video streams like Kingdom of Foom and MASH TacticS <ref name="Destructoid Live Chill Bros">{{cite web |title=The Destructoid Show |url=http://www.twitch.tv/destructoid |access-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121040107/http://www.twitch.tv/destructoid |url-status=live }}</ref> on Twitch, and semi-regular video skits like Hey Ash Whatcha Playin, The Jimquisition, Storm's Adventures, and others on YouTube.{{Citation needed|date=December 2015}}
''Destructoid'' reviews editor James Stephanie Sterling ran a weekly podcast with associate editor Jonathan Holmes and Conrad Zimmerman. When Sterling left ''Destructoid'', the podcast was taken over by a new host with much less frequent updates.{{Citation needed|date=December 2015}}
== Charitable work == In 2008, James Stephanie Sterling, a ''Destructoid'' editor, took part in a sponsored gaming marathon raising money for young cancer patients. Raising $3,000 for the charity, Sterling and friend John Kershaw played a selection of games from the ''SingStar'' franchise, effectively singing almost non-stop for twelve hours. The event was broadcast live online for the duration of the event.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2008/10/destructoid-editor-to-sing-for-charity.ars |title=Destructoid editor to sing for charity |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=October 3, 2008 |publisher=Ars Technica |access-date=August 11, 2009 |archive-date=May 28, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528081732/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2008/10/destructoid-editor-to-sing-for-charity.ars |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2009, Niero, and other ''Destructoid'' editors continued the gaming marathon tradition on October 17–18 for cancer awareness raising $4,835.60 for Extra Life children's hospital in Texas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://waystogive.texaschildrens.org/netcommunity/destructoid |title=Texas Children's Hospital – Ways to Give |publisher=Waystogive.texaschildrens.org |access-date=November 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724231718/https://waystogive.texaschildrens.org/netcommunity/destructoid |archive-date=July 24, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2010, the ''Destructoid'' office hosted a 24-hour gaming marathon for the charity Extra Life. Community members raised over $6,000 for Children's Miracle hospitals in Texas.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}} ''Destructoid'' has also partnered with Revision 3 to build a clean water well in Africa through the Charity Water organization.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}}
In 2011, ''Destructoid'' hosted another marathon for Extra Life, raising $6909.16 for Children's Miracle Hospitals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-s-extra-life-2011-round-up-214016.phtml |title=Destructoid's Extra Life 2011 round-up |last=Cortez |first=Jesse |date=October 26, 2011 |publisher=Destructoid |access-date=October 26, 2011 |archive-date=October 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028180148/http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-s-extra-life-2011-round-up-214016.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> He also made a ''Mario Kart 7'' community called "Destructoid". This community has a Bob-omb icon displayed on it. The slogan of this community is "Dtoid FNF yo".
In 2012, ''Destructoid'' hosted a 56-hour livestream on its Dtoid.tv channel, which raised over $7,000 for Habitat for Humanity. The Gonzalez flew to Costa Rica and assisted the build of a 32-house government project for families living in extreme poverty in Liberia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/this-weekend-on-dtoid-tv-56-non-stop-hours-for-charity--226929.phtml |title=Destructoid's Habitat for Humanity Charity Event |last=Zoeker |first=Bill |date=May 6, 2012 |publisher=Destructoid |access-date=June 21, 2012 |archive-date=June 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608232649/http://www.destructoid.com/this-weekend-on-dtoid-tv-56-non-stop-hours-for-charity--226929.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Awards == ''Destructoid'' has been nominated for several awards in video game coverage. The site was nominated for the inaugural Games Media Awards in 2007 under the "Non-Commercial Website or Blog" category.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/28177/Games-Media-Awards-finalists-revealed |title=Games Media Awards finalists revealed |access-date=August 11, 2009 |date=August 31, 2007 |publisher=MCV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913162151/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/28177/Games-Media-Awards-finalists-revealed |archive-date=September 13, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Destructoid'' was also selected as an Official Webby Honoree in the Games-Related category of the 11th Annual Webby Awards in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current_honorees.php?media_id=96&category_id=29&season=11 |title=11th Annual Webby Awards Official Honoree Selections |publisher=Webby Awards |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008030920/http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current_honorees.php?media_id=96&category_id=29&season=11 |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |access-date=August 11, 2009}}</ref> They were nominated by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences in 2009 in the same category.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current.php?season=13#webby_entry_games_related |title=13th Annual Webby Awards Nominees & Winners |publisher=Webby Awards |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102215623/http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current.php?season=13 |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |access-date=August 11, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/news/giant-bomb-officially-endorses-destructoid-for-webby-award/1167/ |title=Giant Bomb Officially Endorses Destructoid For Webby Award |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=April 22, 2009 |publisher=Giant Bomb |access-date=August 11, 2009 |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019005036/http://www.giantbomb.com/news/giant-bomb-officially-endorses-destructoid-for-webby-award/1167/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Presence in video games == The site's mascot, Mr. Destructoid, has appeared in various console, mobile, and PC video games, and as an emote on Twitch.<ref name="15th-anniversary">{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/happy-15th-birthday-destructoid/ |title=Happy 15th Birthday, Destructoid! |last=Moyse |first=Chris |work=Destructoid |date=March 16, 2021 |access-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731084322/https://www.destructoid.com/happy-15th-birthday-destructoid/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2007, it was announced that Hudson Entertainment, the American branch of Hudson Soft had teamed up with ''Destructoid'' to develop and introduce a playable character based on Mr. Destructoid, into its Xbox Live Arcade game ''Bomberman Live''.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Hudson Partners With Destructoid In Bomb-Up pack 2 For Bomberman Live |publisher=Hudson Soft |date=September 19, 2007 |url=http://www.hudsonentertainment.com/newsdetail.php?news_id=108 |access-date=August 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071124051502/http://www.hudsonentertainment.com/newsdetail.php?news_id=108 |archive-date=November 24, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Susan |last=Arendt |title=Destructoid Mascot Added to ''Bomberman Live'' |url=http://blog.wired.com/games/2007/09/destructoid-mas.html |publisher=Wired News |date=September 19, 2007 |access-date=August 11, 2009 |archive-date=August 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815141154/https://www.wired.com/2007/09/destructoid-mas/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/301353/destructoid-makes-bomberman-live-appearance |title=Destructoid Makes Bomberman Live Appearance |last=Fahey |first=Mike |date=September 19, 2007 |publisher=Kotaku |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018172252/http://kotaku.com/301353/destructoid-makes-bomberman-live-appearance |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=August 11, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hudson Partners With Destructoid In Bomb-Up Pack 2 For Bomberman Live |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/hudson-partners-with-destructoid-in-bomb-up-pack-2-for-bomberman-live |publisher=Eurogamer |date=September 19, 2007 |access-date=August 11, 2009 |archive-date=March 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100309092032/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/hudson-partners-with-destructoid-in-bomb-up-pack-2-for-bomberman-live |url-status=live }}</ref> Mr. Destructoid later appeared in ''Bomberman Ultra'', the PlayStation 3 port of Bomberman Live. Mr. Destructoid's head is available as an unlockable helmet in PixelJAM's game ''Dino Run'', by entering the password "totinos" in the cheats menu. This was included as an in-joke, because that particular brand of pizza was a favorite of one of the editors, and he in turn was a friend of the game's developers. The code was revealed in one chapter of the Podtoid podcast.
In 2008, ''Destructoid''{{'s}} mascot was also included in the platform game ''Eternity's Child'', but was later removed after a scathing review of the game on the web site.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eternity's Child Versus Destructoid |first=Kieron |last=Gillen |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2008/08/04/eternitys-child-versus-destructoid/ |publisher=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |date=August 4, 2008 |access-date=August 11, 2009 |archive-date=July 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714005632/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2008/08/04/eternitys-child-versus-destructoid/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="echild">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3169220 |title=Luc Bernard Steamed Over Destructoid's Review of Eternity's Child |last=Nunneley |first=Stephanie |date=July 8, 2008 |publisher=1UP.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523080206/http://www.1up.com/news/luc-bernard-steamed-destructoid-review |archive-date=May 23, 2013 |access-date=August 11, 2009}}</ref> Mr. Destructoid also appeared in Agent MOO: Maximum Overdeath on Xbox Live Indie Games along with Ron Workman, ''Destructoid''{{'}}s former community manager.
In 2010, it was announced that Mr. Destructoid would be appearing in the upcoming XBLA release of ''Raskulls''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mr.-Destructoid-Returns-to-Videogames-in-Raskulls! |first=Jim |last=Sterling |url=http://www.destructoid.com/mr-destructoid-returns-to-videogames-in-raskulls--162325.phtml |publisher=Destructoid |date=February 2, 2010 |access-date=February 2, 2010 |archive-date=February 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205122356/http://www.destructoid.com/mr-destructoid-returns-to-videogames-in-raskulls--162325.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that year it was discovered that Chapter 2–18 in ''Super Meat Boy'' is called "Destructoid". The game was acclaimed by many of the editors, taking ''Destructoid''{{'s}} Game Of The Show at the Penny Arcade Expo earlier in July. Mr. Destructoid also appears in the flash game Pirates vs. Ninjas,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/play-this-flash-game-with-mr-destructoid-win-a-gift-card-186545.phtml |title=Play as Mr. Destructoid in Pirates vs Ninjas |last=Ctz Aziz |first=Hamza |date=October 31, 2010 |work=Destructoid |publisher=Bardo Entertainment |access-date=August 19, 2011 |archive-date=September 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920115432/http://www.destructoid.com/play-this-flash-game-with-mr-destructoid-win-a-gift-card-186545.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> by Bardo Entertainment.
In 2011, Mr. Destructoid appeared as a non-playable character in BiteJacker, a game created by the Bytejacker show on the iPhone as a VIP Character. Your score increases the longer that he remains on screen. In July ''Destructoid''{{'s}} reviews editor, James Stephanie Sterling, became a playable character in The Blocks Cometh.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.destructoid.com/jim-sterling-a-playable-character-in-the-blocks-cometh-205909.phtml |title=Jim Sterling is a playable character in The Blocks Cometh |last=Sterling |first=Jim |date=July 12, 2011 |work=Destructoid |access-date=July 12, 2011 |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715013608/http://www.destructoid.com/jim-sterling-a-playable-character-in-the-blocks-cometh-205909.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that month Mr. Destructoid appeared in Twisted Pixel's Ms. Splosion Man<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/explode-fight-mr-destructoid-in-ms-splosion-man--206680.phtml |title=Fight Mr. Destructoid in Ms Splosion Man |last=Aziz |first=Hamza |date=July 21, 2011 |website=Destructoid |access-date=July 26, 2011 |archive-date=July 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723234344/http://www.destructoid.com/explode-fight-mr-destructoid-in-ms-splosion-man--206680.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> as a destroyable villain during challenge mode, and again as a ball-swallowing fixture in Zen Studio's Pinball FX as part of the Ms. Splosion Man pinball table.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-wants-your-balls-in-ms-splosion-man-pinball-207088.phtml |title=Destructoid wants your balls in Ms. Splosion Man pinball |last=Gonzalez |first=Niero |date=July 26, 2011 |website=Destructoid |access-date=July 26, 2011 |archive-date=August 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806121531/http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-wants-your-balls-in-ms-splosion-man-pinball-207088.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 1 Mr. Destructoid became a playable character in Arcade Jumper on iOS.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mr. Destructoid stars in Arcade Jumper |url=http://www.blackhivemedia.com/arcadejumper.html |publisher=Black Hive Media |access-date=August 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930121814/http://www.blackhivemedia.com/arcadejumper.html |archive-date=September 30, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The remake of the classic arcade game Burgertime also features Mr. Destructoid as a playable character.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.destructoid.com/mr-destructoid-comes-to-burgertime-world-tour-210258.phtml |title=Mr. Destructoid joins the cast of Burgertime World tour |last=Ctz Aziz |first=Hamza |date=August 31, 2011 |access-date=September 3, 2011 |publisher=MonkeyPaw |archive-date=October 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008142007/http://www.destructoid.com/mr-destructoid-comes-to-burgertime-world-tour-210258.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2012, Mr. Destructoid was revealed as a playable character in Spicy Horse's ''Big Head Bash'', where his rooster gun shoots similar but smaller "cocks".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.destructoid.com/new-details-of-spicy-horse-s-big-head-bash-revealed--224737.phtml |title=New Big Head Bash details revealed |last=Zimmerman |first=Conrad |date=March 29, 2012 |access-date=March 3, 2012 |publisher=SpicyHorse |archive-date=March 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331053443/http://www.destructoid.com/new-details-of-spicy-horse-s-big-head-bash-revealed--224737.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> He is also a non-playable monster enemy in ''MonsterMind'' (Facebook Game) and a machinegun accessory in PerfectWorld's Blacklight Retribution. In the game ''Retro City Rampage'', several of ''Destructoid''{{'s}} staff appeared in the game as unlockable player skins that are available by going to MJ's Face-R-Us and entering the coupon code DTOID.{{Citation needed|date=December 2015}}
In 2014, Microsoft added an official Mr. Destructoid outfit to the Xbox Live Avatar Marketplace.<ref>{{cite news |title=You can buy a Mr Destructoid helmet for your Xbox Avatar |url=https://www.destructoid.com/hey-you-can-buy-a-mr-destructoid-helmet-for-your-xbox-avatar-271510.phtml |access-date=March 3, 2014 |publisher=Microsoft |archive-date=March 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309043403/http://www.destructoid.com/hey-you-can-buy-a-mr-destructoid-helmet-for-your-xbox-avatar-271510.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2016, a Mr. Destructoid flag was added as a cosmetic item in ''Rocket League''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Play Rocket League for free on Xbox right now |url=https://www.destructoid.com/play-rocket-league-for-free-on-xbox-right-now-367065.phtml |access-date=June 3, 2016 |publisher=Psyonix |archive-date=June 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611004957/https://www.destructoid.com/play-rocket-league-for-free-on-xbox-right-now-367065.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
== References == {{reflist|30em}}
== External links == {{Commons category|Destructoid}} * {{Official website|http://www.destructoid.com}}
{{Video Game Critics}} {{Portal bar|Video games}}
Category:2022 mergers and acquisitions Category:American gaming websites Category:Internet properties established in 2006 Category:Social cataloging applications Category:Video game blogs