The founder of Kotaku openly mocked the death of Charlie Kirk just hours after a tragic shooting took the conservative commentator’s life.
When the shocking news broke that conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot at a Utah event, reactions poured in across the country. Most people, regardless of politics, recognize that such political violence is unacceptable.
Game Journalists are scum, continued. pic.twitter.com/x2WuxXfs6G
— Grummz (@Grummz) September 10, 2025
Yet one of the most troubling responses came from an unlikely corner of the media world: Brian Crecente, the founder of Kotaku and co-founder of Polygon. Crecente, who also served as Variety’s video game editor, openly mocked the shooting and appeared to rationalize it on social media.
Crecente’s Disturbing Comments
Instead of condemning what happened, Crecente mocked Kirk’s suffering. In one widely shared post, he wrote: “Oof, Charlie Kirk’s boys should have used the same team that faked Trump’s shooting. This is what happens when you try to save money on your false flag operations.”
Brian Crecente, the founder of Kotaku and co-founder of Polygon mocks the death of Charlie Kirk – X, @crecenteb
In another message, he went even further, justifying the shooting by tying it to Kirk’s political positions.
“Imagine being upset that the architect of the insurrection attempt, an active COVID and election denier, and climate change denier getting shot,” the Kotaku founder wrote just hours after Charlie Kirk was assassinated. “Who knows how many deaths can be attributed to this dude?”
These statements weren’t just criticisms of Kirk’s politics. They were a direct mockery of violence — and a chilling example of how some in media circles treat violence against political opponents as something to laugh at.
Who Is Brian Crecente?
For those unfamiliar with the name (which let’s be fair, is probably most of you…), Crecente is not a fringe commentator. He is one of the most recognizable figures in gaming journalism.
- Founder of Kotaku: The site became a powerhouse in video game news and opinion, often shaping industry conversations.
- Co-founder of Polygon: Launched under Vox Media, it was positioned as a prestige outlet for gaming and pop culture.
- Variety video game editor: Crecente eventually transitioned into covering the video game industry for one of Hollywood’s most important trade publications.
- Ran video game coverage at Rolling Stone: Crecente oversaw game coverage for the long-running publication.
Kotaku founder Brian Crecente shares a post mocking the death of Charlie Kirk hours after the fatal shooting – X, @crecenteb
In short, Crecente was at the heart of gaming journalism for nearly two decades. That legacy makes his words on Charlie Kirk all the more consequential.
Media Double Standards
Crecente’s comments reveal a troubling double standard in how violent acts are covered. When violence is directed at progressives, the media response is immediate: denunciations of dangerous rhetoric, warnings about extremism, and calls for unity. But when the target is someone on the right, like Charlie Kirk, those same standards seem to vanish.
Game Journalists are scum, continued. pic.twitter.com/x2WuxXfs6G
— Grummz (@Grummz) September 10, 2025
If a conservative journalist had mocked the shooting of a progressive figure, it would dominate headlines for days. Yet so far, the silence from mainstream outlets on Crecente’s remarks is deafening. The Kotaku founder openly and proudly mocked Charlie Kirk, a father of young children, and as of this writing, those posts remain up on his social media accounts.
The issue here is bigger than one journalist’s offensive remarks. Charlie Kirk’s shooting is itself a reminder of the toxic state of American politics. But the reaction from figures like Crecente shows how violence is being normalized — even celebrated — if it serves a political narrative.
Charlie Kirk on his YouTube channel – YouTube, Charlie Kirk
When prominent voices rationalize violence, they erode the very principles that allow a free society to function. Disagreements should be resolved through debate (as Kirk often invited) and elections, not bullets. Excusing such violence, no matter who it targets, is a path that leads nowhere good.
Final Thoughts
Brian Crecente may no longer run Kotaku or Polygon, but the institutions he helped create remain influential in gaming and media. That’s why his reaction to Charlie Kirk’s shooting deserves attention. This isn’t just an offhand remark from a random user — it’s a window into how some in elite media circles view violence against their opponents.
Charlie Kirk during his interview with Tucker Carlson – YouTube, Charlie Kirk
The Kotaku founder mocking Charlie Kirk should concern anyone who values civility, free expression, and safety in public life. If we are to stand against violence, the standard must apply equally, no matter who is targeted. Anything less is dangerous hypocrisy.
How do you feel about Kotaku founder Brian Crecente mocking the death of Charlie Kirk? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
UP NEXT: Conservative Commentator Charlie Kirk Shot at Utah Valley University Event in Shocking Attack
“Imagine being upset that the architect of the insurrection attempt, an active COVID and election denier, and climate change denier getting shot,”
This kind of thing is exactly why most people didn’t listen to them during Covid.
First he tried so hard to call it a false flag, and then he reposts people making fun of and celebrating his death. What a hypocritical jerk. I hope Kotaku gets the full legal action after this.
Hey Marvin, did you delete my comments because they were too on point? Or were you worried about losing advertising dollars? You have your own comments section and aren’t beholden to Disqus or any other moderation but your own. Grow some balls and let the comments section handle itself.
Well, to be fair, I’d like to shove this dude and all his ilk feet first into woodchippers, so I can’t be too upset that he’s cheering the death of one of our guys. It’s just another reason to mulch his ass, and deus vult the day will come when these people get what they rightfully deserve, and the sooner the better.