Hardcasual acquired Kotaku today.

As you may know, Hardcasual is owned by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, Saudi Arabian oil prince and occasional enthusiast-press dabbler. He’s a benevolent leader; he doesn’t mess around with our editorial staff or force us to print content that might compromise our journalistic integrity. Sometimes he even gives us gifts, like a lunch date with Megan Fox or a Sammy’s Halal cart inside our offices.

But last week, Hardcasual asked for the gift that made the most sense for us: a real website that people actually read.

Kotaku’s work over the past several years has made them truly preeminent in the industry – a collection of news, commentary, and gratuitous panty shots that immediately gained a passionate following. Kotaku brought together a team of unique voices the internet learned to know and trust.

On that subject, Brian Crecente and his crew at Kotaku are inspirations to us all. Unfortunately, we’ve learned that Gawker Media actually pays them roughly minimum wage, which is way outside the going rate at Hardcasual. So, we’ve had to let everyone go.

Sorry Brian!

Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud looks forward to being welcomed as the new overlord of Kotaku. All podcasts have been immediately suspended until Prince Alsaud returns to host our new podcast, “Gamin’ Al-Waleed Style!” Any commenters opposing this new regime will be immediately banned, star or no star.