Co-Optimus - News: 1UP Sold to UGO Network

1UP Sold to UGO Network - Numerous Staff Laid Off

Nicholas "bapenguin" Puleo January 6th, 2009 at 9:21 PM

Lets face it, this economy sucks. Further evidence has occurred this evening as Ziff-Davis has sold off their online gaming network 1UP to Hearst Corp, owners of the UGO network of sites. While nothing is officially confirmed yet, it appears 1UP.com is going away, as is all the podcasts. Several of the staff members use Twitter (as do we) and have made it know that they are laid off.

Ryan O'Donnel of the 1UP Show said this:

I just got laid off! Great! Thanks 1UP Show fans. It's been real.

Twitter "ShaneWatch" - one in which numerous 1UP Staff members use said this:

We're all bummed about a lot of stuff, but this is the thing that's hardest to let go. Goodbye from Phil, Nick, Anthony, and Shane!

These folks were members of the news team, video team, and podcast teams. We wish everyone the best of luck. Many of these folks are personal friends of mine, and I hope they land on their feet somewhere.

You can continue to follow the whole mess over on the official 1UP boards. Of course I don't blame you if you don't want to give them anymore traffic.

Update: Gamasutra has confirmed via a leaked memo that videogame magazine EGM has been cancelled as well.

Tags: politics

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8 Total Reader Comments

Mrxknown_JG at 05:07 PM on 1.6.2009

That's a shame, I do like print magazines. That's why I've enjoyed reading The Escapist.

txshurricane at 05:54 PM on 1.6.2009

So THAT's why I'm minus one EGM this month! I wonder how GameStop will entice Edge members now?

COG_Network at 09:50 PM on 1.6.2009

pseudopseudo says...
@txhurricane GameStop isn't affiliated with EGM. GameInformer is the mag that comes with a Edge Card. ;)

AniAko at 04:16 AM on 1.7.2009

Other than people losing their jobs, I'm sort of happy 1up is coming to an end. It's only now becoming the distant memory it has been for me for some time now. I will miss EGM though

pheriannath at 04:49 AM on 1.7.2009

I listened to almost all their podcasts on a daily basis, this is really going to make my commute suck.

roland at 09:58 AM on 1.7.2009

I know these things are rarely pleasant, but the official announcement on 1UPs main page was just insulting to the staff and readers of 1UP

J Moses, CEO of UGO Entertainment "The acquisition of 1UP, with its authentic voice, tenured editorial personalities and bustling user community..."

Given the number of people being cut loose, it seems hard to argue that they are keeping its authentic voice or tenured personalities.

My best wishes to those who have lost their jobs.

txshurricane at 11:21 AM on 1.7.2009

Ack! You're right. I have a subscription to both, hence the confusion.

Biohzrd451 at 05:44 AM on 1.8.2009

Getting scary in the job world these days. I hope the people layed off find something quick, nothing suckier than being poor and not being able to take care of your family.