Just this morning I found out that three online gaming publications were shutting down: 1Up, GameSpy, and UGO. All of these websites were once under affiliated with IGN, an entertainment mega-site that features a wealth of coverage like video game reviews and movie news. Ziff Davis, the publishing and internet giant, bought IGN earlier this year from News Corp after the site was put up for auction. Now, Ziff Davis will focus on IGN and Ask Men, which means there will likely be a “Top Ten Babes of [insert whatever]” list soon.
Seriously though, it’s always a bummer to see people out of work in situations like this. Here’s hoping all that have lost their jobs will find something soon. In his recent letter to the 1Up faithful, editor-in-chief Jeremy Parish wrote that some people have already made the switch from 1Up to IGN as contributors. Gamespy editor-in-chief Dan Stapleton, shared similar news online about his staff, so it looks like some people will be OK for the time being.
Reading about the folding of these websites got me thinking about the some of the gaming publications (both online and print) that have folded over the last few years. In late 2011, mainstay GamePro folded after over two decades in the business. Last year, Playstation: The Official Magazine (formerly Playstation Magazine) and Nintendo Power folded, the latter after twenty-four years of publication.
It’s so strange seeing these publications go defunct. Of course, nothing in life lasts forever; that’s just the basic math of life. Still, I grew up with many of these publications, and it’s just weird knowing that they will no longer be around. The folding of Gamepro was particularly upsetting because it was the first magazine my parents subscribed for me.
Again best wishes to all those have yet to find work, and good luck to those starting anew at IGN. Until next time.
Peace & Pixels
ChompRetro 