UGO Buys 1UP
polycounter lvl 18
http://kotaku.com/5125034/mass-firings-at-1up-after-sale
Nooooooo! (shakes fist violently at the sky)
Tragedy! The latest series of game industry layoffs has struck not the development community, but the enthusiast press. The 1UP network has been bought out by UGO. (which I believe is owned by the Hearst Corporation) As part of this acquisition, it has been confirmed that EGM, the longest-running multi-platform print magazine about games, is being discontinued. The recently released January issue will be its last.
Perhaps even more distressing, current internet scuttlebutt is that a surprising number of the 1UP network staff is also being let go. In fact, the current names being mentioned comprise most of the personalities that have helped to make the site popular. Although we have yet to hear official confirmation on who is getting the ax, the news is coming from personal twitter feeds and NeoGaf posts by the involved parties. There is little doubt remaining. My personal condolences go out to these individuals who have provided the game community with so much entertaining coverage and original material. The 1UP network podcasts have always been my favorites. I only hope they all find rewarding employment at companies that will better appreciate and reward their unique talents.
Where will it end?
Nooooooo! (shakes fist violently at the sky)
Tragedy! The latest series of game industry layoffs has struck not the development community, but the enthusiast press. The 1UP network has been bought out by UGO. (which I believe is owned by the Hearst Corporation) As part of this acquisition, it has been confirmed that EGM, the longest-running multi-platform print magazine about games, is being discontinued. The recently released January issue will be its last.
Perhaps even more distressing, current internet scuttlebutt is that a surprising number of the 1UP network staff is also being let go. In fact, the current names being mentioned comprise most of the personalities that have helped to make the site popular. Although we have yet to hear official confirmation on who is getting the ax, the news is coming from personal twitter feeds and NeoGaf posts by the involved parties. There is little doubt remaining. My personal condolences go out to these individuals who have provided the game community with so much entertaining coverage and original material. The 1UP network podcasts have always been my favorites. I only hope they all find rewarding employment at companies that will better appreciate and reward their unique talents.
Where will it end?
Replies
I love the contrasting comments:
1up story - "join with us in celebrating! yay?"
comments - "fuck you! hate! hate! hate!"
"The acquisition of 1UP, with its authentic voice, tenured editorial personalities and bustling user community, allows us to expand our base of quality content and represents a major step forward in UGO's mission to become the leader in the games space."
So basically they state that the editorial staff are a key asset, and then proceed to fire all of them.
BUT, when doors close, other doors open... and I'm pretty sure everyone has something lined up, and has a lot to do with podcasting... so we'll see what goes down.
This sucks so much ass though!
Nick's mentioned something about Rebel FM that's airing today. I'm rather looking forward to seeing what he makes of that.
B
1up was a great site for the personality and expanded content, not the bog-standard previews I can get on 1000 other sites. Apparently corporate saw differently. A whole bunch of other places are going to get a whole lot of awesome people soon.
Or new and better game companies as the case is for many of the industry lay offs.
They were my favorite reviewers, because they seemed to have some semblance of integrity (aka: Couldn't be bribed like many of the other top review sites). Also gave comprehensive reviews by a more than a single reviewer.
Wonder how will future podcasts come from?
Rebel FM is coming out tonight, Nick, Phil, Anthony... and i think one more person from 1up.
Maybe Giant Bomb may take on some people :P
I just can't believe that they are letting Shane go. The guy is practically an institution. He has his own cult following. Any marketer with half a brain would keep him around just for his personality alone. But no, the Sony defense force is going to have to find a new home. I'm going to laugh my ass off if he actually gets hired by Sony.
They still have Garnet Lee... but its like having chocolate milk without the chocolate... its still milk... but no chocolate!
New giant bomb is up... and so far, no talk about it, this was probably recorded a day or two before this happened, would be really interesting to hear what these guys think of what happened, specifially the Gerts-inator (Jeff Gertsman).
WHERES THE POLYCOUNT PODCAST!?
I believe it's currently being planned to death :poly124:
Rebel FM - http://eat-sleep-game.com/podcasts/rebelfm01-07.mp3
Crappy quality, but its still good to hear these guys (and girl) talk, sounds like maybe some are looking for designer positions or something.
The 1up Show will live on.
Also, Ryan O'Donnell put together a 1up Show OST url=http://www.megaupload.com/?d=1ANKCN3G]megupload[/url. I've mirrored it (and whatever else will come out of the 1upocalypse) here
Anyways heres the link: http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3172557
A Life Well Wasted
http://www.alifewellwasted.com/episodes/alww_ep-01.mp3
This podcast really was a breath of fresh air, the others have all started to become rather mundane I feel. Give it a shot definitely if you listened to GFW.