IGN Hit with Layoffs as Closures Come to 1UP, UGO, and Gamespy

[Shawn Zipay]

Less than a month after IGN was picked up by Ziff Davis, a subsidary of j2 Global, comes word today that layoffs have hit the network. Furthermore, as IGN was just one part of the group of websites owned by Ziff Davis, other sites have been shuttered completely.

These sites include 1UP, UGO, and GameSpy. A spokesperson confirmed the layoffs with a short statement.

"We are focusing on our two flagship brands, IGN and AskMen. Unfortunately, as a result, we have made the decision to close sites and restructure our teams accordingly."

Oh, but wait, today's news just gets worse...

(via Joystiq)

[K-16]

Dear Total Gaming Network,

Please hire the former staff of 1UP and GameSpy so Zips can retrain them on the principles of in-your-face, independent, and brutally honest journalism. The foundation of Zips' integrity, and the increased resources of veteran journalists will surely strengthen the TGN brand, and will increase awareness that this is not a YouTube partner channel.

Sincerely,

Pretentious Intellectual Egotist

P.S. I like PIE.

[signa]

dam this sucks. end of an era.