1Up Network The Legacy of a Gaming Media Powerhouse
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- 1Up.com was launched in 2003 and focused on original video game news, reviews, and features.
- The 1Up Network was a pioneer in gaming podcasts, featuring shows like Retronauts and The 1UP Show.
- The site was acquired by Hearst Corporation in 2009, leading to the closure of Electronic Gaming Monthly.
- 1Up.com officially ceased operations on February 21, 2013.
Launched in 2003, 1Up.com was a prominent American entertainment website dedicated to the world of video games. It distinguished itself by providing original features, news stories, game reviews, and video interviews, alongside comprehensive content specifically tailored for PC gamers. One of its most innovative approaches was the implementation of week-long online cover stories, mirroring the structure of a print magazine by releasing new in-depth features, developer interviews, and galleries daily.
The 1Up Network and its Podcast Ecosystem
The 1Up Network served as a hub for a diverse collection of podcasts that explored various facets of gaming culture. While many shows focused on general gaming trends, others took a more niche approach. For example, The Sports Game Guy's Sports Anomaly focused exclusively on sports titles, while Retronauts provided an audio retrospective of classic games.
Notable Programming
- 1UP Yours: One of the network's flagship shows, featuring a rotating cast of personalities including Garnett Lee and Shane Bettenhausen. Following corporate shifts, it briefly transitioned into a show called Listen UP before eventually ending.
- Retronauts: A highly acclaimed series focusing on retro gaming. Unlike many other 1Up properties, Retronauts survived the site's closure, eventually becoming a fully crowdfunded entity via Patreon and receiving praise from outlets like Kotaku and Polygon.
- The 1UP Show: A weekly video podcast that premiered in 2005, featuring editors from 1Up.com and Electronic Gaming Monthly. It combined scripted segments with unscripted debates and reviews.
Corporate Transitions and Closure
The trajectory of 1Up.com was heavily influenced by its ownership. In early 2009, the site was purchased by the Hearst Corporation (parent company of UGO) from Ziff Davis. This acquisition led to significant turmoil, including the closure of Electronic Gaming Monthly and the loss of over 30 jobs. Many podcast hosts and producers were let go, resulting in the abrupt discontinuation of more than half of the network's programming.
Despite the layoffs, the spirit of the network lived on through spiritual successors. Former employees launched new projects such as Co-Op (a successor to The 1UP Show), Rebel FM, and The Geekbox. Ultimately, Ziff Davis announced the final winding down of 1Up.com, along with sister sites GameSpy and UGO.com, on February 21, 2013.
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What happened to Retronauts after 1Up closed?
Retronauts survived as an independent entity, eventually moving to a crowdfunded model via Patreon and receiving promotion through USGamer.
Which other sites were closed alongside 1Up.com in 2013?
Ziff Davis wound down 1Up.com along with its sister sites, GameSpy and UGO.com.
What was 'The 1UP Show'?
It was a weekly video podcast that premiered in 2005, featuring a mix of game previews, reviews, and discussions from editors across 1Up.com and Electronic Gaming Monthly.