Internal Memo Reveals IGN Sites That Will Close
Vivek Shah, Ziff Davis CEO, released an internal memo today that spelled the end for a number of websites under the IGN flag. The memo revealed that the company will be condensing operations to focus around the core flagships at IGN and AskMen. This means that in addition to layoffs of editorial staff at multiple IGN operations, popular gaming sites 1UP, UGO, and even Gamespy will undergo plans to close operations and shutter their websites. The unspecified number of employees impacted by the layoffs is unknown right now but layoffs seem to have already taken place.
From Shah’s memo:
“Today, we took some difficult but important actions that will ensure the continued growth and health of IGN and AskMen. Before I go into more details about the changes, you should know that they resulted in the elimination of jobs at IGN. It’s always upsetting to say goodbye to colleagues and let’s do what we can to help these employees as they seek new opportunities.
It’s also important for you to know that we are absolutely confident that we now have the best structure and team to successfully move the company forward and that there are no further planned reductions.”
In addition to the closure of these sites, IGN is also actively holding discussions with interested parties to try and sell IPL, IGN’s eSports focused network.
“As a result of our decision to focus on our core brands, we are,” Shah wrote, “Actively engaged with parties interested in acquiring IPL. IGN’s role going forward will be to broadcast and cover a variety of eSports events.”
IGN is a very large name in the gaming media circle and while changes like this may be expected in trying economic times, it still comes as a shock when it happens.
The Staff of GBTV expresses their sympathy to all impacted by these layoffs and we certainly wish them the best.
