games  anime  |  toys
Destructoid is gaming news, community, videos, and sometimes love. Take the tour or jump in with Facebook:

 


Ziff Davis files for bankruptcy: Yikes is putting it lightly photo

In news that has caused a lot of surprised "woah" noises around the Destructoid water cooler, and doubtless water coolers all over the games blogging world, it has come to light that Ziff Davis, the name behind 1UP, EGM magazine and Games for Windows magazine, has filed for chapter 11 in a bid to combat rising debts that collectively amount to almost $400 million. Who knew things were that bad?

One thing that is to be made perfectly clear is that this isn't the end of the company, and that 1UP is still, well, up. It's certainly not the kind of decision that any media network owner would like to have to make, however, and the fact of the matter is that good writers could lose their jobs. 

Destructoid and 1UP have come to blows a little in the past, but we're all essentially on the same side, with the same passion for gaming and writing. Nobody should get stung doing what they love, so we hope the damage isn't too great over there. They broke the news about Darth Vader being in Soul Calibur IV, and that's enough to earn them a pint each from me.

Man, some things you just do not see coming.


Continue: More WHAAAAAAT? stories





prev
next 50 comments

124 comments | showing # 1 to 50

infinity's Avatar
infinity at 03/05/2008 17:28
winston churchill: old and busted.

picard facepalm: new hotness.
RobertSumma's Avatar
RobertSumma at 03/05/2008 17:30
"Man, some things you just do not see coming."

Ha, if you didn't see this coming then you really have no clue what's going on. That was pretty funny to read.
Wookiee's Avatar
Wookiee at 03/05/2008 17:30
Usen'ye, gar di'kutla trekkise chakaar!
CaptainApocalypse's Avatar
CaptainApocalypse at 03/05/2008 17:31
That sucks, I used to be all over 1up until I found Destructoid. I hope they can keep it going.
electristan's Avatar
electristan at 03/05/2008 17:35
never a good thing to hear that games related company's are in trouble. best of luck to them.
Cheeburga's Avatar
Cheeburga at 03/05/2008 17:36
I'M WORLD FAMOUS. I'M WORLD FAMOUS. I'M WORLD FAMOUS. I'M WORLD FAMOUS. I'M WORLD FAMOUS. I'M WORLD FAMOUS. I'M WORLD FAMOUS. I'M WORLD FAMOUS. I'M WORLD FAMOUS. I'M WORLD FAMOUS.I'M WORLD FAMOUS. I'M WORLD FAMOUS.


Fuck you, you egotistical prick.
MaxVest's Avatar
MaxVest at 03/05/2008 17:36
Summa sighting! But he... has a point?

This is just... too much.
/wrists
RobertSumma's Avatar
RobertSumma at 03/05/2008 17:36
haha, that was pretty funny Cheeburga.
ironmanrules1333's Avatar
ironmanrules1333 at 03/05/2008 17:38
whoa, I fuckin' love the GFW guys. I used to be huge into 1up until I discovered dtoid.
Sam Spectre's Avatar
Sam Spectre at 03/05/2008 17:38
That's too bad. Hopefully no one looses their job.
RobertSumma's Avatar
RobertSumma at 03/05/2008 17:39
The saddest thing has been the decline of EGM -- both in content and quality.
Cheeburga's Avatar
Cheeburga at 03/05/2008 17:40
I'll be looking forward to an email telling me to get the fuck off the site an-
Oh wait.
MaxVest's Avatar
MaxVest at 03/05/2008 17:41
Thankfully EG has been filling the aching void with hard-hitting journalism like "Douchebags: Do They All Play Wii?"
Sharpless's Avatar
Sharpless at 03/05/2008 17:41
I don't want to live in a world where Summa returns and yet Nex is still lost to us, off on his bounty hunting mission to Ceti Alpha Prime IV to bring back the hide of the elusive gnorknyak wolf. WHY, GOD, WHY?
Cheeburga's Avatar
Cheeburga at 03/05/2008 17:42
@ Sharpless

They both suck.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 03/05/2008 17:43
Actually no, I didn't see this coming because typically, I don't make the affairs of other Web sites my business unless it's superhuge (I wish others were like that). So yeah, this came as a surprise to me.
bigfatton's Avatar
bigfatton at 03/05/2008 17:43
I don't think anyone didn't see it coming, print media is and has been on it's way out for a while
robotplague's Avatar
robotplague at 03/05/2008 17:43
The best podcasts in the business, hopefully something happens and these cats still have jobs.
The Wizard's Avatar
The Wizard at 03/05/2008 17:44
Well...this sucks...best of luck to them
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 03/05/2008 17:46
Actually no, I didn't see this coming because typically, I don't make the affairs of other Web sites my business unless it's superhuge (I wish others were like that). So yeah, this came as a surprise to me.
that1dood's Avatar
that1dood at 03/05/2008 17:46
Wow, that came out of nowhere. $400 million dollars? How the hell does that happen with huge subscription based services like that?

There's some serious mis-spending going on.
cbre88x's Avatar
cbre88x at 03/05/2008 17:46
Old ghosts need to get the hell out of the house.

ahem.
Eschatos's Avatar
Eschatos at 03/05/2008 17:46
That sucks. We are in mourning.
Jaren Face's Avatar
Jaren Face at 03/05/2008 17:47
This came to a surprise to me. Then again, I haven't really been paying attention to anything Ziff Davis, so shame on me.

Actually, I remember when I saw OPM's last issue on news stands. I checked to see what demos they included for their final issue, and wow was it pretty lackluster. Sure, they probably got teh shut down after the demos were finalized, but it's still a pretty underwhelming way to go out.
CronosBlade's Avatar
CronosBlade at 03/05/2008 17:48
Last I checked, there wasn't a "help wanted" sign around here....
MaxVest's Avatar
MaxVest at 03/05/2008 17:50
I'm in mourning that we only had a few precious minutes to take potshots at Summa. He should stop by more often.
power-glove's Avatar
power-glove at 03/05/2008 17:52
Summa, EGM has always been the best American-based game magazine out there in terms of quality. No other magazine has come close.
king3vbo's Avatar
king3vbo at 03/05/2008 17:58
Fuck off Summa

EGM is the best magazine out there, and its too bad that this happened to Ziff Davis
grrza's Avatar
grrza at 03/05/2008 17:59
Ziff is one of the coolest names imaginable ever.
-D-'s Avatar
-D- at 03/05/2008 18:00
When Summa shows up it's like your drunk ex stopping by for a booty call. It's equal parts awkward and sexy but 100% wrong.
DeusPayne's Avatar
DeusPayne at 03/05/2008 18:02
Wow.... just wow... (on many counts)
CaffeinePowered's Avatar
CaffeinePowered at 03/05/2008 18:03
This is why you don't overdo leverage in a business...
DonWii's Avatar
DonWii at 03/05/2008 18:04
Maybe if they handled business like CNet/Gamespot...
zealot9802's Avatar
zealot9802 at 03/05/2008 18:05
Id file Chapter 11 too if I had to fly James "Milky" Mielke to Japan every other month. Dude is over there often is all Im saying.
Kryptinite's Avatar
Kryptinite at 03/05/2008 18:06
Who the fuck is Summa?
MaxVest's Avatar
MaxVest at 03/05/2008 18:07
@CaffeinePowered: Good thing our nation's homeowners aren't overleveraged*!

*shit.
DaedHead8's Avatar
DaedHead8 at 03/05/2008 18:19
This is a sad day indeed. I read EGM throughout the 16, 32/64 and 128 bit eras. I also was a fan of 1up before I found destructoid.
Sharpless's Avatar
Sharpless at 03/05/2008 18:21
@Cheeburga
NEX IS A SAINT. NEX IS A SAINT.
UMF Skibum's Avatar
UMF Skibum at 03/05/2008 18:23
"Who the fuck is Summa?"

Thats the spirit.
Video Cognito's Avatar
Video Cognito at 03/05/2008 18:27
1up is my favorite "mainstream" gaming website. Game Informer is my favorite magazine, however. I'm gonna miss 1up.
FreePablo's Avatar
FreePablo at 03/05/2008 18:30
It's surprising that a video game magazine's publisher has had to file for bankruptcy a full 8-9 years into the internet age? Really? From someone who writes for a video game blogm the very thing that has killed the video game magazine?

How the hell does that happen with huge subscription based services like that?

I get EGM for free. I get nearly every magazine subscription for free. Only ones payed for in my household are Sports Illustrated and The New Yorker.
Kryptinite's Avatar
Kryptinite at 03/05/2008 18:37
you know what's funny? Ever since I moved EGM has been coming to my house by the doubles. You know what else is funny? I haven't paid for a subscription ever in the last 5 years. It's my fault guys, I'm sorry :(.
RobertSumma's Avatar
RobertSumma at 03/05/2008 18:37
"It's surprising that a video game magazine's publisher has had to file for bankruptcy a full 8-9 years into the internet age? Really? From someone who writes for a video game blogm the very thing that has killed the video game magazine? "

Spot on.

Also, I didn't say EGM sucked, I said they have declined in content (# of pages) and quality (sorry, but if you're a long-time reader, this is true). It will be sad to see EGM go (if they do indeed fold the publication), it was always my favorite.
Kryptinite's Avatar
Kryptinite at 03/05/2008 18:39
No seriously, who the fuck is Summa and why does he have an icon of a dude putting on lipstick? So confused.
BluDesign's Avatar
BluDesign at 03/05/2008 18:40
"Ha, if you didn't see this coming then you really have no clue what's going on. That was pretty funny to read."

There's that Summa smarm we've all been missing these months.

Seriously Rob, do you think you've got some super secret inside source that leaks everything to you months or years before everything else or do you just purposely amend all your comments with claptrap like "I have inside infos you can nevar see!"

Yeah, writing's on the wall, yada yada yada, every publisher's having a tough time with print. We know this, but to see a big one fall is a pretty big surprise nonetheless.

I apologize in advance for not having an insider view on things, as apparently you've told me in the past that having such privilege makes you a deity amongst the unwashed masses.

Because you have insider info on video games.
Sadie G's Avatar
Sadie G at 03/05/2008 18:43
Whose Summa?

Also, I like EGM, they were my replacement when VideoGames went under. :/
They have declined in recent years though...
power-glove's Avatar
power-glove at 03/05/2008 18:47
Sadie, you don't want to know.
BluDesign's Avatar
BluDesign at 03/05/2008 18:48
Also, no...

Losing Next Generation was the worst.

The original incarnation of Next Gen was to me, the pinnacle of gaming magazines.

Also, other than to try get people to Google who the hell you are and why we don't like you, WHY ARE YOU HERE SUMMA?

Like D said, you're like the dumped ex who shows up at a party that you're not invited to and act like everything's swell. You burned lots of bridges with this community (and I am not speaking on behalf of the editors at all in that regard) and no back room, secret, "you don't know the whole story" line will EVER redeem yourself to the regulars who knew you here.

Go away.
Kryptinite's Avatar
Kryptinite at 03/05/2008 18:50
Oh, I remember now. LOL, man.....

That was around the time I was a lurker....

must be close to the time you left or something..having withdrawals I take it?
Novakaine's Avatar
Novakaine at 03/05/2008 18:51
Summa left and went to Epileptic Gaming, didn't he? The same place that brought you this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXb_3Kbb8yw

Yep, them peoples know what quality and integrity are, all right.

Anyway... as long as 1up is okay, then I'm fine. GFW Radio (97.5: The Brodeo) and Retronauts are my two favorite podcasts on the Internet. As long as I get to hear T-Frog, Sharkey, and Kohler on Retronauts and Black Dragon, Sean Milloy, the Quiet Man, and Shawn "God" Elliot, I'm good. The Milkman's cool, too.

Although aside from them, 1up is awfully full of tech/graphics whores who demand gratuitous sex, violence, and profanity in their games, and generally hate Nintendo (that seems to be an industry norm, though).
prev next 50 comments

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!

 
New on Destructoid.TV play all videos

Loading
Loading Destructoid Videos




    Win this!
    Reminder: We're giving away six copies of Magnacarta 2!



    Dtoid Twitter    Got news?   tips@destructoid.com

    Reviews & Previews
    Mahjongg Artifacts 2 review
    Dragon Age: Origins review
    Lost Winds: The Winter of the Melodias review
    Osmos review
    Space Invaders Extreme 2 review
    Half-Minute Hero review
    JU-ON: The Grudge review
    Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble review
    Thexder Neo review
    Domino Rally review
    more reviews
    PS3's 256-player MAG
    Rooms The Main Building
    Skate 3
    Hudson's bringing back the Bonk
    James Cameron's Avatar
    Bomberman Battlefest
    Calling
    Bad Company 2's multiplayer
    Partying like it's 1959 in BioShock 2's multiplayer
    BioShock 2 through the eyes of Big Daddy
    more previews


    - The Dtoid Army is 49548 strong -

    Showing Cblogs with 3+ faps   show all

    Call for entries: do the wrong thing

    New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide




     Originals
    Jim Sterling: Ten 'classic' games that did not age well





















    More Destructoid Originals




     Popular now more
























    Destructoid's editorial lovefest is:
    Nick Chester
    Editor-in-Chief
    Jim Sterling
    Reviews Editor
    Dale North
    News Editor
    Hamza Aziz
    Community Manager
    Anthony Burch
    Features Editor
    Rey Gutierrez
    Video editor & director
    Niero
    Founder, publisher
    Letters to the editors
    tips@destructoid.com
    Associate Editors
    Ashley Davis Jonathan Holmes
    Brad Nicholson Jonathan Ross
    Brad Rice Jordan Devore
    Chad Concelmo Matthew Razak
    Colette Bennett Tom Fronczak
    Conrad Zimmerman Topher Cantler
    Dyson Samit Sarkar
    Contributors
    Adam Dork
    Ben Perlee
    Daniel Lingen
    Joseph Leray
    Joe Burling
    Mikey
    Will Maddock
    Stella Wong





     

     
      get involved

    register or login
    post a blog
    post a forum
    enter a contest
    contribute a news tip
    suggest a feature
    be a guest editor
    support

    new member's guide
    login assistance
    tech support
    report abuse
    email our editors
    read our dev blog
    nuclear crisis?
    keep in touch

    RSS feed
    Twitter
    Facebook
    Myspace
    Flickr
    Game nights
    Meetup+play online
    seriously

    about Destructoid
    advertising
    terms of use
    privacy policy
    jobs at MM
    buy our crap
    our network

    Tomopop
    Japanator
    Despingation?




    Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
    living the dream since March 16, 2006