Media Shake Up: EGM Closes Doors

Kris Erickson • Jan 7, 2009 • Comments ()

Venerable magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly will finally shutter its doors after more than two decades of publication. The closure comes as part of a complex merger deal between Ziff Davis Media and UGO. Ziff Davis Media and Publishing owns a variety of video game properties, including popular website 1UP and EGM. Rival media company UGO stepped in to purchase 1UP.com from the ailing magazine publisher, but it did not take possession of EGM alongside the internet property.

Unfortunately, this merger has meant that many Ziff Davis employees have lost their jobs. CEO Jason Young had little to offer those employees, saying only that “the transaction allows us to pay down debt and shift our full focus to our core PCMag Digital Network business. We thank our 1UP team members for their contributions and wish them the best of success into the future.”

EGM is only the latest in a string of print magazine failures. PC Magazine was halted earlier in 2008 and Games For Windows also closed its doors in 2007 under Ziff Davis ownership. The increasing popularity of online news sources (like Gameflavor.com) spells rough times for traditional print media. The rising cost of publishing, delivery and management of print magazines compared to online media cuts into potential profits. Video game players represent one of the most web-savvy demographics, so the popularity of online media sources is understandable.