Following the recent news concerning two of publisher Ziff Davis' gaming publications, GameDAILY BIZ briefly spoke with Dale Strang, CEO of the Game Group.
The most important thing to come out of the conversation is that Xbox Nation is NOT dead. While it's true that XBN is ceasing monthly publication, Strang assured us that the brand is still alive in both print and online. The magazine will have about four more issues during the 2005 transition year. Essentially, the decision was made because Ziff Davis believes it will be a fairly light year for Xbox releases as Microsoft prepares to launch its next-generation console in late 2005.
As for GMR, Strang confirmed to us that EB Games decided to pull support because the magazine subcription just doesn't fit into their business model anymore. We asked Strang what help Ziff might provide the former editors, and we were told that Ziff is actively trying to reassign many of its best. Not everyone will get a new position, so there will be net layoffs unfortunately. To those who are let go, GameDAILY BIZ offers you condolences and the best of luck for the future.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
News Source :GameDAILY BIZ