As many of you may have heard, 1UP has been bought by UGO and this means many things, many of which we don’t know yet.  One thing we do know is that The 1UP show is done.  It really is shame to see such a great and unique take on the gaming scene go away.  It was certainly something that made Fridays worth the wait every week for me.

It will be interesting to see what happens to the other 1UP productions like 1UP Yours, 1UP FM and LAN Party in the wake of this.  This story will be updated as more information comes in.  We wish everyone  at 1UP the best and hope they will have success wherever they are headed.

It seems people are looking for 1UP twitter feeds so here are some:

• Shane Bettenhausen – http://twitter.com/shanewatch
• James Mielke – http://twitter.com/milkychan
• Garnett Lee – http://twitter.com/GarnettLee
• Ryan O’Donnell – http://twitter.com/ryanodonnell
• Matt Chandronait – http://twitter.com/talkingorange
• David Ellis – http://twitter.com/DavidEllis
• Thierry Nguyen – http://twitter.com/ThierryNguyen
• Tina Sanchez – http://twitter.com/teanah
• Anthony Gallegos – http://twitter.com/chufmoney
• Philip Kollar – http://twitter.com/pkollar
• Nick Suttner – http://twitter.com/nsuttner

Update: It’s seems that a large chunk of the editorial staff have been let go along with many that brought us 1UP Yours, 1UP FM, and LAN Party.  It seems safe to say that 1UP FM and LAN Party are completely gone.  It seems as if 1UP yours may continue.

As many of the people that were let go from 1UP provided some of the best game coverage and podcasts out there, rest assured, we will be following what they do in the future and eagerly await their next projects.  As soon as we hear anything we will be sure to let you all know.

Update #2: In commemoration, 1UP FM and GFW Radio (LAN Party) torrents, enjoy:

1UP FM – http://www.mininova.org/tor/2155741
GFW Radio – http://www.mininova.org/tor/2154829

Update 01/07: According to Nick Suttner’s twitter he will be recording a podcast tonight called Rebel FM, presumably with his partner in crime, Philip Kollar.  Can’t wait.

Update 01/08: The first episode of Rebel.fm is available.

Update 01/09: Ryan O’Donnell and Matt Chandronait are making a push for a new gaming show akin to the 1UP Show.  Help them out at talkingorange.com.

Update 01/12: Word is that a new episode of Rebel.fm is being recorded tonight and Ryan O’Donnell and Matt Chandronait have decided on a name for their new show which will be announced soon.

Update 01/12 #2: Ryan Scott is planning a podcast called Geekbox Radio.  According to his site the first episode should come out this week.

Update 01/25: People are still checking this story periodically so I thought I would provide a final update.  Since the last update the ex-1UP Show crew have started a new video project called CO-OP.  Below are links to podcasts and projects from ex-1UPers that have been released:

Rebel.fm (successor to 1UP FM) – eat. sleep. game. (blog)

CO-OP (successor to the 1UP Show) – Area 5 (blog)

The Geekbox (successor to GFW Radio/LAN Party) – The Geekbox (blog)

Link (1UP)

Related posts:

1. LAN Party – 12/11/2008
2. CO-OP | Episode 1
3. The Geekbox: Episode 1

Is Final Fantasy XIII really going to release next year?  I can’t see that happening.  I’m with Philip on Mafia II.  The first one was great and the second one looks to be a worthy follow-up.  It’s one of those games that kinda slipped through the cracks so if you haven’t played it, grab a copy of the PC version, the console versions are not so great.

Happy New Years-ish! We break from tradition to bring you a 2009 Preview Extravaganza, as Alice, Scooter, and Matt L. join us to chat about all the big publishers and their 2009 game lineups, and we all pick out our most anticipated games. Enjoy, and we’ll see you next year!

Runtime – 1:49:08

Link (1UP FM)

Related posts:

1. 1UP FM – 12/15/2008
2. 1UP FM – 12/08/2008
3. The 1UP Show: Episode 12/19/08

Like blogs before them, podcasts as a popular medium for entertainment and journalism are on their way to breaking out. Anyone who is a follower of almost anything can attest, it’s easy to get excited about hearing people you respect, or are simply entertained by, talk about your specific area of interest. Games and tech are the focus around here, so here are 5 podcasts not to miss from this holiday break, along with 5 other great ones on the newer/smaller side that you may not follow.

5) TWiT

Leo Leporte’s This Week in Tech is the longest running and most respected technology podcast on the internet. Only the most intelligent and prolific names can be heard here. If anyone could be considered to have broken into the mainstream, it is Leo.

As is clear in the title, tech is the focus here, but TWiT often approaches topics from a business/industry point of view. This really sets it apart from most by avoiding being just a news or announcements type show, though you will definitely be covered on that front as well. If you want a bit of informal business 101 with your tech talk, look no further.

4) Diggnation

Started by Kevin Rose, of Digg fame, and Alex Albrecht, the perennial video favorite makes the list. Fans may argue that the show is more about sitting in on 2 guys’ conversation at a bar than hardcore tech talk, but tech is infused throughout.

The cool thing about Diggnation is that although you aren’t being bombarded by tech information at every turn, whether you realize it or not, you are being slathered with geek culture. The genius of Kevin and Alex’s baby is that whether you’re “tuning in” to watch 2 guys tell jokes while drinking beers or learn about trends in the web 2.0 world, you will get both.

3) gdgt weekly

If you follow the tech world, you are at least aware of Engadget and Gizmodo. The guys that brought you these two mainstays, Ryan Block and Peter Rojas, are back together with a weekly podcast filled chock-full with serious, in-depth tech world analysis. You knows these guys are knee-deep in the web 2.0 world with a website name that has omitted the vowels, is all lower case and has no “www” in the address.

The take here is not so much to break news as it is to provide commentary and analysis on the trends and happenings of the gadget industry. These guys are not only seasoned cutting edge veterans, but also have a strong grasp on the strengths of their different mediums. Conversational and intelligent, this is the model for tech podcasts.

2) 1UP Yours

Garnett Lee, with a regular cast from 1UP, brings you the week’s headlines with intelligent insights and opinionated general game talk. 1UP Yours probably isn’t the inventor of the format, but starting every show with a “what you’ve been playing” segment has set the template for video game podcasts.

Some may not like the “hipster” vibe, but there is no arguing that 1UP has produced some serious talent in the industry and seems to be a stepping stone for many, both on the journalism and development sides of games. There is no doubt that 1UP yours is the most consistent and enjoyable gaming podcasts around.

1) The Totally Rad Show

TRS came out of nowhere almost 2 years ago and brought fresh faces and a fresh take on entertainment media coverage in weekly video form. A podcast is only as good as it’s talent and Alex Albrecht, Jeff Cannata and Dan Trachtenberg are the best around. Whether you are interested in games, movies, comics or TV, these guys got you covered.

As podcasts grow, three of the utmost important factors to their success are serving a niche, informing/entertaining and regular/quality production. TRS is broad enough to bring in a large group of people, but maybe more importantly, is brilliantly produced thanks to the unsung star of TRS, Steve Koncelik.

Alex, Jeff and Dan are living examples of why being a geek has become cool.

5 more notable mentions:

Joystiq Podcast

Brought to you by Engadget’s sister site Joystiq, up to the minute news is their forte and that is a big focus here. With Christopher Grant and Ludwig Kietzmann tolerating the hilarious antics of the ever harsh and selfish Justin McElroy, this is a fun one.

Invisible Walls

Shane Satterfield of Gametrailers heads up this weekly video podcast focused on video games. This one just makes sense coming from the website it does. Visuals are very important for games and getting footage throughout the talking heads discussion really adds something to this one.

Tekzilla

Featuring Patrick Norton and Veronica Belmont, Tekzilla is a tech video podcast by the people that bring you Diggnation and The Totally Rad Show. With a focus on reader questions there is a lot of very practical advice here. The weekly show is accompanied by short daily tips and the total package is entertaining and informative.

The 1UP Show

1UP delivers another winner, only in video form here. The 1UP Show generally covers 3 games a week with a very discussion based format. Shot in an indie style, this is yet another unique and entertaining take on games coverage.

1UP FM

This fresh show by 1UPers Philip Kollar and Nick Suttner is the variety show of the gaming scene. They cover a wide range of topics and have a weekly “backlog” where they play through notable games that somehow fell through the cracks.

Related posts:

1. Diggnation | Episode 185 – High Fives with Jimmy Fallon!
2. The Totally Rad Show – Episode 158: Hick
3. The state of 1UP

I am really blown away by 1UP recently. The only real rival to them is IGN as GameSpot has drifted from their greater days.  The overall vibe of the IGN guys is great, but being regular goes a long way.  This and 1UP Yours having a podcast this Friday; above and beyond guys.

We talk to DS masterminds 5th Cell about their groundbreaking new game, Scribblenauts, Anthony stops by for the Malebag, and the Backlog crew puts the wraps on Beyond Good and Evil.

Runtime – 1:53:05

Link (1UP FM)

Related posts:

1. 1UP FM – 12/08/2008
2. 1UP FM – 12/01/2008
3. 1UP FM – 12/15/2008

This Playstation Home stuff is really blowing up, but it seems like it’s for the wrong reasons.  There isn’t much to do in there.  Is it just a time kill and nothing more?  Maybe it’s just skewed more towards teenagers.

Anthony Gallegos brings the folk.  Check it at the 44:30 mark.

It’s a PSN symposium! Shane, Alice, and Matt L. join us to go a little more on-depth on Flower, Noby Noby Boy, and Home, while Giancarlo laments Rise of the Argonauts in Shelf Life, Tina drags Ray into the Mailbag, and the Backlog crew takes a third pass at Beyond Good & Evil.

Runtime – 1:45:57

Link (1UP FM)

Related posts:

1. 1UP FM – 12/01/2008
2. 1UP FM – 12/08/2008
3. The state of 1UP

Phillip Kollar and Nick Suttner deliver week after week with their diverse and groundbreaking take on the weekly game podcast.  Diverse topics, yet with a fresh format bring the goods every week.  Evil Avatar doesn’t know what they have lost…

Edit: The interview with the Riddick team is really great.  DEFINITELY give it a listen.

We sit down with famed developer Starbreeze to chat about their Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena reboot, Shane stops by to talk Persona 4 and driver’s ed in Shelf Life, Greg graces the Mailbag, and we go back for seconds in the Beyond Good & Evil Backlog.

Runtime – 2:07:59

Link (1UP FM)

Related posts:

1. Giant Bombcast 04-21-2009
2. CO-OP | Episode 107 – Mother Mission’s Fruits
3. GWJ Conference Call Episode 131

The “kid’s table” is back after the Thanksgiving holiday.  The 1UP boys are a little late, but that’s better than not releasing one at all like many others around the net– yes, that’s directed at you IGN.

And guys… no more interviews with zombies.

Riddled with Mad Turkey Disease, we bring in House of the Dead: Overkill’s product manager Mike Schmitt and a couple of zombie friends (don’t worry, they quiet down eventually) to tell us about the upcoming Wii shooter, Giancarlo and Donahoe sit down for Shelf Life to talk Kingdom Hearts and Prince of Persia, Tina tears open the ol’ Mailbag, and we kick off the Beyond Good and Evil Backlog!

Runtime – 1:48:33

Link (1UP FM)

Related posts:

1. 1UP FM – 12/15/2008
2. 1UP FM – 12/22/2008
3. 1UP FM – 12/08/2008