Ziff Davis Media Launches 1UP.com

Posted on October 24, 2003

Ziff Davis Media, a publisher of video and PC game magazines, has launched 1UP.com. The new websites for gaming enthusiasts provides content, news, game reviews, tips and tricks, and live forums with industry celebrities. The company also announced that it has appointed Tom Jessiman to run the 1UP.com business. Sam Kennedy, who has held prior positions at Electronic Gaming Monthly and Official U.S. Playstation Magazine, will lead 1UP.com's editorial staff as Editor-in-Chief.

Mr. Jessiman brings more than 20 years of new media experience to Ziff Davis Media. As Vice President and General Manager, Mr. Jessiman will oversee 1UP.com as well as all Internet activities for Ziff Davis' Game Group, which includes: editorial, business development, sales, marketing, production, and technology. He will work closely with all other Ziff Davis Game Group business lines, including its six print magazines and its event business.

"Our relentless focus on great products for game enthusiasts has made Ziff Davis the number one publisher in electronic videogame publishing," said Robert F. Callahan, chairman and CEO. "By leveraging our resources in print, along with our talented online editorial and sales teams, we'll be able to offer our assets in new ways that drive strong results for our customers."

1UP.com draws its name from video gamers becoming '1UP' over their opponents with bonus powers. 1UP.com incorporates editorial features from the Ziff Davis Game Group's publications: Electronic Gaming Monthly, the Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, GMR, Computer Gaming World, Xbox Nation and GameNOW. 1UP.com is the website for all of the Game Group publications. In addition to videogames, the website offers related coverage of DVDs, music and gadgets. There is also a community section where gamers can interact with editors from the company's publications.

Tom Jessiman served most recently as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sports.com Ltd. Prior to this position, Mr. Jessiman served as Senior Vice President, Operations, at SportsLine.com. At Sportsline.com Mr. Jessiman was responsible for marketing, production, technology, programming, editorial and paid services. Mr. Jessiman also held senior marketing and business development positions at interactive media groups at IBM and US WEST.

"I'm thrilled to join the market leader in electronic videogame publishing," said Tom Jessiman. "Having built successful Internet brands and businesses in a competitive arena like sports, I know how important it is to have a product that excites our target audience right out of the gate. With our team and award-winning editorial resources we literally sprint to the head of the pack, and plan to be a leader in this sector in the near future."