Longtime EGM editor and reknowned game journalist Dan “Shoe” Hsu has announced his departure from Ziff Davis.
In a lengthy blog entry, Dan “Shoe” Hsu announced his resignation from Ziff Davis Media and the 1UP Network for reasons unrelated to the Ziff Davis bankruptcy or the closing of the Games for Windows magazine. His resume runs the gamut of game journalism positions, ranging from Editor in Chief at Videogame Buyers Guide, Editor in Chief for Gamers.com, Editor in Chief at Electronic Gaming Monthly (his most notable position which he held for years) and most recently Editorial Director at the 1UP Network, all of which he collected during his 11-year career at Ziff, starting with EGM in April 1996.
Former 1UP.com Editor in Chief and current 1UP Network site director Sam Kennedy will be replacing Hsu as Editorial Director upon his departure after April 25.
“The group’s in excellent hands with this guy,” complimented Hsu of Kennedy. “I’ve been working with Sam for years. He’s smart, enthusiastic…and not addicted to Achievements, so he should be able to get a lot more done here than I was able to.”
Ziff Davis Vice President for Editorial Simon Cox left his own comments on Hsu’s legacy in the industry:
I’d just like to say how much we will miss him around here. When John left, and I went from working occasionally with Shoe on covers, to managing him and working with him full-time, I got some first-hand insight into how extraordinarily good he is at this stuff. Not just putting the best videogame mag in the business out the door each month, but energizing his team, working tirelessly with difficult publishers to snag exclusives and solving problems across the group. Real talent and ability is a rare and valuable thing on the editorial side of this industry. I can count on one hand those who even come close to Shoe in terms of craft, industry knowledge and experience. And none equal him.
“Shoe” leaves his post with the expectation that he’ll be back in the industry in due time: “For better or for worse, you’ll hear from me again in the near future. I love the videogame business too much to stay away (plus, I’m too old to become a professional snowboarder). Besides, I will miss you guys too much. You all have been fantastic. I sincerely appreciate all the support you’ve thrown my way over the years – and that, I’ll never forget, either.”
