PixlBit

The news that 1up would be closing shop soon was jarring.  I didn’t react one way or another initially.  The idea that a site I have frequented and was quite involved in at one point was shuttering didn’t seem real.  I always thought that 1up would always be there; a community oriented video game website in a sea of journalistic blogs and sensationalist click bait driven “news” sites.

Eventually my thoughts moved to those that lost their jobs; to the ones that would be underutilized in new roles at IGN.  To those that helped make 1up afloat all those years I offer my thanks and well wishes for the future.  I’m sure everyone will land on their feet.

Yesterday I logged in to 1up for what will end up being one of, if not the last time ever.  I posted a short, feeble blog saying goodbye to a site that meant so much to me and to many here at PixlBit.  Most of us met through the 1up community features.

I’ve often wondered what the identity of PixlBit was to be.  Coming from 1up I felt that we needed to offer a sense of community and we’ve strived to make the site accessible and welcoming.  All of us who work here are responsive to user questions and input.  We want to be a site that’s known for being involved.

Growing a site organically can be quite satisfying, but it’s hard.  With so many options for video game related media, it’s no wonder that so many haven’t even heard of PixlBit.  You’d understand the frustration that comes with working so hard and having to wonder if anyone cares.

But people do care, even if they are few in numbers. Some of them care so much that they’ve made it their personal mission to bring more people here, to perhaps provide refuge that had thought that 1up would always be home.

I am warmed and humbled by the wave of new faces here at PixlBit today.  Some of you remember me from my 1up blog - I certainly remember you.  Others are new faces - new friends to make.

As with others, I welcome you here with open arms. I hope that you make this your new home; your new community.  PixlBit may be less refined and less populated than some sites, but with that comes great dexterity on our part.  You, as a new burgeoning community, have the opportunity to truly shape the future of PixlBit.  I implore each and every one of you to make experiment with your blogs, engage our writers in meaningful and constructive discourse, and to push us to make changes - to become better.

1up is gone, but we can all create something new - something we can all own.  I don’t seek to recreate what 1up was.  I want to build upon that.  And I want you all to help.

Welcome.
And Game On.