11 years. In the video game world, 11 years essentially equates to the life cycle of as many as 3 systems. It can be the entire life cycle, including creation, development, implementation, sales, and stagnation of a game franchise. It can also refer to the career of one of gaming's most important and rational voices: the 1up Network's Dan "Shoe" Hsu.

In a blog posting today, Dan announced that he is leaving Ziff Davis Media and his position as the Editor-in-Chief of 1up and Electronic Gaming Monthly as of Friday April 25. Both Shoe and Ziff Davis assure us that his departure has nothing to do with Ziff Davis's filing for bankruptcy nor with Games for Windows ending its print run. Shoe has specified a "desire to "to pursue personal interests". His position will be filled by Site Director Sam Kennedy.

As an editor-in-chief (although not nearly Shoe's caliber), I have to say that I am very saddened by his decision to leave 1up. As I said earlier, his voice was always one of sanity and reason in an industry that isn't really known for much of either. In a world of pointless boycotts, firings blown out of proportion, and loudmouthed lawyers, a voice like Shoe's was a reminder that at the end of the day, we're all about gaming, which should be all about fun.

Click here to read Shoe's goodbye. My favorite part is his "bucket list" which I have pasted below:

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