Cuts at Future US and IGN sites

Media companies Future Publishing and IGN have both been forced to cut staff numbers, citing restructuring and financial difficulties.

"Future US is currently working to reposition itself in the marketplace to transform the company from an old school publisher to a hybrid publisher," Future COO Rachelle Considine told Joystiq last night.

"While many 'old school' publishing companies and outlets have folded completely, Future US is in process of retooling and reshaping the organisation to succeed, and thrive in the digital era."

There were 19 job losses. The company's current US brands, Nintendo Power, PlayStation: The Official Magazine, OXM and @Gamer, will all continue.

Earlier this week the publisher promoted Ursula Morgan to vice president of media, and had recently sold its New York division.

At IGN Voodoo Extreme, acquired by IGN in 2003, Team Xbox and GameSpy have been hit by cuts.

"Just wanted to let you all know that due to economic hardships, the staff budget at Voodoo Extreme was cut entirely yesterday," confirmed editor in chief Sheila Lewis.

"We've been offered the opportunity to stay on in a volunteer capacity, but the future of VE3D is unknown."

Co-editor in chief Ryan revealed the news about Team Xbox and GameSpy via his Twitter account.

"Voodoo Extreme, TeamXbox, and GameSpy got hit this week too. IGN tells the VE crew we can be volunteers," he said.

"I can speak for VE and TXB, but the email went out Monday. TXB and VE = 100% budget loss, not sure what GS lost budget wise."

Interestingly, Dan Stapleton, editor in chief of GameSpy, then replied to the tweet with "No we didn't."

GamesIndustry.biz has contacted IGN for clarification.