many wondered what the future would hold for the 40 some employees now without jobs. Fortunately for many of them, they banded together to start various new projects. As one of their fans, I've had the chance to witness and experience these new projects, and here is the basic rundown.

Rebel FM&Eat-sleep-game.com: Former staffers Anthony Gallegos, Nick Suttner, Phillip Kollar, and others bring you the first project. Rebel FM is basically 1UP FM with a new name, and keeps the great personalities fans have loved listening to. The first show gives a great explanation of what occurred during the hours leading up to the layoffs, and the days after. (Libsyn, iTunes, Zune)   

Geekbox Radio&Geekbox.net: Ryan Scott teams up with Karen Chu, Andrew Fitch, Greg Ford, Ryan Higgins, and Ernie P for the second podcast project made up of ex-1UP editors and staff. This podcast brings the many talents together from those who used to host the GFW Radio, Legendary Thread, and Sports Anomaly podcasts on 1UP. The first show goes over everyone’s favorite memories of Ryan Scott at 1UP and gives advice to Andrew on his upcoming "date". (iTunes, Zune)

Co-Op & Area5.tv: Co-Op is the brand new video cast from the producers (Ryan O'Donnell, Matt Chandronait, Cesar Quintero and Jay Frechette) of the 1UP Show. The first show is up and features many of those caught up in the layoffs, as well as Dan Hsu. The full list of those featured is Nick Suttner, Anthony Gallegos, Philip Kollar, John Davison, Dan Hsu, Shane Bettenhausen, Greg Ford, Michael Donahoe, Demian Linn, Andrew Fitch, Ryan Scott, and Giancarlo Varanini. Episode 1 Part 1 is a nice look at titles that could easily be considered games of the year. (Youtube)

Also, according to Dan Hsu's personal blog, Sore Thumbs, he will be teaming up with Demian Linn on another new project, yet to be revealed. Michael Donahoe, Karen Chu, Crispin Boyer, and Greg Ford are all on board and they will be teaming up with others like Ryan Scott, Andrew Fitch, Andrew Pfister and more. They are currently looking for investors to help get this venture off the ground.

It’s been great seeing all the new projects and seeing the comradery between everyone to help each other out. It only shows how they have bonded as friends and became a very tight nit group. Everyone should check out their sites and projects, and help support them anyway possible. Currently all the projects are taking donations to help cover production costs and getting the shows off the ground.

The support by the fans so far has been extraordinary and only goes to show the compassion for fellow gamers in the industry. I speak for us all when I say we wish them the best in their futures and look forward to seeing their projects having much success.