Dan "Shoe" Hsu: A Career in Gaming Media and Content Programming
In the world of video game journalism, few figures have navigated the transition from print magazines to digital platforms as prominently as Dan "Shoe" Hsu. Known for his leadership roles at some of the most influential publications in the industry, Hsu has spent decades shaping how gamers consume news and critiques.
Born in 1971 and an alumnus of the University of Michigan, Hsu earned the nickname "Shoe" as a play on the pronunciation of his surname. His career is defined by a long-standing relationship with legacy gaming media and a successful venture into entrepreneurial digital publishing.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Dan Hsu (Nickname: "Shoe")
- Education: University of Michigan
- Notable Roles: Editor-in-Chief of Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) and GamesBeat.
- Entrepreneurship: Co-founder of Bitmob.
- Current Position: Senior Director of Content Programming at Blizzard Entertainment.
The EGM and 1UP Network Era
Hsu's journey in gaming media began in 1996 when he joined the staff of Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM), one of the most respected video game magazines of its time. Over the course of 12 years, he became a cornerstone of the publication, eventually serving as Editor-in-Chief from 2001 to 2008.
His tenure was nearly continuous, with the exception of a one-year hiatus in 2000 to work for the website Gamers.com. During his time at the helm, he also served as the editorial director of the 1UP Network, a digital hub for gaming news and community.
On April 25, 2008, Hsu announced his departure from the 1UP Network. Following this exit, he collaborated with former EGM Senior Editor Crispin Boyer to launch the Sore Thumbs Blog, a personal project that is no longer active.
Entrepreneurship and the Rise of Bitmob
Transitioning from editorial leadership to business ownership, Hsu co-founded Bitmob (and its parent company, Bitmob Media, Inc.) alongside Demian Linn, who previously served as the executive producer of The 1UP Show and GameVideos.com. Bitmob.com soft-launched in May 2009, aiming to bring a new approach to gaming content.
Despite his entrepreneurial efforts, Hsu's ties to his roots remained strong. On December 1, 2009, it was announced that both Hsu and Linn would return to Electronic Gaming Monthly to assist in the publication's relaunch.
Transition to VentureBeat and Blizzard Entertainment
The landscape of gaming media shifted again on February 1, 2012, when VentureBeat acquired Bitmob. The platform was subsequently integrated into VentureBeat's dedicated gaming vertical, GamesBeat. Hsu took the lead as Editor-in-Chief of GamesBeat, a position he held until October 2014.
Upon leaving GamesBeat, Hsu announced his permanent departure from gaming media. However, he remained within the broader gaming industry, shifting his focus from reporting on games to creating them. He currently serves as the Senior Director of Content Programming at Blizzard Entertainment.
| Period/Date | Organization | Role/Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 – 2008 | Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) | Staff / Editor-in-Chief (2001–2008) |
| 2000 | Gamers.com | Staff (One-year tenure) |
| 2008 | 1UP Network | Editorial Director (Departed April 25) |
| 2009 | Bitmob | Co-founder |
| 2012 – 2014 | GamesBeat (VentureBeat) | Editor-in-Chief |
| Present | Blizzard Entertainment | Senior Director of Content Programming |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dan Hsu called "Shoe"?
His nickname is a reference to the pronunciation of his surname, Hsu.
When was Dan Hsu the Editor-in-Chief of EGM?
He held the position of Editor-in-Chief at Electronic Gaming Monthly from 2001 to 2008.
What happened to Bitmob?
Bitmob was acquired by VentureBeat on February 1, 2012, and was subsequently incorporated into GamesBeat.
Does Dan Hsu still work in gaming media?
No. He announced his permanent departure from gaming media in October 2014.
What is Dan Hsu's current role?
He is currently the Senior Director of Content Programming at Blizzard Entertainment.