Sources are whispering to us that UGO Entertainment is the likely destination for the 1UP Network. Ziff Davis is looking to unload the 1UP Network, but the print edition of Electronic Gaming Monthly would not be included in the deal.

As for Electronic Gaming Monthly, shadow dwellers are suggesting that the February issue could, in fact, be the last issue that we see on news stands. From what has been suggested to us, the editorial staff does already know that this is the case and has knowledge of the plans going forward. Part of the problem is said to be a lack of advertising bookings going forward.

As for Electronic Gaming Monthly and FileFront, UGO is said to have had no interest in either one of these products. With lack of interest by UGO in EGM and FileFront and the elimination of the print version of the magazine, we suspect that EMG and FileFront will likely be merged into some sort of an online version of EGM with FileFront as part of the package. We suspect that some of the site will be pay for content, with the majority of the content being free.

From what our sources are serving up, Ziff Davis sites would, in fact, retain their branding and independence rather than being folded directly into the UGO Entertainment Network. It is said that UGO staff will be headed out to visit the 1UP Network team before the end of the week.

The expansion by UGO could deal a very real blow to smaller and independent sites that are not aligned with a major publishing network. The deal would give UGO a very big leg up on competitors by being able to spread ads over more sites in more destinations. Currently, UGO claims to have over 35 million unique visitors per month and some already suggesting that the number could more than double with the addition of the 1UP Network into the UGO fold.