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Future shutters last official Nintendo UK magazine
The Official Nintendo Magazine in the UK will be shut down on November 11, Future Publishing and Nintendo announced today. The magazine's staff will be shifted to other positions within the company. "Nintendo will continue to speak directly to fans via Nintendo Direct, our social media and online channels and public events," noted the magazine on its website. Future's unofficial Nintendo UK magazine stopped publishing in 2012, the same year that North America's Nintendo Power ceased operations. Future Publishing continues to try and find its financial footing in an online world.
Future to spare CVG from publication cuts
UK gaming site CVG will not close down this year following a round of cutbacks at its publisher, Future, MCV reports. CVG will decrease its writing staff to three – it currently has five full-time employees plus support staff in the US and Australia. Future will review CVG in December. In May, Future announced a restructuring effort that would result in the loss of 170 jobs in the UK. Future handles gaming publications OXM, PC Gamer, Gamesradar, Edge and CVG. Future planned to focus its attention on Gamesradar, the bigger US brand, but support for CVG and attempts to purchase the site prompted Future to keep it around through December at least, MCV reports. There's no word on the fate of Future's other gaming holdings. [Image: Future]
Future publishing restructure resulting in loss of 170 UK jobs
Restructuring at magazine publisher Future will result in the a loss of over 170 jobs in the UK, the publisher reported in its half-year financial results (ending March 31, 2014). Known for gaming publications like OXM, PC Gamer, CVG and Edge, Future announced its global plans to "refocus and simplify" at the beginning of the month. Future reported an increase in its normalized UK revenues by two percent to £41.5 million ($69.4 million), which accounted for 85 percent of the group's total revenue. Its normalized U.S. revenue was down 14 percent for the half-year to £7.3 million ($12.2 million). Part of Future's plans involves the sale of the company's sport and craft properties to Immediate Media for up to £24 million ($40.1 million). The sports magazines include Procycling, Cycling Plus and Mountain Biking UK, whereas the craft publications in question include both the UK and US Mollie Makes magazines, The Knitter and Simply Knitting. [Image: Future PLC]
Restructuring and redundancies at Future
Future, known for game magazines and websites such as OXM, PC Gamer, CVG and Edge, is undergoing further global restructuring, which will result in layoffs across the company. "No part of the business will be unaffected," according to CEO Zillah Byng-Maddick. That includes the management board, which will be "streamlined" as part of the process. MediaWeek reports that Future will "no longer be structured around content types like technology but instead a single content and marketing team will produce all content." Strategically, Byng-Maddick says Future plans to "refocus and simplify," leveraging its ability to "attract large communities of highly engaged customers who want to buy things." Byng-Maddick's new plan seems to be at odds with former CEO Mark Wood's plan to transition Future to digital publishing. Attempting to move to digital "diluted [Future's] focus and distracted our talent," she said. Future currently owns dozens of brands across nine different categories, ranging from cars to tech, music, sports and, of course, video games. Exactly how these brands will be affected remains to be seen, as the number of redundancies will be decided after a 45-day consulting process.
Future Publishing continues restructuring, lays off 55
Future Publishing's transition from a print to digital business affected another 55 employees today at the company. The layoffs impacted several departments, including games art and editorial. There is no indication at this time that the layoffs will include shuttering any of Future's brands, which include GamesRadar, CVG, Edge and official magazines for consoles. "Where revenues are declining we simply have no option but to look at reducing costs. In July we began a recruitment freeze and we decided to defer the annual pay review," Future CEO Mark Wood wrote in a memo to staff. "We have been reducing staff numbers by not replacing vacancies and minimizing unnecessary external costs such as travel." He continued, "These changes are a necessary part of the continuing transition of our business. We must ensure our operations are in the best possible shape for the long term success of Future, and I know that the issues involved are well understood around the business." The layoffs continue years of restructuring for the company, which included the departure of its CEO and CFO in 2011, along with a merging of US and UK operations. Last year, the company began cutting US operations, which concluded the year with the closure of legacy magazine Nintendo Power.
World of Tanks partners with PC Gamer for new bookazine
Wargaming and Future have announced a partnership today that will see a new 148-page "bookazine" for World of Tanks fans entitled PC Gamer Presents World of Tanks. This special publication provides "beginner tips and tricks, a history of Wargaming, exclusive developer interviews, map strategies and an analysis of the game's top tanks." The print version will go on sale in the UK for £9.99 and in US Walmart stores for $11.99. A digital version is also available through the PC Gamer smartphone app for £6.99. Wargaming's UK PR manager says that this is the first in a series of partnered bookazines published by PC Gamer. Because nothing says objectivity quite like a series of sponsorships, right? [Via Wargaming press release]
Nintendo Power officially closes, last issue should be out December 11
Yesterday marked the day Nintendo Power, after running for 24 years, officially closed. The news of the magazine's end broke back in August, but yesterday some of the now former staffers revealed on Twitter they'd completed the last issue, and the office had closed its doors. That final issue should be out on December 11.You can read the favorite memories of many Nintendo Power staffers here, as well as reminisce with us and other writers as we remember a publication so prominent in our gaming childhoods.
UK magazines Xbox World, PSM3 ceasing publication by December
Independent UK magazines Xbox World and PSM3 will release its final issues on December 12, Future Publishing tells CVG. Future has plans to focus on digital growth and will redistribute all employees of the canceled magazines to other areas of the company.Xbox World announced its closure on Facebook, writing, "In all seriousness – we're really, really sad to see the mag end. We've always had loads of fun making it, and we hope you've had fun reading it. We're working on the final issue now, cramming in as many fond memories of the mag as we can."This year Future US announced it would shut down Nintendo Power and PlayStation: The Official Magazine, both with final issues planned for this holiday.
Nintendo Power remembered
Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to remember Nintendo Power. Not its passing, but its life. Nintendo Power will conclude 24 years of publication with a final issue this December. We've experienced the loss of many magazines over the years, but Nintendo Power's conclusion is different for many of us. Directly attached to childhood memories of so many, it was the publication of both the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super NES at the dawn of the console era, with children of the late 80s and early 90s eagerly awaiting the magazine's arrival every month.We've gathered some fond Nintendo Power memories from today's media after the break. Please feel free to share your happy memories too.
Nintendo Power coming to an end
Nintendo has chosen not to renew its licensing agreement with Future Publishing (the company that currently produces Nintendo Power) and has no intentions to take over the publication itself, according to insider sources speaking to Ars Technica. A now-deleted tweet from NP staff suggested this was accurate.Reportedly "difficult to work with," Nintendo is said to have taken no interest in working with Future on expanded online initiatives to strengthen the Nintendo Power brand. Editors and staff members were told that the magazine would be shut down sometime last week and have since begun transitioning to other Future publications, according to Ars Technica's source.We've reached out to Future Publishing and Nintendo for comment. Originally launching in 1988, Nintendo Power was run in-house by Nintendo until the property was licensed to Future in 2007.
Future US eliminates 19 jobs, not shuttering any brands
Future Publishing US eliminated 19 jobs today as part of overall changes taking place at the company. None of its brands, which include Nintendo Power, PlayStation: The Official Magazine, OXM and @Gamer, will be discontinued."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. "While many 'old school' publishing companies and outlets have folded completely, Future US is in process of retooling and reshaping the organization to succeed, and thrive in the digital era."Future announced late last year that it was merging its US and UK operation, following the resignations of its CEO and CFO.
Europe's 'NintendoTV' now streaming outside of Wii and 3DS systems
Now you can watch Future Publishing and Nintendo's "NintendoTV" without having to buy a European Wii or 3DS. The show has been relaunched, and with that relaunch comes a fancy new YouTube embed, so you can see footage of big new Nintendo games, coverage of launch events, and other such fun stuff ... right here, in this post! Watch it yourself to see how it compares to the "Nintendo Week" available through North American Wiis, and the "Nintendo Show 3D" you can watch through the 3DS eShop. Alternately, marvel at the existence of three different Nintendo-produced video programs available through consoles, which you quite likely have never heard of.
Future Publishing combining UK and US branches
Following the departure of its CEO and CFO, Future Publishing's new CEO, Mark Wood, has a plan: The UK-based company will combine resources with its US branch, merging the two together. Wood hopes this move will "enable us to operate more efficiently and return the U.S. business to profitability." Future's US branch is responsible for Nintendo Power, PlayStation: The Official Magazine, OXM and @Gamer, among others. Future has been planning to shift its resources away from print to online for a few months now, following significant year-over-year losses. "The changes will also mean that we can accelerate our transition to a digital business model and start to sell our entire range of digital content to high-value audiences in the U.S. and other key markets," Wood added.
Future Publishing CEO and CFO quit
With the end of Future Publishing's fiscal year fast approaching on November 24, and the news not expected to be good, the company's chief executive Stevie Spring and chief financial officer John Bowman have resigned. "The recent restructuring which positions the company for its digital future has allowed the Board this opportunity to achieve substantial savings by eliminating an entire tier of corporate overhead," Future said in a statement. The company's stock has dropped 60 percent this year. The company ominously announced late last month that it was "considering a wider range of strategic options in respect of its US operations." Future US's magazine business currently includes all three official console magazines, PC Gamer and Best Buy's @Gamer. The company stated in July it plans to take the US to a primarily digital model.
Sony and Future creating new UK PS3 video show to replace FirstPlay
Sony and Future Publishing's PlayStation Network-exclusive show, FirstPlay, may have ended on July 6, but it doesn't mark the end of original HD offerings on PS3 from the partnership. CVG reports that Sony and Future are already working on a new PS3 show. No details about the actual content (or the name) have been announced, but Future's Entertainment Group Publisher Simon Maxwell said that production is "well under way," and that the show is "HD video magazine content," much like FirstPlay and North America's Qore. While those of you in the UK (or with accounts on that region's PSN) wait for news on the new show, let this scintillating marketing speak from SCE UK Marketing Director Alan Duncan build your anticipation: "This is a great content initiative which forms a key part of SCEUK's strategy to reward and engage with our consumers in a more meaningful way."
UK's PC Zone magazine shutting down after 17 years
The UK's first PC gaming magazine, PC Zone, will end its 17-year, 225-issue run in September. Future Publishing is closing the magazine following a "strategic review," which probably had something to do with the magazine's sales of 11,000 copies a month. Both the BBC and Guardian have full articles on the magazine's demise and legacy. In a statement, Future Publishing stated it will focus its efforts on "market leader" PC Gamer going forward, which has twice the circulation of PC Zone.
Best Buy formally announces @Gamer magazine
Remember when ex-Joystiq writer Kyle Orland spilled the beans on a potential magazine from Best Buy, dubbed @Gamer? Future Publications has formally announced a partnership with the yellow tag retailer to produce @Gamer, which is set to be offered in-store later this month. The angle of the mag is both as a provider of editorial content and of "valuable savings" to customers. "@Gamer will cover the best 30-40 games and hardware items available each month in an easy-to-digest format, while offering at least $20 worth of exclusive offers redeemable at Best Buy locations," the press release states. William O'Neal will handle EIC duties for the mag -- a former correspondent for G4's Attack of the Show -- while the aforementioned Andy Eddy will serve as executive editor. Now here's the bad news: @Gamer won't be free. The new mag will support a subscription plan (10 issues for $19.99) or a $5.99-per-issue cost in-store.
Best Buy taps Future US for new game mag: @Gamer
Andy Eddy seems like a regular guy. He's got some sweet scruff and nothing on his Facebook page looks out of the ordinary, so -- wait, what's this? Apparently Mr. Eddy is "working at Future US in the Future Plus group on a new publication called @Gamer, the 'official games magazine of Best Buy.'" For real? It's news to us and certainly the first that Kyle Orland, ex-Joystiq blogger and devilishly handsome chap who noticed the blurb, has heard about it. While we're inclined to point out the obvious to Best Buy (uh, game mags are pretty dead, bro), we're interested in seeing how far this will go. Real editorial content or a glorified shopper's guide? We can't wait to find out! [Via The Game Beat]
All but one Future publication saw circulation dip in 2009
[Image credit: benben] Can you guess which of Future Publishing's nine magazines didn't lose readership in 2009? If your money was with Edge, you've got our permission to give yourself a nice big pat on the back. Go ahead, we'll wait. Done? Good. Like we were saying, the UK game mag publisher saw shrinking circulation numbers in 2009 -- the same year that saw the closure of PlayStation World by Future and the shuttering of long-running US gaming mag EGM by Ziff-Davis. While Edge circulation numbers rose by (a somewhat meager) 109 readers, Games Master dropped by 6,636 (to 34,313), PC Zone by 7,666 (to 11,357), and Xbox World 360 by 5,156 (to 25,874). While those numbers might seem a bit on the low side, that has more to do with the smaller size/population of the UK than anything else (though, of course, dropping readership numbers don't mean good things for any publication house). According to the GamesIndustry.biz report, Future blames the circulation drops on "slowing sales and ad spend [advertisers spending on print advertising]." We've dropped the entire list of circulation numbers after the break (care of the UK Audit Bureau of Circulations), should you be so inclined to peruse all the stats.
WoW Magazine site now live, hints at Doomhammer
Coming from left field, much to the surprise of everyone here at Team WoW.com, was the announcement of World of Warcraft: The Magazine which will be published by Future later this year. As promised, the website for the subscription-only quarterly went live in the wee small hours of this morning (GMT).You're probably scratching your heads and wondering why we're mentioning this when there's all the BlizzCon fun and games to talk about. Well, amonght other things, there's a really nice piece of artwork of the Lich King by Wei Wang, who we believe is going to be named the Eighth Son of the Storm at BlizzCon. On top of that are the first hints at what the first issue will contain: a piece on the game's fifth anniversary (which suggests we may well see it around November time), articles focusing on new content (which I'm assuming is either code for Cataclysm or a peek at patch 3.3), and the lore behind the legendary weapon Doomhammer.This is probably the entry which is going to have theorists asking intriguing questions. The Doomhammer is currently held by Thrall, and it's one of those uber weapons which most players want to get their hands on but can't get (because it's not actually implemented). It turns out this weapon will be the next 'Frostmourne', a replica weapon that if you have the cash you will be able to purchase and hang on your wall to confirm your hardcoreness.Either way, check out the website and hit the link to subscribe if you like what you see. Alternatively, if you're at BlizzCon this weekend, you can visit the Future booth and do it there. BlizzCon 2009 is here! WoW.com has continuing coverage, bringing you the latest in Cataclysm news, live blogs, galleries, and reports right from the convention floor. Check out WoW.com's Guide to BlizzCon for the latest!
