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EGM Media to produce Walmart gaming mag
Apparently, keeping one of the longest running gaming magazines going isn't enough work for the folks at Electronic Gaming Monthly. The mag's publisher, EGM Media, has announced plans to launch a new magazine exclusively for Walmart. Appropriately titled Walmart Gamecenter, the "regular frequency" magazine will offer "news, previews, interviews and other exclusive stories about gaming culture and the most important game releases." In addition to the print publication at Walmart stores, the magazine will also be offered via "personal computers, iPad and Facebook with EGM's proprietary ScreenPaper publishing platform." The first issue debuts December 6.
GDCO 2010: Rich Vogel and Calvin Crowner on 13 years of Ultima Online
At this year's GDC Online in Austin, Ultima Online was the first game inducted into the Game Developer's Choice Hall of Fame. Massively had a chance to look back at UO's thirteen years of history with its original senior producer, Richard Vogel, and its current one, Calvin Crowner. Follow along after the jump to read more on their impressions of those 13 years.
Braaaaainssss: First details about Undead Labs' zombie MMO revealed
There's something about zombies and video games that bind geeks together in harmony, which is why we've been anxious to see what Jeff Strain's Undead Labs has in store for our favorite end-of-the-world scenario. Well drop your linen and start your grinnin', because Game By Night reports that EGM's latest physical issue (241.0) is chock-full of zombie goodness on the project. The unnamed MMO is going to be console-only and will take place in today's world following a zombie apocalypse. Strain promises that the world will be dynamic and malleable -- think "sandbox" -- as players will build up defenses to protect settlements, lay down traps for the zombie horde and eventually take the fight to the undead. There may also be gardening (yup, you read that right). A more dynamic world isn't the only cue from modern MMO development that Undead Labs is taking -- the game will skew more toward quick action-based fights than traditional MMO combat: "Banish the memories you have of the PC MMO paradigm for combat, and start thinking AAA console action game... weapons (like the M14 assault rifle or long-bladed machete) need to feel snap-fast and satisfying, to pierce bones and dismember limbs just so." While the title is still in very early stages, EGM says that the team is looking to allow a more free-form character development, with players taking on specialty roles instead of being forced into rigid class constructs. You can read the full analysis over at Game By Night.
EGM Now hires industry vet Billy Berghammer as group EIC
Aside from having an excellent last name that gives us the impression he's really into smashing hamburgers, longtime game industry veteran Billy Berghammer was announced late this past week as the group editor-in-chief of EGM Media. In his new role, he'll be overseeing both the print version of EGM Now and EGMi: The Digital Magazine. "Finding someone with Billy's expertise and knowledge of the industry is rare and we're very happy to have him guiding the editorial voice of the new Electronic Gaming Monthly," said publisher and founder Steve Harris of Berghammer in the announcement release. Over the course of his tenure in the game industry, Berghammer served as founder of PlanetGameCube.com (now NintendoWorldReport.com), managing editor of Game Informer Online, and, most recently, as editorial director of gaming at G4 Interactive. And for his part, Berghammer says he'll be focusing on creating "a talented editorial team that our readers wil recognize and respect in the same way they've trusted EGM to delivery honest analysis in the past." So, hiring more former EGM writers then? You can't fool us, Berghammer!
Revived EGM's first issue has Street Fighter covered
It ended with Ryu and Ken, and now it's starting anew with the same pair of World Warriors. The two covers of the first issue of the new EGM relaunch have been revealed. Each variant depicts either Ryu or Ken as seen in the upcoming Super Street Fighter IV. (The last, unpublished issue of Ziff Davis's EGM featured Street Fighter IV on the cover, as well.) Perhaps it's a coincidence, due to the timing of the release of Super Street Fighter IV later this month, but the new covers could certainly be a nod to the magazine's former incarnation. Of course, it's not like Street Fighter covers are unusual for EGM. In addition to those historically relevant images of Ryu and Ken, the covers reveal the contents of the issue, including a large feature about the history and future of fighting games, an in-depth examination of Super Street Fighter IV and a discussion of new retro-style games.
'EGM: The Lost Issue' launches, offers free preview of EGMi: The Digital Magazine
Nearly a month ago, publisher Steve Harris showed off a concept video of what we could expect from the interactive, online version of the now-resurrected EGM, called EGMi: The Digital Magazine. At the time, Harris promised that the real, fully-functioning first "issue" of EGMi -- the "lost issue" of EGM -- would debut on the magazine's website "long before Summer arrives" ... and, lo and behold, it's already here. Creating an account on EGM Now will grant you free access to EGM: The Lost Issue, a browser-sized (or full-screen) version of the never-published final issue of EGM that its editors had already put to bed when the magazine was shuttered in January of last year. It animates, makes sound ... but sadly doesn't scroll vertically (and there's an issue with sluggish loading, which will hopefully be worked out in subsequent "issues.") So, if you've been longing to see the lost EGM of yore -- and get a look at its online future -- it's definitely worth checking out. Once you have, why not offer your opinion in comments?
EGM Now launches with ... digitized final issue of old EGM?
We've been hearing about Steve Harris's digital version of the soon-to-be relaunched EGM for quite some time now, and we're just one month away from the magazine's return to newsstands. However, if you're trying to get an early peek at what Harris has in store for EGMi: The Digital Magazine (that he's said will be released supplementally between print issues), now's your chance. But what's this? The mysterious unreleased "last issue"of EGM? It is! As Harris puts it, "The links on this cover page aren't live yet - but they will be long before Summer arrives." Okay, okay, it might've taken a year for the issue to become available -- and yes, it might be full of content on games that have been out for quite some time now -- but hey, it's a chance to explore "layers and depth that you control." Doesn't that seem enticing? Well, we're not really sure quite yet, as the Screen Paper-based issue has yet to incorporate the promises we've been hearing since last September. With grand plans for the release of a digital magazine every week once the print mag relaunches, we'll certainly see how this shakes out soon enough.
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.
Relaunched EGM subscriptions now available, magazine details remain hazy [update]
Hey, you remember EGM, right? The gaming mag that folded in January 2009 when 1UP/EGM was sold by Ziff-Davis Media to Hearst/UGO? And then the original publisher Steve Harris purchased it for a relaunch earlier this year, only to find out that the relaunch was pushed to April? We have to imagine that, by now, you're positively itching to put your money down on a subscription (if you haven't already subscribed to Kill Screen, of course). It would appear that your wish has been granted, as EGM has officially opened the door to its subscription portal, promising savings of 70 percent off the newsstand price. For 32 issues and access to "EGMi: The Digital Magazine," US customers are looking at dropping $14.99, while 64 issues (as well as the aforementioned digital mag access) will cost $24.99 -- Canadian subscribers are looking at $34.99 and $54.99 for 32 and 64 issues, respectively, minus the digital version. Though we've yet to receive any real idea of the magazine's content, Harris has already signed on ex-EGMers Dan "Shoe" Hsu and Demian Linn, as well as the Co-Op folks, to fill those shoes (or "Hsu's," as it were). We'll certainly find out more this April when the first issue is scheduled to hit subscribers and newsstands. Update: To be clear, the $14.99 and $24.99 subscription deals actually equal a half year or full year of physical magazines (one per month; six and 12, respectively), as detailed in the fine print. "Your subscription includes either six print issues and 26 premium digital issues of EGM[I]: The Digital Magazine for a total of 32 issues OR 12 print issues and 52 premium digital issues of EGM[I]: The Digital Magazine for a total of 64 issues." Confusing enough for you?
EGM relaunches with April issue, explains digital content
EGM Media this morning announced the distribution of its upcoming magazine via an "agreement" with Time/Warner Retail Sales and Marketing (former EGM/Ziff Davis Media distributor), alongside intentions to release its first issue with an April cover. Though no specific date was given other than "March 2010" for the newsstand re-launch of Electronic Gaming Monthly, the press release detailed the "weekly interactive version of the magazine," named "EGMi: The Digital Magazine" (rolls right off the tongue!). Accessed by a "special code" included with each issue, the digital extension of the magazine will be made up of "exclusive article extensions and original content." Also of note, game previews and reviews will make up at least part of the premiere issue, with notorious rumor-monger Quartermann, ex-EIC Dan "Shoe" Hsu (as previously announced), and prankster Sean "Seanbaby" Reiley all contributing content as well. Publisher and prez of EGM Media, Steve Harris, claimed the digital content "is complementary to the print magazine" and gives editors "a way to communicate with our readers and update the print product in an ongoing manner." We'll see how his claims play out when the magazine arrives this March.
Kill Screen gaming mag aiming for highbrow readers
Between John Davison recently promising a revitalization of GamePro, Steve Harris' purchase and subsequent relaunch of EGM (as EGM Now), and now the announcement of "Kill Screen" from Jamin Brophy-Warren and Chris Dahlen, it's been quite the year for gaming magazines. But Kill Screen seems to be taking a decidedly different approach to publishing, aiming its first print run at "2 or 3,000 copies," Brophy-Warren told us this afternoon. With an editorial directive to thematically tackle game writing -- and no obligation to the traditional reviews/previews/news format due to a donation/subscriber-funded, non-profit approach -- Kill Screen intends to avoid the mechanical nitty gritty that plagues game writing. "A great example of that is with Brütal Legend," Brophy-Warren said. "Tim Schafer had to come out and defend the RTS elements ... When we talk about games critically, it's not going to be in that sense." The first issue, the "test run" or "zero issue" as it's being called, will be finished in "the next week or two" and shipping by January. Brophy-Warren added that he's hoping the second issue will be ready for GDC, but he's not so certain. And as for the short initial print run, he says "Everyone's gotta start somewhere, right?" and encourages people to subscribe to insure they'll get a copy. We wish them the best of luck!
Ex-EGMers Dan Hsu and Demian Linn (re)join EGM Now
The new Electronic Gaming Monthly has brought back Dan "Shoe" Hsu and Demian Linn to the publication in some capacity. Hsu, the former editor-in-chief of EGM, who left his role of editorial director at 1UP before the great UGO cataclysm and started Bitmob earlier this year, will assist in generating content for the revamped publication. Linn, another co-founder of Bitmob and the former reviews editor at EGM and executive producer at GameVideos, will assist in "overseeing the reporting and writing of news and other content for EGM's network of properties." Hsu and Linn will not leave their roles at Bitmob for EGM and, as far as we can tell, neither will have a designated editorial role at the new publication. It appears that for the time, Bitmob will merely assist in producing content for EGM. Check out our interview with EGM publisher Steve Harris for more on the EGM rehabilitation plans Source -- Dan Hsu and Demian Linn join EGM [EGM] Source -- Full Circle: Bitmob joins EGM [Bitmob]
Mystery VGA teaser revealed as Spec Ops
It appears as though yesterday's mystery teaser for the upcoming Spike TV Video Game Awards, featuring a CGI scene of a war in Dubai, is actually not the newest teaser in the world. Revealed back in August, the clip is said to be from upcoming 2K Games franchise reboot Spec Ops. Originally, the title was claimed by EGM rumor mill "Quartermann" to be in development in the shuttered magazine's July 2008 issue. 1UP claims the title to be confirmed by the 90-second teaser trailer that we've dropped after the break. We'd suggest checking it out simply for the fact that it contains more footage than the teaser from yesterday, but the fact that Björk is involved makes us all the more inclined to recommend a viewing. For those of you thirsting for more, your next chance to see the game will be at 2009's world exclusive-filled VGAs. We've contacted 2K Games for comment and will update this post if we hear more.
Interview: EGM Now's Steve Harris
Following the closure of Electronic Gaming Monthly by parent company Ziff Davis Media earlier this year (after nearly 20 years in the game industry), the magazine's original founder Steve Harris repurchased the rights and promised a rebirth for EGM. We ran into Harris at E3 2009 and cajoled him into speaking with us about his purchase. (He was a bit busy with business at E3, as you might imagine, thus we're talking a few months later.) Though we're still a little ways off from the mag's December 1 "return," he gave us a few hints of what to expect, his explanation of how EGM Now will succeed financially where "old EGM" failed, and a few of his favorite games on the current-gen systems. Hit the break for the whole thing.
Harris planning on Dec. 1 return for EGM
If you grew up on gaming magazines like we did, the landscape of industry journalism has probably felt a little ... weird since the closure of Electronic Gaming Monthly. According to a tweet from founder and new owner Steve Harris, the gap will be filled (in some shape or form) on December 1, when the magazine is slated to make its return. Though we can't help but be a little nervous about the whole thing, we're excited to see what the reborn EGM will look like. Our hope? Exactly like Maxim.
Preteen's mom ticked about Maxim/EGM swap
Had we been consulted, we would have told the parties responsible that fulfilling subscriptions of the now-defunct EGM with the dumb man's Playboy (Maxim) was a pretty crummy idea. Now we've got some evidence of that courtesy of Kathleen O'Donnell, who's none too happy that her 12-year-old Jake has received two issues of Maxim, despite her requests that it stop. "When I saw it, I didn't think it was a magazine my son should be looking at," she told CBS affiliate WBZ.It's a cruddy situation all around, but we'd like to give a small protip to young Jake: If someone starts sending you pictures of half-naked ladies, keep that to yourself.[Via The Escapist]
Steve Harris hints at the future of the reborn EGM
When Electronic Gaming Monthly closed its doors back in January, it not only left behind an issue that never got published but also a brand that gamers everywhere easily recognized. The magazine's original founder, Steve Harris, recently bought back the rights to the magazine (as well as online rights), and this week he spoke with Publishing Executive to detail a bit of his plans for his new venture."The new Electronic Gaming Monthly will let you take your magazine and its content from print to computer to wireless devices -- even to your television," he says in the piece, continuing, "Content will be delivered via a digital device included with each issue." He doesn't go on to explain whether he means a thumb drive or a CD or what, but we're just as curious as you are to know more about the rebirth of a magazine we grew up reading -- and hated after hours spent trying to find Sheng Long. Curse you, early-to-mid-90s game magazine editors![Via Bitmob]
Here's your new issue of EGM! It's called Maxim
click to embiggen ... the full image While some folks wait to subscribe to the reanimated EGM later this year, those who currently have a subscription to the deceased periodical have begun receiving their replacement magazine: Maxim. Yes, the mag that controversially scored 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand higher than Killzone 2 and Street Fighter IV is clearly the right replacement for the demographic.A note on the issue of Maxim arriving in mailboxes states that the balance of customers' paid EGM subscription will be fulfilled by the engorging engaging mag. Have fun, boys! And, um, sorry to any of those female subscribers. We're sure you'll love all those articles Maxim is famous for.[Thanks, Dan]
EGM sold to original founder, resumes publication this year
Electronic Gaming Monthly, which died when UGO bought out the 1UP brand in January, is being resurrected by its original founder, Steve Harris. Harris, who started EGM in 1989, has regained the print and online publishing rights from Ziff Davis Media as part of an undisclosed agreement. Harris intends to relaunch the magazine in the second half of 2009 and says he has "exciting plans for the evolution of what will once again be a leading independent voice for the gaming community."There's no word yet on whether ex-EGM staff will be making a return to the magazine, or if Harris is in talks with UGO to re-establish a partnership with 1UP, but more details are due to be revealed during E3 next week. We guess in this case print really isn't dead.
Former EGMer Dan Hsu launches new video show, Cut Scene
Though he wasn't ousted by the 1UPocolypse, we're always happy to see a former EGM-er land on his feet. That's the good news we got today when Game Cinema HD revealed their new show, "Cut Scene," starring real-life sweethearts Raychul Moore and former EGM editor-in-chief Dan Hsu.We're a little cautious of the show's proposed formula, which seems to be a blend of video game talk and inter-couple strife, but we'll hold out judgment until the first episode of the show (which is specifically designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch) appears.
