It's going for the "lifestyle" angle, blending gaming — and "geek topics," as described by founder and editor-in-chief Abdel Bounane — with fashion, art and culture, along with some stunning photo spreads for something out of the ordinary. PingMag's Jean Snow interviewed the Bounane about his mag, now three issues deep.

Bounane tells PingMag he was inspired to start up the publication because "there was a huge gap between the inventiveness of my primary passion — videogames— and the way it was treated in the press" citing video game press homogeny (and monopoly) as part of his inspiration.

It's an interesting take on a staid format, one that you can check out for yourself with the online versions of each issue. While it may seem easy to brush off Amusement as a vapid fashion rag with loose gaming references, it certainly appears that Bounane and company have a genuine interest in the art form and the tertiary forms it often flirts with.

Not to mention that the latest issue looks to have content of real interest to gamers, with interviews with Sony's Kaz Hirai, sci-fi author Michael Moorcock and film director Michel Gondry.

It's coming to the US and UK in 2009, if you find this sort of thing to your liking.

Amusement: Gaming Culture Meets Art and Fashion [PingMag]

Carbajal writes that concerns about the ability of Ziff Davis' gaming mag to continue beyond 2008 led the Mexican licensor of the EGM brand to shutter the mag. That means EGM fans south of the border will have to settle for the December 2008 issue, the one with Watchmen gracing the cover, as the mag's "adios" issue.

While we know the English language version will continue at least through its January issue, Ziff's CEO Jason Young sounds less confident in its ability to continue through the rest of the year.

It was reported last night that UGO was interested in buying the 1UP network of sites, but not the print version of EGM, another potential sign of weakness for the two-decade old mag.

Thanks to Josué Hernandez for the heads up.

EGM en Español (2002-2008) [Press-Start]

That's according to publisher Imagine's managing director Damian Butt. He tells MCV "The decision to suspend N•Revolution has been taken because it has become increasingly obvious that Nintendo’s strategy for Wii and DS is no longer in line with Imagine Publishing's target readership."

We know some people are taking Wii Music pretty hard, but killing off your print publication? That's sending a message.

Imagine confirms N•Revolution closure [MCV]

GameInformer's web tease on the PlayStation 3 title notes that the sequel "revolves around the 13th century explorer Marco Polo and his voyages." Uncharted 2 separates itself gameplay-wise with a new "free climbing mechanic and stealth gameplay." Ewww... stealth gameplay? The new stubble rendering I like, but I'm already feeling apprehensive about the S-word and the possibility of lots of ice levels.

The mag also promises a first look at Guitar Hero: Metallica which is almost guaranteed not to have any stealth segments, thank God.

January Issue Revealed [Game Informer - thanks, Max]

Next year will be EGM's 20th year in print, should it last until summer of 2009 for its two decade anniversary. Young tells the New York Times that Ziff Davis is "considering" moving EGM to an online-only format on 1UP.com, but would not make the decision before end of year.

Young blamed rising costs associated with print and decreased advertising as reasons for the closing of PC Magazine.

Ziff Davis filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and is working on eliminating its debt. The publisher has shut down a number of print pubs over the past few years, including the Official PlayStation Magazine, GMR and most recently Games For Windows: The Magazine.

PC Magazine, a Flagship for Ziff Davis, Will Cease Printing a Paper Version [New York Times via Gamasutra]

Sydney, Australia, 17:00, 12 November 2008.

International Nintendo publishing partnership strengthened with new title

Future Publishing Australia have today announced a new agreement with Nintendo Australia to launch Official Nintendo Magazine – Australia and New Zealand.

Official Nintendo Magazine – Australia and New Zealand builds upon the existing relationship between the two companies, a partnership which currently extends to both the US and the UK, where Future publishes the official titles in both strategically important markets.

Greg Arthurton, Director of Marketing, Nintendo Australia said:

“We are really excited about the new agreement. By establishing a partnership with Future Publishing Australia, we are able to extend the Nintendo brand into a new environment with a locally produced magazine on the newsstands. We will also benefit from the well established relationship which already exists between the companies in other territories, and we will integrate that into the way we work together here too. We definitely see the magazine as being an important part of our evolving communications strategy in this region, not least to ensure our customers can get the best out of their consoles with a complementary offering.”

As in other markets, Official Nintendo Magazine – Australia and New Zealand will reflect that the Nintendo proposition is evolving and changing. Whilst the console platforms continue to engage with a traditional fan base, Nintendo is also seeking to extend its reach by targeting non-traditional gamers too. The new audience are delivered a breadth of family-focussed and self-improvement software, whereas the die hard gamers are still served with favourites such as Mario, Zelda and Pokemon titles and innovative developments as well.

Nic Healey, Managing Editor, Future Australia said:

“Official Nintendo Magazine – Australia and New Zealand will be the definitive source of Nintendo news and features for both the traditional gamer, and the new audience of Nintendo fans too. We will be able to draw upon Future’s international content, and we will also be working with some of Australia’s leading games journalists to produce our own Australian focused content too. Our Official status gives us unlimited access to the newest Nintendo games and the people who make them, as well as the latest developments on the console platforms.”

Karl Penn, Managing Director, Future Publishing Australia, added:

"We are genuinely honoured to be given the opportunity to partner with Nintendo Australia, and to work with one of the world's iconic entertainment brands. At Future we base everything we do around clusters of like-minded individuals who are passionate about their interests. At this time of overwhelming choice on the newsstands, people want good quality, trusted editorial content more than ever before which is what Future does best. Certainly the unique Official status will ensure it’s further differentiated against other existing and imported Nintendo titles. Official Nintendo Magazine – Australia and New Zealand will be a magazine for this market, but it will also benefit from our pool of internationally created content and the resources we are able to draw upon.”

The first issue of Official Nintendo Magazine – Australia and New Zealand goes onsale in December 2008. The title will be published monthly with a cover price of $8.95. The magazine will be distributed nationally in both Australia and New Zealand, with the first issue packaged as a Special Edition.

Considering what we've seen so far, which consists of little more than a teaser trailer, box art and a quick info dump from the boys at Bungie, we're excited to see what the game looks like. Our most educated guess is that it looks like Halo 3 with some Earth bits scattered around, but you never know.

Game Informer December 2008 Cover Revealed! [GI]

The issue also features "the future of fitness" brought to you by video games. Fitness has changed.

The magazine's cover promises to clue Men's Fitness readers into Zelnick's fitness regiment, which helps Strauss stay "in the best shape of his life." We'll tell you straight up: the man bench presses overstock Big Daddy statues between protein shakes. True story!

Take-Two’s Strauss Zelnick, First Game Exec To Land A Fitness Mag Cover [Das Gamer]

The October ish of Game Informer should be deployed by shuttle to newsstands any minute now, if you're interested in boldly going wherever $14.99 a month will take you. Perhaps more interesting is the "What If? starring Assassins’ Creed’s Patrice Desilets" feature, because we assume it highlights alternate facial hair choices for the Ubisoft developer.

October Issue Revealed [GI - thanks, Ian!]

The cheapest option will ensure that you get your copy of Famitsu, like, a week or so after it hits Japan's magazine racks. That'll set you back $480, all up front, for 52 issues.

If money is no object, you can sign up for overnight shipping of the mag. That's an impressive $2860 per year for 52 issues. I'm expensing mine, hoping it just flies under the radar of finance. If not, it's been nice working here.

Famitsu Magazine Subscription [NCSX]

The issue teaser also hints at some sort of secret. The adjective "colossal" is used. We're instructed to sit down, it's that serious. What could it be?! Surely there's a countdown clock out there that will provide us with more information!

See GamePro's new Resistance 2 cover, win a beta code [GamePro - thanks, James!]

The company has tried to negotiate its substantial debt out of the courts before, following a missed interest payment last summer. Over the past four years, the company had shuttered some of its publications, including the Official PlayStation Magazine and GMR, but continues to publish print properties like eWeek and PC Magazine as well as nearly twenty technology and entertainment web sites.

While we don't know much about the financial health of its video gaming properties, we have heard that the 1UP Yours podcast will be scaled back to a lean three hours in an effort to cut costs. A temporary setback, we hope.

Ziff Davis Media Files for Bankruptcy to Cut Debt [Bloomberg]

"We are honored to be selected as the new publisher for an industry touchstone like Nintendo Power," says Future US's President, Jonathan Simpson-Bint. "This is an opportunity for Future to use its core competencies - great editorial, deep knowledge of young men's lifestyles and technical expertise - in service of one of the world's great entertainment brands. We couldn't be more excited to get started."

NINTENDO AND FUTURE US TEAM TO PUBLISH NINTENDO POWER MAGAZINE Nintendo partners with country's premiere young men's media company to produce one of gaming industry's most well-regarded magazines South San Francisco, CA (September 19, 2007) - Nintendo and Future US, Inc., the leading publisher of cutting-edge special interest magazines and Web sites, announced today that they are teaming up to publish Nintendo Power® magazine, which has offered millions of Nintendo fans a comprehensive mix of tips, tricks, reviews, maps and strategies each month for nearly 20 years.

Future US will produce the title, which was formerly produced in-house by Nintendo of America Inc. Future US will also produce the magazine's Web site, www.nintendopower.com.

"By teaming with Future US, Nintendo is ensuring the continued growth of the magazine's circulation and bringing even greater value to Nintendo enthusiasts," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "The team at Future will carry on the quality and traditions of Nintendo Power, and the magazine will now be available at more newsstand locations than ever before."

The first full Future US-published issue of Nintendo Power will be the December 2007 edition (volume 222), on sale in October. Initial circulation will be 300,000 copies, with the magazine continuing to ship to subscribers monthly, with an additional holiday bonus issue each year.

Nintendo Power is a pioneering title within the video gaming category and was first published in 1988. Nintendo Power covers all Nintendo gaming systems (Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Game Boy® Advance) and their associated first-, second- and third-party software. Featuring in-depth previews, reviews of all the latest games, tons of codes, and plenty of late-breaking news, Nintendo Power is perfect for both the novice gamer and the veteran player. Future US's parent, international special-interest media company Future , also publishes the official Nintendo magazine in the United Kingdom.

"We are honored to be selected as the new publisher for an industry touchstone like Nintendo Power," says Future US's President, Jonathan Simpson-Bint. "This is an opportunity for Future to use its core competencies - great editorial, deep knowledge of young men's lifestyles and technical expertise - in service of one of the world's great entertainment brands. We couldn't be more excited to get started."

What will we do with axe blades on pistols? More like, what won't we do with axe blades on pistols.

I told you. Freakin' hot.

Reclaiming lost readers or targeting new ones? This summer, magazine anan is putting its name on Female Power Emergency Up! DS, a title designed to help young working women improve themselves over a three month period. ("Female Power" encompasses "beautiful," "cute" and "strong" in case you were wondering.) Improvable areas covered by the game include "romance," "body" and "manners." Sounds good, but three months?! That sounds like a commitment I'm just not ready for. Brian Ashcraft

anan's New Game [IT Media]

Germany is getting a new gaming magazine next year targeted at the casual girl gamer. Called Play Vanilla, the magazine will focus on gaming articles with a more feminine flair and tackle important female gaming topics. I can only imagine what these topics will be, outside of "Better Than the Guys" articles and possibly "The Effects of Gaming on your Vagina," which my girlfriend assures me are negligible.

"Play vanilla will be serving an interest group that has so far been woefully neglected, a group with enormous potential and specific requirements," explains Petra Fr hlich, Editor-in-Chief of play vanilla and PC Games. "Women want to play too, but are quite different from men in the demands they place on a game. A magazine like play vanilla is inevitable with the increasing numbers of female gamers and games with specifically female appeal."

German girl gamers play vanilla [Destructoid - Thanks Jane!]

Ziff Davis announced today that the long running Official PlayStation Magazine (aka OPM) will see its last issue hit in January of 2007.

Why end it now, when the PlayStation 3 is on the cusp of launch and over 100 million PlayStation 2's and... um... some PSP's are in gamer's hands? Why, the PlayStation 3, of course. And that new fangled internet.

Let's face it, we certainly weren't buying OPM for the articles. It was for the demos. With the PlayStation 3 featuring an integrated networking platform with an embedded digital distribution center (the Store, natch) to offer up PS3 and PSP downloadables, that pesky printed material just seems like dead weight.

And, with the rise of 1UP and the huge investment in GameVideos.com, what do we need an antiquated paper magazine for? That's right. Nothin'.

Press release fetishists, make the jump for your jollies. Michael McWhertor

Ziff Davis Game Group to Discontinue Publication of Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14 — Ziff Davis Game Group, the leading integrated media company focused on the video game sector, today announced that it will discontinue publication of Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine after the January 2007 issue. The Game Group is laser-focused on continuing to expand its rapidly growing digital media presence and on further strengthening its multiplatform properties and powerful integrated network. As such, the Game Group has determined that Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, a property licensed from Sony Computer Entertainment America and limited to print, no longer fits its strategic vision.

"Ziff Davis has had a great run with Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine for the past nine years," said Scott McCarthy, President of Ziff Davis Game Group. "We are very proud of the magazine and its outstanding editorial team, and we're obviously sad to see it go. Unfortunately, given where we are taking the Game Group, it doesn't easily fit into our integrated media network or afford us digital media opportunities."

Mr. McCarthy continued, "In addition, it's a new world. The powerful online capabilities of the exciting PlayStation 3, coupled with ever- increasing broadband penetration in the U.S., allow for much more efficient distribution of game demos, videos, and trailers. With this next generation of game consoles, the days of having to bundle a disc with a magazine to distribute games-related content are over. And the disc has clearly been a major driver for consumer interest in premium-priced, platform-specific magazines in the past, when the magazine disc was the only way gamers could get such content."

Sony Computer Entertainment America will remain a key content and marketing partner for Ziff Davis Game Group, which will cover SCEA's PlayStation 3 and first-party games extensively across all of its media outlets, including EGM, 1UP.com, and GameVideos.com. The Game Group editorial team will also work closely with SCEA in the development of digital content for the PlayStation Network, accessible only through the PS3.

"We are as excited about the PlayStation 3 as the rest of the world, and gamers will be sure to see us reporting extensively on the platform — and on the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable — across our various media assets," said John Davison, Senior Vice President and Editorial Director of Ziff Davis Game Group. "We enjoy working with SCEA and look forward to continuing our relationship for many years to come."

Ziff Davis Game Group's digital media presence has expanded greatly over the past year. The reach of the 1UP Network in the third quarter of 2006 was nearly six times larger than in the same quarter in 2005, and the Game Group has launched several new online properties including GameVideos.com, MyCheats.com, the 1UP Show video podcast, and the ESPN.com Video Games Channel in partnership with ESPN.

The Game Group is also aggressively integrating its print and online media properties wherever possible. For example, its flagship multiplatform magazine EGM, the leader among videogame magazines, is now closely aligned with 1UP.com in terms of visual design, content, and its games rating system.

I was shocked when a co-worker brought in the most recent issue of Computer Gaming World, which happened to be the magazine's 25th anniversary edition. Holy crap! Twenty five years? Just one more thing to make me feel old.

It also happens to be the final issue of CGW, before the pub is retitled Games For Windows: The Official Magazine, inline with Microsoft's branding efforts to homogenize and publicize the Windows gaming platform.

Good news for cheap (and nostalgic) PC gamer types is that the folks at CGW have, with the diligent help of Stephane Racle of the Computer Gaming World Museum, archived the first one hundred issues in PDF format. And they're free. For you. To download.

Classic stuff that's fun to look back on, and in our cynical tradition, mock incessantly. Michael McWhertor

Computer Gaming World Archive

Nintendo's Wii (pronounced Wee) has a crazy name and an even crazier premise—motion-sensitive wireless controllers that require you to flail about to control gameplay. But once you start whacking a virtual tennis ball using an actual swinging motion with your arm, you're hooked. Small, sexy-looking, and affordable, Nintendo's newest gaming system, which promises such motion-activated titles as Excite Truck and Wario Ware to Metroid and Madden 2007, is a winner. $150; www.nintendo.com

Do the Vibe editors have an inside scoop? Are they breaking an NDA? Are they just speculating? Is this just a product of research involving a Google search? We'll most likely know this Thursday, following Nintendo's media events, but I'm starting to lean more toward this low, low price as more than just rumor.

Big thanks to Walter for the scan and quick transcription. Michael McWhertor

Hell, even the folks at the Official PlayStation Magazine aren't ready to drop 600 bones on the thing. Editor Dana Jongewaard updated her OPM blog with an opinion popular with many gamers:

I can't justify it. $600 is a lot of money, especially when I can get what—for me at least—will be a very similar experience for $400.

That's right. She's going to go to the "dark side" and snag an Xbox 360 (and maybe a Wii!).

With few announced marquee exclusives hitting on or around the launch window, many folks, including those paid to shill Sony's wares, are going to ask themselves "Am I getting my money's worth?". Let's hope Sony wows us at Leipzig and TGS, making that massive price pill easier to swallow. Michael McWhertor

Why I am buying a 360 this November

1up has collected some of the most appallingly bad print ads for video games and related properties and crammed them all into a single article for your delectation.

My personal favorite was this thing on the right, which at first glance spoke to me of seedy dealings with fishnet stocking-wearing persons in harsh incandescent light. Possibly the second go-round of a RealDoll at a frathouse kegger.

You see it, don't you? The lower left corner looks like nothing more than a thigh clad in "fencenet" gauge fishnet stockings (yes, they come in different gauges), and the vaguely simian silhouette and cropped hair in the background is reminiscent of the corn-fed American youth that is the soul of the Greek system.

Which brings us to the completely unidentifiable body part in the foreground. I choose to believe that after enough heat and absorbed beer vomit, even the smoothest silicon meats begin to buckle and bulge. It's also possible that this particular unit was marked "irregular", and seeing as it was probably purchased with student loans, it was all they could afford.

Contemplate this twisted flesh, the stink and squeak of well-used rubber, the tangling of synthetic wig fibers on beige carpet, and think of great advertising decisions of the 1990's. Eliza Gauger

The Bestest Worser Ads [1up]

A respectable first pass at illustrating the common logic that women are brainless automatons waiting to have their subservient existence as barefoot kitchen rustlers programmed into them by a virile man. But it needs further revision.

As Apple's famous iPod advertisements have shown, a single lucid visual metaphor is the holy grail of marketing. The girl, the bed, the whole of the Playstation controller are superfluous elements that muddle the message. Here's my brave suggestion for Che gaming ad v2: an extreme close up of the female clitoris branded with a green Sony Playstation triangle.

Irony ends here. FLORIAN ECKHARDT

Sexist italian video game advertisement [Destructoid]

In San Jose's weekly local Metro Silicon Valley, somewhere between the Botox and the breast augmentation, there is an ad for a World of Warcraft gold seller and power leveler. The Northern California-based Dr-Hu.com brags, "We've leveled over 3500 different WOW accounts since November, 2004. Over 99% of our customers come back for additional services. Let us serve you. You'll love what we can offer."

The ad explains that the company uses real players, not bots that could prove harmful to player's accounts. The kicker: "Mention you saw this ad in Metro & receive 10% bonus 1st power leveling"! Sure, the greater San Fran area is a perfect target for this kind of advertising. It's just a matter of time these supplant those term paper ads in the back of Rolling Stone.

More Here [GameSetWatch]

Think PSP means PlayStation Portable? No ho ho. PSP means "PermaShield Pipe," at least according to the March issue of Clean Rooms magazine. A full-page advertisement features a rotund man in a "I *heart* PSP" sweatshirt, standing next to a large PermaShield Pipe. There is even the registered trademark symbol next to the word "PSP." Of course, Sony has trademarked "PSP," which leads us to wonder: Did the (R) or the (TM) come first? Can they peacefully coexist? Apparently, the (TM) is used during the time between the application and subsequent granting of registered trademark. Once it has been granted, the (TM) becomes a (R). Looks like Sony's lost out to this company. But hey, this could be another clever, clever Sony marketing campaign, designed to reel in DIY types and pipe layers. Next month, sneaky PSP viral ads hit Cat Fancy, promoting the PoopScoop Pouch.

Full Story Here

The official site for the official mag isn't (officially) yet up and running, but keep your eyes peeled for an announcement.

Full release after the jump.

Future reveals Official Nintendo Magazine

Future and Nintendo UK launch the all-new Official Nintendo Magazine with a bang from February 16th, when the magazine hits news stands uncovering exclusive information on the DS Lite and a world first hands-on session with the Revolution controller.

As an exciting new era for Nintendo magazines begins, issue one of Official Nintendo Magazine takes a look at how the company is revolutionising the way we play games. Showcasing Nintendo's innovation the DS handheld grabs the front cover of the premier issue and comes enclosed in an attention grabbing card wallet, showcasing the Nintendo Revolution and its amazing new controller. Inside, the magazine has a 12-page feature revealing Nintendo's plan for the Revolution and uncovers the 30% smaller Nintendo DS Lite, with tantalising information and images of both consoles.

Designed with a fresh contemporary look and feel and offering premium production values, the all-new Official Nintendo Magazine promises to appeal to a broader range of Nintendo gamers. The magazine will provide something for everyone, from long-term hardcore fans, through to those who have recently picked up a Nintendo console for the very first time.

Driving Future's vision for Official Nintendo Magazine is company veteran, Group Senior Editor Steve Jarratt, who was launch editor for respected games title, Edge. The magazine will be edited by Lee Nutter, formerly of PSW, joined by Associate Editor Chandra Nair, who joins Future from Highbury's unofficial Nintendo title, Cube. Official Nintendo Magazine will also include contributions from a wealth of respected games journalists including Margaret Robertson, Jes Bickham, Mark Green and Tim Weaver.

Boosting interactivity with readers of the magazine, Future will soon be launching a brand-new website for Official Nintendo Magazine, to be located at www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk enabling fans to react and discuss the latest news from Nintendo as it happens, under the watchful eye of Online Editor, Tom East, former editor of Nintendo GameCube magazine NGC.

With unrivalled access to the biggest Nintendo-related stories, Official Nintendo Magazine speaks exclusively with the creators of Resident Evil: Deadly Silence, Megaman and Street Fighter, Capcom about their plans for Revolution. The four-page feature reveals what games will be coming to the new system and just how the company hopes to utilise the cutting-edge controller. Alongside the definitive preview of Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, the launch issue of Official Nintendo Magazine has 32-pages of previews, showcasing the very best in forthcoming Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo GameCube titles.

The first issue of Official Nintendo Magazine comes with an exclusive set of high-quality vinyl decals, featuring top games; Animal Crossing, Mario Kart DS and Nintendogs, allowing gamers to personalise their DS.

Group Publisher for Official Nintendo Magazine, James Binns said:

"Future is delighted to be working with Nintendo UK on the Official Nintendo Magazine, having already enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the company in France and Italy. Creating a magazine Nintendo fans can be proud of has been a labour of love for the experienced editorial team led by Steve Jarratt and Lee Nutter. There's always been a hardcore base of Nintendo gamers and with the remodelled DS and hotly-tipped Revolution the firm is likely to open things up even more to a wider audience of gamers, all looking for new ways to play."

Dawn Paine, Marketing Director, Nintendo UK, said:

"As Nintendo continues to revolutionise the world of gaming, 2006 is shaping up to be a great for Nintendo and we are very pleased to have Future on board with us to create a truly unique magazine for Nintendo fans of all ages."

Issue one of Official Nintendo Magazine goes on sale Thursday, 16th February, with a coverprice of 3.99.

Mad magazine and GamePro are teaming up in September. That issue of GamePro will include a mini Mad magazine supplement which will mock GamePro and gaming in general. The mock issue will include a feature called the 50 Worst Things About Video Games, some satirical ads and an "expose" on the hidden socially redeeming features secretly added to Grand Theft Auto.

Talk about timely.

GamePro Magazine Collaboration Is A Little Bit Mad MediaPost]

Don't you just love the venerated Japanese game mag, Famitsu? They're writers aren't merely writers, but "experts." (Not sure what that makes me then. A stable boy?) Gaming's past 20 years has been researched and posted by those smarty pants at Famitsu.com.

The findings? Well, the market has grown considerably since Nintendo put the first Famicom on the market. Uh, no duh. Famitsu also pointed out that the DS and PSP have energized the island country's game business, and the same is expected from the upcoming next-gen machines. But, it is difficult to determine the true market size, as the keitai games aren't included. Then again, neither is the X-Box really. Whoot!

Past Twenty Years of Japanese Gaming [Famitsu]

—B.A.

I'm trying to create a magazine that communicates the incredible experiences gamers have. A magazine that reports on the amazing transformations that dedicated communities have wrought upon the games they love.

I think such a magazine would print articles about the destruction of Kerafyrm The Sleeper in Everquest. It would report on the morphing of games like Grand Prix Legends and Interstate 82. It could relate the tale of a dramatic duel in Jedi Knight 2 or cover the phenomenon of swoop bike races in Star Wars Galaxies. Anything at all. Single-player gaming, multi-player gaming, modding, MUDs, indy games. The building of the Space Station in There, the development of unique in-game body language. A well-argued opinion piece on the state of videogame interfaces. Crazy antics on stunt servers or a simple essay on how a game stirred an individual's emotions. Anything which says something fascinating about game culture.

Wow, that's quite a request. I hope it takes, as I think more experiential writing in game magazines would be a great thing. Especially if it is handled by a deft editor who knows the difference between poetic writing and just plain rambling.

An Open Letter [Games Radar, via Wonderland]

Exclusive: Next Generation is Coming Back [VGO]

The walkthrough showed interaction between the Duke himself and his environment. The magazine goes on to say that the game will be at E3 in 2006. Of course, we've all heard that before.

PC Gamer also got a look at Prey, the upcoming Doom 3-powered shooter by the Duke Nukem folk.

While I feel for the writers and editors who have been so unceremoniously dumped on their collective asses, I ve got to use this opportunity to point out the sins of mixing church and state.
For those non-journalists out there, church and state is the holy separation of advertising and editorial content most newspapers pretend to adhere to.

Electronics Boutique didn t run these magazines out of any great love for journalism or freedom of speech, or even well-informed gamers. They ran these magazines as colorful, well-written, glossy ads for their products. And while I have nothing against the hard work and likely stellar ethics of their employees, the bottom line is that companies like ElBo will always be making money, not adding a new voice to the crowded field of game journalism.

So here, for your shock and outrage, is the internal EB memo that led to a bad Christmas for a whole lot of people.

Saturday December 11 2004

From: Marketing & Merchandising
Subject: Farewell to GMR Magazine...
GMR Magazine will be discontinued as of it's next issue, February 2005.

Our separation of the EB Edge Card discount program from GMR magazine in August continues to be a tremendous success and competitive advantage for EB Games. Edge Card sales have dramatically increased since the split!

On the other hand, GMR magazine subscription sales have declined tremendously since August. In conjunction with Ziff Davis Media, we have made the decision to discontinue GMR magazine. As a result, the current issue of GMR (January) is the last that stores will receive, and STORES SHOULD DISCONTINUE SELLING GMR SUBSCRIPTIONS IMMEDIATELY AND REMOVE AND THROW AWAY ALL GMR SUBSCRIPTION-RELATED MARKETING MATERIALS. Stores may still sell individual copies of the January issue using the January single copy sku: 255157.

The last issue of GMR that all current subscribers will recieve will be the February issue. Ziff Davis will notify customers accordingly and current subscribers will be given a choice of transferring thier remaining GMR subscription to another Ziff Davis gaming magazine, or receiving a cash refund for thier outstanding issues.

Please join us in bidding a fond farewell to our dear friend Mr. Game Geezer, and GMR...