It’s unfortunate news any time a print publication goes to the graveyard, but despite today’s announcement regarding the closure of Ziff Davis’ PC gaming mag, Games for Windows The Official Magazine, it isn’t the end of the world. At least, it isn’t the end of the magazine as a whole. After its 27 year run (beginning in 1981 as Computer Gaming World) the PC centric content will become exclusively available on 1up.com as opposed to its former print medium, with the entire editorial staff staying on board. The loss of the art team will leave two folks looking for jobs, unfortunately.
Vice President of Content for the 1up Network, Simon Cox, addressed the closure in a heartfelt blog entry today, followed by a similar post by GFW’s (now former) EIC Jeff Green. Emphasis was laid on the fact that the ceasing of magazine production has nothing to do with the recent “chapter 11 stuff“, and that content would not only be more plentiful, but free to those perusing 1up. This comes as little surprise, what with the recent re-vamping of 1up, including a home-renovation of the website, a new rating system and an increase in editorial content.
The closure was a mutual decision between Ziff and Microsoft, and magazine readers can look forward to regular magazine features to appear online, as was hinted at in a recent GFW Radio podcast. Simon Cox, while obviously hurt by the decision, is still optimistic about the future of the staff’s content:
“I am very excited to refocus our vision for GFW to online and reinvigorate it with new life. GFW has always been a stellar publication, and it will now be able to grow in more ways than ever before in content and audience. I think GFW fans and 1UP Network users will truly love our enhanced online PC coverage and the features it will now be able to offer them.”
Hate to see you go, GFW, but we’re looking forward to seeing the online side thrive. Just don’t close out the podcast.
April 8th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Sad to see them go, but at least some trees will be saved
I’d actually prefer to see subscription prices lowered and content taken online versus print. They could easily embed each ‘issue’ in flash including ads on pages and there you go.
April 8th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I like how you are asking for subsciption prices to be lowered. $12 for 12 issues of a magazine is the complete opposite of what you get for your money in the UK. I subscribed to PSM3 for a year, and that cost £40!
April 8th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
That’s a horrible price, i would never pay that. $12 is a good deal, but considering i usually read a few articles max, i can’t really justify anything more than $12. I’d rather see print magazines online simply to save paper and it’s quicker. No delay or people getting their issues a week before others. Simply post it online and or download and you’re set
April 8th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Wow, that’s big news!
What’s happening to the staff, and Shawn Elliot!
April 8th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
@Ross
I believe the blog entry said that everyone BUT the art team will stay on and continue working.
April 9th, 2008 at 12:28 am
So did the news article you’re commenting on.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I was referring to the 1UP blog entry…if you meant i was referring to this entry here at Nukoda. Confusing…
April 9th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I know. The article also states this.