For video game enthusiasts, game magazines have been a place where they can become aware of the latest news, such as who created their favorite games, the latest rumors, available cheat codes, and so much more. Back then, video game magazines could be found everywhere - just like how they have gaming websites today.
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But now, thanks to the internet, fans can instantly get all the news they're looking for. Thus, the readership of one of the biggest gaming magazines, Game Informer, finally fell off, leading to its shutdown after 33 years. While fans are mourning the closure of this great resource, here are the best video game magazines that have been ranked according to their popularity. They are bound to invoke nostalgia.
10 Tips & Tricks
Known For: Cheat Codes, Strategy Guides, And Reviews
- Launched: 1995
- Defunct: 2007
- Country: United States
- Publisher: Larry Flynt Publications
Containing a priceless section filled with tips, this video game magazine published a list of codes for varied games in every issue. The codes didn't just help players unlock new items but also helped them win challenging levels they might've been stuck on.
All the cheats listed in this magazine were valuable and of great help to gamers who preferred not to go through long content. Plus, this monthly magazine also offered strategy guides. However, it did not have a section dedicated to video game reviews and hence was never a major source of news in the video game community.
9 110% Gaming
Known For: Engaging Content, Tips, And Creative Features
- Launched: 2014
- Country: United Kingdom
- Publisher: DC Thomson
This gaming magazine provides vast content not just for devoted kid gamers but also for those who might not be into gaming yet, thus becoming one of the best video game magazines for children. Loved by gamers aged 7-12, the magazine's target audience is young readers.
Here, readers get a complete insight into popular games. By purchasing a subscription, they can improve their gaming skills and thus aim to become pros. Expert tips, tricks, and engaging stories are collected from real gamers and featured in every issue, along with fun posters and puzzles for kids. Most importantly, 110% Gaming is available in both printed and digital versions, thus making it a convenient option as well.
8 Game Players
Known For: Exclusive Game Reviews And Insider Tips
- Launched: 1989
- Defunct: 1998
- Country: United States
- Publishers: GP Publications, Imagine Publishing
Known for his distinctive approach to video game journalism, Game Players was a gaming magazine that embraced cutting-edge designs, incorporating computer-generated images onto their covers. Its unique collection of game reviews helped the magazine to stand out, thus keeping readers up-to-date and informed.
The magazine also included comedic commentary, another feature that set it apart from the other options available on the market. Readers will laugh out loud while reading the pieces of content, all while also getting in-depth information on reviews and previews of the latest games.
7 Old School Gamer
Known For: Focus On Retro Gaming And Nostalgia
- Launched: 2017
- Country: United States
- Publisher: BC Productions Inc.
If readers want to reminisce about retro gaming, then this dedicated magazine will get them all up in the feels! It covers retro gaming and related culture along with an array of modern games that are retro-inspired. This way, it creates a connection between the past and present worlds of gaming.
Old School Gamer also provides information on the latest news and gaming reviews. Gamers will also be able to educate themselves on classic games and consoles - the magazine is ideal for passionate gamers who have a keen interest in the history and evolution of gaming.
6 Game Developer
Known For: In-Depth Industry Insights And Trends
- Launched: 1994
- Defunct: 2013
- Country: United States
- Publisher: UBM Tech
Perfect for video gaming professionals, this monthly magazine will help them stay updated on the latest developments and technical advancements in game development. It features everything related to the subject, such as programming, design, production, audio, art, and quality control.
In each issue, readers will be able to find reviews on the latest gaming tools and technical solutions that have been shared by gaming experts and industry leaders. Some sections may also feature strategies and tips for creating innovative video games.
5 Retro Gamer
Known For: Nostalgic Coverage Of Classic Games And Consoles
- Launched: 2004
- Country: United States
- Publishers: Live Publishing, Imagine Publishing, Future Publishing
As one of the most popular gaming magazines on the international market, Retro Gamer is the ultimate destination for fans of Golden Age gaming. Featuring regular and in-depth coverage of old-school games, readers can explore all the details and unbelievable facts about classic games.
Official PlayStation Magazine Rebrands After 25 Years
The UK version of the Official PlayStation Magazine changes its name, adopting a new moniker that eschews Sony's name and branding.
Leading gaming experts spend their precious time and effort to carefully create well-written gaming articles every month to help new enthusiasts and nostalgic gamers become aware of the history of games. Plus, expert advice is shared not only by the most popular gamers but also by game developers.
4 Nintendo Power
Known For: Tips, Reviews, And Exclusive Nintendo Content
- Launched: 1988
- Defunct: 2012
- Country: United States
- Publishers: Nintendo of America, Future U.S. Publishing
Known at first as Nintendo Fun Club News, this magazine caught everyone’s attention when it changed its name to Nintendo Power in 1988. With thoroughly dedicated content about gaming on Nintendo consoles, it featured attractive posters, strategy guides, maps, tips, tricks, and more. It also included screenshots of tutorials to beat NES challenges, which were more comprehensive than any basic text.
The magazine upgraded gamers' ability and inspired the magazine to use the tagline “Get the power! NINTENDO POWER!”. It is one of the most significant video game magazines ever developed and has been appreciated by gamers globally.
3 Edge
Known For: Cutting-Edge Graphics, Innovative Reviews, And Industry Insights
- Launched: 1993
- Country: United Kingdom
- Publisher: Future Publishing
With its unique cover art and exclusive writing style, Edge could be compared to a high-quality photography magazine. But here, gamers will be able to get everything they need - leading gaming industry news, detailed reviews, and suggestions from experts.
The magazine also has sections dedicated to the technical aspects of gaming and showcases the most well-known games. To understand how great a video gaming magazine it is, enthusiasts should explore its extensive catalog, especially the early issues that played a crucial role in establishing its voice in the industry.
2 Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM)
Known For: Exclusive News And In-Depth Reviews
- Launched: 1989
- Defunct: 2009
- Country: United States
- Publishers: Sendai Publishing, Ziff Davis
Covering every aspect of gaming, Electronic Gaming Monthly offered a straightforward design style and an easy-to-understand review system that appealed to every gamer. Each issue contained high-quality articles, including reviews and previews, along with in-depth features, which were indispensable to the magazine's overall standard.
Gamers got a chance to read about games relevant to their consoles while also checking out more exciting facts about the games that they may not be able to play. Delivering one of the best cross-platform publications, the magazine's layout and design were great, and its entertaining writing style caught the attention of gamers.
1 PC Gamer
Known For: PC Gaming Reviews, In-Depth Features, And News
- Launched: 1993
- Countries: United Kingdom, United States
- Publisher: Future Publishing
Every PC gamer will most probably be aware of this premier video gaming magazine, no matter where they are in the world. The magazine primarily features reviews and previews related to PC gaming but may also occasionally talk about games on other platforms such as Android, iOS, or console games.
All community updates and global news centered around PC gaming are part of its dedicated section. Every publication contains informative write-ups with high-quality pictures on a huge variety of topics that keep gamers engaged - this includes features on gaming culture and hardware as well. The best part is that it's quite reasonably priced, with subscriptions available at different price points, and it also has a digital version.
Game Informer Shuts Down, Thousands of Articles Lost
Groundbreaking gaming outlet Game Informer announces that it is closing after 33 years, coming as a shock to many dedicated gamers.