Latest Gaming News

Innovative New PS2 Magazine

12th April 2003, 4:19am
Future Games, the games magazine division of Future Publishing, today announced it is to launch PSNext, a high-end games magazine aimed at the twenty-something, gadget-loving PlayStation 2 owner.

PSNext is the first magazine for 'PlayStation 2.5' - the unofficial term for the evolving PlayStation 2. This spring's launch of broadband gaming for PS2 plus the forthcoming EyeToy digital camera and motion controller and the multimedia-storing Hard Disc Drive will change the way gamers use the PlayStation 2. PSNext is the only magazine dedicated to this important next step for console gaming.

PSNext is aimed squarely at the twenty-something PS2 owner who loves both chart-topping PS2 games and the very latest kit. While the magazine will cover the latest quality PS2 releases and associated technology, PSNext will also promote accessible, intelligent copy that talks about the wider culture associated with PlayStation 2. The magazine will also feature outstanding production values, with matt laminate cover stock, high quality paper and a remit to use such eye-catching production techniques as embossing and foil blocking.

Sam Richards, erstwhile editor of Future Games' Official PlayStation 2 Magazine (ABC Jul-Dec 2002 197,348), will edit the magazine. Mike Goldsmith, senior editor of Future Games' Official PS2 portfolio and PSNext, said of the launch and Richards' appointment, "Sam is the ideal person to edit PSNext. The PlayStation 2 is heading into uncharted waters and our audience desperately needs a bold, different type of magazine to guide them through it. PSNext will be that guide and Sam's experience of both games and lifestyle press makes him the perfect man to helm such a ground-breaking launch."

PSNext will be designed by Terry Stokes - departing art editor of Future's games magazine Edge. In his six-year stint on Edge, Stokes was shortlisted and highly commended as PPA Designer of the Year (Consumer Magazines). Edge pushed games magazine design forward and his appointment will ensure PSNext's design is as contemporary and innovative as its content.

James Binns, who currently runs Edge, PC Gamer and gamesradar.com, will publish the magazine. Binns says, "Out of all the launches I have worked on, this is the one I am most looking forward to actually reading. We have put together a dream team of talent to create a great magazine. On the production side we're going to invest the money other games magazines spend on covermounts on top quality print, paper and cover treatments. PSNext will really stand out on the newsstand."

PSNext launches on Thursday May 29th 2003 at a price of £4. The first two issues will be bimonthly with the magazine set to go monthly in September.
by Greg Laspatzis