Encouraging next-generation signs for Future's games portfolio
Official Nintendo and Xbox 360 titles make strong debuts, while Edge posts record performance
17 August 2006: Future today releases the latest ABC audited circulation figures for 12 games titles in its UK portfolio of 98 magazines.
There are encouraging signs of growth amongst next-generation focused titles with Official Xbox 360 Magazine and the recently launched Official Nintendo Magazine delivering solid ABC debuts while multi-format magazine Edge posts its highest-ever ABC figure. As expected, sales of current generation Xbox and PlayStation titles have decreased - as gamers switch allegiance to the Xbox 360, or look forward to the PlayStation 3.
UK games circulation:
Future continues to sell over 500,000 games magazines each month, down just 1.1% compared with the same period last year. Future's internationally respected multi-format magazine Edge, posted an 8.1% year-on-year increase to 33,597 copies - its highest ABC figure since launching in 1994. Sales of Edge continue to rise as the magazine breaks the biggest news on the next-generation consoles and offers exclusive columns from industry luminaries like Jeff Minter and Tim Guest. Official PlayStation 2 Magazine achieved an average circulation of 100,117 copies as gamers look towards the launch of PlayStation 3. Its sister title, Official PlayStation 2 Special Editions: The Official PSP Guidebook posted a 4.4% period-on-period rise to 33,274 copies, as it became the first magazine outside of Japan to offer a covermounted UMD. Circulation of both Future's unofficial PlayStation 2 titles, PSM2 and PSW fell year-on-year as gamers turn their attention to the eagerly-awaited PlayStation 3. Ploughing considerable investment and editorial development into both magazines, the first shots have been fired in the PS3 war - with Future debuting PSM3 in July and announcing plans to relaunch PSW later this month. Official Xbox 360 Magazine delivered an impressive ABC debut of 42,680 copies, making it the UK's bestselling Xbox 360 title. As expected, it now outsells Official Xbox Magazine which posted an ABC of 40,497. Independent title, Xbox World 360 also benefited from its new next-generation focus, with double-digit growth, becoming the UK's best selling unofficial Xbox 360 magazine, increasing sales 25.5% year-on-year to 23,183 monthly copies. Official Nintendo Magazine - recorded its first Future circulation figure of 35,569 monthly copies. The debut ABC builds a solid foundation for the title, as interest in Nintendo's innovative Wii develops apace. The title sits alongside recent unofficial launch N-Gamer - already garnering rave reviews online from hardcore Nintendo lovers.James Ashton is Group Publisher for Future's Entertainment Portfolio:
"These ABC results are a testament to the hard work put in by our editorial, circulation and marketing teams. Many of these ABC figures are encouraging, even in a transition year where gamers are waiting for an influx of new consoles and games. The first half of the year is traditionally quieter for sales of games magazines, so it's pleasing that we are seeing plenty of encouraging signs across our next-generation focused titles and we have clear plans for other areas of the games portfolio.
"On the Xbox side of our business, we are seeing a large number of gamers following our magazines to the next-generation Xbox 360 as the release schedule builds up towards the console's second Christmas. Edge has posted its best ABC figure in its history and Official Nintendo Magazine has made a promising start as part of Future's stable.
"Our portfolio of games media continues to evolve. Add more than a million unique users who use our websites, gamesradar.com and computerandvideogames.com to these ABC figures and you'll see why Future remains the only media owner that can offer true multi-channel web and print gaming solutions."
ENDS
Editors' notes
Period-on-period - Compares the performance of titles in the ABC period of Jan-June 06 with July-Dec 05.
Year-on-year - Compares the performance of titles in the ABC period of Jan-June 06 with Jan-June 05.
A breakdown of the ABC figures for Future's individual
UK titles audited for the period for Jan- June 2006
Magazine - January-June 2006
Official PlayStation 2 Magazine - 100,117
Official PlayStation 2 Special Edition - 33,274
PSM2 (now PSM3) - 35,993
PSW - 34,479
Official Xbox Magazine - 40,497
Official Xbox 360 Magazine * - 42,680
Xbox World 360 - 23,183
Official Nintendo Magazine * - 35,569
Edge - 33,597
GamesMaster - 53,360
PC Gamer - 45,295
PC Zone - 30,022
*= First time ABC figure
About Future
Future plc is an international special-interest media group with offices in the UK, US, France and Italy. Founded in 1985 with one UK magazine, today it creates over 150 special-interest publications, websites and events, with strong portfolios in the computing, games, music, automotive, sports, crafts and leisure sectors. Over 100 international editions of Future's magazines are also published under licence in 30 other countries across the world. Future employs over 1,500 people worldwide. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol FUTR).
For more information please contact:
Will Guyatt, Media Relations Manager, on 01225 822517