Future Publishing closes PlayStation World magazine

Future Publishing has confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that it has closed PlayStation World magazine.

The title, produced in Future's London office, was launched in September 1999 and formed part of Future's acquisition of Computec Media in 2003. ABC results published in February this year put sales figures for the magazine at 24,118 - which was a rise from 21,826 over the six month period.

However, the title had long been in competition with Future's other unofficial PlayStation magazine, PSM3, which recorded an ABC of 26,202 during the same period.

James Binns, publishing director of Future’s games portfolio said: "It’s always incredibly sad when we close a title as established as PSW, but the decision was taken in response to decreasing demand.

"By focusing our efforts on Official PlayStation Magazine and a single independent PlayStation title in PSM3, we can strengthen our position in delivering the number one and number two print titles in the sector.

"We continue to invest in our traditional print brands, but games is a rapidly changing sector, so our portfolio needs to constantly evolve to meet the needs of consumers in a vibrant and diverse market."

A statement from Future confirmed that one member of the magazine's team has already been redeployed within the business, while it is in consultation with four other staff affected by the closure and looking for opportunities to reposition them within roles across its Bath and London offices.