GamesMaster

11/03/10 – Future, the special-interest media group, today confirms it is planning a range of cross platform activity to boost its iconic multi-format games brand, GamesMaster.

GamesMaster magazine will unveil its first extensive redesign for six years this May. The front-to-back regeneration and editorial focus has been overseen by games media veteran Mark Donald, working closely with Editor-in-Chief, Robin Alway. Mark’s 12-year games career includes the launch of Official PlayStation Magazine and the genre-leading redesign of PC Gamer.

Following a specialist consumer research project, the new look GamesMaster magazine promises to reflect the way gamers are playing in 2010, focusing on the growing importance of online and on-console communities amongst the title’s audience. As the UK’s bestselling multi-format games title, the redesigned GamesMaster adapts its editorial focus to recognise the changing attitudes and tastes of gamers.

Future is also looking at ways to extend the brand into new formats. GamesMaster remains the UK’s most successful videogames TV show of all-time, running from 1991 until 1998 on Channel 4, and the team are exploring the potential for reviving the brand on TV screens.

Emma Parkinson, Associate Publisher of GamesMaster, said:

“We have ambitious plans for the future of this iconic gaming brand, kicking off with a major redesign of GamesMaster magazine in May. We intend to develop GamesMaster across multiple platforms, updating the look and feel, whilst protecting its 19-year legacy and the immense respect it receives from gamers and the industry itself.”

Simon Maxwell, Group Publisher of Future’s Console and Online portfolio, added:

“GamesMaster is a key gaming brand for Future and there are some fantastic opportunities to expand its reach and influence beyond the magazine. This year, we’ll bring a comprehensively redesigned GamesMaster magazine to market, develop an online presence through our existing sites, and explore the appetite for bringing the show back to TV.”

The July issue of GamesMaster, on sale Thursday, 20th May – with a coverprice of £3.99, including exciting relaunch gifts.

ENDS

About Future

Future plc is an international special-interest media group that is listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol FUTR). Founded in 1985 with one magazine, today we have operations in the UK, US and Australia creating over 180 special-interest publications, websites and events for people who are passionate about their interests. We hold strong market positions in games, film, music, technology, cycling, automotive and crafts. Our biggest-selling magazines include T3, Total Film, Digital Camera, Fast Car, Classic Rock, Guitar World, Official Xbox Magazine, Official Playstation Magazine, Nintendo Power, Maximum PC and MacLife. Our websites include gamesradar.com, bikeradar.com, techradar.com, and musicradar.com. Future produces over 4 million magazines each month; we attract more than 18 million unique visitors to our websites; and we host 25 annual live events that attract hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts. In addition, Future exports, syndicates or licenses its publications to 90 countries internationally, making us the UK’s number one exporter and licensor of monthly magazines.

For more information

Will Guyatt, Media Relations Manager, Future UK, 01225 822517