Big Hints at EGM's Future

Written by Dan Hsu

EGM logo

Original and new EGM owner Steve Harris dropped some big hints as to what readers can expect from the soon-to-be-relaunched magazine (if you can even still call it just that):

First and foremost, we're planning to incorporate digital content within the magazine. This includes professionally-produced video, audio and other types of content. We're also going to make this content fully transportable. ... There's now a heightened consumer interest in the transportability of information and using applications to do things like read content on an iPhone. We benefit not only from the technology but from the consumer's willingness to use it. The new Electronic Gaming Monthly will let you take your magazine and its content from print to computer to wireless devices -- even to your television -- as well as enable subscribers and single-copy purchasers to enhance that experience every step of the way. We are embracing that reality [and] will enable it and encourage it.

Looks like EGM is joining Project Natal in the further Minority Reporting of the games industry. Read more in the full interview on Publishing Executive.

Comments (22)

This article makes me think of a magazine that has a hologram pop up when you open it. The hologram would then start telling you all the latest game news or that a hot princess needs your help. Something tells me that I might be getting carried away though. The concepts he's talking about are interesting, but it's all kind of vague so it's tough to really say whether or not people are going to be into it. It's certainly a fresh approach to dealing with the problems that print media is currently facing. That's a start.

Aaron Thomas , July 03, 2009

What of the fees then? The subscription for such broad-use data will either be itemized or ridiculous.

It depends on the cost in the end.

Jasmine Maleficent Rea , July 03, 2009

At the last Mac World, they announced integrated subscription options. Balmer announced that DLC would be applicable for games on the Iphone, and magazines would be able to deliver monthly or weekly content to the phone.

I'm subscriped to PC Gamer Magazine, but I never really read it. I fork out the money to support the guys over there. I don't see much sense in supporting the new EGM after the editorial staff - the people whose voices and opinions I cared about - were all given the axe.

We'll see what the future brings for the magazine, I suppose.

Omar Yusuf , July 03, 2009

-1

That quote smacks of a Peter Molyneux-esque hype train.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see EGM come back, but right now I think I'm more enamored with the idea then actually paying for a subscription to whatever the heck he's trying to put together.

Fred Smith , July 03, 2009

-1

Digital content and portability are important for modern publications, yes. It’s a truth that the traditional book industry is still struggling to absorb. It's good they're thinking ahead.

At the same time, what interests me is content. So often, when I put down cash for a print magazine, I feel as though I’m paying for game companies to advertize to me. What quality content will EGM offer me that web logs, developer forums, or other magazines won’t provide?

M. Caliban , July 03, 2009

Hmm Digital Media all the way around and even on the TV. Sounds good to me and my OXM has been cancelled all ready.

Toby Davis , July 03, 2009

-1

The only question I have is: WHEN?! smilies/cheesy.gif

Carlos García , July 03, 2009

As long as I have a tangible magazine that does not glow in the dark, I am cool...

Lance Darnell , July 03, 2009

Well, maybe incorporate some of what Qore is doing but make it even better?
It would be awesome to be able to get an issue of EGM on print but also be able to read it on a mobile device when I forget to bring the actual magazine.

Brian Tan , July 03, 2009

I for one can't wait. I was a loyal subscriber to EGM for a few years and a loyal reader for 10 years. I hope that Steve rehires some of the same folk who wrote for the magazine in its history. Not just the people who left (or were fired by Ziff Davis and then by UGO Entertainment) in January, but older journalists who left before.

Abraham Morejon , July 03, 2009

I don't care about the new stuff, although it is nice, just hurry up and COME BACK!

Pete , July 03, 2009

Is it sad that even this small amount of info makes my heart speed up and dredges up just how awful I felt when EGM got shit canned in the first place?

I really hope they don't bite off more than they can chew, but whatever they end up putting out I will be one of the first in line once it becomes available.

Frank Anderson , July 04, 2009

iTunes would work. So would a subscription by email. A community site for subscribers would be cool too, and effective. Don't know who might have a new, as yet not-fully formed website yet. Possibly... no. There'd be no reason for the guys at bitmob to be interested in a crazy scheme like that!

Joseph Sherrod , July 06, 2009

I hope the magazine comes back i have been a longtime follower and have loved it ever since. I was saddened when they canceled it.

a guest , July 06, 2009

Isn't there anyway to Digg this ?

Mo Bakheet , July 06, 2009

You can submit any url you want to Digg. Just pop over to Digg and put the info in manually.

Andrew Hiscock , July 06, 2009

Already dugg and died smilies/sad.gif

http://digg.com/gaming_news/Big_Hints_at_EGM_s_Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_Future

Demian Linn , July 06, 2009

@Demian will you be adding digg links to the articles when you post them in the future? I will digg it.

Toby Davis , July 06, 2009

It's something we should definitely do, although it's not in our immediate plans yet.

Demian Linn , July 06, 2009

@Toby Davis If you click the bookmark button it will pop up some options for you including a Digg link.

Rich McGrath , July 06, 2009

I hope people get behind and support the whole digital device with the magazine concept. I know I'll be subscribing just so that I can support the EGM name, but I'm not sure if others would be willing.
My only other concern is the writers for the magazine. This presents the same problem as when all the "1up has died!!!" hype was going around. Is it really going to be the thing I use to love, if all the talent, spirit, and people that made me love it are gone?

Jazz English , July 06, 2009