The focus of this category is on video game magazines, including online publications and game review sites.
Game review sites are listed in this category only when the primary purpose of the site is to review video games. When the main purpose of the site is to sell games, then it should be listed in the Retailers & Resellers category. Likewise, when the site is primarily a gamers discussion forum, it should be listed in the Forums & Discussions category, and when it mostly offers video game cheats, codes, and guides to gameplay, then it should be submitted to the Cheats, Codes & Guides category.
Game review sites usually list information about the game, such as the developer, publisher, which platforms the game was developed for, and where it can be found. There will usually be a narrative about the gameplay that offers insights into the pros and cons of the game, from the reviewer's perspective, and there is nearly always a rating, either a numerical rating, a letter grade, or a star rating. Some reviews rate various aspects of the game, as well as assigning an overall rating to the game.
Video game magazines are generally published in print as well as online, although ezines with a focus on video gaming would be appropriate for this category, as well. However, general entertainment publications, in which video games are only a part of the content, should be listed in a more general category, probably in the Arts & Literature category.
Video game magazines are focused on the video game industry, gamer culture, or both.
The first video game magazine was Play Meter, originally published as Coin Industry Play Meter, which was a US trade magazine that covered the coin-operated video arcade industry. First published in December of 1974, the monthly magazine was in publication until June of 2018. Founded by arcade operator Ralph C. Lally II, the magazine ceased publication when Lally retired.
In the 2000s, the popularity of print-based magazines waned, giving rise to web-based publications.
Recommended Resources
Focused on classic and retro adventure games and interactive fiction, the site covers all gaming platforms, including computers and consoles, by independent and commercial developers. Included are reviews of games, interviews with developers and publishers, game cheats, and previews of games. Anyone is invited to contribute to the online publication, and author instructions are provided along with an application to join the team. A discussion forum is also available.
http://www.adventureclassicgaming.com/
Covering computer and video games that focus on puzzle-solving within a narrative framework, from classic text and graphic adventures to contemporary releases, the site offers game news from around the world, reviews, and previous new games, interviews with significant people involved in the development of adventure games, and coverage of industry events and other activities. A discussion forum is included, along with advertising opportunities, editorial policies, and rating system.
https://adventuregamers.com/
In business since 2002, BlueGoop is a video games community that features a gaming blog, a discussion forum, video game reviews, and an arcade. Game reviews are sorted by genre, including action, adventure, driving, general, RPG, SIM, sports, and strategy. Its forum is powered by vBulletin and includes discussion areas for introductions, console systems, PC games, online gaming, and other games, as well as off-topic discussions. Registration is required for participation.
http://www.bluegoop.net/
The game review site analyzes game on a secular level, breaking it down on terms related to graphics, sound, stability, and overall gaming experience, as well as its moral score, which takes into consideration such things as violence, language, sexual content, occult references, and other ethical issues. Reviews of computer games, consoles, handhelds, hardware, software, and virtual reality. Blogs, a discussion forum, and a downloads area are also available.
https://www.christcenteredgamer.com/
Founded as a video gamer blog by Yanier Gonzelez in 2006, then relaunched in 2007 to include community blogs, forums, and a team of editors and contributors, its home page taking a staff-edited, multi-author format. Now owned by Enthusiast Gaming, the site features gaming news and reviews posted by staff, community blogs which may be maintained by any registered member, a video section with original skits and game trailers, a shopping area, and discussion forums.
https://www.destructoid.com/
The video database covers a wide variety of gaming topics, with an emphasis on classic and retro games and gaming devices, including Atari, ColecoVision, Intellivision, Nintendo, Odyssey, SEGA, and Vectrex, as well as other consoles. The site includes a collector's guide, informational articles, Easter eggs, game reviews, a fanzine, podcasts, photographs, videos, songs, and anthems, discussion forums, a chat area, gaming links, and an online store.
http://www.digitpress.com/
Founded in 1997, Gamasutra is the online sister publication to Game Developer, a print magazine published by UBM Tech. The online magazine features news from the gaming industry, a section where developers post game postmortems and critical essays, user blogs, job opportunities and resumes, and an area where members can apply for contracted work. A game career guide, sections for console and PC games, mobile games, and independent game development are included.
https://www.gamasutra.com/
Originally known as Sinjin Solves in 1996, Game Chronicles is published daily by hardcore gamers, covering the range of video games, but focusing on PC and console video game information. Included are editorials and articles on game devices, new games, game reviews, and advances in gaming technology, game development, game trailers, and movies based on video games. Reviews of game gear, DVD and Blu-Ray movies, music, and books are featured.
http://gamechronicles.com/
Launched in 2006, GameGuru was the first professional game blog in India dedicated to video gamers and gaming. Currently part of GHQ Networks, the site features an interactive blog, maintained by in-house staff and correspondents throughout the country, as well as insights and interviews with well-known people in the gaming industry. Game tips, game reviews, and articles about Microsoft Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, and PC gaming are included.
http://www.gameguru.in/
Provides the most comprehensive video game information. This website features the latest video game news, holds in-depth reviews of various video game titles, contains video game previews and also offers video game cheats for a wide range of game platforms that include Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PS3, PS2, PSP, Nintendo DS and more. The website also offers free game downloads and fun comic strips and also contains a variety of features and goodies.
http://www.gamerevolution.com/
Formerly known as Strategy Informer, Game Watcher offers video game news, reviews, and other features. Screenshots, previews, and information about new and upcoming PC games are published, and games are rated and reviewed, with a list of the good and the bad. Game modifications can be uploaded and downloaded from the site, guides to various games are included, and popular updates are featured. Its staff is introduced, and advertising opportunities are outlined.
https://www.gamewatcher.com/
Created in 1996, GameSpot is a video gaming site offering industry news, game reviews, game previews, videos, downloads, special offers, and other information about video games. Currently owned by CBS Interactive, the site offers content provided by GameSpot editors and staff, as well as user-submitted reviews, blogs, and posts on its game forums. Membership is required in order to submit content or take part in forum discussions, but there is no charge for membership.
https://www.gamespot.com/
The gaming news site publishes reviews, best-of listings, previews of new games, and game industry news, analysis, and information, as well as virtual reality programs, interviews with industry experts, Esports betting, and schedules of gaming and gambling conferences and other events. Staff contacts are posted, and curated experts wanting to write for the news site are invited to submit applications, including published writing samples. Conference partnerships and press tools are included.
https://www.gaming.net/
Owned by CBS Interactive, Giant Bomb is a video game site and wiki that includes game videos, podcasts, reviews, commentary, and news from the video gaming industry. With a greater concentration on gaming, as opposed to the business aspect of the industry, the site includes gaming community resources, including discussion forums for gamers and developers, and scheduled live broadcasts. An online store offers promotional materials.
https://www.giantbomb.com/
Reviews and press coverage about computer video games are published to the site, including an invitation for people to inquire about getting free games in return for writing reviews. Advertising opportunities may also be available. Game reviews are detailed in nature and include several screenshots. Other topics include informational articles about games, game creation, and related topics, upcoming game releases, and industry news. Featured authors are acknowledged.
https://www.justadventure.com/
In 2018, MCV UK combined with Develop and Esports Pro to form a brand for the video games industry in the United Kingdom, under the banner of MCV, offering a monthly magazine and hosting awards and other events for gamers and the gaming industry. Site topics include news on game development, including game release dates and other information, industry highlights, interviews with industry leaders, and other highlights. Employment and advertising opportunities are posted.
https://www.mcvuk.com/
Square Insider is an online gaming magazine offering reviews of new games, interviews with people in the industry, and archives, as well as guides to several popular video games, listed by title, game, and author. Member collections are included, and several online games can be played from the site, with related articles and guides posted for each included game. Also featured is a gaming forum. The staff is introduced, and legal information is posted.
https://squareinsider.com/
Featuring independent video game reviews since 1999, reviews of games are sorted by decade, beginning with the 1970s up to the 2000s, and sub-sorted by the video game platform, the focusing being on console games and portable devices. Each reviewed game is given a letter grade, along with a description of the reviewer’s experience with the game and the date that the game was reviewed. Game-related articles are included, along with discussion forums.
https://videogamecritic.com/
