UK-based PC gaming magazine PC Zone is to cease publication after issue 22, which is set to hit newsstands Sept. 2. According to Computer and Video Games, the website for Future Publishing mag dedicated to PC Gaming featured a rather cryptic message about the magazine that gave readers pause.
The website message reads "PC Zone's final issue - the end is nigh. Yes, it's true," before then claiming "Following a strategic review of Future's PC games portfolio, the company is now consulting the PC Zone team about the proposed closure of the magazine, with effect from issue 225 (on-sale 2nd September)."
Further inquiry from GameIndustry.biz with publisher James Binn got a more coherent and in-depth response on the matter:
"Following a strategic review of our PC games portfolio, we’re consulting with four members of staff on PC Zone about the proposed closure of this magazine with effect from issue 225 (August).
"The team have done a great job in producing a quality magazine over the years, so it’s been a difficult decision to make this proposal. However, our strategy is to focus on the market leader and strong number two positions in the PC gaming category.
"We currently have three titles targeting the category – PC Gamer and PC Format are the most robust of the three and increased focus on those two titles will drive their impact in print and online. We’ll provide an update about any further developments as and when appropriate."
PC Zone was launched in 1993 by Future Publishing and focused squarely on games for the PC. The magazine‘s troubles began, according to published reports, when former editor in chief Steve Hogarty left the company to head up the UK version of Nordic site GameReactor. The magazine never found a replacement for Hogarty.
Source: C&VG
