Why are the best game magazines all British?

[Nick~]

Seriously. I'm an American, but the enthusiast press here blows. It doesn't matter if they're dedicated or multi-platform -- their interviews suck, their editorials suck, their reviews suck, their tone sucks, and their prose sucks.

If you pick up Edge -- which is one of those magazines you wouldn't be embarrassed to set on the coffee table -- you immediately notice it's half an inch thicker than any U.S. mag. If you open it, you can expect properly guarded previews, smart reviews, thoughtful commentary on game design, at least one solid interview, and an insightful "making of..." feature. There's simply no U.S. equivalent -- for Edge, for Games TM, or for Retro Gamer.* It's all adolescent console wars bull**** with the occasional college graduate (and competent writer) like Shawn Elliott at EGM.

This isn't meant to be inflammatory or stir up silly Transatlantic rivalry; I'm genuinely curious: why does American games journalism pale in comparison to British games journalism?

*Retro Gamer's prose isn't the most brilliant, but I'll be damned if I say they don't do a service to game enthusiasts everywhere for their content.

[moonwhistle]

I guess you could say the same thing about British TV and radio stations, they are unrivalled. HBO might be an exception.

[Brats]

Well, in terms of serious drama the US is the biz, but for decent News, documentaries, comedy shows and current affairs the UK is the best provided you only count the BBC and Channel 4 (and some Five) ITV and Sky are dire - truly the Daily Star of broadcasting.

Anyway, regarding magazines, I quite like EGM. It might be printed on tissue paper and have more adverts in one issue than has been shown in Edge since it came out, but I like their reviewing system and their style.

Edge is great. It gets people incredibly worked up for a magazine with such a small circulation, but that's only because everyone know's it's great. Else they wouldn't care.

[Roddie]

Edge is great. It gets people incredibly worked up for a magazine with such a small circulation, but that's only because everyone know's it's great. Else they wouldn't care.

Yeah, I mean no one could genuinely dislike it

[JP]

I've subscribed to Edge for years now but I do think that it is largely the exception to the rule Nick. I'm certainly not suggesting it's the only magazine of worth over here but the vast majority of UK magazines are exactly like the one's that you describe in the US.

[Kongster]

British games magazines were even better in the 90s. To be honest, the internet has pretty much killed games magazines.

[mmcg]

The only games mags in the UK worth reading are Edge, GamesTM and Retro Gamer.

Everything else is utter ****e. The Official PlayStation Magazine is also alright, better than most but not upto the quality of Edge and GamesTM.

[dvdmike]

EGM and GFW are both great reads but not in the same league as GamesTM/Edge I will agree

[prinnysquad]

British games magazines were even better in the 90s. To be honest, the internet has pretty much killed games magazines.

Yeah , bad stats in a way. I can't read the internet on the ****ter.

[RetroEd]

The only games mags in the UK worth reading are Edge, GamesTM and Retro Gamer.

I'd add NGamer to that list.

[Brats]

Yeah, I mean no one could genuinely dislike it

Something that is great doesn't have to be universally liked.

[importaku]

British games magazines were even better in the 90s. To be honest, the internet has pretty much killed games magazines.

Yup the true golden age of magazines, sadly nowdays no uk magazine is worth the asking price of £5 for that price i can get a game.

The only mag i still buy in pape form is famitsu wii +ds as it has a great layout, amazing tips pages & cool gifts in every issue.

[buster_broon]

i always liked Game-pro, Electonic Gaming Monthly and Game-fan when i was growing up

always had more stuff on games than the UK counterparts

Zzap64 was an exception of course

[Hohum]

I must admit that I haven't read a games magazine in years. The majority of newer games I have little to no interest in, and the ones that do interest me... well, I'll already be reading about on the internet. Does that make me a bad person?

I do fondly remember magazines from years back, such as Commodore Format, Zzap, Super Play, CVG (before it changed), Gamesmaster... etc. Times have changed though, and I personally can't justify buying them anymore.

[Sylar]

I use to buy Edge every month (i've got about 60+ issues up in the loft), but haven't now for about 2 years as you can get all the info online. Plus by the time the magazine comes out it's out of date, old news.

Yet saying that, it's still the best magazine out there. As for the best ever...well that has to go to Super Play, now there's a mag.