In a move which might mark the beginning of a large decline in print game journalism, the 1UP Network has discontinued the print publication of Games for Windows: The Official Magazine and will be offering it exclusively as a part of their website

1UP and Microsoft describe the shift to the online space as a positive change that will improve and expand content and readership. Jason Young, CEO of 1UP’s parent company, Ziff Davis Media, cited both World and Warcraft and Steam as examples of the potential of the online space.

Although the former incarnation of the deceased magazine, Computer Gaming World, was one of the longest running gaming magazines, Games For Windows: The Official Magazine itself lasted a mere 17 issues before its print conclusion.

I know of some people who quite disliked Games For Windows, but I found it to be a quality publication, and I’m sad to see it become an online exclusive. Though an online format certainly has its advantages, there is something about holding a physical magazine which simply cannot be beat.

Posted by Skutarth

04/14/2008 04:56:13

Good thing I forgot to resubscribe. Any idea whether or not it still costs money to read it on the internet?

Posted by Sallycin

04/15/2008 11:55:11

It will be free

Posted by JoeX111

04/16/2008 08:43:02

I can't say I'm too surprised. Speaking as someone who works in the print industry, the shift towards online is just killing most publications nowadays. I suspect we'll see more gaming magazines take this route before long, maybe leaving only two or three niche publications to service those people that love to glance through at the pretty pictures and completely ignore the content. Seriously, when was the last time you actually READ an article in a game magazine? I think the only one I read is the Tim Rogers' Kongetsu column in my import copy of GamesTM.

Posted by Q

05/04/2008 03:40:24

I can't wait for Games for Mac Live to go online! In about six years once you've seen it already on PC