The UK version of the Official PlayStation Magazine, one of the longest-running and most-popular video game magazines, is finally coming to an end. That said, it's not quite time to lament the end of gaming-related print media, as a very similar magazine will succeed it.

Especially in the era before online access was common, official PlayStation magazines gave subscribers a monthly update on all things related to Sony's hit original PlayStation console. It's important to note that there were actually a number of these magazines worldwide. The American iteration ran from 1997 until 2012, changing its name midway through from Official US PlayStation Magazine to PlayStation: The Official Magazine. The UK version of the magazine fared better; while it changed its name from Official UK PlayStation Magazine to PlayStation Official Magazine - UK during its run, it lasted through to the PS5 era.

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The PlayStation Official Magazine - UK will be succeeded by PLAY Magazine. It appears the only real difference is that the magazine is no longer officially licensed, as PLAY will still continue to focus on PlayStation consoles, brands, and games, prominently displaying Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart on the front cover of its first issue. The first issue even notes it is the "UK's Best-Selling Video Games Magazine," which only makes sense if it is viewed as a continuation of the previous publication. Those subscribed to the cancelled magazine will now have their subscriptions automatically changed over to PLAY Magazine.

playstation retro logo

It's an upbeat twist for the narrative often tied to print-based video game journalism. Perhaps the best-known closure of a popular print-based game magazine was the iconic Nintendo Power, which shut down in 2012. Like the Official PlayStation family of magazines, Nintendo Power was enormously popular in its heyday, enjoying a nine-year head start over the PlayStation magazines. While the final issue of Nintendo Power in 2012 was full of nostalgic retrospectives, it was a clear sign that print-based games journalism was at risk.

While some magazines like PLAY Magazine are still supported by well-established publishing houses, console manufacturers are no longer tied to any official magazines. This isn't too much of a surprise, given Sony and other companies now release their own blog posts directly. In some cases, these blogs even offer tips for games like Oddworld: Soulstorm that gamers once sought from official magazines.

On a broader level, video games rely much less on printed media than at any time in the past. While this is undoubtedly a victory for environmentally-conscious living, it has left many nostalgic for booklets and other paper-based accessories from an older era of gaming. Fans have stepped in to fill the void with a range of well-made booklets, including a beautiful manual for Super Mario 3D All-Stars turning heads in recent months.

Official PlayStation Magazine is now rebranded as PLAY Magazine.

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Source: GamesRadar