GameFan magazine
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| GameFan | |
|---|---|
 GameFan Volume 7, Issue 12 - December 1999 |
|
| Editor | Dave Halverson
David Hodgson Eric Mylonas |
| Categories | Computing, Gaming, Computer magazine |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| First Issue | October 1992 |
| Final Issue — Date — Number |
December 2000 Volume 8, Issue 12 |
| Company | DieHard Gamers Club (1992-1996)
Metropolis Media (1996-1998) Shinno Media (1999-2000) |
| Country | United States, Canada |
| Language | English |
| Website | Defunct |
| ISSN | unknown |
GameFan Magazine (originally known as Diehard GameFan Magazine) was a publication started by Dave Halverson in 1992 that provided coverage of domestic and import video games. It was notable for its extensive use of game screenshots in page design. It ceased publishing in December 2000.
GameFan's legacy extends far beyond that of its intended "hardcore" gaming legacy. Although began as an advertising supplement to sell imported (mostly from Japan) video games, the small text reviews and descriptions soon took on a life all their own, primarily due to the lack of refinement and sense of passion. Caricatures were given in place of actual editor profile, with profiles drawn exclusively by Terry Wolfinger. This particular method of reviewing and commenting was unique to GameFan Magazine, and seemingly freed its editors from the creative restraints commonly associated with competing publications.
While GameFan Magazine was well-known for its extensive import game coverage, it’s most likely just as well regarded for its expansive (and unique) coverage of the emerging interest in Japanese Anime. Long before anime-themed publications came into their own, GameFan was the ideal and most popular journal of what was new and popular in this genre.
Perhaps in no other arena was the effect of GameFan Magazine’s effects on the gaming industry as in their championing of the coming age of RPG (Role Playing Games). Mostly ignored by American audiences, this genre in particular was a favorite of many a GameFan staffer. The unique style of passionate response, combined with the more traditional video game audience helped create and foster acceptance for the style of gameplay that was so radically different. This support came to its climax with the release of Final Fantasy VII, of which GameFan was chosen as the on-box quote proclaiming the title “Quite Possibly The Best Game Ever Made”. However, they did not give the same praise for the preceding title, Final Fantasy VIII, by giving it underwhelming review scores, claiming that the game was not a true Final Fantasy title. The next title, Final Fantasy IX, received GameFan's praise for returning to the fantasy elements that were part of the series pre-FFVII.
The death of GameFan Magazine is usually attributed to several factors. A relative lack of leadership, coupled with an unclear direction for expansion (including a botched attempt to emulate the success of rival online entity Imagine Games Network) led to a diminished concentration on the actual magazine itself. As focus shifted away from the more expensive print publication, several ex-GameFan staff members were brought back on staff for what can only be called "management ineptitude”. The focus on bringing new advertising revenue replaced editorial content, often at the expense of the magazine’s rabid fanbase. The magazine and respective website were shut down with little fanfare during the month of December, 2000.
Contents |
[edit] Staff
Staff members of GameFan magazine had amusing aliases. The following are some known members of GameFan:
- E. Storm (Dave Halverson)
- Nick Rox (Nicholas Dean Des Barres, son of Michael Des Barres)
- Takuhi (Casey Loe)
- Knightmare (Dan Jevons)
- Glitch (Mike Griffin)
- Substance D
- Eggo (George Ngo)
- Dangohead (Anthony Chau)
- Kodomo (Matt Van Stone)
- ECM (Eric Mylonas)
- Fury (Jason Weitzner)
- Shidoshi (Eric Patterson)
- Cerberus (Tyrone Rodriguez)
- El Nino (Geoff Higgins)
- Waka (Mike Wakamatsu)
- L.A. Akira (Gerald Abraham)
- Sergeant H. Core (Jeremy Corby)
- The Wanderer (Rick Mears)
[edit] Related Publications
GameFan's original Editor in Chief, Dave Halverson, went on to publish Gamer's Republic, and then Play magazine. (An American video-gaming magazine, not to be confused with the English publication of the same name.) Not long after it began, Gamer's Republic soon followed GameFan's demise and has ceased publication. Long-time fans of the original Diehard GameFan staff will be thrilled to know that Halverson has since began publishing PLAY! magazine. Comprised mostly of ex-GameFan staff members, Play! has found success across the country and continues to do well.
After GameFan ceased publication, Eric Mylonas went on to publish GameGO! magazine. Only one issue of the magazine ever reached publication. The current status of GameGO! is unknown and the publication is presumed defunct. More recently, the oft-maligned Mylonas has had success writing strategy guides for Prima! publishing.
