Imagine stepping back into an era where video games were not just entertainment, but cultural phenomena that defined the social fabric of youth. Three decades ago, in January 1994, such a period was encapsulated by the launch of Sega Magazine, a UK-based monthly publication keenly devoted to the assortment of Sega consoles thriving at the time. These included the Sega Master System, Mega Drive (known as Genesis in North America), Mega CD, Game Gear, and eventually the Sega Saturn.
The magazine's initiation came at the hands of EMAP, by then a giant in the British video game media industry. The company had already enjoyed considerable success with its array of titles, including Computer & Video Games and Nintendo Magazine System. Pursuing further profitability, EMAP had previously decided to dissolve its multi-format Mean Machines magazine into two separate entities, one focusing on Sega which evolved into Sega Magazine.
With the triumph of the Nintendo Magazine System, EMAP capitalized on a similar concept alongside Sega, producing an official magazine. Unlike many assumed 'official' periodicals where editorial independence could be questioned, Sega Magazine was lauded for its transparency. A game receiving poor feedback would be labeled accordingly, irrespective of its producer, rendering the magazine a credible source within the gaming community. In return, the editorial staff enjoyed benefits such as early access to forthcoming titles and use of Sega's branding, enriching the magazine's appeal.
Sega Magazine's inaugural issue featured the head-to-head battle of the titans: the Sega Mega Drive's Eternal Champions against the legendary Street Fighter II. The former made its way to the cover and received an impressive 95 percent approval rating, emphasizing its caliber in the competitive world of fighting games. This first edition was not just a mere collection of reviews. It also encapsulated news, previews, and coveted gaming tips, considering that the internet was not yet a household staple for information.
Opening the pages of Sega Magazine was like peeling back a curtain to reveal the vibrancy of the gaming landscape at that time. It wasn't just about the games; it was about the culture. Notoriously tough footballer Vinnie Jones featured in a potent sales pitch for Mortal Kombat, cementing the game's edgy reputation, while the magazine also didn't shy away from promoting Mean Machines Sega, its sibling publication.
However, by October 1995, the era of Sega Magazine came to an end, making way for its successor, the Official Sega Saturn Magazine. Reflecting on the transitory nature of media, Richard Leadbetter, a former staffer of Sega Magazine, transitioned to this new publication, later making a name for himself as the founder of Digital Foundry, known for its in-depth analysis of video game technology.
The trip down memory lane cannot overlook Julian "Jaz" Rignall, the celebrated launch editor of Sega Magazine who would later cross the Atlantic to join Virgin Interactive post-publication of the second issue, continuing his illustrious career in the gaming industry.
Sega Magazine may have lived a relatively brief life, but it left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who lived through that remarkable age of gaming. It was a tangible connection to a time when gaming magicians conjured worlds from cartridges and consoles, and those paper pages held sacred codes and secrets that every gamer coveted. The magazine not only provided guides and reviews but also a sense of belonging to a passionate community—a feeling that seems almost elusive in today’s digital diaspora.
While this magazine has long been out of print, the stories and threads of history it wove continue to influence gaming journalists and enthusiasts alike, reminding us of a golden age when gaming magazines were treasured companions to the consoles they covered. As gaming continues to evolve, the simplicity and excitement captured by Sega Magazine remain a touchstone for those who remember the thrill of cracking open a new issue, full of unexplored adventures and untested games.
You must be logged in to post a comment!
