AN EGM UPDATE...

It has been exactly six months since the first issue of neo-EGM rolled off the presses and it has been great ride to be sure.  We've experienced some bumps along the way but the reaction to the magazine and our weekly digital companion, EGMi, has been extraordinary.  I know there have been many questions over the recent weeks about what is in store for EGM in the months ahead and I have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions we have been receiving to create this 'State of the Magazine' update:

 

In almost every way that can be measured the response to the new EGM has been overwhelmingly positive.  It has been quite satisfying to see readers embrace our new print format as well as the weekly digital issues we've published.  EGM is once again the number one selling gaming magazine on the newsstand (by a substantial margin) and our subscription file has grown by more than 100% in just the last two issues.  All of our sales targets have been exceeded and we have brought the new EGM back to a monthly publishing schedule in a profitable manner well ahead of schedule.  This was due in large measure to the strong editorial voice of our writers as well as the steadfast support of our readers who have stuck by the EGM brand despite its brief hiatus.  I'm extremely humbled and appreciative of your continued support.

 

Trust me, I know exactly how frustrating the difficulties we've encountered mailing out copies of our first few issues has been for subscribers during our re-launch.  The fact that our most loyal customers have received anything but perfect service is incredibly disappointing.  As I explained in the past, there are certain requirements that you must meet before the postal service will grant you the permit that allows a magazine to distribute a publication in an effective manner through the mail.  Despite being on our 240th issue it wasn't until our November, 2010 edition that neo-EGM was able to qualify for the permits that will enable us to get subscribers out ahead of the newsstand (and without some of the other delivery problems that are endemic to third-class postage).  We did get the November issue out with this new permit but because of the machinations of mailing, those issues were delayed by a week.  The good news is that beginning with the December, 2010 issue everything is in order and the quality of service that you expect (and we expect of ourselves) will be realized going forward.  Your patience and understanding during this period are greatly appreciated and if anyone is missing an issue or has any questions about their subscription please send a note to support@egmnow.net and we'll make sure it gets rectified by the proper people at our fulfillment house.

 

This is probably the most frequently asked question posed by EGM readers and, we’re happy to report, the long wait is about to be rewarded with a new kind of application for the iPad that delivers a gaming magazine experience unlike any other. More than a month ago we previewed a version of this technology in a special digital magazine that was created in conjunction with Eidos’ release of Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days (an application that you can download by clicking here). The EGM application takes this technology one step further with a 1:1 aspect ratio and other exciting features.

 

First and foremost, our new iPad application will be absolutely FREE and deliver digital editions of our weekly companion magazine, EGMi, for no charge. We also intend to offer a robust news feed from our forthcoming EGMNOW.com website and access to our monthly print magazine at a discounted rate. We plan to submit the finished application to Apple within days and, if it meets with their approval, should have the new reader available for download shortly thereafter. 

 

Yes you can.  For the first time you can read an interactive gaming publication within Facebook using some fancy technology developed in conjunction with our friends at ScreenPaper Media.  This new application not only lets you read new issues of EGMi (and, in the future, EGM) inside the number one social media site, but also lets you share, follow, and interact in new ways.  We currently have an Open Beta of our digital newsstand available here and will be adding some additional features in the weeks ahead.  In the meantime, check it out and let us know what you think.

 

Yes.  Within two weeks we will be unveiling a new application that will allow you to save each issue of EGMi onto your desktop to read offline.  Furthermore, for iPass members, we will be offering a digital copy of the print magazine as well as access to past issues of EGM using this new tool.  Stay tuned to EGM's official Facebook and Twitter feeds for more information.

Yes.  We're not quite ready to open the box on this one but trust me -- there will be big changes to EGMNOW.com very soon.

 

So that's the state of things as they stand today.  I do want to thank all of our valued readers again for your continued belief in the EGM brand and promise that we'll continue to work hard to bring you different perspectives on the gaming industry with the same impartiality that has served the magazine so well over the past decades.  In the weeks to come you'll be hearing about some exciting developments, including new staff additions as well as the introduction of podcasts, new foreign language versions of the magazine, and more.

 

In the interim, please feel free to drop me a note directly at steve@egmnow.net.  I'd very much enjoy reading your comments and questions.  I may not be able to respond to all of them, but I will read them all.

 

Steve Harris / Founder and Publisher / EGM