Play Magazine Is Shutting Down After Nearly 30 Years

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Play Magazine Is Shutting Down After Nearly 30 Years

Key Takeaways

  • Play Magazine, a UK PlayStation publication, will cease printing after nearly 30 years.
  • The magazine underwent rebrands and changes over the years, with its final issue being Issue 46.
  • Subscribers and fans expressed sadness over the magazine shutting down, highlighting its role in the gaming community.

As a long-time subscriber and avid reader of Play Magazine, I feel like I’ve just lost a dear friend. This publication has been an integral part of my gaming journey since the 90s, and it feels surreal to accept that it’s coming to an end. The magazine was always there, guiding me through the ups and downs of the gaming world, from the launch of the first PlayStation to the latest releases on the PS5.

The well-known Play Magazine has declared that it will cease its print version, marking nearly 3 decades since it first appeared on newsstands in the UK. For decades, fans of PlayStation have been loyal followers of this magazine published by Future Publishing, even during a three-year rebrand. As one of the last printed gaming magazines available in the UK, alongside Edge and PC Gamer (also managed by Future), Play Magazine has now joined its counterparts in ending its print run.

The first edition of the UK’s Official PlayStation Magazine hit shelves in November 1995, coinciding with the debut of the original PlayStation console. Over the course of 108 issues, it underwent several makeovers, changing its abbreviation from PSM to OPM. In May 2021, OPM was revamped as ‘Play.’ The same editorial team continued their work on the new magazine. Often referred to as the successor of OPM, Play’s 46th issue will mark its final publication.

Through a tweet by Play Magazine, it was announced that their publication would be concluding with its December 2024 issue. The message started, “Regrettably, we must inform you that the upcoming issue of Play will mark the end of our magazine.” The post further expressed gratitude to the editorial staff and contributors who collaborated with PSM, OPM, and Play throughout the years. The final issue will contain a heartfelt farewell section where the team can reminisce about their journey and bid adieu to readers. The closing of Play Magazine follows the sudden termination of Game Informer’s magazine, which had been in production for almost 33 years.

Play Magazine Announces Cancelation After 29 Years

Fans on Twitter highly regarded Play Magazine’s PSM edition as one of the top video game publications, ranking alongside Retro Gamer and Nintendo Power. When the news of its discontinuation broke, followers were deeply disappointed and posted pictures of their old editions among the community. Moreover, readers fondly reminisced about the magazine, with one stating that the initial two issues of PSM persuaded them to purchase a PlayStation, making them a subscriber ever since. Lastly, the UK gaming community lamented the decrease in printed gaming magazines, preferring to consume news in this tangible format rather than online.

In this latest edition (Issue 45 for November), Play Magazine showcases various game releases tied to Sony’s current hardware such as the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PSVR, and updates for PS Plus subscribers. This issue highlights a sneak peek of ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’, a collection of top samurai games, an early look at ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’, and a first glimpse at ‘Dying Light: The Beast’. Additionally, it features a section dedicated to Sony’s classic games and consoles, making it a comprehensive resource for PlayStation enthusiasts, which will certainly be missed.

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2024-10-03 13:24