XBN and GMR Gone
12-15-04, 01:19 PM
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XBN and GMR Gone
XBN and GMR Gone
Inside word says two of Ziff-Davis Media's gaming publications have been terminated.
By IGN Staff
December 13, 2004 - According to sources working within Ziff-Davis, two of the prominent publishing houses' prized magazines have been shut down. Xbox Nation (or XBN) was closed for unknown reasons, while the Ziff and EB Games collaborative effort that is GMR was apparently terminated as a result of the retail giant pulling support. Though no official comment has yet been given, we have been able to confirm with multiple sources within the company -- former employees of those specific magazines, even -- that the closures are final.
While the fates of the designers, managers, and editors behind both mags is still unknown, reports suggest that some may be switched over to other Ziff-Davis pubs, including Electronic Gaming Monthly, Computer Gaming World, 1UP.com, and Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine.
For those that do not retain employment, we offer our condolences. Losing a product you called your own for so long is never easy or enjoyable.
Inside word says two of Ziff-Davis Media's gaming publications have been terminated.
By IGN Staff
December 13, 2004 - According to sources working within Ziff-Davis, two of the prominent publishing houses' prized magazines have been shut down. Xbox Nation (or XBN) was closed for unknown reasons, while the Ziff and EB Games collaborative effort that is GMR was apparently terminated as a result of the retail giant pulling support. Though no official comment has yet been given, we have been able to confirm with multiple sources within the company -- former employees of those specific magazines, even -- that the closures are final.
While the fates of the designers, managers, and editors behind both mags is still unknown, reports suggest that some may be switched over to other Ziff-Davis pubs, including Electronic Gaming Monthly, Computer Gaming World, 1UP.com, and Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine.
For those that do not retain employment, we offer our condolences. Losing a product you called your own for so long is never easy or enjoyable.
12-15-04, 01:56 PM
#5
DVD Talk Hero
Originally Posted by DVDKrayzie
the magazines were horrible anyways. not as bad as gamepro tho--how is that still in business?
12-15-04, 03:57 PM
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Are you kidding me? XBN is better than any other gaming magazine I read (including EGM.) About the only thing I've ever disagreed with is their glowing review of Fable. They have TONS of text in that mag, way better than the ad-bloated competitors. And they bash games that deserve bashing...I don't see any fanboy-type commments. I'll really miss XBN.
XBN will definitely be missed.
12-15-04, 04:00 PM
#7
DVD Talk Legend
Aren't the free subscriptions paid for by SOMEBODY though..?
I'm not sure how they work but usuaylly don't you take a survey or fill something out for another company?
I'm not sure how they work but usuaylly don't you take a survey or fill something out for another company?
12-15-04, 04:05 PM
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most times, but I'd have to imagine that promotional subs don't cost nearly as much as what joe consumer pays.
Maybe it's not a LARGE part of the problem, but I have to think that less funding, less ad revenue and lots of free subs going out to people can't be good things.
Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, Lamepro lives on...
Maybe it's not a LARGE part of the problem, but I have to think that less funding, less ad revenue and lots of free subs going out to people can't be good things.
Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, Lamepro lives on...
12-15-04, 04:18 PM
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Magazine's can charge a higher price for advertisers the larger their subscription base is. This explains the free subs frequently posted, although I'm sure there is some cost involved to offset the printing and shipping costs. Usually, this cost is recouped from the suddent growth in subscribers with increased ad revenue.
However, I'm guessing the higher than normal free subscribers has definately cut into profits but also think there are other factors involved. This theory applies to XBN rather than GMR which went under when EB pulled out... pun intended.
Maybe EA will buy out Ziff Davis and the world will be a happy place.
However, I'm guessing the higher than normal free subscribers has definately cut into profits but also think there are other factors involved. This theory applies to XBN rather than GMR which went under when EB pulled out... pun intended.
Maybe EA will buy out Ziff Davis and the world will be a happy place.
12-15-04, 04:27 PM
#10
DVD Talk Hero
On a side note, I signed up for Gamestop's discount program and got the Game Informer magazine with it. I figured it was going to suck but it's actually a really decent mag too...again, lots of text for game reviews and previews.
12-15-04, 04:41 PM
#12
DVD Talk Godfather & 2020 TOTY Winner
Crap!!!! I really liked XBN. It was about 100X better than OXM and while my OXM subscription ran out, In was good with XBN til 2008. That just sucks. I hope they at least roll my subscription over to EGM.
12-15-04, 05:11 PM
#13
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
This really bums me out because XBN was my favorite of all the gaming mags. I agree with all the people who felt it was significantly better than OXM. *sniff* i will miss it.
12-15-04, 10:36 PM
#14
DVD Talk Legend
I hate to hear that about XBN. I actually paid for my initial subscription to them. Only after they offered a ton of free ones did I sign up that way. I would gladly pay for my sub to keep them around.
12-16-04, 11:01 AM
#15
DVD Talk Godfather
XBN is one of the more professionally looking gaming mags. Layout and design were superb. Unlike all the others that have a Stuff/Maxim/FHM vibe where they try and utilize 99.9% of every page, making the magazine look cluttered.
12-16-04, 05:34 PM
#17
DVD Talk Godfather
Sounds like you are referring to the Official Xbox magazine. The first year of release when every game mattered and competition was still fierce, I remember that. Every game was a must own! Nothing below a 7!
12-16-04, 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by WepaMan
Magazine's can charge a higher price for advertisers the larger their subscription base is. This explains the free subs frequently posted, although I'm sure there is some cost involved to offset the printing and shipping costs. Usually, this cost is recouped from the suddent growth in subscribers with increased ad revenue.
DING! DING! We have a winner. Most mags love to give you a subscription, its usally paid for and then they hope you'll pay for it once the subscription runs out. Even better for them.
01-16-05, 02:19 PM
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Past magazines that I have subscribed to, that went belly up, would usually offer to continue the rest of your subscription with a substitute publication. Any chance of that happening with XBN?
