Game Informer (Magazine)
Author Biography:
n/a
Published by: Gamestop Corporation
ISSN:1067-6392
Genre: Video Games
Reading Level: Grades 6 and Up
Reader’s Annotation:
With the latest news, interviews, reviews, and previews, Game Informer provides readers with all the information they need to make their next video game purchase, win the next argument over gaming history, and gain valuable insight into the gaming development process.
Plot Summary:
Game Informer provides the latest news in the gaming industry– in so far as a print publication can, anyway – complete with attractive graphics and humorous commentary each month. Informer writers often produce in-depth interview about the latest games from massively popular games like Halo 4 to more obscure titles such as Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner Soul Hackers. Unlike other specialized magazines such as the now-defunct Nintendo Power or The Official Xbox Magazine, Game Informer covers all games from the Nintendo Wii U to titles found on the PC.
Game Informer frequently interviews the developers for high profile games such as Batman: Arkham City, often providing insight to the creative process, reasoning behind features offered in upcoming games, and approximations on when the title will be ready to hit the market. The magazine also responds to readers’ questions, sometimes frankly and other times with snide remarks depending on the situation.
All of these features are accompanied with high resolution screen shots of the games in question and beautifully illustrated cover art. The magazine is published by the Gamestop Corporation – a video games and electronics business, so shoppers are often given the chance to receive a free year’s subscription to the magazine if they sign up for their Powerup Rewards Pro card.
Critical Evaluation:
Publishing a video game magazine is a dicey venture these days for several reasons. First, magazines must compete with popular gaming websites such as GameSpot, which can update their information instantly as they receive it. Furthermore, reviews are frequently picked apart by the gaming community, typically swearing games only received good scores because the developer paid for the review, and vice versa. Game Informer is also frequently under the microscope since it typically sells the games they review.
Regardless, Game Informer is an entertaining magazine and the interviews are especially worthwhile. Leaders in the gaming industry are frequently questioned, usually with well thought out questions that give great insight into upcoming games. The reviews, though some would argue otherwise, do provide ample examples of why the reviewers enjoyed the game or didn’t, giving readers at least a basic sense of what to expect when purchasing their next titles. The magazine is also highly visual, and provides excellent screen shots of games that are likely to excite readers.
Curriculum Ties:
Challenge Issues:
Defensive Maneuvers:
Book Talk Ideas:
n/a
Why This Magazine?
Game Informer’s coverage of the latest video games across all platforms ensures gamers from any camp will have something to read about. The fantastic visuals are likely to draw teens at the start and then interest them enough to continue reading through the accompanying articles. Some libraries may already have a Power Up Rewards card, so they may as well spring for the extra $15 to upgrade to Pro and receive a year’s subscription.
n/a
Published by: Gamestop Corporation
ISSN:1067-6392
Genre: Video Games
Reading Level: Grades 6 and Up
Reader’s Annotation:
With the latest news, interviews, reviews, and previews, Game Informer provides readers with all the information they need to make their next video game purchase, win the next argument over gaming history, and gain valuable insight into the gaming development process.
Plot Summary:
Game Informer provides the latest news in the gaming industry– in so far as a print publication can, anyway – complete with attractive graphics and humorous commentary each month. Informer writers often produce in-depth interview about the latest games from massively popular games like Halo 4 to more obscure titles such as Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner Soul Hackers. Unlike other specialized magazines such as the now-defunct Nintendo Power or The Official Xbox Magazine, Game Informer covers all games from the Nintendo Wii U to titles found on the PC.
Game Informer frequently interviews the developers for high profile games such as Batman: Arkham City, often providing insight to the creative process, reasoning behind features offered in upcoming games, and approximations on when the title will be ready to hit the market. The magazine also responds to readers’ questions, sometimes frankly and other times with snide remarks depending on the situation.
All of these features are accompanied with high resolution screen shots of the games in question and beautifully illustrated cover art. The magazine is published by the Gamestop Corporation – a video games and electronics business, so shoppers are often given the chance to receive a free year’s subscription to the magazine if they sign up for their Powerup Rewards Pro card.
Critical Evaluation:
Publishing a video game magazine is a dicey venture these days for several reasons. First, magazines must compete with popular gaming websites such as GameSpot, which can update their information instantly as they receive it. Furthermore, reviews are frequently picked apart by the gaming community, typically swearing games only received good scores because the developer paid for the review, and vice versa. Game Informer is also frequently under the microscope since it typically sells the games they review.
Regardless, Game Informer is an entertaining magazine and the interviews are especially worthwhile. Leaders in the gaming industry are frequently questioned, usually with well thought out questions that give great insight into upcoming games. The reviews, though some would argue otherwise, do provide ample examples of why the reviewers enjoyed the game or didn’t, giving readers at least a basic sense of what to expect when purchasing their next titles. The magazine is also highly visual, and provides excellent screen shots of games that are likely to excite readers.
Curriculum Ties:
- Video game development
- Journalism
- Reputation and ethics
Challenge Issues:
- Some titles reviewed are rated M for mature, and may have gory screen shots.
Defensive Maneuvers:
- Have the library's collection policy on hand and memorized. Even though you may have it committed to memory, being able to show specific provisions as proof with strengthen your position.
- Be familiar with the book. Having great knowledge of it will prove you understand the content and the way the challenged matters interact with each other.
- Cite any awards the book may have. Though the patron may disagree with the book, showing that it is well known and seen as having great literary merit will strengthen your defense.
- Have a few reviews ready from respected sources such as Amazon or VOYA. At the very least, you can prove you understand the material and reviews will corroborate that.
- Have a strong idea WHY that item is in the library. Explain its merits, who the intended audience is, and so on.
- State your library's commitment to providing intellectual freedom as written in the Library Bill of Rights.
- Stay calm. Getting defensive or hot under the collar will only weaken your position.
- And finally, be open to discussion and LISTEN. Even if you do not agree with the patron, their concerns are still legitimate and you should show that you are engaged with them. Listening to their concerns may be enough to take the edge off.
Book Talk Ideas:
n/a
Why This Magazine?
Game Informer’s coverage of the latest video games across all platforms ensures gamers from any camp will have something to read about. The fantastic visuals are likely to draw teens at the start and then interest them enough to continue reading through the accompanying articles. Some libraries may already have a Power Up Rewards card, so they may as well spring for the extra $15 to upgrade to Pro and receive a year’s subscription.