I read all three of the grade A computer mags, and I usually prefer CGM over PCGamer, with the other one, Computer Games, lagging way behind. But this month, maybe last, Computer Games revamped their design and focus, and it blew me away. It was the issue that had Neverwinter Nights on the cover. Someone posted a message here a week or so ago, saying that the magazines were going to try harder at giving the readers more info on the games that have been released already, more than just a walkthrough or cheats. Computer Games got it right. And the NWN article was superb. I generally feel teased by most previews as being unrealistic and 90% hype, but the article was so long and indepth, that I was truly impressed. My revamped opin of the mags might be CG, then PCGamer (which has really been coming on lately), followed by CGM (which hasn't dropped off really, but it is being pressed suddenly by the competition).

I know that some people here work on multiple mags, and I think everyone's doing a good job, but this latest issue was terrific.

-Rob

ps. Can we do something about renaming the magazines so that they are a little more distinctive? CG and CGM is confusing. Terrible branding!

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Quote:

ps. Can we do something about renaming the magazines so that they are a little more distinctive? CG and CGM is confusing. Terrible branding!

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CGM? There's CGW, PC Gamer, and Computer Games Magazine, usually CGM, but which you guys are calling CG? Ack, I'm confused.

I think Computer Games is CGW. What does the W stand for? It sure isn't weekly.

-Rob

"I think Computer Games is CGW. What does the W stand for? It sure isn't weekly."

You're confused. CGW is Computer Gaming World.

CG and CGM are the same magazine: Computer Games, formerly Computer Games Magazine.

And when I say "formerly," I just mean that the "Magazine" part of the title is gone from the cover. But CGM and CG are the same thing.

Okay, apparenty nobody's too sure. I feel better.

I thought there was PCGamer, and CGM (also known around here as CG, which is the one featuring Tom's column Three Finger Salute, which people like Robert Mayer, Jason Cross, and Ben Sones work for. Editor in Chief: Steve Bauman), and CGW (which I believe stands for Computer Gaming World, Executive Editor: Jeff Green). This has been my understanding. Mark, Tom, some of you other guys, help me out! Am I right here?

If so, it's easier to refer to them as PCGamer (or PCG) CGM, and CGW. The one you guys were calling CG is (I think) CGM - Computer Games Magazine (www.cgonline.com).

Thanks Bruce,

My original post is about CGM. Its good.

CGW used to be my favorite, but now its about equal.

PCgamer - coming on strong.

-Rob

Heh. Okay, Bruce did know for sure. He just got his post in while I was still working on mine...dang it.

Thanks Bruce. That's what I thought, but it's always nice to be sure!

I just posted a message in the "I miss Gamecenter" thread about how most of the people posting here were "in the industry", but I don't think I realized just how many people that was until now. Now I've got this "outside looking in, I don't belong here" kind of feeling. Like the maitre'd (sp) at a restaurant full of celebrities or something.

Thanks for clearing up those abbreviations and who works where. I've been confused on that for some time now.

So which magazine is best? :) I'm just kidding, I don't feel like pouring napalm on a campfire today.

Glad you like the new focus, Rob. We try. =)

Make sure you email your comments in to us (see the letters section "rebound" for the email address). Many of the changes you talk about are the direct result of hearing what readers want and what they like and dislike. So make sure you let us know what's good and what needs improvement.

"So make sure you let us know what's good and what needs improvement."

Well, I think more articles from ME would be a good start. Have your people contact my people, and we'll see what happens.

Other than that, I think a feature involving Bob Mayer wrestling booth babes in a vat of creamed corn...

http://www.kaiju.com/bios/mon_pics/good/clu.jpg

Well, I can't leave it alone at just that...

Beware "Kung Fu Chicken Soup".

http://www.kaiju.com/bios_kfc.htm

I like the new look of CG. The name, as it keeps changing, is a bit confusing, but not terribly so. I do wish the editing was a bit better, though. Lots of typos, and even some wierd column-shifting going on there. It doesn't seem so bad the last few months, but when the "Best of 2000" issue came out, it seemed like there was hardly a page without an issue.

Having said that, I'm sure I exaggerate, but that's how us customer-types are! Nyah!

Someday some owner will pony up the funds for a full time copy-editor for CG (something I know we always wanted to have when I was on staff). Even a part-timer who would come in towards the end of each issue to do the job would've been wonderful.

I'd be perfectly happy to do it... for like a grand a month heh. I'm cheap. Not like I've written anything yet ;P

Ouch... they did have a full-time copy editor. Moi.

Based on the last couple of issues, Computer Games seems to have downsized its editorial department significantly. I like the new layout also, but I hate to see a reduction in the staff as most of the editors/writers were very good.

I know theglobe.com is in tough financial straits so I wouldn't be surprised if the staff was reduced. Does anyone know the story?

Uh, yep, theGlobe cut the staff at CGM/CGO by four souls... including me, back in April. I know it was a touch deal all around. I sure miss working there though. Hell, what else is there to do in Vermont?

Yep, theGlobe cut four souls from the staff back in April, including yours truly. A tough deal all the way around. Sure do miss working there. Hell, what else is a gaming writer to do in Vermont? Herd cows?

Guess my first post didn't get cancelled when my computer locked up... sorry for the "modified" repeat.