"Video Game Collector" magazine?

[Sniderman]

HAve I been so out of it that I missed another retrogaming mag coming around the corner?
Video Game Collector magazine (http://www.vgcollector.com/)

Diamond Previews - VGC Magazine (http://previews.diamondcomics.com/products/magazines/apr_04/02_videogame.html)

Supposedly they'll be out in June. They also supposedly had a PC5 presence. Can anyone confirm this?

I dunno. First Retro Gamer Magazine in the UK, then Manci Games, recently the return of Classic Gamer, and now this. Starting to get a bit crowded in the retropublication field.

[YoshiM]

Oh great, my wife will be thrilled. She's already *so* happy I have a bunch of classic magazines already (VG&CE, Game Player's, Game Player's Nintendo Strategy Guide, Early Nintendo Powers, a ton of Rainbow and some Hot CoCo Magazine) and "retro" magazines (Classic Gamer, DP, Manci and now the expensive Retro Gamer Magazine) plus modern mags that makes their way in (like EGM, Nintendo Power and Offical Xbox Magazine-but I pitch/donate those after I read them). She'll hop for joy over another mag. LOL

[buttasuperb]

OMFG IT'S A CLASSIC VIDEOGAME COLLECTING PHENOMENON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!1

[zmweasel]

HAve I been so out of it that I missed another retrogaming mag coming around the corner?
Video Game Collector magazine (http://www.vgcollector.com/)

Diamond Previews - VGC Magazine (http://previews.diamondcomics.com/products/magazines/apr_04/02_videogame.html)

Supposedly they'll be out in June.

It's true. VGC's editorial approach will be very different from MG's, though. MG is for the classic gamer who prefers editorial to a price guide; VGC is for the casual gamer or would-be collector who wants to know how to start and build a videogame collection. That's the reason for the association with Diamond, which is the #1 distributor for comic/CCG stores. Diamond is very excited about VGC, and has given it prominent placement in its latest retailer catalog.

The publisher of VGC is a very nice and very well-educated fella from the Midwest, with gobs of experience in videogame retail and other collectible fields. He has some fantastic ideas.

Another important distinction between the two is that VGC is going to be--not to sound snotty, but speaking frankly as a pro writer--a *real* magazine, not a full-color fanzine. For example, the publisher of VGC is hiring professional writers and editors, not writing and editing the magazine himself.

-- Z.

[portnoyd]

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31412&highlight=vgcollector+com

Yes, it was at PC5, and the flyer I got was very disturbing.

dave

[Sniderman]

So, this is the "official" Beckett's for the classic videogame collector. Hmph. What, did the Beanie Baby/POG/ Magic CCG price guide market dry up all ready? :roll:

[zmweasel]

So, this is the "official" Beckett's for the classic videogame collector. Hmph. What, did the Beanie Baby/POG/ Magic CCG price guide market dry up all ready? :roll:

I'd compare VGC's editorial approach to Wizard magazine, only the humor won't be quite so sophomoric. :)

-- Z.

[Sniderman]

So, this is the "official" Beckett's for the classic videogame collector. Hmph. What, did the Beanie Baby/POG/ Magic CCG price guide market dry up all ready? :roll:

I'd compare VGC's editorial approach to Wizard magazine, only the humor won't be quite so sophomoric. :)

-- Z.

Wizard comparison, eh? OK, I'll buy that - if that's what they're shooting for. But at 40 pages, it's gonna be a quarterly price guide at best. At least Wizard buries their comic pricing guide in the rear 20-25% of the entire magazine. If VCM keeps their guide to 10 pages or less per issue, then they'll have a sub from me. 50% or more dedicated to price guide? Nope, not my cuppa joe. But these are just my opinions. Your mileage may vary.

[Lucifersam1]

Damn web browser crashed last time I tried to write this!

I was asking, and hoping no on else had asked and been answered, where are the writers getting their information from to generate the price guide? Are they going to "set the market" for everyone? I must admit some concern... this stems from an experience last weekend at a flea market. I was walking around with my DP guide and a guy asked me about it, so I gave him some info.. he asked me to look up a cart (FF1) so I did.. well let's just say he was rather offended when it was 1/2 of what he was charging for it. If this company lists inflated prices, people may charge these outrageous prices by justifying it by what they see in the magazine that is coming out... This magazine sounds mainstream, and therefore it will probably influence a lot of people...

Oh well, I guess we will have to wait and see. Can't worry about something that hasn't happened :)

later
chris

[zmweasel]

Wizard comparison, eh? OK, I'll buy that - if that's what they're shooting for. But at 40 pages, it's gonna be a quarterly price guide at best.

Yep, it's already been announced as a quarterly pub.


At least Wizard buries their comic pricing guide in the rear 20-25% of the entire magazine. If VCM keeps their guide to 10 pages or less per issue, then they'll have a sub from me. 50% or more dedicated to price guide? Nope, not my cuppa joe. But these are just my opinions. Your mileage may vary.

I honestly don't know what the final editorial-to-guide ratio will be at this point, but I'll pass along the info when I do.

-- Z.

[ManciGames]

Another important distinction between the two is that VGC is going to be--not to sound snotty, but speaking frankly as a pro writer--a *real* magazine, not a full-color fanzine. For example, the publisher of VGC is hiring professional writers and editors, not writing and editing the magazine himself.

-- Z.

I don't mean to downplay zmweasel's opinion (after all, he is a 15 year freelance veteran, as I was reminded of quite a few times), but Manci Games really is more than a "full-color fanzine." Still, a "full-color fanzine" is one notch above "vapor-ware." :)

I would also argue that Leonard Herman, Joe Santulli, and Zach Meston (all of whom have pieces appearing in Issue #2 of Manci Games) are "real writers." And let's not forget Mr. Jamie Starr! That guy has real talent! I had a couple of non-journalist friends compare Starr's and Meston's reviews and Starr's won, hands down, every time. It was shocking. Shocking! A 15-year veteran getting a beat-down from a punk like Jamie Starr! Maybe we will see this develop into a friendly writing rivalry?

[christianscott27]

no more or less novel than that billy galaxy guide, another gamestore owner writes a guide...how you gonna fit a 2600-xbox guide in 48 pages and still make it useful and fun? every indy game dealer i've ever met already has his own game pricing system and i cant see them changing to reflect a guide, nor do i see the ebay market changing to reflect a guide. its video games, not currency trading. a game is worth whatever you can get away with, be it as a high price seller or low price buy buyer. in my case i rarely get games from stores or ebay anyways, so as long as the mom running the yardsale and the bubba running the flea market doesnt get with the guide i'm golden.

[zmweasel]

I would also argue that Leonard Herman, Joe Santulli, and Zach Meston (all of whom have pieces appearing in Issue #2 of Manci Games) are "real writers." And let's not forget Mr. Jamie Starr! That guy has real talent! I had a couple of non-journalist friends compare Starr's and Meston's reviews and Starr's won, hands down, every time. It was shocking. Shocking! A 15-year veteran getting a beat-down from a punk like Jamie Starr! Maybe we will see this develop into a friendly writing rivalry?

I'm now the EIC of Video Game Collector, so my appearance in issue #2 was the first and last.

In addition, Joe will be a major contributor to Video Game Collector, starting with the premiere issue.

We'll also have a great import column by former MG contributor Geoff Miller.

As for your friends, they're certainly welcome to their opinions.

-- Z.

[dmhawkmoon]

I would also argue that Leonard Herman, Joe Santulli, and Zach Meston (all of whom have pieces appearing in Issue #2 of Manci Games) are "real writers." And let's not forget Mr. Jamie Starr! That guy has real talent! I had a couple of non-journalist friends compare Starr's and Meston's reviews and Starr's won, hands down, every time. It was shocking. Shocking! A 15-year veteran getting a beat-down from a punk like Jamie Starr! Maybe we will see this develop into a friendly writing rivalry?

Don't you think it's kind of odd to compare writers in your own magazine like that? No offense man, but I mean I don't want to hear the editor of the magazine put down any of his writers in public.

[Duncan]

I would also argue that Leonard Herman, Joe Santulli, and Zach Meston (all of whom have pieces appearing in Issue #2 of Manci Games) are "real writers." And let's not forget Mr. Jamie Starr! That guy has real talent! I had a couple of non-journalist friends compare Starr's and Meston's reviews and Starr's won, hands down, every time. It was shocking. Shocking! A 15-year veteran getting a beat-down from a punk like Jamie Starr! Maybe we will see this develop into a friendly writing rivalry?

I'm now the EIC of Video Game Collector, so my appearance in issue #2 was the first and last.

In addition, Joe will be a major contributor to Video Game Collector, starting with the premiere issue.

We'll also have a great import column by former MG contributor Geoff Miller.

May I ask, perhaps, how all of these new retro-gaming mags are planning on surviving when they all use the same talent pool?

Shit, I'll throw in an amateur article for Manci since it seems like they've just been raped and beaten... x_x

[zmweasel]

I would also argue that Leonard Herman, Joe Santulli, and Zach Meston (all of whom have pieces appearing in Issue #2 of Manci Games) are "real writers." And let's not forget Mr. Jamie Starr! That guy has real talent! I had a couple of non-journalist friends compare Starr's and Meston's reviews and Starr's won, hands down, every time. It was shocking. Shocking! A 15-year veteran getting a beat-down from a punk like Jamie Starr! Maybe we will see this develop into a friendly writing rivalry?

I'm now the EIC of Video Game Collector, so my appearance in issue #2 was the first and last.

In addition, Joe will be a major contributor to Video Game Collector, starting with the premiere issue.

We'll also have a great import column by former MG contributor Geoff Miller.

May I ask, perhaps, how all of these new retro-gaming mags are planning on surviving when they all use the same talent pool?

Shit, I'll throw in an amateur article for Manci since it seems like they've just been raped and beaten... x_x

The only talent currently being shared between the two pubs is Joe and the DP crew, and I'm thrilled to bask in the glow of their unrivaled knowledge. It would be a great thing for the industry if EVERY video game magazine had Joe and DP on the editorial staff.

I had no problem with Geoff writing for other magazines--as a freelancer, I understand the need to spread the love--and I made no attempt to "steal" him from anyone else.

I can't speak for other magazines, but I know that VGC has a unique vision which I believe will lead to its critical and commercial success. That's why I've signed on.

Your characterization of Jaysen's 'zine as "victim" makes me wince, since it's both completely wrong and trivializes a horrific act of violence.

-- Z.

[v1rich]

I just hope that they do it better than Manci Games because theirs sucks real bad. I don't have time to read or subscribe to all these magazines anyway but if I do I would like to see quality and not crap. I am not going to buy this one and I am thinking about finding out if I can cancel my sub to Manci Games if it does not get better soon.

[Push Upstairs]

O_O Manci Games is two issues old...its going to take some time and feedback for the magazine to become perfected.

Why do you think Manci Games sucks? And why were you expecting it to be perfect from the get go?

[ManciGames]

I would also argue that Leonard Herman, Joe Santulli, and Zach Meston (all of whom have pieces appearing in Issue #2 of Manci Games) are "real writers." And let's not forget Mr. Jamie Starr! That guy has real talent! I had a couple of non-journalist friends compare Starr's and Meston's reviews and Starr's won, hands down, every time. It was shocking. Shocking! A 15-year veteran getting a beat-down from a punk like Jamie Starr! Maybe we will see this develop into a friendly writing rivalry?

Don't you think it's kind of odd to compare writers in your own magazine like that? No offense man, but I mean I don't want to hear the editor of the magazine put down any of his writers in public.

No offense taken. As Mr. Meston stated, he is now EIC of VG Collector mag (after a failed editorial takeover of Manci Games).

Besides, haven't you ever seen Purple Rain? You pit two of your best against each other to push both of them up. :)

By the way, you can check out VG Collector at: www.vgcollector.com

The site hasn't been updated in quite awhile, but it looks interesting! I'll be one of the first to subscribe, and I suggest that you all should too.

[zmweasel]

No offense taken. As Mr. Meston stated, he is now EIC of VG Collector mag (after a failed editorial takeover of Manci Games).

That's a bizarre and false claim. I indeed made strong suggestions as to how to alter your editorial approach, which I later realized were inappropriate, as I told you.

-- Z.

[digitalpress]

I just hope that they do it better than Manci Games because theirs sucks real bad. I don't have time to read or subscribe to all these magazines anyway but if I do I would like to see quality and not crap. I am not going to buy this one and I am thinking about finding out if I can cancel my sub to Manci Games if it does not get better soon.

That's really harsh. Show us what contribution you've made to the community before blasting others who are trying to do something positive for it.

[ManciGames]

No offense taken. As Mr. Meston stated, he is now EIC of VG Collector mag (after a failed editorial takeover of Manci Games).

That's a bizarre and false claim. I indeed made strong suggestions as to how to alter your editorial approach, which I later realized were inappropriate, as I told you.

-- Z.

I'll agree that it was bizarre, but it is "debatable," at best.

Zach did indeed apologize...about two weeks before he signed on to VGC.

A respectable decision.

Again, I urge everyone to visit VG Collector at www.vgcollector.com and to subscribe. It looks first-rate!

[christianscott27]

have another sip fellas!
http://www-astro.unice.fr/~aristidi/bock/uk/bitter.jpg

[ManciGames]

have another sip fellas!
http://www-astro.unice.fr/~aristidi/bock/uk/bitter.jpg

lol I've gotta save that for future use.

[zmweasel]

Again, I urge everyone to visit VG Collector at www.vgcollector.com and to subscribe. It looks first-rate!

I appreciate your kind words, and you're right: it IS first-rate.

-- Z.

[SoulBlazer]

Enough lovey-dovey, folks. I'm allready sick and you're close to making me spew over my keyboard. :D

I'll have to get a subscription to both magazines.

[digitalpress]

So has anyone seen this yet? I got my copy last week, I think it turned out FAB.

You'll surely notice the heavy Digital Press influences, Achika and I each wrote a game review in this issue, in fact. Zach and the team did a great job, I'm really hoping this venture takes off!

[lendelin]

I just hope that they do it better than Manci Games because theirs sucks real bad. I don't have time to read or subscribe to all these magazines anyway but if I do I would like to see quality and not crap. I am not going to buy this one and I am thinking about finding out if I can cancel my sub to Manci Games if it does not get better soon.

Wow, that's a deadly criticism!! I strongly diasagree.

ManciGames was a very good effort (!!), it had some flaws, but don't forget it ventured in uncharted waters, and it wasn't given the chance to improve. To get a retro-gaming magazine going today is a difficult task. The potential market is out there, the potential interest is out there, but to transform potential interest into subscriptions and to survive in an economic jungle is a different matter, and a very difficult one.

Don't belittle great efforts, they should be applauded. Give necessary and risky tasks a chance. 'Mancigames' (the man) is much smarter now after the admirable effort, gained experience, and it will pay off big time the next time; and I'm sure the next effort is around the corner.

Look at videogame history! How many failed and great efforts it took pioneers finally to succeed. Bushnell, Alcorn, Wozniak, all the others, all of them didn't have a smooth ride, all of them started small, all of them had failed efforts, all of them had to survive dire and desperate situations, all of them had severe setbacks, all of them had to take small and sometimes big risks until finally success set in.

Great efforts are a very good thing! They are the fuel which keeps the motor running.

[Griking]

I was just reminded about this magazine by reading the Manci review of it and another thread. I ment to subscribe before but never got around to it because I don't use a checkbook. Is there any update on when you guys will start accepting Paypal payments for subscriptions. Your website has listed it as "coming soon" for quite some time now.

[Classicgamesdepot]

Just got my free isue from J games with an order there, it was pretty interesting and while I already knew the majority of info in the mag it was still a fun read, check it out guys, the price guide is fairly accurate to boot

[zmweasel]

I was just reminded about this magazine by reading the Manci review of it and another thread. I ment to subscribe before but never got around to it because I don't use a checkbook. Is there any update on when you guys will start accepting Paypal payments for subscriptions. Your website has listed it as "coming soon" for quite some time now.

The website's being overhauled at the mo', and I believe PayPal subs are on the to-do list.

You can also call the toll-free # (877-922-GAME) and subscribe with a credit card.

-- Z.

[EricRyan34]

I received the first issude to this magazine, and it is well worth the $. The price guide is great. Highly recommended