Future Publishing Wins Official Nintendo UK Magazine Contract

Officials from Nintendo UK have announced that the subsidiary has awarded the contract for the Nintendo Official Magazine in the UK to Future Publishing, after residing with rival publisher EMAP for twelve years. The first issue of the new magazine will go on sale from February 2006 with a new look and editorial team. "Future has a long tradition of publishing in the Nintendo market and after over a decade covering Nintendo products we're excited to finally seal an official partnership", said Future MD Robert Price. "We will deliver a magazine that reflects the breadth, fun and quality of Nintendo games and the audience who play them." Future Publishing, who on Tuesday announced a yearly operating loss of £10.0 million following extensive one off costs and acquisitions, now publishes official magazines for all three major console manufacturers – increasing its dominance in the British magazine market. At the same time, the loss of the official magazine represents the final video games related title from EMAP, once the major rival to Future in the UK. Despite publishing successful magazines such as FHM, Q, Empire and Zoo and covering many specialist subjects from model trains to bird watching, EMAP now seem happy not to contend the video games magazine market with Future. "As Nintendo continues to revolutionize the world of gaming, we felt it was time to re-evaluate Nintendo Official Magazine and see what other publishers had to offer", said Dawn Paine, marketing director for Nintendo UK. "“We are very pleased to have Future on board with us. Their experience in the magazine industry, particularly in the video games sector, is undoubtedly a great benefit. EMAP has done a fantastic job over the last twelve years and we wish them every success in the future."