How a British magazine became the world's longest-running authority on video games
In short: Launched in 1981 as the first dedicated video game magazine, Computer and Video Games evolved from a monthly print publication into a digital powerhouse. It defined the industry for decades, hosting the world's oldest gaming awards ceremony and shaping how players discovered their next favorite title through its iconic review system.
Established in November 1981, Computer and Video Games (CVG) arrived at the dawn of the home computing era. Its inaugural issue was a pioneer in the field, offering readers insights into early hits like Space Invaders, Chess, and Othello, alongside practical tutorials on learning to program. By the second half of 1986, the magazine had reached an audited circulation of 106,000, cementing its status as a vital hub for a rapidly expanding community of enthusiasts.
Beyond its print legacy, CVG became a cultural institution by launching the Golden Joystick Awards in 1982. The inaugural ceremony, held in Berkeley Square in April 1983, saw DJ Dave Lee Travis present the game of the year award to Jetpac. This event grew alongside the brand, transitioning to the web in 1999 and maintaining its position as the longest-running gaming awards ceremony globally. The magazine also innovated in its coverage, introducing a handheld gaming supplement called Go! in 1992.
The brand's digital evolution was marked by the launch of its website in 1999, which eventually became its sole platform after the print edition ceased in October 2004. Even in its later years, CVG remained a key industry player, securing exclusive early access to major titles like Grand Theft Auto V. Despite significant staff cuts in July 2014, the website continued until its final closure on 26 February 2015, when its content was redirected to Gamesradar+. Today, the legacy of the brand persists through the efforts of former writers who launched Video Games Chronicle in 2019.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Computer and Video Games
- Also: Wikidata — Computer and Video Games · CC0
- Also: www.lib.umich.edu — Computer and Video Game Archive
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