Why this 1990s magazine treated video games as art, not just toys
In short: In an era of cheat codes and walkthroughs, Next Generation magazine dared to ignore the gameplay tips. Instead, it focused on the industry, the creators, and the artistic potential of digital worlds. By prioritizing high-level industry analysis over individual game reviews, it carved out a unique space in gaming history.
Launched in January 1995, Next Generation arrived just before the North American debut of the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. While competitors like Electronic Gaming Monthly and GamePro were busy catering to players looking for tips and tricks, Next Generation took a different path. It was designed for a readership interested in the business, development, and artistic evolution of the medium. The magazine avoided the standard focus on screenshots and cheat codes, opting instead to interview industry figures about the broader philosophy of gaming.
The publication was known for its distinct aesthetic and editorial choices. Its design was clean and simple, often featuring a heavy matte laminated cover that stood out against the glossy finishes of its rivals. In a move that emphasized collective responsibility, the magazine famously omitted bylines for most articles, insisting that the entire staff share credit for the work. Its editorial sections, such as Chris Crawford’s column 'The Way Games Ought To Be,' provided constructive, often critical, commentary on industry practices, further cementing its reputation as a serious publication.
Throughout its run from 1995 to 2002, the magazine underwent several physical and branding changes. It was initially published by GP Publications before transitioning to Imagine Media in May 1995. In September 1999, it was rebranded as NextGen, and for a brief period starting in September 2000, it experimented with a wider 9-inch format. Despite these shifts, its commitment to industry-led journalism remained consistent. Following its closure, the brand was briefly revived in 2005 as an online entity, Next-Gen.biz, which continued to share content with its UK-based sister publication, Edge, before eventually being rebranded as Edge-Online.com in 2008.
The publication's legacy remains a point of interest for historians and enthusiasts. By treating games as a subject worthy of critical analysis rather than just a hobby for walkthroughs, Next Generation helped elevate the discourse around interactive entertainment. Its archives, now preserved by institutions like the Video Game History Foundation, serve as a record of a pivotal time when the industry was transitioning into the 32-bit era and beyond.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Next Generation (magazine)
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