How a monthly magazine changed the way we played games in the nineties
In short: Before high-speed internet made digital downloads standard, gamers relied on physical media to sample new titles. Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine pioneered the inclusion of playable demo discs, turning every monthly issue into a gateway for discovery. This is the story of the publication that defined a console generation.
Launched in September 1997, Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (OPM) served as a dedicated resource for Sony console enthusiasts. Published by Ziff Davis Media, the magazine operated as a sister publication to Electronic Gaming Monthly. Over its nearly ten-year lifespan, it covered the evolution of hardware from the original PlayStation through the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and the portable PlayStation Portable.
The magazine’s most significant innovation was the inclusion of a playable demo disc with every issue. Developed by LifeLike Productions, Inc., these discs provided readers with hands-on access to upcoming software, video walkthroughs, and industry event coverage. This format was revolutionary for the era, as it allowed players to experience games before committing to a full retail purchase. The first issue, dated October 1997, set the precedent for this interactive model.
The transition of hardware presented unique challenges for the editorial team. Starting with issue 49 in October 2001, the magazine began incorporating PlayStation 2 demo discs, though it continued to alternate with original PlayStation discs for a short period. Issues 50, 52, and 54 marked the final inclusion of discs for the original console. While the magazine expanded its scope to include the PlayStation Portable—notably releasing a demo for Killzone: Liberation—it was discontinued in January 2007 before it could fully transition to PlayStation 3 demo discs.
Following its closure, the independent publication PSM was rebranded as PlayStation: The Official Magazine in December 2007, effectively taking over the mantle as the primary official source for Sony console news. OPM remains a significant artifact in gaming history, representing a time when physical media was the primary bridge between developers and their audience.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-official-u-s-playstation-magazine.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Magazines · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
