Gamers love thrills. Some love boss fights. Some love loot hunts. Some love arguing about why their game is “the greatest ever made.” And then there are the players who enjoy reading about games almost as much as playing them. They flip through pages like they’re searching for hidden treasure.
If you’ve ever sat with a snack in one hand and a magazine in the other, you know the joy. Good writing pulls you in. Stories hit hard. Reviews feel honest. These moments remind you that gaming doesn’t end when you switch off your console. It continues in the words, art, and passion that fill gaming magazines.
So here’s your guide. Fun. Clear. Fresh. And perfect for anyone who loves flipping through pages as much as grinding through quests.
Top 25 Best Gaming Magazines That Make Gaming More Fun (Magazine Website Logo Images)
1. Game Informer
Known for: Game reviews
Launched: 1991
Defunct: Active
Country: USA
Publisher: GameStop
Website: gameinformer.com
Game Informer stays popular due to its clear writing and strong balance between fun and facts. Readers enjoy the simple voice and steady honesty in every review. The magazine covers new releases, developer stories, and deep features. It builds trust with players who want clean opinions without noise or hype. It remains the most respected gaming magazine’s voice in the world.
2. Edge
Known for: Serious industry writing
Launched: 1993
Defunct: Active
Country: UK
Publisher: Future plc
Website: edge-online.com
Edge offers a smart and polished look at the gaming magazines’ culture. The tone stays sharp but clear, giving readers real value. The reviews keep high standards and aim for fairness. The magazine often covers new tech, future trends, and interviews with skilled creators. Many players trust it for depth and clean structure. It remains a top pick for thoughtful readers.
3. PC Gamer
Known for: PC game coverage
Launched: 1993
Defunct: Active
Country: UK
Publisher: Future plc
Website: pcgamer.com
PC Gamer stays focused on the world of PC titles. It covers classics, indie hits, and new AAA releases. Readers love its clear tone and no-nonsense advice. Features include guides, hardware picks, and soft humor. The magazine keeps a strong link with PC fans who enjoy long reads and simple explanations. The brand remains trusted across the PC world.
4. Retro Gamer
Known for: Classic games
Launched: 2004
Defunct: Active
Country: UK
Publisher: Future plc
Retro Gamer keeps the old days alive with care and passion. It tells stories behind iconic consoles, past games, and lost gems. Readers enjoy its warm tone and easy language. Each issue brings nostalgia without drowning in it. Simple writing helps new readers understand the past. Long-time fans enjoy fresh details and rare facts. It remains a go-to pick for retro lovers.
5. Level
Known for: European gaming news
Launched: 1995
Defunct: Active
Country: Sweden
Publisher: Reset Media
Level takes pride in clear writing and deep stories from the gaming magazines’ world. The magazine mixes news, reviews, and thoughtful features. Readers enjoy the soft humor and smooth rhythm of each article. Many fans stick with it due to its honest tone and quality layout. It is well respected across Nordic gaming circles.
6. Famitsu
Known for: Japanese game reviews
Launched: 1986
Defunct: Active
Country: Japan
Publisher: Kadokawa Game Linkage
Website: famitsu.com
Famitsu stands as one of Japan’s most respected gaming voices. It offers reviews, news, developer interviews, and weekly charts. Readers enjoy how straightforward and structured each piece feels. The magazine also holds a reputation for scoring systems that many players treat as a benchmark. Its mix of culture, history, and modern content makes it a steady part of Japan’s gaming world.
7. GameStar
Known for: PC reviews and guides
Launched: 1997
Defunct: Active
Country: Germany
Publisher: Webedia Gaming
Website: gamestar.de
GameStar leads the German gaming scene with clear writing and deep reviews. It covers PC titles, hardware, and long-form features. Its guides help players improve skills in simple words. Readers enjoy the steady tone and useful insights. The mix of sharp testing and easy explanations keeps it popular across Europe.
8. Hardcore Gamer
Known for: Fast news and reviews
Launched: 2005
Defunct: Active
Country: USA
Publisher: HG Publishing
Website: hardcoregamer.com
Hardcore Gamer focuses on quick updates and honest reviews. The writing feels light and smooth, which helps readers follow along without effort. It highlights indie titles, hidden gems, and fresh releases. Its direct style builds trust with players who want simple and clear advice.
9. Nintendo Force
Known for: Nintendo-focused content
Launched: 2013
Defunct: Active
Country: USA
Publisher: NF Magazine
Website: nintendoforcemagazine.com
Nintendo Force was created by fans who missed classic Nintendo Power. It offers warm writing, creative layouts, and fun art. Readers get previews, reviews, and features filled with charm. The tone feels friendly, which makes the magazine easy to enjoy for players of all ages.
10. Games ™
Known for: Industry analysis
Launched: 2002
Defunct: 2018
Country: UK
Publisher: Future plc
Website: N/A (ceased)
Games TM earned respect through its calm and clear voice. It delivered deep features, reviews, and retrospectives. Readers loved how it blended humor and insight without overloading pages. Even after closing, the magazine remains remembered for its simple tone and strong editorial balance.
11. GamePro
Known for: Console reviews
Launched: 1989
Defunct: 2011
Country: USA
Publisher: IDG
Website: N/A
GamePro shaped the early days of gaming media. It offered short and clear reviews that helped kids and adults pick games with ease. Many readers remember its “face icon” rating system. The writing stayed simple, friendly, and direct. It still holds nostalgic value.
12. Official PlayStation Magazine (OPM)
Known for: PlayStation coverage
Launched: 1995
Defunct: 2021
Country: UK
Publisher: Future plc
Website: N/A
OPM stood as the main voice for PlayStation fans. It brought previews, game tests, guides, and interviews with developers. Readers liked its smooth style and clear layout. The magazine covered console history while keeping a fresh voice.
13. Xbox Official Magazine (OXM)
Known for: Xbox updates
Launched: 2001
Defunct: 2020
Country: UK
Publisher: Future plc
Website: N/A
OXM became a reliable guide for Xbox fans. It offered previews, honest reviews, and hands-on testing. Readers enjoyed its simple tone and clean structure. Even after its final print, many still read old issues online.
14. GamesWorld Magazine
Known for: Global reviews
Launched: 2008
Defunct: Active
Country: Singapore
Publisher: SPH Media
GamesWorld blends Asian and global gaming magazine trends. It keeps stories short and easy to read. Readers enjoy its balance between fun and clarity. The magazine highlights new titles, tech news, and mobile gaming. It grows stronger each year across Southeast Asia.
15. Game Reactor
Known for: European coverage
Launched: 1998
Defunct: Active
Country: Denmark
Publisher: Gamez Publishing
Website: gamereactor.eu
Game Reactor serves multiple European countries with regional editions. It keeps articles smooth and simple. The team covers previews, reviews, interviews, and event reports. Its consistent style helps readers stay engaged.
16. Play Magazine
Known for: PlayStation culture
Launched: 1995
Defunct: Active
Country: UK
Publisher: Future plc
Website: gamesradar.com/play-magazine
Play Magazine focuses on console fans who enjoy focused coverage. Its writing style remains soft and easy. Readers get steady content on new titles, hardware news, and developer stories. It continues to be a friendly source for PlayStation followers.
17. Wireframe
Known for: Game development stories
Launched: 2018
Defunct: 2023
Country: UK
Publisher: Raspberry Pi Press
Website: N/A
Wireframe offered a blend of game culture and coding insights. Its clean layout and soft tone made complex ideas simple. Readers loved the behind-the-scenes look at game creation. Though it ended in 2023, its issues still help new developers.
18. Kotaku Magazine Edition
Known for: Culture and commentary
Launched: 2004
Defunct: Active
Country: USA
Publisher: G/O Media
Website: kotaku.com
Known originally as a website, Kotaku’s print-style editions stay light and witty. They focus on stories rather than scores. Readers enjoy the relaxed tone and strong opinions. The layout feels clean, which makes long reads smooth.
19. PlayMania
Known for: Spanish PlayStation content
Launched: 2005
Defunct: Active
Country: Spain
Publisher: Axel Springer
PlayMania remains a popular pick for Spanish readers. It keeps sentences short and lively. The magazine covers new releases, guides, and rankings with friendly energy. Fans enjoy the direct style and colorful pages.
20. Hobby Consolas
Known for: Console news
Launched: 1991
Defunct: Active
Country: Spain
Publisher: Axel Springer
Website: hobbyconsolas.com
Hobby Consolas offers clear writing and structured reviews. The magazine speaks to families, kids, and long-time fans. Readers trust its simple tone and steady pacing. It remains one of Spain’s strongest gaming voices.
21. 4Gamer Magazine
Known for: Online-to-print transition
Launched: 2000
Defunct: Active
Country: Japan
Publisher: Aetas
Website: 4gamer.net
4Gamer gives calm, clean insights into new titles, updates, and industry moves. The print-style editions feel light and organized. Fans enjoy its balance between fun and facts. Its coverage includes console, PC, and mobile gaming.
22. GameWave
Known for: Asian gaming coverage
Launched: 2012
Defunct: Active
Country: Malaysia
Publisher: Next Media
GameWave grows fast due to its friendly tone. It covers local and international gaming magazines. The writing flows well and stays clear. Readers enjoy its simple breakdowns of updates, features, and interviews.
23. Game Tribune
Known for: Event coverage
Launched: 2016
Defunct: Active
Country: USA
Publisher: GT Media
Game Tribune focuses on events such as E3, Gamescom, and indie showcases. The writing stays light, clear, and grounded. Readers enjoy the straightforward updates and simple summaries of panels and demos.
24. Pixel Press
Known for: Indie games
Launched: 2015
Defunct: Active
Country: USA
Publisher: Pixel Media
Pixel Press puts indie creators in the spotlight. It keeps content friendly and easy to understand. Each issue highlights passion projects, new releases, and studio stories. Readers enjoy the bright layout and soft tone.
25. Arcade Monthly
Known for: Arcade culture
Launched:2010
Defunct: Active
Country: USA
Publisher: Arcade Media
Arcade Monthly celebrates coin-op culture and classic arcades. It offers a warm and simple voice. Readers get history pieces, interviews with arcade owners, and deep dives into rare machines. The writing style makes even technical details easy to follow.
Facts:
- Global gaming market projected value for 2026: $398.95 billion.
- Average gamer age worldwide: 41 years
- Percentage of players who read game reviews before buying: 71%
Conclusion
Remember the intro where we said gamers act like treasure hunters? That still stands. Good reading feels like finding a secret area. These gaming magazines give stories, insights, and laughs that make gaming feel bigger than the screen. They remind you that the joy of games doesn’t pause when the console powers down. It lives in every page, every review, and every voice that keeps the hobby alive. Keep playing. Keep reading. And keep enjoying the world that brings players together.
