PC Gamer (Magazine)

PC Gamer

PC Gamer, Future US Inc, San Francisco, CA. ISSN:1080-4471

Summary

According to the magazine cover, PC Gamer is “the world’s number one PC games magazine.” An offshoot of the original British publication, the US edition is published monthly (with two editions in December) and has a companion website and social media.

Regular departments include Monitor, which covers upcoming gaming tournaments and other gaming news. Previews features games in development and game demo reviews. The main feature is in depth reviews of new games, such as Sims 4, and World of Warcraft.  The editors are all gaming fanatics themselves and publish monthly reviews of new or soon to be released games. The reviews cover the cost, plot, style, and overall ease of game, along with similar games and a score out of a 100. There are also reviews and articles on computer hardware, keyboards, and computer towers. The magazine also includes codes to get free items, such as new characters to play in online role-playing games.

Critical Evaluation

PC Gamer is easy to read and has enough content to satisfy subscribers. Even non-gamers or novices to the gaming world would find it easy to read.  While the magazine seems more geared toward young males, I was surprised to find a few letters to the editor from teenage girls and seniors. While it was in the teen section at my library, I really think PC Gamer could be enjoyed by any age or gender.  There were very few ads in the magazine, which was a nice feature as  they didn’t distract or take away from the main articles.

The magazine and companion website is probably best for older teens: there are some articles with discussing language and sex in games, and most of the games reviewed are rated T (for teens 13 and up) or M (for mature, ages 17 and up) Overall, PC Gamer is a great fit for any library, especially those with a gaming audience.

Reader’s Annotation

PC Gamer has the latest reviews, news, and updates for the newest games.

About the Author

N/A

Genres

Magazine

Curriculum Ties

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Booktalking Ideas

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Reading Level/Interest Age

14+

Grades 9+

Challenge Issues

N/A

Why Included?

I originally included PC Gamer, because I thought it would be a good male oriented magazine. After looking at a few issues, I think the magazine would be great for any patron who loves gaming.