Gaming Magazine Pre-Production Treatment

Introduction
In regards to my preproduction Media Studies Foundation portfolio task
I have researched how existing Gaming magazines present their
motivation through their front covers. content pages and double spread
articles. In this presentation I will critically analyze the gaming
magazine font styles, photo types and images that are used in order to
create a successful gaming magazine. I will design and develop my
magazine in order to make it appeal to my target audience, the gaming
community.

Existing Gaming Magazines That Inspire Me-
PC Gamer Front Cover
I like the design of the
masthead as it is memorable
because of the two background
colors that make the white
letters pop out so they are easy
to read. It is simple and it
doesn’t distract from the main
image, it lets it be in front.
The main image is a main character
from the newest popular and
trending game, Skyrim V. I like the
fact that the character is used as it
attracts fans of the Skyrim
franchise and of the open world
genre. His battle stance is wild and
engaging which promises an
adventure packed game with epic
battles which many gamers want
inside such a game.
I think the color scheme is very
nicely does as the letters are
seen and readable while no
taking to much attention away
fro the main image. The white
letters contrast well with the
game background, and the red
makes the headings stand out.
This magazine has effectively
used font sizes and designs as
they made the titles large in
proportion to their importance
within the magazine.
The layout of the magazine is
arranged to keep the character the
main focus, yet have a lot of
informative cover lines around
him. This emphasizes his
importance yet makes them
visible as soon as the consumer
has seen the image.

PlayStation Front Cover
The black color of the
masthead contrasts well with
the neutral white background
and is visually pleasing to the
consumer. The use of logo
makes it easier to recognize
the magazine and the console
products. It uses a simple
sans-serif font that doesn’t
stand out, however that is fine
as it is not the focus of the
front cover.
I love the design of the main image
and its text as they stand out and
are really eye-catching compared to
the white background. The
character is walking towards the
reader making them feel engaged
and familiar towards the character.
It portrays the post-apocalyptic
genre very nicely as it shows the
scrap armor on the character. The
text for the image is the most eye-
catching and noticeable part of the
front cover, as it is in a huge, red
bold font.
The cover lines do not distract
from the main image the yet
are still visible, the variety of
font colors prevents monotony.
They are placed around the
main image, with the more
important line in color and
slightly larger font.
I think the graphical designs
behind the picture make it really
stand out and add a nice touch to
the front cover.

Xbox Content Page
The organized layout is very
appealing and effective as it
neatly separates the contents and
the images. The separation allows
the images to stand out nicely
and for the contents to be
ordered and visible cleared.
The contents side is organized in
a single column, with a vivid
variety of colors, such as green
red, blue, black and yellow. to
make it stand out and visually
appealing. The colors also make it
more exciting and easier to read.
On the right side of the content
page are the images place3d.
The images contain a visible
bold font of their page number,
and another font that is the
name of the game I the
featured image. The images are
positioned in a vertical style, on
top of each other. This
contributes to the meticulous
and ordered style of this
content page. The images are all
from different game type genres
to appeal to a larger target
audience.
Under the images is a publisher
statement and other less
relevant, but necessary
information that needs to be
placed on the content page.
The left bottom side of the
page contains a Xbox controller
to target the hardware
enthusiasts as well as show of
other merchandise besides the
console games.

Gamer Nation Content Page
In this content page I like the
graphical designs as they make
the contents and images stand
out. The designs are edgy and
modern, flowing in a unique
way. They are refreshing and
prevent the content page from
being too plain.
The font for the title and
subtitles is appealing and it is
in the same style as the
graphical designs. With the
color outline both of them look
more visually appealing,
however the letters are hard to
read as the font gets smaller.
The images are placed in the top
until near the end, dominating
this content page. They are laid
out horizontally, giving you a
glimpse of the most important
characters in the game. On the
left side of the images is the
name of the game in its original
designer font, making it more
exciting and matching with the
game image. In the right corner
is the page number, I a large
white font making it easily
visible and using a matching
font as the one used for the
headings.
I think the contents page layout
is very effective as all the
important games of the issue
get their own feature, with the
less important ones getting two
columns in the lower part of the
magazine.
The dateline is in the far left
bottom corner as it is not an
important selling point, the
title is parallel to it as its
importance is not stressed.

Assassins Creed Double Page Spread
I think that the
background is this
double page spread
article is very effective
as using the game itself
as the background they
show of its graphical
beauty that appeals to
many gamers. The
background is engaging
and shows use a
beautiful medieval
setting . Showing one of
the games locations
peaks consumer
curiosity and compels
them to buy the
magazine and later the
game itself.
The masthead is easily
readable and stands out as
it is in a huge font, which
is the font used for the
game itself. The game
franchise familiarity is
nice, and the font itself is
attractive to people who
don’t know about the AC
franchise. It is black to
represent the smooth style
of the game.
The layout of this double spread is engaging as it blends
together text with images. It is mixed properly so there
isn't too much text to make it hard to read and the images
are place a the begging, middle and end. There is an
separate paragraph that has its significance emphasized
with its yellow background.
The images chosen are
attractive as they
showcase the games
gameplay and combat.
They are snapshots
placed around the text
and are not the main
focus of the double
spread article.

PC Gamer Double Page Spread
The masthead of this
double page spread is eye-
catching and striking as it
is a huge red font,
followed by an
exclamation point to show
its significance. The O’s
have an element of the
game in the center to
relate more to it and to
make it more visually
appealing.
The headline under it is
intriguing and peaks
consumer curiosity, as it
shows how good the game
is and what effect it has
on peoples lives.
There is no main image in
this double spread but
rather a collection of
smaller sized snap shots,
mostly grouped on the
right side with text
describing the game .
I like the layout of this double spread article as it is nicely
organized and focused. It keeps all the additional gaming
context to the far right, the main review and gameplay
pictures in the center and the left is reserved for the
masthead and main line alongside a small summary
introduction paragraph that talks about the rest of the
review.
The background fits
nicely with the darker
themes of the game, it is
rough and gritty to
emphasize the games
world and story.
I personally dislike the
portrait of the author as I
think it is unnecessary
and not a valid selling
point. It just takes up
space so the corner
doesn’t look empty.

Potential Magazine
Names
Bullzay
Level Up! GamerMania OutSider
Online World
Game Over Games ‘n’ Chill Trigger
The OutSider is an abstract and
mysterious name that intrigues the
potential readers as they don’t
know what type of gamming
magazine it is yet the name is
attractive and compelling. Some
people however might not perceive
it as a serious gaming magazine
Online world
attracts
many people
as it shows it
will also talk
about online
gaming and
various
internet
trends
instead of
only games.
However it
might sound
very
effortless and
unattractive
as there are
many
magazines
with similar
name to it.
This magazine name is a
popular reference used in video
games. It will appeal to may who
like action and adventure
games, however it might deter
some of the older audience as
they may find the name
childish.
GamerMania is more of a cheesy
name for gaming addicts, who live a
lifestyle around gaming. This
magazine name sounds stereotypical
and not very exciting but it could sell
to new people who have only recently
started playing games.
I think Bullzay
is a cool and
contemporary
name that will
attract many
readers who
play the FPS
gaming genre
as it requires
shooting
precision. On
the other hand
there is a risk
that many will
not get the
accuracy
reference due
to the
modification.
Game Over is another popular gaming
reference, it sounds nice and seems cool
at first sight, but it may turn people
away due it its underlying negative
sense of the end of the game and defeat.
It really doesn’t appeal to any specific
genre which makes it general and hard
to establish a regular consumer base.
This magazine name is very effective as it
targets a broad audience of both casual and
hardcore gamers. The name invites you to a
simple game with you friends, family or
girlfriend/boyfriend where you all relax and
play. This leisurely title also makes good
use of the apostrophes on the letter n to
make it more visually appealing. It might
be too simple of a name for some people.
This gaming magazine is intended for
mature audiences that enjoy shooting
games as it is a more serious and intense
name. however it only targets a niche
audience with its name, not the rest of the
gaming community. It is a more unusual
name for a gaming magazine which gives
it an intriguing appeal to some potential
consumer.

Magazine Name Tally Chart
For my magazine name I have asked 20 gamers of ages to participate in this
questionnaire and answer which name they had liked the most.
Level Up! //
Bullzay ///
Game Over /
Games ‘n’ Chill ////
Trigger ///
Online World /
OutSider /////
GamerMania /

Magazine Name
OutSider
This is the magazine name my potential audience has chosen for my magazine. This
was one of my favorites alongside Games ‘n’ Chill and Bullzay. I would have chosen
Bullzay as it targets a niche market, the FPS sub community which is one of the
largest in the gaming community. One the other hand Games ‘n’ Chill would have
also been a good option as it is a very catchy and easygoing name.
However my potential audience preferred OutSider due to its unusual and
intriguing name as it does not really relate to gaming, so the possibility of finding
out what it relates to is exciting. They have chosen it because the name is
unconventional for a gaming magazine.
I think that OutSider is a really good name as it shows of the cool and outgoing of
games and gaming.

Font Research
GamePro has a bald capitalized font in order to be able to
capture the audiences attention and be clearly visible. The font
color is orange in order to be very invasive and eye-catching.
There is a blue 3D effect to make it more visually exciting and
not bland.
This magazines masthead font is divided into two parts.
First is the large font number representing he gaming
console the magazine features, Xbox 360. Its size is larger in
order to be seen by the audience. It uses a different and
smaller font to distinguish itself. The font is white in order
to contrast the background and be visible.
PC Gamer has used a striking capitalized font that has two
different background colors. Its white font contrasts against
the black and red background to make it more exciting. The
font itself is simple and doesn’t stand out too much. The red
and black are a good color mix so it is visually attractive.
This Masthead is again in the typical gaming magazine white,
in order to contrast the black background. The black and
white combination is very popular and overused in the gaming
magazines. It has a yellow line at the bottom of the masthead
to make it noticeable and eye0catching. It also has a little logo
in the top right corner so it becomes distinguishable.

Potential Fonts
OutSider
OutSider
OutSider
OutSider
Algerian- This Font is very eye-catching and recognizable due
to its contrasting outline. It has a cool and contemporary as it is
very informal and a serif font. I might choose this as its visually
attractive, however it is not striking enough and lack presence. It
might also not fit in with some background colors of my choosing
due to the outline.
Hot Mustard BTN Poster- This is a very relaxed and
friendly font. It is capitalized with a thick outline. The font is very
playful and childish and might appeal to a younger consumer base
for a kids magazine, however it is not appropriate for a gaming
magazine. The sans-serif irregular style is more for party
invitations, it is not attractive enough.
Century Schoolbook- This font is more formal and
serious as it is not bold or outlined, but rather a subtle and cool
serif font to show that they are still relaxed yet professional. This
font is definitely a possibility as it could show the serious side of
gaming and would represent my magazine as more mature.
Incised901 BdCn BT- This Font is striking and
contemporary, it stands out as it is capitalized however it is
not forceful as it doesn’t contain an outline. It is sans-serif to
show some formality, which is negated by the relaxed and
comic style of the letters. This magazine is the one I would
pick as it is eye-catching and visually appealing, while not
being over accessorized.

Chosen Masthead Font
OutSiderI have chosen the Incised901 BdCn BT as my magazine font as I believe it would be most
fitting for a gaming magazine as it is mature yet not too formal and boring. This font is
suited for both the mature and the younger gaming community. It is eye-catching and it is
visually appealing to the readers due to its uncommon letter design because of the curves
and sleekness of the lines and because they are elongated. This font sets a semi-formal tone
that a gaming magazine should follow, formal and clean designs mixed with modern and
contemporary language. I think that this unusual choice of font for a gaming magazine will
reinforce the ‘outsider’ idea of uniqueness.

Main Image Research
In the gaming magazine industry the front cover images that are featured are video game characters from
the most popular and trending video games. In order to fulfill criteria and achieve desired grade and
outcome I would need to creatively respond to this challenge and come up with an original photo to be
used on the front cover. Possibly ideas for an original image on the front cover could be : a person playing a
specific new video game, female provocative model or a cosplayer, a person who likes to dress up as a
fictional character.
For the person playing a specific video game I would choose a medium or medium close-up shot as I want
to show of the model as well as the game and gaming console that will be in the picture. The model should
wear casual clothes, to provide a relaxing atmosphere, with the same hairstyle and amount of make-up they
usually wear when playing alone. The pose would most likely be the subject gamin in their chair or on their
bed. With the photography set to be a typical room contain gaming equipment.
For the provocative female model, I would use a long shot to show of the body of the female and use it as
the magazine front cover main selling point. For clothes she should be wearing something very provocative
and daring, yet not be overly sexual so the readers wouldn’t mistake the type of magazine this is. Hair and
make-up should be done well to make her appealing and sexy. The set should contain something gaming
related in the background. Her pose should be dominant pose that represents powerful female characters.
For the cosplayer I would use a long shot to show of their costume as it represents the gaming community
and the fandom for the game, in full display it would be a good main selling point for the front cover. The
clothes, hair and makeup should all try to be authentic as possible to the character it represents, in order to
capture the audience. The set should similar to the game characters world in order to achieve the maximum
wanted effect of replicating the character for the fans.

Mind Map For The Main Article Topic
Potential
Article Subjects
Interview- I think an
interview with someone
famous within the gaming
community such as game
developer, pro player or
even a famous youtuber
would be a great article
subject as it gives the
opinions ad insight of
influential people who have
devoted their careers to
gaming. The interview will
appeal to those who wish to
contribute to the
community and wish to be
more involved with gaming,
as they will read the opinion
of someone well established
from the industry they wish
to get into.
Popular game review- Through devoting a double spread article to the
latest top trending game the magazine will appear modern and up-to-date
with the latest games and gaming related news. If the game is popular it will
attract many customer who are thinking of buying it after reading the review.
In order to get them interested the best way is to use a double spread, in order
to put in the necessary information as well as captivate them with impressive
images of the game.
Gaming event- focusing the article on
a gaming event such as a comic-co would
really show the diversity in my magazine
as it does not solely focus on games, but
also the whole community that plays
them. The article would show off the
newest games and technologies present,
the most visited gaming company boots
and there could be photos of some really
impressive cosplays.
Gaming lists- This is the safest pick for my article subject as it requires
primary and secondary research, depending on the list whether it is how people
rank games or their personal opinion of them. This is a good choice because
people always love lists, especially if I choose a popular topic such as best MOBA
games it will intrigue the fans of the genre and interest the ones who are not if
they wish to try the games out in the future.

Initial Double Spread Article Topic
Interview With Pro Gamer
I have chosen to do an interview with Pro Gamer, Marko Djuricic, as his opinions are relevant to
the gaming community, due to him successfully creating a career in the gaming industry through
his contributions in online games such as Smite and CS:GO. His thoughts and opinions are
interesting to the new gamers who would like to get into the games, and his tips are widely
followed. He is a good choice as he is very popular and has a huge fan base on Facebook and
twitter. Doing an interview with someone well-known in the gaming industry is very attractive as
he can give his own commentary on the current state and future of the gaming industry as well as
professional gaming. I will ask the interviewee questions about the game they play professionally,
their career highlights and teammates, the road to their success, is it easy to get sponsors, and the
future path and current state of the gaming industry. I think this is a good subject for my double
spread article as it shows the views of a successful gamer, which the audience will be attracted to
and appreciate.

Gaming Magazine Pre-Production Treatment

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Gaming Magazine Pre-Production Treatment