Writing is one of the most fundamental forms of communication, and it traces its roots back to hieroglyphs or pictograms. Used by ancient civilizations of the world to represent ideas, these images soon evolved into alphabets and phonographic writing, which led to the development of various typographic systems.

1. THE TYPOGRAPHY IN GAMESTATION MAGAZINE:
A SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS
(I) Tri Haksagian Pasunggingan, (II) Dr. Aris Wuryantoro, M.Hum., (III) Lusia Kristiasih
Dwi P., S.S., M.A. English Teaching Department, Faculty of Teacher Training and
Education, PGRI University of Madiun.
Email: trihaksa@gmail.com
[Abstract] Restrictions problem in this research is to use the typography semiotics
viewpoint. The focus of research is what kinds of typography does Gamestation magazine
contain? In addition, what are meaning of the typography in Gamestation magazine? The
purpose of this research is (1) identifying kinds typography. (2) Describes the meaning
contained in the sign using semiotics analysis of Charles Sanders Pierce. The research uses
qualitative method. The researcher applies descriptive qualitative method. The technique of
collecting data is documentation. To analyse the data, the researcher uses content analysis.
The results showed that the use of kind’s typography “MARVEL”, “VS”, “CAPCOM”, “3”
and Typography “FATE OF TWO WORLDS”. The meanings of typography in Gamestation
are, typography in Gamestation magazines are reflected the new identity of video game.
Their combination from two brands with different of games and typography style into single
invention of games. “MARVEL” bases modernist, it seems on Helvetica fonts. “VS” with
Geometric style design like a “MARVEL” and the Agency FB fonts, “VS” provided the
emphasis with silver colour on the fonts between typography “MARVEL” and “CAPCOM”.
Typography “CAPCOM” has style older than “MARVEL” it seems on Serif type Korinna
ITC fonts.
Key Terms: Typography, Gamestation Magazine, Semiotics
1. Introduction
Typography or study of typesetting occurs since human lived are cause of poor message
on writing. Communication and giving information are practiced on oral. Before acquainting
with type, that was remembered much event creating in poems and orality. Then delivering
the messages with new model appears, for means other imagery messages the human rooted,
carve, drawer and then write and printing.
Historical of typography started from utilization of pictograph. The language has been
used people of Viking Norwegian and Indian. The Egyptians font was raise. They called
Hieratic, with the famous of name hieroglyphs in thirteen century. That forms have begun to
be write with special marker. In Rome, Romanians had been studying about typing system.
In addition, Romanians had succeeded creating the Romanian fonts.
This time typography had been growing of hand creation to computerized.
Computerization of typography makes the typographer works more quickly and easily.
Every character on the alphabet has unique forms. It makes different between fonts “G”, “I”,
“A”, or “N”. Depending on how the reader sees its visuals correlation. Currently one of
aspects has been ignored the writer, the researcher or professionals typography. The aspects
are much link with problem of readability visual comfy. Moore (1995) showed some aspects
that must be hint there are readability, suitability, producibility, line width and space. It

2. means that the aspect is linked readability in certain texts. Text or types will be legible if
every type is easy to acquaint.
Plumley (In Suwardjono, 2008) Say: “The main purpose of printed material, for
example, is to convey a message to the reader. Likewise, the main purpose of design is to
convey a message that attracts your readers’ attention and persuade them to pick up the
printed material and read it, creating readers rather than browsers.” It means that, typography
is important for magazine to not only attract attention but also persuade readers. Typography
makes a magazine designed interestingly. The typography is apply on productions of mass
media namely GameStation magazine. The typography is to convey visualization attractive
message.
GameStation magazine is one of game magazine in Indonesia manufactured by PT.
Megindo Tunggal Sejahtera. The company is built in Bandung 1996. Gamestation is a
monthly magazine that focuses on everything related to video game. While, Animonster is a
monthly magazine that provide information about various Japanese culture phenomenon
such as anime, manga, cosplay, and J-music that has been very popular around the world,
including Indonesia. In other segment, PT. Megindo Tunggal Sejahtera are also publishing
Cinemags, movie & entertainment magazine offering the latest movie and entertainment
news both from local and International sources. (http://megindo.wordpress.com/about/,
2013/09/19)
From the three of main products, GameStation has complete typography. Understanding
a sign and meaning of typography, the researcher choses GameStation magazine as an
object. It will do with kinds of typography and meaning behind.
To study sign and meaning of the typography in GameStation magazine, the researcher
used model semiotics of Charles Sanders Peirce. According to Peirce (1894), sign organize
in semiotics are Icon, Index and symbol. Icon is a sign of replicated from that truth
representative object. Index is a sign had relation cause effect from the representative object
or called sign as a proof. While symbols is a sign based on convention, rules and
engagement.
Based on the background of study, the researcher is interested in analyzing about what
kinds and intended meaning of typography are in GameStation magazine. From all of the
statements, the researcher takes the title of research “THE TYPOGRAPHY IN
GAMESTATION MAGAZINE: A SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS”
1.1 ResearchMethod
The method must have right steps based on the characteristics of the object that be
studied. This research uses the qualitative method. According to Flick (2009: 4), Qualitative
research is establishing itself in many social sciences, in psychology, in nursing, and the like.
As a notice to the field or as an experienced research, you can use a great variety of specific
methods, each of which start from different premises and pursue different aims. Each
method in qualitative research based on specific understanding of its object.
The data collected is in the form of the words or pictures rather numbers, Bogdan and
Biklen (In Fraenkel, 2012: 427). This research uses qualitative descriptive method that is
kind of document analysis by researching the kinds and meaning of typography in the
Gamestation magazine volume 181 November 2010 edition. The researcher will work with
words.

3. 1.1.1 ResearchFinding
The kinds of typography in Gamestation magazine
No Data Type Classification Kinds of Fonts
1 Typography “MARVEL”  Sans Serif  Helvetica
2 Typography “VS”  Sans Serif  Agency FB
3 Typography “CAPCOM”  Serif  Korina
4 Typography “FATE OF TWO WORLD”  Sans Serif  Futura
5 Typography “Numeric 3”
 Serif  Electra
From the data above, it can be concluded that kinds of typography in Gamestation
magazine vol. 181. November 2010 edition consists of various kinds. Furthermore, each
kinds of typography in Gamestation magazine vol. 181 November 2010 editions described
in the following discussion.
1.1.2 Discussion
According to (Hornby, 2010) “typography is the art or work to preparing books, for
printing, especially of designing how to text will appear when it is printed. It is reason why
to setting a font in newspaper, book cover, magazine etc.” Typography has element
aesthetics to make different visual in all media types. Visualizations of typography develop
rapidly and more creatively. From the historical of typeface Bringhurst, that can be
clarifying the kinds of typography in Gamestation magazine vol. 181 November 2010
editions.
The type classifications there used Sans Serif and Serif. The specification of Sans Serif
fonts has stroke weight, little contras for letters, that was evoked more modern look to kinds
of typography. Generally Sans Serif used in subhead and headline. Then the specification of
Serif fonts on the little feet or arms that hang off the end of letter strokes and typically add a
thick look to the letter, Serif fonts are recognize for their readability. Serif fonts considered
the easiest fonts to read and widely used in text composition for books, newspapers,
magazine etc.
From the data above, there are fifth kinds of fonts that used typography in Gamestation
magazine vol. 181 November 2010 editions, Helvetica, Agency FB, ITC Korinna, Futura
and Electra. Every typography there has historical and unique the other one. The kinds can
described as follow.
1) “MARVEL”
The typography “marvel” in gamestation magazine founded in geestorial part of
gamestation magazine: marvel vs. capcom 3 fate of two words. The typography “marvel” has

4. related to geometric modernist 20th century’s style designs. There are used kinds helvetica
fonts, constructed by sans serif type classification.
2) “VS”
The typography “vs” in gamestation magazine founded in geestorial part of gamestation
magazine: marvel vs. Capcom 3 fate of two word. The typography “vs” looks like “marvel”
there are used geometric modernist 20th century’s style designs. However, there are different
on kinds of font. The typography “vs” used kinds of fonts agency fb.
3) “CAPCOM”
The typography “capcom” in gamestation magazine founded in geestorial part of
gamestation magazine: marvel vs. Capcom 3 fate of two word. The typography “capcom”
refers to the font used in the logo of “capcom”, which are a japanese developer and publisher
of video games. Typography “capcom” which one of lyrical modernist 20th century’s styles
design used itc korinna kinds of fonts.
4) “Fate of Two Worlds”
The typography “fate of two worlds” in gamestation magazine founded in geestorial part
of gamestation magazine: marvel vs. Capcom 3 fate of two word. The typography “fate of
two worlds” has same type classification through typography “vs”. From the geometric style
design on this typography, that was using futura kinds of fonts.
5) “3”
The typography “3” in gamestation magazine are founded in geestorial part of
gamestation magazine: marvel vs. Capcom 3 fate of two word. The typography “3” built in
neoclassical style design, serif type classification and electra kinds of fonts. The typography
“3” simple shapes with sharp at the axis and compatible to electra fonts.
1.1.3 ResearchFinding
The Meaning of Typography Gamestation Magazine
The first trichotomy of signs, According to the first division, a Sign may be termed a
Qualisign, a Sinsign, or a Legisign
1. QUALISIGN
 Typography “MARVEL” has two colours, red in the background and white fonts.
Helvetica kinds of fonts, Sans Serif type classification as an Geometric Modern
style design.
 Typography “VS” has silver light colour. Used Agency FB kinds of fonts and Sans
Serif type classification as an Geometric Modern style design.
 Typography “CAPCOM” has three colours. Blue colour as a background, white
colour in lines the background and yellow colour of fonts.Korinna ITC fonts, Serif
type classification as an Lyrical Modernist Style design.
 Typography “Fate of Two Worlds” there are two colour, black colour as
background and then white light colour of fonts. Used Futura fonts, Sans Serif
type classification and Geometric Modernist style design.
 Typography “3” has yellow gold colour of fonts. The kinds of fonts are Electra
fonts with Serif type classification and Neoclassical style design.

5. 2. SINSIGN
 Typography “Marvel” used Helvetica fonts and Sans Serif type classification. Sans
Serif are symbolization of modernist style design. In the anatomy typography
“MARVEL” the word it seen clear, big and strong as like their heroes.
“MARVEL” logotype of company comic books publisher.
 Typography “VS” has silver light colour. Used Agency FB kinds of fonts and Sans
Serif type classification as an Geometric Modern style design. “VS” in the word
Versus it mean to shown two teams or sides are against
 Typography “CAPCOM” has three colours. Blue colour as a background, white
colour in lines the background and yellow colour of fonts.Korinna ITC fonts, Serif
type classification as an Lyrical Modernist Style design. “CAPCOM” which is
Japanese company and publisher of video game
 Typography “Fate of Two Worlds” there are two colour, black colour as
background and then white light colour of fonts. Used Futura fonts, Sans Serif
type classification and Geometric Modernist style design.” Fate of Two Worlds”
refer to “MARVEL” worlds and “CAPCOM” worlds
 Typography “3” has yellow gold colour of fonts. The kinds of fonts are Electra
fonts with Serif type classification and Neoclassical style design. “3” its shown
position of series “MARVEL vs CAPCOM”
3. LEGISIGN
 “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World”.
The second trichotomy of signs, according to the second trichotomy, a Sign may be
termed an Icon, an Index, or a Symbol.
1. ICON
 Typography “MARVEL”
 Typography “VS”
 Typography “CAPCOM”
 Typography “Fate of Two World”
 Typography “3”
2. INDEXS
 Two company of comic book and video game publisher
 Captain America
 Ryu
 Superhero
 Villain
3. SYMBOL
 The typography “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World” simbolization of
video game publisher in fighting genre.

6. The third trichotomy of signs, according to the third trichotomy, a Sign may be termed a
Rheme, a Dicisign or Dicent Sign (that is, a proposition or quasi-proposition), or an
Argument.
1. RHEME
 The typography of logotype “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World” are
identified of name or brand
2. DECISIGN
 Typography “MARVEL” Helvetica fonts
 Typography “VS” Agency FB fonts
 Typography “CAPCOM” ITC Korinna fonts
 Typography “Fate of Two World” Futura fonts
 Typography “3” Electra fonts
3. ARGUMENT
 The typography “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World” reflected the new
identity of video game. The combination from two brand with different typography
of games into single product games. That can be happen if same of the genre. for
the reason that the typography “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World”
cleared the fifth different dimension in the typography Gamestation magazine vol
181 November 2010.
1.1.4 Discussion
In this study, the researcher analyses about the meaning of typography in Gamestation
magazine vol 181 November 2010 editions by semiotics analysis Charles Sanders Peirce.
This study focus on three trichotomies Peirce’s: Firstness, according as the sign in itself is a
mere quality, is an actual existent, or is a general law. Secondness according as the relation
of the sign to its object consists in the sign is having some character in itself, or in some
existential relation to that object, or in its relation to an interpretant. Thirdness, according as
it is interpretant represents it as a sign of possibility or as a sign of fact or a sign of reason.
The first trichotomy of signs, According to the first division, a Sign may be termed a
Qualisign, a Sinsign, or a Legisign.
1. A Qualisign, in the typography “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World”.
Typography “MARVEL” has two colours, red in the background and white fonts.
Helvetica kinds of fonts, Sans Serif type classification as an Geometric Modern style
design. Typography “VS” has silver light colour. Used Agency FB kinds of fonts and
Sans Serif type classification as an Geometric Modern style design. Typography
“CAPCOM” has three colours. Blue colour as a background, white colour in lines the
background and yellow colour of fonts.Korinna ITC fonts, Serif type classification as
an Lyrical Modernist Style design. Typography “Fate of Two Worlds” there are two
colour, black colour as background and then white light colour of fonts. Used Futura
fonts, Sans Serif type classification and Geometric Modernist style design. Typography
“3” has yellow gold colour of fonts. The kinds of fonts are Electra fonts with Serif type
classification and Neoclassical style design.
2. Sinsign, in the typography “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World”.
Typography “Marvel” used Helvetica fonts and Sans Serif type classification. Sans

7. Serif is symbolization of modernist style design. In the anatomy typography,
“MARVEL” the word it seen clear, big and strong as like their heroes. “MARVEL”
logotype of company comic books publisher. Typography “VS” has silver light colour.
Use Agency FB kinds of fonts and Sans Serif type classification as a Geometric
Modern style design. “VS” in the word versus it mean to shown two teams.
Typography “CAPCOM” has three colours. Blue colour as a background, white colour
in lines the background and yellow colour of fonts. Korinna ITC fonts, Serif type
classification as a Lyrical Modernist Style design. “CAPCOM” are Japanese company
and publisher of video games. Typography “Fate of Two Worlds” there are two colour,
black colour as background and then white light colour of fonts. Use Futura fonts, Sans
Serif type classification and Geometric Modernist style design.” Fate of Two Worlds”
refers to “MARVEL” worlds and “CAPCOM” worlds. Typography “3” has yellow
gold colour of fonts. The kinds of fonts are Electra fonts with Serif type classification
and Neoclassical style design. “3” it’s shown position of series “MARVEL vs.
CAPCOM”
3. Legisign, “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World”.
The second trichotomy of signs, according to the second trichotomy, a Sign may be
termed an Icon, an Index, or a Symbol.
1. An Icon, in the typography “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World”.
Typography “MARVEL” Typography “VS” Typography “CAPCOM” Typography
“Fate of Two World” Typography “3”
2. An Index, in the typography “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World”. The
index of typography “MARVEL” company of comic book and video game publisher
3. A Symbol, in the typography “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World”
simbolization of video game publisher in fighting genre.
The third trichotomy of signs, according to the third trichotomy, a Sign may be
termed a Rheme, a Dicisign or Dicent Sign (that is, a proposition or quasi-proposition), or
an Argument.
1. A Rheme, in the typography of logotype “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two
World” are identified of name or brand
2. A Dicisign, in the typography “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World”
Typography “MARVEL” Helvetica fonts, Typography “VS” Agency FB fonts,
Typography “CAPCOM” ITC Korinna fonts, Typography “Fate of Two World” Futura
fonts, Typography “3” Electra fonts
3. An Argument, in the typography of logotype “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two
World” reflected the new identity of video game. The combination from two brands
with different of games and typography style into single product games, it can be
happening if their similar genre. “MARVEL” bases as modernist typography, it seems
on kind of fonts Helvetica. “VS” with Geometric style design like a “MARVEL” and
the fonts Agency FB, “VS” provided the emphasis with silver colour on the fonts
between typography “MARVEL” and “CAPCOM”. Typography “CAPCOM” has style
older than “MARVEL” it seems on Serif type classifications fonts Korinna. For the

8. reason that the typography “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World” was
cleared to the fifth different dimension in the typography Gamestation magazine vol
181 November 2010, Geestorial parts.
Conclusion
The last chapter contains some conclusions that are of data analysis in Chapter II – III.
The conclusion becomes the anwers of the problems statements that are raised the first
chapter. This research discusses about kinds and meaning of typography in Gamestation
magazine vol 181 November 2010 editions. Typography in Gamestation magazine is one of
correct elements style design to contribute the aesthetics in magazine to attract the readers.
Fonts as a key element in typography, it has many kinds to give something interest into
structure of typography and conveys the main message so that readers get the point of the
words. From the data, analysis in the chapter II, there showed kinds of typography in
Gamestation magazine on Geestorial part. The data finding are fifth kind’s typography as
follow: Typography “MARVEL”, typography “VS”, typography “CAPCOM”, typography
“Fate of Two Worlds” and typography numeric “3”.
The point of this research is describe kinds of typography and meaning behinds them.
Based on the table of data analysis that showed in chapter III before, the researcher
concluded the sign that was on the structure included fonts, style design and colour in
typography “MARVEL vs CAPCOM 3: Fate of Two World”. It appropriate with their
identity as brands video games became reflected the new identity of video game. The
combination from two brands with different of typography style into single product games
and complete visualisation.
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