Retro Gamer
Celebrating gaming history
Retro Gamer magazine became the definitive publication for classic gaming enthusiasts, documenting gaming history through developer interviews and retrospectives.
Retro Gamer launched in January 2004, when nostalgia for classic gaming was becoming mainstream. Rather than reviewing new releases, it documented history—interviewing developers, analysing classic games, and preserving stories that might otherwise be lost. It became essential reading for anyone interested in gaming’s past.
It nearly did not survive its second year. Its first publisher, Live Publishing, went bankrupt in August 2005 with issue 19 finished but unprinted; Imagine Publishing bought the title from the receivers that October and issue 19 finally appeared under the new masthead.
Fast facts
- Publishers, in order: Live Publishing (issues 1-18), Imagine Publishing from issue 19 in 2005, Future from 2016.
- First issue: January 2004.
- Frequency: Monthly.
- Focus: Gaming history, all platforms.
Content focus
| Section | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Developer interviews | First-hand accounts |
| Making of features | Development stories |
| Classic reviews | Historical analysis |
| Collector guides | Market information |
Developer interviews
Exclusive conversations with:
- Bedroom coders
- Industry legends
- Unsung contributors
- Forgotten pioneers
Many stories preserved nowhere else.
Platform coverage
| Era | Systems |
|---|---|
| 8-bit | Spectrum, C64, BBC, CPC |
| 16-bit | Amiga, ST, Mega Drive, SNES |
| Arcade | Golden age to modern |
| Console | All generations |
Regular features
| Feature | Content |
|---|---|
| Making of | Deep development dives |
| Desert Island Disks | Developer favourites |
| Collector’s guides | Pricing, rarity |
| Homebrew | New retro releases |
Historical value
Retro Gamer preserved:
- Development anecdotes
- Technical explanations
- Business stories
- Cultural context
Community connection
| Aspect | Engagement |
|---|---|
| Letters | Reader interaction |
| Subscriptions | Dedicated readership |
| Events | Show presence |
| Website | Extended content |
Notable issues
| Topic | Significance |
|---|---|
| Ultimate retrospective | Complete company history |
| Ocean coverage | British publishing giant |
| Commodore features | Machine dedication |
Bookazines
Special editions:
- Platform-specific collections
- Genre retrospectives
- Company histories
- Collector’s editions
Competition
| Publication | Focus |
|---|---|
| Retro Gamer | Broad retrospective |
| Various | Platform-specific |
| Online | Websites, YouTube |
Retro Gamer remains print standard.
Legacy
Retro Gamer shows:
- Gaming history has audience
- Developer stories matter
- Print magazines survive in niches
- Preservation through journalism