Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on video games. Eurogamer Network claims that the site has the largest readership of any independent videogames website in Europe (over 3.7 million unique users in November 2008, including traffic from the local European sites), and was the first such site to subject its traffic to independent verification by the ABC Electronic system.[1]
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| File:Eurogamer screenshot.PNG Eurogamer homepage | |
Type of site | Video game journalism |
|---|---|
| Owner | Eurogamer Network Rupert Loman Nick Loman |
| URL | www.eurogamer.net |
| Commercial | Yes |
Most of the reviews (which are scored on a 10 point scale) are of European or PAL releases of the games, but given the time disparity between Japanese or North American/NTSC releases, some reviews are done using the latter. The version used, however, is always indicated. Other features include news, screenshot galleries, reader reviews, reader scores, previews, articles, release dates and a forum. In February 2006, the company launched Eurogamer TV,[2] which provides trailers and other video content directly in the browser using Adobe Flash technology.
Eurogamer's editor is Tom Bramwell, who took over the role from Kristan Reed in January 2008. Tom Bramwell is the longest-serving member of the editorial staff, having worked on the publication since early 2000.
Eurogamer contributors include PC Gamer, GamesTM and Edge writers such as Oliver Welsh (Edge), Kieron Gillen (PC Gamer, Edge), Jim Rossignol (PC Gamer, Edge), John Walker (PC Gamer), Simon Parkin (Edge), Alec Meer (PC Gamer), Richard Leadbetter (Mean Machines), Dan Whitehead, Keza MacDonald, and David McCarthy (Edge, MCV), as well as former GamesIndustry.biz editor Rob Fahey. Additionally, a number of regular contributors to the site write under pseudonyms (such as Egon Superb).
Subsidiaries and divisions
Eurogamer TV
Launched in February 2006, Eurogamer TV (EGTV) is an extension of the Eurogamer brand offering a new streaming video service ranging from trailers for upcoming games to event reports. The first custom content to appear on the streaming service was video coverage of E3 2006. Since all the videos are played in the web browser using Flash Player. EGTV is edited and presented by Johnny Minkley. During June 2009, Eurogamer's viewers watched over 1 million videos.[citation needed] Eurogamer TV programming is also available to view through Xbox LIVE Arcade, and some videos are even available to watch through Playstation Home's theatre.
Eurogamers
In January 2007 the company's corporate site was updated to indicate the forthcoming launch of Eurogamers, which subsequently launched in April 2007. Billed as "The social network for gamers", Eurogamers vastly increased the number of community features within the Eurogamer network of websites, as well as offering registered users a fully customisable homepage.
In September 2007 the company announced integration with Xbox LIVE, allowing users to view their in-game information via the Eurogamers website.
European Eurogamer sites
At the Leipzig Games Convention in August 2006, Eurogamer launched their first non-English language site of the franchise - Eurogamer Germany. This was followed up with Eurogamer France in June 2007, Eurogamer Portugal in May 2008, Eurogamer Benelux in August 2008, Eurogamer Spain and Eurogamer Italy in Oct 2008, Eurogamer Romania in March 2009, Eurogamer Czech in May 2009 and Eurogamer Denmark in June 2009.
GamesIndustry.biz
GamesIndustry.biz is a website for news and information about the global video games industry, covering all aspects of the interactive entertainment value chain from development to retail. In May 2008 the site launched the GamesIndustry.biz Network for industry professionals.
Get Games
In September 2009, it was announced that Eurogamer is planning to launch its own digital download service called Get Games.
Eurogamer Expo
The first Eurogamer Expo took place as part of the London Games Festival 2008 and was attended by 4,000 people. In 2009 the show took place in both London and Leeds at the end of October. Over 10,000 gamers wereexpected to attend and the show was supported by HMV for the first time.
Eurogamer in the media
Eurogamer founder Rupert Loman was interviewed in February 2007 by MCV magazine. He was also featured in the Sunday Telegraph on August 19 2007, speaking about the experience he has gained from choosing to run Eurogamer instead of attending university.
Awards
Eurogamer.net swept the board at both the 2007 and 2008 Games Media Awards, winning categories Best Games Website – News, and Best Games Website – Reviews & Features in 2007, and winning the award for Best Games Website in 2008 and 2009. Deputy Editor Tom Bramwell won Best Writer in Specialist Digital Media and Eurogamer TV editor Johnny Minkley won Best Games-Dedicated Broadcast on Mainstream TV or Radio in 2007.[3]
Rupert Loman was winner of Entrepreneur of the Year 2003 at the Sussex Business Awards and The Observer's "One to Watch" in Media 2007. He was also selected as one of 30 "Young Guns" by Growing Business magazine in October 2008.