X-Nico

7 unusual facts about Computer Gaming World


Computer Gaming World

In January/February 1986 CGW increased its publication cycle to nine times a year, and the editorial staff included popular writers such as Scorpia, Charles Ardai, and M. Evan Brooks.

Early bi-monthly issues were typically 40-50 pages in length, written in a newsletter style, including submissions by game designers such as Joel Billings (SSI), Dan Bunten (Ozark Software), and Chris Crawford.

At the GFW Radio Penny Arcade Expo reunion, Jeff Green claimed that the deal with Microsoft allowed CGW/GFW to continue operating, and that if it had not occurred Ziff Davis would have shut down CGW.

In 2006, two of the most popular features were "Greenspeak", a final-page column written by Editor-In-Chief Jeff Green, and "Tom vs. Bruce" a unique "duelling-diaries" piece in which writers Tom Chick and Bruce Geryk logged their gameplay experience as each tried to best the other at a given game.

"Tom vs. Bruce" sometimes featured a guest appearance by Erik Wolpaw, formerly of Old Man Murray.

Expedition Amazon

Computer Gaming World criticized its documentation, but called Expedition Amazon "a very enjoyable game that doesn't take itself too seriously" and suggested that it be played with friends.

FTL Games

It received too many awards to list here, including the first ever Special Award for Artistic Achievement from Computer Gaming World when it was initially released.


Alpha Waves

Computer Gaming World stated that the game "plays like one would expect a Star Trek: The Next Generation "holodeck" game to play".

David Whatley

The first of its type, it caused Computer Gaming World magazine to create the new category of "Online Game of the Year" so it could be awarded to CyberStrike.

Dragon's Gate

Ken St. Andre wrote in Computer Gaming World in 1992 that "gamers who like medieval fantasy ... will positively love the Dragon's Gate experience".

Jane's Attack Squadron

In September 1994, Looking Glass Technologies employee Seamus Blackley told Computer Gaming World that he wanted to create a combat-based sequel to Flight Unlimited, whose development he was directing at the time.


see also

CyberStrike

Initially exclusive to the GEnie online service, it opened in February 1993, and later that year it caused Computer Gaming World magazine to create the new category of "Online Game of the Year" so it could be awarded to CyberStrike.