Eurogamer

Infobox Website
name = Eurogamer
favicon =



caption = Eurogamer homepage
url = [http://www.eurogamer.net/ www.eurogamer.net]
commercial = Yes
type = Video game journalism
registration =
owner = Eurogamer Network
Rupert Loman
Nick Loman
launch date = September 1999
current status =
author =
revenue =

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 the UK (over 1.8 million unique users in November 2007, including traffic from the French and German-language sites) [ [http://www.gamespress.com/release.asp?c=v%0A%CEn%BD Press release announcing Eurogamer.net's November 2006 traffic statistics] ] , and was the first such site to subject its traffic to independent verification by the ABC Electronic system. [ [http://www.abce.org.uk The ABC Electronic Website] ]

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, [ [http://www.eurogamer.net/tv_index.php Eurogamer TV] ] which provides trailers and other video content directly in the browser using Adobe Flash technology.

The main site was heavily redesigned in May 2005 and continues to provide all of its content for free - unlike some other gaming websites, there are no "premium accounts" or any other kind of privileges for paying members.

"Eurogamer"'s editor is Tom Bramwell, (aka mugwum), who took over the role from Kristan Reed, (aka krudster), in January 2008. Kristan has now become the site's editorial director, and was previously the editor of long-running weekly videogames trade title Computer Trade Weekly (CTW) from 1999-2002, and reporter on Microscope from 1998 to 1999. Tom Bramwell is the longest-serving member of the editorial staff, having worked on the publication since early 2000. The site is known for their hard-hitting aproach to reviewing games.

"Eurogamer" contributors include "PC Gamer", "Games TM" and "Edge magazine" 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 "(Games TM"), 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).

ubsidiaries and divisions

Eurogamer TV

Launched in February 2006, Eurogamer TV (EGTV) is an extension of the l33t 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 journalist Johnny Minkley, who has in the past appeared on BBC Radio 1's Jo Whiley show, and edited ComputerAndVideoGames.com and trade publication MCV. During May 2008, Eurogamer's viewers watched over 600,000 videos. Eurogamer TV l33t programming is also available to view through Xbox LIVE Arcade.

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 l33t 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.

Eurogamer Germany

At the Leipzig Games Convention in August 2006, Eurogamer launched their first foreign language site - [http://www.eurogamer.de Eurogamer.de] .

Eurogamer France

[http://www.eurogamer.fr Eurogamer France] was launched in June 2007 and provides French-language games content in Eurogamer's familiar style and format, including TV and community functionality.

Eurogamer Portugal

[http://www.eurogamer.pt Eurogamer Portugal] was launched in May 2008 and provides Portuguese-language games content in Eurogamer's familiar style and format, including TV and community functionality.

Eurogamer Benelux

[http://www.eurogamer.nl Eurogamer Benelux] was launched in August 2008 and provides Dutch-language games content in Eurogamer's familiar style and format, including TV and community functionality.

Eurogamer España

[http://www.eurogamer.es Eurogamer España] was launched in October 2008 and provides Spanish-language games content in Eurogamer's familiar style and format, including TV and community functionality.

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 [http://www.gamesindustry.biz/network GamesIndustry.biz Network] for industry professionals.

Eurogamer Expo

The first [http://expo.eurogamer.net Eurogamer Expo] is taking place as part of the London Games Festival 2008.

Eurogamer in the media

Eurogamer founder Rupert Loman was [http://www.mcvuk.com/interviews/21/The-Eurogamer-vision 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 2007's Games Media Awards, winning categories Best Games Website – News, and Best Games Website – Reviews & Features. 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. [ [http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=85240 Eurogamer wins awards] ]

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.

Notes and references

External links

* [http://www.eurogamer.net/index.php Eurogamer.net]
* [http://www.eurogamer.net/tv_index.php Eurogamer TV]
* [http://gamers.eurogamer.net/ Eurogamers]
* [http://www.eurogamer.de/ Eurogamer.de]
* [http://www.eurogamer.fr/ Eurogamer.fr]
* [http://www.eurogamer.pt/ Eurogamer.pt]
* [http://www.gamesindustry.biz/ GamesIndustry.biz]
* [http://www.eurogamer.biz/ Corporate website]