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Play (UK magazine)

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PLAY
Cover for the final issue (December 2024), featuring Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater
EditorOscar Taylor-Kent
Staff writers Managing Art Editor: Milford Coppock
Operations Editor: Miriam McDonald
Games Editor: Jessica Kinghorn
Contributing Writer: Dashiell Wood
CategoriesVideo games
FrequencyMonthly
First issueOctober 1995 (Original), June 2021 (Revival)
Final issueDecember 2024
CompanyFuture Publishing
CountryUnited Kingdom
Based inBath
WebsiteOfficial Play website
ISSN2754-0421

Play (stylised as PLAY) was a United Kingdom magazine which reported on Sony's PlayStation product range. It was produced and published monthly by Future plc. It featured news, reviews, and previews concerning upcoming PlayStation titles. In addition to being sold in the UK, PLAY was also sold in Australia (as PLAY Australia) and as an import in the United States.[1]

History

Imagine Publishing

The magazine was first launched in 1995 by Imagine Publishing and was closed in 2016. Before it closed, the magazine had become the UK's longest-running PlayStation magazine.[2] Issue 269, the magazine's final printed edition was published in April 2016 when it become a digital only publication for a short time.[3] Prior to issue 249, PLAY came with a covermounted DVD every issue.[citation needed]

Future plc

Future plc acquired Imagine Publishing and its brands in 2016.[4] In May 2021, the PLAY brand was resurrected as a replacement for PlayStation Official Magazine UK.[5] The numbering was reset and the staff were retained from PlayStation Official Magazine UK.[6] The relaunched magazine was part of GamesRadar+.[7] In October 2024, Future announced the magazine would cease publication.[8]

References

  1. ^ "Read PLAY Australia magazine on Readly - the ultimate magazine subscription. 1000's of magazines in one app". nz.readly.com. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  2. ^ "Play Celebrates 200th Issue In Style". Imagine Publishing. 23 December 2010. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
  3. ^ Shabana Arif (28 April 2016). "After 20 years Play magazine announces its last print issue". VG247. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  4. ^ "Future acquires Imagine Publishing". www.inpublishing.co.uk. 24 June 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  5. ^ "Future plc launches new publication Play Magazine". Future. 5 May 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  6. ^ Dean, Ian (30 April 2021). "Welcome to PLAY: your new PlayStation magazine!". gamesradar. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  7. ^ "Play Magazine | GamesRadar+". gamesradar. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  8. ^ Blake, Vikki (2 October 2024). "Future shutters PlayStation-focused Play magazine". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 2 October 2024.