Why has Next-Gen gone and why has it been replaced by Edge?

Prior to the re-brand, Future published two market-leading products aimed at game industry professionals and highly knowledgeable, opinion-forming game consumers. The major difference between the two? Edge has traditionally been a print publication, and Next-Gen an online destination. We decided that it made more sense to offer our readers one global brand covering print and online.

Why was Next-Gen dropped and Edge retained?

Edge has been published without interruption since 1993 and is the more senior brand. It is recognized globally as the world’s most reputable games media brand. The Next-Gen editors agreed that, although Next-Gen’s achievements have eclipsed all its competitors, Edge makes more sense as the global media brand for the game industry.

What is the difference between Edge-Online and the old Next-Gen?

Like Next-Gen, Edge-Online offers the fastest breaking game industry news, as well as in-depth analysis and research. Unlike Next-Gen, Edge-Online offers sophisticated social and business elements that allow users to:

• Create an maintain your own Edge page.
• Post career details about yourself, your work in the game industry or your life as a gamer.
• Comment on all articles published on the site.
• Post blog entries, which, through the Keynotes section, may be featured on the Edge-Online front page.
• Track the activities of other Edge users and journalists.
• Post your resume / CV (forthcoming).
• More functions are due to be unveiled in the weeks ahead.

Explain the Keynotes section…

Like a business conference, keynotes allow game industry professionals and commentators to address the audience directly on topics of their choice, or which are vital to the industry. Anyone can write a keynote. For more information contact the editor.

Is this yet another social network?

No. You can track the blogs and comments of other Edge members and you can message other Edge members but, very deliberately,  this site has not been set up as some weak version of Facebook or Linked-In. We believe there is no call for such a service in an industry already initimately inter-connected. Edge's function is to share opinions and information.

I signed up to receive the Next-Gen daily newsletter. What happens now?

You’ll continue to receive a daily newsletter from Edge-Online. You can cancel at any time. If you are not a subscriber to the Next-Gen newsletter and would like to receive the Edge newsletter, please go to the Edge Daily Newsletter section on the front page.

I signed up as a member of Next-Gen so I could comment on articles there. Is my membership good for Edge-Online?

Alas, no. You’ll need to sign up as a member of Edge-Online. You’ll find our new functionality much improved. It’s a very quick process.

Where is Edge created?

Edge is an international effort. Edge Magazine is published from the UK but distributed globally. Edge-Online is published from both San Francisco and the UK and features contributors from around the world.

Why does the game industry need one media brand?

Traditionally, the global game industry has been served by small-scale, locally produced business-to-business media, with tightly defined editorial remits. The game industry is now a global business. Like rival entertainment industries, it deserves a quality, daily B2B outlet that embraces traditional and new media. Edge fulfils those criteria.

What will happen to Next-Gen?

It has been retired, but retained as a brand by Future.

Is Edge launching a print publication into the North American market?

Edge Magazine is already available to U.S and Canadian readers through a special subscription offer, and through reputable booksellers. Edge Magazine has committed to increasing its coverage of the U.S. industry and U.S.-specific issues.

What is happening to the staff of Next-Gen?

All Next-Gen’s editorial staff have taken up new positions at Edge-Online. Colin Campbell is editor-in-chief, assisted by Kris Graft, Tom Ivan, and Joe Keiser. The re-branding exercise has not affected anyone‘s job.

Who worked on the launch of Edge-Online ?

Edge-Online was created by editor-in-chief Colin Campbell and Edge Magazine editor-in-chief Tony Mott. Design was handled by Darren Phillips. The technology was created by Mark Kramer and his superb team including Kevin Dumont, Michael Marano, Chris Doyle, and Baosen Cheng.

Who is handling advertising and sponsorship?

In the U.S advertising and sponsorship is being handled by Frank Mak. In the rest of the world it is handled by Julian House.

What is happening to the old Edge Forums?

The forums are currently not affected by this launch. However, we encourage all readers to sample the Edge-Online social functionality.