Massive Online Gaming Magazine Debuts

Posted on October 18, 2002

Versus Books, in partnership with local startup Incan Monkey God Studios, has created a print magazine dedicated to massive online gaming -- games that provide a dynamic, ongoing gaming environment simultaneously for thousands of players. Massive Online Gaming (MOG) aims to bring together game designers, publishers and players to provide unique coverage of what is new, available and exciting to the online gaming enthusiast.

MOG covers the spectrum of online gaming opportunities. The 168-page, image-rich, glossy publication tracks more than 130 massive online games and provides in-depth coverage and special features for the most popular games. Each issue of MOG will include insider information, game updates, previews, developer discussions, general interest articles and strategy features. Some highlights of the launch issue of MOG include an exclusive interview with Raph Koster of SWG; a look at artificial intelligence in online games, a look at online console games; a feature covering the future of EverQuest; a look at addiction, compulsive behavior and obsession in MOGs; an article about women gamers and features on current and upcoming games.

The creation of this magazine illuminates a side of the technology sector that is just starting to penetrate the public at large. MOGs, like other forms of entertainment, are thriving in this tough economic time. More people are playing online games than ever before, and the computer gaming industry remains strong and viable.

Versus Books was founded in 1996 to produce quality video and computer game strategy guides The company's three founders -- CEO Matthew Taylor, author Casey Loe and graphic designer Nick Des Barres -- relied on a combined 20 years of game industry and publishing experience in launching the venture. The company has secured official licensing partnerships with industry-leading software publishers and distribution with most major retailers in the United States and Europe.

Incan Monkey God Studios was established in 1997 by five former employees of ORIGIN systems, creator of the first-ever massive online game, Ultima Online. Five years later, this team of writers and designers has carved out a niche in the massive online game book market, writing and designing over 100 products and earning an informal reputation as the "writers for all things MOG."