Commodore Format

Commodore Format

Commodore Format #1, October 1990
Former editors	Steve Jarratt Collin Campbell Trenton Webb Andy Hutchinson Dave Golder Tim Norris & Karen Levell Rebecca Lack Karen Levell Simon Forrester
Categories	Computer magazine
Frequency	Monthly
Circulation	50,135 Jan-Jun '91 55,178 Jul-Dec '91 60,045 Jan-Jun '92 44,442 Jul-Dec '92 41,626 Jan-Jun '93 25,063 Jul-Dec '93
First issue	October 1990
Final issue — Number	October 1995 Issue 61
Company	Future Publishing
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Website	www.commodoreformat.co.uk
ISSN	0960-5169

Commodore Format was a British magazine for users of the Commodore 64 home computer. All sixty-one issues of the magazine were produced by Future Publishing. These came towards the end of the machine's commercial life - from October 1990 until October 1995.

Launch

The launch editorial staff was dominated by journalists who had worked on Zzap!64, including editor Steve Jarratt. Sean Masterson was Steve's deputy, joined by staff writer Andy Dyer. There were contributions from Gordon Houghton and Kati Hamza - heavyweights of the C64 scene - although these were on a freelance basis. Neither Gordon nor Kati was ever based at the magazine's Bath headquarters.

The first issue previewed the new cartridge-based C64 GS (Games System) and Commodore's CDTV. It had 98 pages and - just as with every issue of the magazine - came with a games tape known as the "Power Pack". Issue one's tape included a playable preview of upcoming arcade conversion Iron Man, and the full version of Tau Ceti. It retailed for £1.95.

Magazine format

The magazine's content was varied, but heavily biased towards gaming. Each issue usually kicked off with a news section called "Snippets", with a round-up of the previous month's C64 stories. After initially appearing at the very back of the magazine, The "Early Warning" preview section usually followed. It featured a full-page "scanner" showing how near forthcoming games releases were. Graphics and charts like this made the magazine's information easy to digest and were common. The letters page was next, featuring "The Mighty Brain", a cartoon character noted for its arrogance in answering the readers' questions. "Gamebusters" provided tips and cheats on the latest software releases. The "Inside Info" column (later "Techie Tips") answered technical questions. And every month there was a large review section of the latest games - those scoring over 90% received the "It's A Corker" accolade, and an "Uppers and Downers" box at the end of each review made it easy for readers to see just how good a game was at a glance.

One of Commodore Format's most famous sections was "Roger Frames Buys Budjit Games". The budget game round-up was accompanied by a story told in three or four cartoons. Drawn by artist Mike Roberts, they were often inspired by the games Roger was playing. Famously, Roger appeared on the cover of the Codemasters game "Tilt". There was also a Roger Frames "UGH! I hate girls" T-shirt, and readers could send in photos of themselves looking like Roger. As Commodore 64 software became increasingly scarce, Roger's column was removed by editor Trenton Webb following a redesign in 1993. But his presence remained in the magazine in one form or another until the very final issue - on whose cover he graced.

Power Pack

Every month, a games tape was attached to the front of Commodore Format. Known as the "Power Pack", it featured both full games and demos of upcoming software releases. Early issues included cut-down versions of "Spiderman" and "Midnight Resistance" so that readers could road test software before they bought it. On four occasions (issues 16, 25, 27, and 37), the magazine also included an extra Power Pack tape with extra games or utilities. The Graphic Adventure Creator (CF16), Saracen Paint (CF25) and Dropzone (CF50) were notable Power Pack inclusions.

Success

The magazine was an ^[1], soon outselling its nearest rival Zzap! 64. For a short time, Zzap! was accused of aping Commodore Format's style - but editor Steve Jarrett said it ^[2] At its peak, in the first half of 1992, it sold over 60,000 copies a month (see circulation boxout).

Decline

Commodore Format was the last commercial C64 magazine in the UK. It ran until October 1995, long after commercial software for the C64 was available in shops. By its final issue, it was barely recognisable from the one which had first appeared on news stands in 1990. The decline of the C64 meant the magazine was reduced to 22 pages, and it ran increasing numbers of technically-oriented articles. The magazine cost £3.25. Editor Simon Forrester was the only full-time staff member and wrote almost every word of the last three issues.

The final cover featured Roger Frames and his dog, Debit. The Mighty Brain was slung over Roger's shoulder in a glass jar. Together, they made their way into the sunset. The image dominated the cover, along with the words "THE END".

References

1. ^ http://www.zzap64.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=538
2. ^ http://www.zzap64.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=538

See also

• Video game journalism
• Magazine
• Computer and video game industry
• Video game
• Computer
• Computing

Links

• Home page of Future Publishing