A magazine for the world of computer gaming

A magazine for the world of computer gaming

by Frederick Noronha

Computer Gaming World focuses on computer-based electronic games, arcade games, console games and online games. Its main market is still the major metros, where there is wider acceptance of new technology and new lifestyles shaped by the Internet. Its 25-year-old editor, himself into gaming actively since the age of 14,shrugs off stereotypes and argues that electronic gaming can have positive benefits too

PANAJI (Goa),

July 1 –

Growing numbers of young Indians still in their teens have the time, money and inclination to jump headlong into the fantasy world of computer gaming, so a two-year-old magazine is going into overdrive to show them just where the action is.

"Our magazine was launched in July 1999, and we¿ve gone monthly since January 2001. There is definitely a market here. World over, electronic gaming has emerged the second-largest entertainment industry, rivalled only by music," says Computer Gaming World editor Vinit Aggarwal.

This 25-year-old editor, himself into gaming actively since the age of 14, shrugs off stereotypes and argues that electronic gaming can have positive benefits too, It creates an immersive environment, can be challenging and stimulating and also acts as a stress-reliever, says Aggarwal.

"In India, there are still a lot of barriers. But these are coming down," says Mumbai-based Aggarwal, speaking to this correspondent during a visit here.

Cost of technology is one issue. High-end PCs needed to play complex games could cost Rs 40,000 to 50,000. There¿s also the "basic mindset" that gaming is a waste of time, and meant only for children.

In addition, India lacks a game-development fraternity that could create culturally-suitable games. Gaming parlours and arcades are also largely lacking in this country, concedes Aggarwal.

But pointing to the vast potential, Aggarwal notes that gaming worldwide has revenues that are "two to three times" larger than Hollywood¿s.

Slowly, as barriers drop, the situation in India too is likely to change, he says. Cost of technology is dropping, people here are becoming more technologically aware, and they also want newer means of entertainment, says he.

Computer Gaming World is part of the aggressive Navi Mumbai-based Jasubhai Digital Media group, better known for its ¿techie¿ mags like the personal computing-magazine DIGIT (earlier called CHIP), which won tens of thousands of buyers in months of its launch. It is published in India under license from Ziff Davis Publishing Inc of New York.