GamePro

GamePro
Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Video game journalism, Multimedia
Founded	1989
Founder	Patrick Ferrell, Leeanne McDermott, Michael Kavish, Lynne Kavish
Defunct	2011 (print edition)
Fate	Print edition ceased; online presence maintained until 2011; content merged into PC World
Headquarters	Oakland, California, United States
Area served	United States, International editions in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Brazil, Greece
Key people	Patrick Ferrell (President and CEO), John Rousseau (Publisher), Wes Nihei (Editor-in-Chief), Francis Mao (Art Director), John Davison (Executive VP of Content), Julian Rignall (VP of Content)
Products	GamePro magazine, GamePro.com website, GamePro TV
Owner	International Data Group (IDG)
Website	www.gamepro.com

GamePro was a U.S.-based multimedia company specializing in video game journalism across multiple platforms, producing both print and digital content about the gaming industry, hardware, and software. Its coverage spanned various gaming consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices. The brand encompassed the GamePro magazine alongside its companion website. As a subsidiary of the privately owned International Data Group (IDG), a global leader in technology media, events, and research, GamePro ceased its print edition in 2011 while maintaining an online presence through GamePro.com.

Founded in 1989, the monthly GamePro magazine featured in-depth articles, news updates, previews, and reviews related to video games and gaming hardware. Headquartered in Oakland, California, the publication released its final print issue in October 2011 after more than two decades of continuous publication. A revamped design and editorial shift toward gaming culture and personalities were introduced with the February 2010 edition. Although U.S. production ended, international versions of the magazine continued circulation in countries including France, Germany, and Spain.

GamePro.com launched in 1998 as a daily-updated platform offering features, news briefs, previews, reviews, screenshots, and videos about games and hardware. The site also provided interactive elements such as forums and blogs for user engagement. In January 2010, the website underwent a redesign to mirror the print magazine’s updated editorial direction. Operations were based initially in San Francisco from 1998 until 2002 before relocating to Oakland until 2011.

History and establishment

Gamepro originated in late 1988 through the efforts of Patrick Ferrell, Leeanne McDermott, and design duo Michael and Lynne Kavish. Initially working from their respective homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, they secured their first office space in Redwood City, California by 1989. After encountering financial difficulties following their inaugural issue release, the founders collaborated with IDG Peterborough—a division of the global publisher IDG—which acquired Gamepro and subsequently established it as an independent business unit under Ferrell’s leadership as president and CEO. The recruitment of John Rousseau as publisher, Wes Nihei as editor-in-chief, and Francis Mao as art director contributed significantly to transforming Gamepro into a profitable international publication boasting a monthly circulation near 300,000 copies.

Art director Francis Mao commissioned game artist Marc Ericksen to design the debut cover along with several early magazine covers. The company’s headquarters moved several times: from Redwood City (1989–1991) to San Mateo (1991–1998), then San Francisco (1998–2002), before settling finally in Oakland. In 1993, reflecting its expanding range of publications, the company rebranded from Gamepro Inc. to Infotainment World.

A distinctive feature of Gamepro was its editorial team’s use of comic book-style avatars when reviewing games; however, these avatars were phased out during a redesign in 2004 while retaining distinctive editorial voices on its online portal at www.gamepro.com. Additionally, the brand ventured into television with GamePro TV, hosted by J.D. Roth and Brennan Howard; this program aired nationally for one year before transitioning to cable networks.

Recognizing an opportunity at CES in 1993, Ferrell’s team collaborated with IDSA to launch the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), which grew into a premier industry trade event.

Early editions included comic book segments featuring a superhero named Gamepro; in 2003 Joyride Studios produced limited-edition action figures representing these editorial characters. International editions emerged across France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Brazil, and Greece—some utilizing North American content while others offered original material.

By 2006 IDG Entertainment shifted its emphasis from print publications toward digital media under industry expert George Jones. That year introduced Games.net video series targeting mature gamers alongside spin-offs such as GamerHelp.com (cheat codes), Games.net (content aggregation), and GameDownloads.com (software downloads).

Under Jones’s guidance, the March 2007 issue received a comprehensive redesign highlighting high-definition imagery, increased numbers of reviews and previews, community features on www.gamepro.com including user submissions and insider news coverage. The German version of Gamepro website continued operations through collaboration with GameStar.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary in 2009, Gamepro appointed veteran John Davison as executive vice president of content. Davison spearheaded an early-2010 redesign that shifted focus toward gaming culture and personalities—a change that garnered positive reception. That year also marked an ambitious expansion strategy involving partnerships with IDG TechNetwork to establish a specialized online collective known as the Gamepro Media Network.

In September 2010, Gamepro Media entered into a partnership with online publication The Escapist, creating joint advertising opportunities under the Gamepro Escapist Media Group banner aimed at reaching distinct male gamer audiences. By November 2010 Julian Rignall succeeded Davison as vice president of content.

After more than twenty-two years in circulation, Gamepro ended its monthly print run with the October 2011 issue before briefly shifting to a quarterly format featuring premium paper stock and larger dimensions; however this quarterly edition lasted only one release before discontinuation. On November 30, 2011 it was announced that both Gamepro magazine and its website would close on December 5. Subsequently, Gamepro content was merged into the PC World website as a dedicated video game section overseen by PC World editorial staff.

Primary Sections

As of February 2010, the magazine's principal segments comprised:

Inside: A revamped contents page outlining key features and game coverage.
From the Editor: An introductory column emphasizing notable articles and games.
Inbox: Reader correspondence and the selected letter of the month.
- Art Attack: Artwork submissions from readers competing for game-related prizes.
Editorials: Industry-focused pieces authored by freelance contributors and specialists.
Spawn Point: The magazine’s front section delivering game news, interviews, previews, and an event schedule.
The Bonus Level: A guide to must-have geek merchandise, including new video game releases, books, and related products.
Features: In-depth cover stories and comprehensive articles centered on highlighted games or topics.
Reviews: Originally termed "ProViews" and later "ProReviews," these reviews featured a single staff member’s perspective per game. The format shifted from platform-specific evaluations to unified reviews covering multiple platforms with individual scores. The "Key Moment" segment was introduced to highlight pivotal gameplay elements but was eventually replaced by "Pros" and "Cons," summarizing the main factors influencing the reviewer’s verdict.
Parting Shot: Following the 2010 redesign, this section transitioned from displaying game artwork to offering reflections on issues published a decade earlier.

Discontinued Sections

Opening Shots/Parting Shot: High-resolution images and detailed screenshots; Opening Shots served as a front-of-magazine gallery, whereas Parting Shot showcased game art at the back.
The Hub: Dedicated to Gamepro.com’s online community, featuring reader reviews, comments, monthly Q&A sessions ("Ask The Pros"), community spotlights, and highlighted forum discussions. Included weekly profiles of Featured Members.
- Ask The Pros: A revived reader question-and-answer feature addressed by editors with subject expertise.
- Head2Head: User feedback and letter of the month moved to the magazine’s rear section.
Previews (previously "Short ProShots" and "Sneak Previews"): Early insights into games in development along with expected release dates. Evolved from brief notes at the back of the magazine to prominent front-of-magazine features such as "First Look" (covering video or storyline details) and "Hands-On" (early gameplay impressions). A progress indicator bar was briefly used but discontinued after the 1999 redesign.
Games To Go: Reviews and previews focused on portable gaming systems.
The Sports Page: Coverage including previews and reviews of sports titles; originally featured newspaper-style headlines before being phased out in 1999. Introduced multiplatform reviewing in 2003.
Role Players Realm: Focused on role-playing games (RPGs) with reviews, previews, and serialized walkthroughs; supplemented with fantasy-themed content during slower periods.
Code Vault (formerly "C.S.A.T. Pro"): Cheats, strategies, tips, and secrets contributed by readers and companies; renamed in 2002 to align with related spin-off publications.
Head-2-Head (formerly "The Mail"): Letters to the editor accompanied by a Letter of the Month award; incorporated online reader reviews to boost web engagement; relocated from front to back pages in the 2007 redesign.
Buyers Beware: Consumer advocacy column addressing defective games and hardware complaints; unique among gaming magazines. Included company responses alongside editorial commentary. Authored consistently by "The Watch Dog" editor since 1994. Moved online after the 2007 redesign and discontinued in print editions.
ProNews: News section that transitioned from back-of-magazine placement to front; featured elements such as "game watches," a quote sidebar titled "Static," and integrated Gamepro Labs columns.
Hot At The Arcades: Previews and reviews of arcade cabinet games; regularly featured for about five years post-launch but declined due to downturn in arcades; occasionally merged into ProNews coverage.
Overseas Prospects: Infrequently appearing segment focused on imported games.
Video Game Survival Guide: Initially called "16-Bit Survival Guide," covering late-stage life cycle titles for consoles like Super NES and Genesis; adapted as these systems phased out commercially.
Adventures of Gamepro: An early comic strip about a superhero gamer fighting video game villains known as Evil Darklings.

Rating system

At the outset, game evaluations were divided into five distinct categories: Graphics, Sound, Gameplay, FunFactor, and Challenge. Eventually, the "Challenge" category was eliminated, and "Gameplay" was renamed to "Control." Scores were assigned on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0 in increments of 0.5. Later on, a 0.5 rating was introduced—the first title to receive this was Battle Arena Toshinden URA for the Sega Saturn. Beginning in October 1990, these numerical ratings were accompanied by cartoon expressions known as The Gamepro Dude, which visually represented the score. These illustrative rating faces remained in use until approximately 2002. The influence of GamePro's reviews grew to the extent that some video games featured their ratings prominently on retail packaging.

Following 2002, the multi-category rating format was replaced with a single overall score presented on a star scale ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 stars, using filled and hollow stars for visual representation. No game ever received less than one star under this system. Titles achieving scores of 4.5 or 5 stars were honored with an Editors' Choice Award.

Role-Player's Realm

The magazine included a dedicated segment called "Role-Player's Realm," which concentrated exclusively on role-playing games (RPGs). In January 1997, it published a list titled "The Top Ten Best RPGs Ever," featuring classics such as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Final Fantasy VI, and Chrono Trigger.

A decade later, in 2008, GamePro updated its rankings with a list called "The 26 Best RPGs of All Time," showcasing standout titles including Final Fantasy VII, World of Warcraft, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. These curated compilations highlighted GamePro's significant influence in acknowledging key RPG titles and guiding consumer interest within the genre.

ProTips

GamePro pioneered the concept known as "Protip"—succinct expert advice captions paired with images throughout articles. Former contributor Dan Amrich noted that editorial standards encouraged including such tips alongside three to seven images per piece.

One famously circulated example purportedly originating from a GamePro review of Doom read: "PROTIP: To defeat the Cyberdemon, shoot at it until it dies." This blatantly obvious guidance became an internet meme ridiculing overly simplistic ProTips. However, it was later confirmed that this image was fabricated as an April Fools' prank on doomworld.com.

Lamepro

Up until 2007, every April issue featured Lamepro, a satirical section spanning two to five pages that parodied the magazine itself. This humorous spoof included fake game titles and news stories while mixing genuine glitch information with satire aimed at both GamePro and other gaming publications.

PC Games

Published by IDG from August 1988 through 1999, PC Games was regarded as a companion publication to GamePro. It underwent several rebrandings: changing to Electronic Entertainment in late 1993, then to PC Entertainment in early 1996 before reverting back to PC Games by June 1996. Its web content merged with other IDG gaming outlets—including GamePro Online—to create the IDG Games Network by late 1997.

By 1998, its print edition ranked as the fourth-largest computer gaming magazine in the United States with a circulation figure of 169,281 copies. Imagine Publishing acquired and subsequently shuttered PC Games in March 1999; its final issue was released in April 1999. Following closure, subscribers were transitioned to receiving issues of both PC Gamer US and PC Accelerator. This move aligned with IDG’s strategy to consolidate branding under the GamePro name; computer game coverage shifted online to PCGamePro.com and within a dedicated "PC GamePro" section inside the print edition of GamePro.

Australian GamePro

From November 10, 2003 until February 2007, IDG published Australian GamePro, a bi-monthly magazine focused on video games. Stuart Clarke served as its inaugural editor before Chris Stead took over in January 2006. Under Stead’s management, sales doubled between 2006 and early 2007; however, organizational changes led to the magazine’s discontinuation.

Special editions

Among its special releases were:

Ultimate PSP Buyer's Guide
Ultimate Nintendo Buyer's Guide
Ultimate Xbox 360 Buyer's Guide
Your Complete Guide to Online Gaming
Australian GamePro Presents World of Warcraft

External links

GamePro Media international websites