- Command Magazine investors
- Schwerpunkt Magazine #1 available
- GameFix Magazine mailgram #2
- Decision Games Buys SPI line
- Fire and Movement Magazine reorganization
- Historical Gamer Magazine
Command Expands into the Big Leagues
Command Magazine has recently contacted several investors regarding the sale of 25% of the company's stock. The move is designed to raise capital to fund the expansion of the pure history version of the magazine.
A few months ago, Command decided to increase sales by splitting the magazine into a version that included a wargame aimed at the hobby market and one without a game aimed primarily at the history market. Their intent was to challenge the Cowles History Group's line of magazines, which includes titles such as Military History, World War II, Vietnam, and others. However, although Command has found that sales of the wargaming version have remained strong and constant, the sales of the pure history version have lagged due to distribution problems.
The move is to raise more capital, which will solve the distribution problem and hope- fully push Command Magazine into the "Big Leagues" of magazine publishers. Such a move will eventually free more capital for the wargaming version and, if owners Ty Bomba, Chris Perello, and Larry Hoffman don't take their new found wealth and move to Tahiti, should result in a better product for the war- gaming community as well.
Issue #1 of Schwerepunkt is still available (says a reliable source).
Many of the GameFix faithful were greatly annoyed when the magazine languished in the United States Postal System. Some ofthe subscribers waited over 26 days to get their copy. Editor Jon Compton, annoyed at the delay, contacted the Post Master General and delivered a stinging rebuke of the USPS methods. (Well actually, he called the post office in Sacramento and is still on hold.)
Decision Games has purchased the rights to publish the old line of SPI games. Knowl- edgeable insiders estimate the price of the purchase to be as high as $150,000. The con- troversial decision to reissue the games has had mixed reactions throughout the industry.
Many experts wonder why Dr. Christopher Cummins would waste good money to reissue a line of games-many of which are still available for a reasonable price on the open market-that were done over 20 years ago. Although the SPI line contains many classics, and dogs as well, most now appear sopho- moric compared to today's modern offerings.
Perhaps Dr. Cummins has made a fatal business mistake. On the other hand, perhaps the good doctor believes that there is a large market for the old games. Collectors have certainly carried out a vigorous trade in the games for many years, and the nostalgia of many of the older players may produce profi- table sales.
The first four releases, Battle for Germany, Leningrad, World War I, and the Battle for the Ardennes Quad have just been released; but it's too early to get a feel for sale numbers. Will they be sufficient to cover the investment? Will players respond to the old games? Only time will tell whether Dr. Cummins' gamble will pay off.
Fire and Movement, the Forum of Conflict Simulations, has gone through a massive reorganization over the last few years. John Kisner resigned as editor after the Sept-Oct 93 issue and was replaced by Tony Zalewski. Mr. Zalewski's tenure was brief; but during his stay he attempted to bring computer wargaming to the magazine, upgrade the writing staff, and cover issues that concerned a wide range of wargamers. Unfortunately, some of Mr. Zalewski's ideas clashed with those ofthe owners, and the two parted company after only a couple of issues.
The new editor, Dave Nicholas, has taken over the magazine and has decided to steer a more conservative path. He is trying to upgrade the quality of writing, standardize the game rating system, and cover current topics and games of interest.
Over the years Fire and Movement has undergone many changes and experienced much turmoil. However, the magazine appears to have more lives than a cat and continues production, albeit irregularly, until today.
The Historical Gamer magazine, published by William S. Biles, is primarily aimed at the miniature wargamer. Now in its fifth year of publication, the bimonthly, 32-page, black and white magazine displays a good mix of historical articles, orders of battles, scenarios, and miniature related articles. It is an interesting magazine that appeals to players who love miniatures or Squad Leader or who care to look at unusual history articles. The October/November 94 issue featured articles on the Huai-Hsi Campaign in Ancient China, Scenarios for Itsy-Bitsy Wars, Whiff of the Grape, Battle of Shrewsbury 1403, an Update on 10mm Figures, and Spanish-American Naval Battles. The magazine is published on time, it is professionally done, and with a cover price of $4.25 is worth the money.
Back to Table of Contents #5
© Copyright 1995 by One Small Step, Inc.