Official Dreamcast Magazine (US)
Encyclopedia
The Official Dreamcast Magazine was a video game magazine for the Dreamcast published in the United States
. The magazine's initial issue "0" was released in June 1999, a full 3 months before the launch of the system. This rare issue featured Sonic the Hedgehog
on a black cover, along with the launch date and some of the system's unique features. The magazine then ran for twelve issues from the September 1999 Dreamcast launch to March/April 2001, shortly after Dreamcast was discontinued. Each issue came with a GD-ROM
with demos
of Dreamcast games. The final issue did not come with a disc. This was explained as Sega looking for a new way to distribute demos. The cancellation was apparently unexpected as the magazine promised more information about demo distribution in future issues and had a preview for the next issue where Phantasy Star Online
was to be reviewed. Many of the staff went on to work for Official Xbox Magazine
.
In fact the cancellation was not altogether unexpected by the staff, and had the magazine not been folded by the publisher, it's unlikely another issue would have shipped as the staff refused to work on an issue they thought (correctly) would never ship.
The magazine was published bimonthly, but during the 2000 holiday season, issues were sold monthly due to additional relevant content being available for the shopping season.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The magazine's initial issue "0" was released in June 1999, a full 3 months before the launch of the system. This rare issue featured Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog (character)
, trademarked Sonic The Hedgehog, is a video game character and the main protagonist of the Sonic video game series released by Sega, as well as in numerous spin-off comics, cartoons, and a feature film. The first game was released on June 23, 1991, to provide Sega with a mascot to rival Nintendo's...
on a black cover, along with the launch date and some of the system's unique features. The magazine then ran for twelve issues from the September 1999 Dreamcast launch to March/April 2001, shortly after Dreamcast was discontinued. Each issue came with a GD-ROM
GD-ROM
GD-ROM is the proprietary optical disc format used by the Dreamcast games console, as well as its arcade counterparts and the Sega/Nintendo/Namco Triforce arcade system...
with demos
Game demo
A game demo is a freely distributed demonstration or preview of an upcoming or recently released video game. Demos are typically released by the game's publisher to help consumers get a feel of the game before deciding whether to buy the full version....
of Dreamcast games. The final issue did not come with a disc. This was explained as Sega looking for a new way to distribute demos. The cancellation was apparently unexpected as the magazine promised more information about demo distribution in future issues and had a preview for the next issue where Phantasy Star Online
Phantasy Star Online
Phantasy Star Online is an online multiplayer action RPG title, originally released for the Dreamcast in 2000, bundled with a demo of Sonic Adventure 2. Another edition, entitled Phantasy Star Online ver.2, was released for Dreamcast the following year...
was to be reviewed. Many of the staff went on to work for Official Xbox Magazine
Official Xbox Magazine
Official Xbox Magazine is a monthly video game magazine which started in November 2001 around the launch of the original Xbox. A preview issue was released for E3 2001, with another preview issue for November 2001. The magazine is bundled with a disc that includes game demos, preview videos and...
.
In fact the cancellation was not altogether unexpected by the staff, and had the magazine not been folded by the publisher, it's unlikely another issue would have shipped as the staff refused to work on an issue they thought (correctly) would never ship.
The magazine was published bimonthly, but during the 2000 holiday season, issues were sold monthly due to additional relevant content being available for the shopping season.