Codes and Conventions of a Gaming MagazineBy Charlie Mann

Codes and Conventions

0 Gaming magazines contain the majority of the codes and conventions of most magazines (e.g. masthead, cover lines, mode of address, etc.). However, there are a few things that are different. These are;

0 The central image isn’t always a person or place which makes the primary mode of address indirect but still contains a narrative.

0 Also, there is evidence of extensive competition between brands in order to increase sales of the related product.

Front CoverBoth mastheads take up a large space at the top of the front cover.

Cover lines

Evidence of competition between the brands. (“Why Xbox owns 2016!”)

Both central images use a direct mode of address and are taken from concept art or the game itself.

Barcode, price and edition are in the same place on both magazines.

Puffs are used on both magazines to advertise exclusive features.

Second iteration of the price and edition.

Editorial Page

Image of the editor

Font used is the same as that on the front cover including the masthead.

Masthead appears in the top left of the page in both magazines.

Contextual images to accompany the editors letter.

Editors signatureMini biographies of the

contributors to establish a connection with the reader.

Images of the contributors/production team.

Contents Page

Puff displays exclusive features.

Edition number is repeated.

List/index of all of the features within the magazine (in alphabetical order).

Images illustrate the contents page and display images from some of the articles.

Strip at the bottom of the page shows exclusive/special features within the magazine.

Article Both articles have an overview in a larger font.

Both articles are in keeping with the house style (i.e. colour schemes).

The images from the front cover have been used as the main image for the articles.

Captions tie the images in with the article.

Cut-out quotes

Small puffs are used to notify the reader that this article is the main feature.