Computer Magazine ABCs

The computer magazine sector saw some impressive movements this ABC period. A large number of its titles achieved substantial increases in circulation. Future’s Essential Playstation and Official Playstation Magazine are easily the market leaders, well ahead of their closest rivals. Essential Playstation saw an unprecedented 300.7% increase in its circulation, rising from 43,274 to 173,412 year on year. Period on period, the title rose an almost as impressive 169.7%.

Another great mover in the market proved to be Playstation Power, which increased its net sales 123.7% year on year. Its period on period increase was much less impressive – a rise of 11.8%, taking it up to 94,125.

Total 64, on the other hand, did not have a very successful half of 1998, with its sales dropping by 46% year on year, an actual drop of over 27,000 copy sales. Even month on month, the title’s sales fell by over 33%, and its total circulation is at the lower end of the sector.

Amiga Format also suffered substantial losses throughout the latter half of 1998, and it is currently the title with the lowest circulation in its sector.

In terms of publishers in the computer sector, Future Publishing is far and away the dominant group, commanding a massive 62% of the market. It’s closest competitor is EMAP, with a 14% share.