What Happened to Computer and Video Games (Magazine)?
Computer and Video Games (CVG) was a pioneering British video game magazine, launched in 1981 as the world's first dedicated gaming publication. It transitioned from print to a solely web-based format in 2004, but its website was ultimately shut down by publisher Future Publishing in February 2015, with content redirected to GamesRadar+.
Quick Answer
Computer and Video Games (CVG) was a seminal British video game magazine, established in 1981, making it the world's first dedicated publication of its kind. It ceased print publication in October 2004, moving entirely online. The CVG website, a significant source for gaming news and reviews, was eventually closed by its owner, Future Publishing, on February 26, 2015, with its content being merged into GamesRadar+. Although the brand is defunct, its legacy endures through archived content and former writers who have gone on to establish other prominent gaming media outlets, such as Video Games Chronicle. The Golden Joystick Awards, which CVG originated, continue to be held annually under Future Publishing's umbrella.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
First Issue Published
Computer and Video Games (CVG) launched its first print issue, becoming the world's first dedicated video game magazine. It covered early home computers and arcade games.
Golden Joystick Awards Established
CVG established the Golden Joystick Awards, an annual ceremony recognizing excellence in video games, which continues to this day.
First Golden Joystick Awards Results Published
The results of the inaugural Golden Joystick Awards were published in the magazine, featuring DJ Dave Lee Travis presenting the award for best game to Jetpac.
Peak Circulation Achieved
The magazine reached a circulation of 106,000 copies, highlighting its popularity during the early gaming boom.
Mean Machines Section Introduced
A dedicated 'Mean Machines' section was introduced, focusing on Japanese import consoles, reflecting a shift in the gaming market.
Magazine Redesign and Review Score Change
CVG underwent a redesign, changing its 'C+VG Hit' award to 'CVG Hit' and increasing the required score for the award to 90%.
Computerandvideogames.com Website Launched
CVG launched its official website, computerandvideogames.com, extending its presence into the burgeoning online media landscape. The Golden Joystick Awards also moved online with the website.
Final Print Issue Published
CVG ceased its monthly print publication, with its final issue featuring a review of Need for Speed Underground 2, and transitioned to a solely web-based format.
CVG Presents Magazine Revival
The magazine brand briefly reappeared in a new bi-monthly print format titled 'CVG Presents', focusing on single subjects like the Grand Theft Auto series.
CVG Presents Ceases Publication
No new issues of 'CVG Presents' were released after 2009, marking the end of any print iteration of the CVG brand.
Staff Cuts at CVG Website
Amidst Future Publishing's restructuring, the CVG website, along with other Future-operated sites, experienced staff reductions.
Future Publishing Announces Website Closure
Future Publishing officially announced its decision to close the computerandvideogames.com website as part of a strategy to consolidate its gaming content under GamesRadar+.
CVG Website Officially Closes
The computerandvideogames.com website was officially shut down, with all its content redirecting to GamesRadar+, marking the end of the active CVG brand.
Former CVG Writers Launch Video Games Chronicle (VGC)
Several former writers from Computer and Video Games led the creation of a new gaming media outlet, Video Games Chronicle (VGC), continuing CVG's journalistic lineage.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Computer and Video Games (CVG), often abbreviated as C&VG, holds a significant place in the history of video game journalism, having launched in November 1981 as the first dedicated video game magazine in the world. Initially covering the burgeoning home computing market and arcade games, it quickly became a staple for British gamers, offering reviews, previews, and news. The magazine was known for its 'C+VG Hit' award for highly-rated games and, from 1982, hosted the annual Golden Joystick Awards, which remain the longest-running gaming awards ceremony globally.
The magazine's print run continued for over two decades, navigating the evolving landscape of gaming from 8-bit micros to the rise of Japanese consoles. Key turning points included redesigns in the early 1990s, which saw a shift towards more console-focused content, and the launch of its companion website, computerandvideogames.com, in 1999. The digital age, however, presented a formidable challenge to print media. By October 2004, CVG published its final print issue, transitioning entirely to an online-only format.
The move to digital was a response to the growing dominance of the internet as a source for immediate news and information, which gradually eroded the readership and advertising revenue of monthly print magazines. Despite its online presence, the CVG website faced increasing competition from other digital-native gaming sites. In early 2014, Future Publishing, CVG's owner, began a process of streamlining its digital portfolio, which included staff cuts for CVG. The decision to close the website was announced in December 2014, as part of a broader strategy to consolidate entertainment brands under GamesRadar+.
On February 26, 2015, the computerandvideogames.com website officially ceased operations, with all its pages redirecting to GamesRadar+. This marked the end of the CVG brand as an active publication. The consequences were significant for the gaming journalism landscape, as a historic and influential voice went silent. Many former CVG writers and editors, however, continued to contribute to the industry, with several leading the creation of Video Games Chronicle (VGC) in 2019, carrying forward a part of CVG's journalistic spirit.
As of April 17, 2026, the Computer and Video Games magazine and website brand remains defunct. Its historical content is largely preserved through archives like the Internet Archive, allowing new generations to explore its contributions to gaming history. The Golden Joystick Awards, a direct legacy of CVG, continue to thrive under Future Publishing's ownership, adapting to the modern digital awards landscape. The broader video game industry in 2026 is characterized by platform convergence, the rise of user-generated content, and the increasing influence of AI, a vastly different ecosystem from the one CVG helped define in its early years.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Computer and Video Games (Magazine) made different choices?