Mean Machines 35th Anniversary: Gaming Legends Tease Celebratory Project

Mean Machines 35th Anniversary: Gaming Legends Tease Celebratory Project As retro gaming enthusiasm continues to surge, the legacy of Mean Machines magazine takes center stage again in 2025.

Originally launched in October 1989 by British publisher EMAP, Mean Machines served as a pioneering console-focused offshoot from the popular Computer and Video Games (CVG) magazine.

Conceived by Tony Takoushi's influential 'Mean Machines' section in 1987, the new publication swiftly established itself as a pillar of gaming journalism, capturing the attention of console enthusiasts across the United Kingdom and beyond. Mean Machines ran for a successful 24-issue print from its inception before finding new life as two specialized magazines: Mean Machines Sega, catering to SEGA fans, and Nintendo Magazine System, focusing on Nintendo's growing platform ecosystem.

The legacy continued with Mean Machines PlayStation, which became the final publication to carry the legendary name.

Across its various iterations, Mean Machines provided essential coverage of industry milestones, new hardware like the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis, and groundbreaking titles during the 1990s—a golden era for console gaming. Reflecting on the magazine’s enduring cultural impact, launch editor Julian "Jaz" Rignall, a distinguished figure in video game journalism, recently commemorated the impending 35th anniversary with a heartfelt message on social media.

Rignall, who has chronicled his industry journey in a book published by Bitmap Books, emphasized the significance of this milestone.

In a post, Rignall revealed that he and Rich Leadbetter, another prominent Mean Machines alumnus and now the head of Digital Foundry, engaged in a long-awaited conversation that left them both inspired.

"This year marks 35 years since Mean Machines began," Rignall shared.

"Yesterday, Rich and I reconnected for a much-anticipated two-hour discussion that was both productive and nostalgically evocative, as if we’d traveled back in time." Although details remain under wraps, Rignall hinted at a forthcoming endeavor that promises to do justice to Mean Machines' indelible spirit.

He stressed the importance of authenticity and maintaining the magazine's trademark wit and unique style, stating that any tribute must be fresh, celebratory, and true to its original character—eschewing any obvious or exaggerated homage.

According to Rignall, if the initiative lacks humor, it simply "won’t go ahead." Today, former contributors like Rich Leadbetter continue to shape gaming discourse at industry-leading outlets such as Digital Foundry.

Meanwhile, retrospectives and new publications ensure that Mean Machines' influence endures within the vibrant global retro gaming community. The 35th anniversary of Mean Machines stands as an opportunity for fans and journalists alike to reflect on the legacy of one of video game media’s formative titles.

For updates on what Rignall and Leadbetter have in store, readers are encouraged to stay tuned to official channels and look forward to more details celebrating one of the UK's most storied gaming magazines.

UK Mean Machines Julian Rignall Rich Leadbetter Digital Foundry EMAP CVG Nintendo Magazine System Mean Machines Sega Mean Machines PlayStation Bitmap Books