Supercell and Legendary UK Games Journalists Recreate Mean Machines Magic with Super Cellphone Gamer

Supercell Collaborates with Former Mean Machines Writers to Launch Super Cellphone Gamer Magazine Supercell, the Finnish mobile gaming giant behind global hits like Clash of Clans and Squad Busters, has teamed up with a team of renowned UK games journalists to produce Super Cellphone Gamer—a promotional magazine celebrating both gaming history and the arrival of Sonic the Hedgehog in Squad Busters.

Inspired by the iconic Mean Machines magazine, which first hit shelves in 1990 as one of the UK's most influential multi-format gaming publications, this one-off project evokes the golden era of print games journalism while showcasing the shared energy and passion that permeated those classic pages. An Unexpected Collaboration Between Supercell and Games Journalism Veterans The collaboration came about when the creative agency Diva proposed a '90s-styled magazine to Supercell’s Head of Marketing, Rob Lowe.

As a lifelong Mean Machines fan, Lowe immediately saw the project’s potential to authentically capture a pivotal period in gaming culture.

Recognizing the opportunity to integrate Sonic the Hedgehog’s arrival into Squad Busters in a meaningful retro context, Supercell brought on board a host of respected gaming writers and editors who were instrumental to the original Mean Machines and its sister publications, including Paul Davies (known for leading Nintendo Magazine System and Computer & Video Games), Simon Zijlemans (PowerUnlimited), Gary Harrod, and others. Reflecting on the creative process, Paul Davies explained that working alongside former colleagues and industry legends felt both exhilarating and seamlessly natural.

“Collaborating with old friends and respected writers made every stage enjoyable—we quickly slipped back into the camaraderie that defined the original magazines,” Davies shared.

The team focused on capturing the visual and editorial authenticity of Mean Machines, right down to the review layouts and retro humor, thanks to the involvement of designers like Gary Harrod and ads custom-created by SEGA. Bringing Mean Machines to Modern Mobile Gamers For today's gaming community—particularly those engaging with mobile titles like Squad Busters on platforms such as Android and iOS—Super Cellphone Gamer is simultaneously a celebration and a bridge between generations.

While the legendary magazine name may be new to many modern players, the creators were intent on channeling the fun and excitement of the early '90s.

“Our objective was a format that truly felt like a time machine, delivering news of Sonic the Hedgehog in the way his debut might have been covered decades ago,” Davies noted, emphasizing the attention to detail and editorial tone that made Mean Machines a household name. Supercell’s support of the project was clear throughout, with Roberts Lowe’s vision guiding the publication and the company’s Helsinki-based team providing a collaborative, energetic environment.

SEGA’s endorsement and contribution of authentic retro-style advertisements further cemented the homage to gaming’s print legacy without major revisions needed—a testament to the project’s faithfulness and charm. The Enduring Influence of Games Journalism and Modern Mobile Gaming Super Cellphone Gamer underscores not only the enduring appeal of classic games journalism but also the continued evolution of gaming platforms.

Davies compared his enthusiasm for mobile hits like Supercell’s mo.co to the excitement of classic console generations, remarking, “Mobile gaming is a tremendous complement to established platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

These are rich experiences with deep communities—just as it once was.” The project has reignited interest in retro-style magazine publishing among the creative team, hinting at the possibility of future endeavors inspired by the late '90s era of Computer & Video Games and similar outlets.

As Supercell and their illustrious collaborators bring nostalgia and innovative game design together, Super Cellphone Gamer stands as a testament to both the legacy and the future of gaming media. The magazine’s release marks another milestone for Supercell and for the writers and designers who changed the way generations of players experienced video games.

For those interested in the convergence of classic gaming culture and modern mobile titles, Super Cellphone Gamer is an unmissable tribute.

Sonic UK EMAP Mean Machines Supercell Squad Busters Super Cellphone Gamer Nintendo Magazine System Nintendo Switch SEGA PowerUnlimited Hookshot Media Diva Sonic the Hedgehog