Play Meter

Last updated
Play Meter
Play Meter logo 1st revision.png
EditorTim Meyer, editor
Former editors
Editors
Bonnie Theard, Valerie Cognevich, Steve White, Chris Caire, David Pierson, Ralph C. Lally II
Staff writersJames Sebastien, asst. editor
Categories Arcade game industry
Frequencymonthly
Circulation 3000 [1]
PublisherCarol P. Lally
FounderRalph C. Lally II
Founded1974
First issueDecember 1974 (1974-12)
Final issueJune 2018 (2018-06)
CompanySkybird Publishing [1]
CountryU.S.
Based in New Orleans
LanguageEnglish
Website http://www.playmeter.com
ISSN 1529-8736

Play Meter (initially Coin Industry Play Meter) was an American trade magazine focusing on the coin-op amusement arcade industry, including jukebox and arcade game machines. It was founded in December 1974 by publisher and editor Ralph C. Lally II and it is published in physical form by Skybird Publishing on a monthly basis. Together with rival publication RePlay (founded 1975) it chronicled the arcade industry from its nascency, through market fluctuations like the video game crashes of 1977 and 1983, and the rebirth and maturation of the medium through the 1980s. [2] It is the earliest example of video game journalism, [3] [4] [5] establishing such practices as individual video game reviews [6] [7] and the ten-point assessment scale for video game reviews. [8]

Contents

Play Meter served as the parent organization of the first coin-op-oriented spring trade show (forerunner to North America's annual Amusement Expo). It published several bi-monthly and annual special issues throughout its history and it maintains a website where online content is also published monthly.

The magazine shut down after publishing the June 2018 issue, coinciding with publisher Carol Lally's retirement. [9]

History

Special issues

Play Meter released a number of special issues. [19]

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References

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  2. Carless, Simon. "GameSetPics: Rare & Nintendo - Where It All Began". GameSetWatch . 22 May 2007.
  3. Smejkál, Péter. "18 dolog, amit nem tudtál a játékvilágról". PC Guru. 8 June 2014.
  4. Rignall, Jaz. "A Brief History of Games Journalism". US Gamer . 10 December 2014.
  5. Weston, D.B. Greatest Moments in Video Game History. Pg.29. ISBN   9781301174140
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  8. Audureau, William. "Jeux vidéo : cachez ces notes que je ne saurais voir". Le Monde . 18 February 2015.
  9. 1 2 Winterq, Casey (August 8, 2018). "Play Meter Shuts Down". RePlay Magazine.
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  11. O'Connor, Tim. "Vid Kid: Steve Harris Lives A Fantasy That Has Grown Past Games". Chicago Tribune . 23 April 1987.
  12. "Cover Story: We're not getting older, we're getting better". Play Meter. Vol. 20, no. 13. December 1994. p. 14.
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  14. Brohaugh, William. Writer's Market 1980. Writer's Digest. Pg.621. 1979. ISBN   9780898790009
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  16. 1 2 Staff. "Sept. 9, 2005: Play Meter Plans To Publish October Issue; Betson, Employees To Send $21,500 For Hurricane Relief; TouchTunes To Match Operators' Relief Program Donations; Cell Phones, Coke Venders To Download Music". Vending Times . Vol.45, No.9. 9 September 2005.
  17. Staff. "Sept. 6, 2005: AAMA Intends Long-Term Hurricane Relief Plan; Gulf Coast Trade Members Check In, Slowly; Ecast Backs U.S. Consent Decree Regarding NSM; Merit Changes Company Name". Vending Times . Vol.45, No.9. 6 September 2005.
  18. Gifford, Kevin. "Column: 'Game Mag Weaseling': Mag Roundup 1/17/08". GameSetWatch . 20 January 2009.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 Staff. "Part 1: Journals and their Special Issues". Guide to Industry Special Issues. Harfax. Pg.371. 1984.
  20. Johnson, Yolanda A., et al. Small Business Sourcebook: The Entrepreneur's Resource. Gale Research. Volume 1, Edition 11, Pg.73. 1998. ISBN   9780787611514.