Sweden’s Reset Media brings its “ROBOT” gaming magazine title to the UK

By John Freeman on June 12, 2014

Swedish publisher Reset Media AB, which operates the world’s largest gaming site IGN, is to launch an English-language edition of ROBOT, a new monthly independent video games magazine for children on 20th June 2014.

Already a huge success in its native Sweden, ROBOT distributor Comag describe the new title as the only 100% independent gaming magazine for children, providing readers with impartial video games advice, reviews and tips.

Aimed at children aged 8-10 years old, ROBOT will come packed with features and articles about video games on all formats, whether PC, mobile phone, online or any of the various games consoles.

The gaming market was worth some £2.9bn in the UK in 2012, with £77m spent on merchandise and other spin-off products of video games brands, which was up 26% year-on-year and reports suggest that the number of children with access to games consoles is increasing as prices fall.

According to publisher research, children in this age group spend on average 1½ hours per day playing video games and 25% of them spend their pocket money on them. It is only therefore only natural that they will want to complete their favourite games and get their money’s worth.

With news and reviews of the latest releases, tips, tricks and cheats, every issue of ROBOT will cover “the coolest, top-selling and most popular games played by children in this age group.

“Always kid-friendly, but never childish, every issue of ROBOT will give readers trustworthy and independent reviews and advice, which will be delivered in a fun and easy-to-follow style.”

As well as the magazine, every issue of ROBOT will have a fantastic value-added gift and the UK launch issue will have a free double-sided gaming door hanger based on Minecraft.

Issue One of ROBOT will have an in-depth look at Minecraft, showing readers how to become a master of the overworld, with guides about various aspects of the game, including horses, ‘Nether Mobs’ and enchantments, as well as maps and modifications to the Minecraft universe.

In addition to the building game, the launch issue of ROBOT will have cheats for Skylanders Trap Team, asks whether Mario Kart 8 is the best racing game ever and look at the latest releases in movie spin-off games Lego Batman 3 and Disney Infinity 2.0.

• Issue One of ROBOT is on sale 20th June 2014, with a launch price of £2.99 (regular price – £3.99)

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.