GameDaily BIZ was the first to bring you word on the executive shakeup at GamePro, and now we have even more information about the latest developments at the multiplatform magazine. George Jones, Senior Vice President, Executive Creative Director, has confirmed to us that, in addition to the previously announced Marci Yamaguchi Hughes, most of the new sales team did indeed make the leap over from 1UP/EGM.
Jones told us that Hughes essentially brought "favorite members" of her team at Ziff with her to GamePro. Brent Martyn is now the Vice President of Online Sales and Promotions; Nick Geist is now the Northwest Sales Director; and Jessica Reback is the Southwest Sales Director. Jones commented, "We're kind of looking at it as the best of 1UP, and they had an awesome sales organization there. I think having these experienced, well-known veterans really makes us stronger."
He also revealed two important new initiatives that GamePro has planned for the near future. One of those is a new partnership with 7-Eleven. You may recall that back in November of last year, the Slurpee giant announced its intention to begin selling video games. Jones says this is "just starting now" but they're going to have an increased presence in their stores soon. Where GamePro comes in is with a custom-made version of the magazine exclusively for free distribution to 7-Eleven customers. Jones says 7-Eleven does an estimated six million consumer transactions each day, so the exposure for GamePro will no doubt be tremendous. "It's one of the things we're most excited about around here," he remarked.
The second initiative – and certainly one that you wouldn't expect – is that GamePro is preparing to enter the games publishing space with its own label called GamePro Labs. Jones says the independent games publishing label will be "fueled by grassroots independent game developers," with an initial focus on Microsoft's XNA platform and Apple's iPhone, "but leaning more towards XNA because it's Xbox 360 and PC and down the road, Zune stuff too."
He commented that GamePro simply hopes to find the unrecognized talent out there and give them the keys to publish their game. Games will be published under GamePro Labs on Xbox Live Marketplace. At the same time, these developers will be allowed to write about and promote their titles on the GamePro website with a sort of "live workshop" blog. GamePro will handle all of the sales and marketing and manage distribution relationships with Microsoft, Apple and others. Jones said that three developers are signed up currently and GamePro will unveil some of their titles at GDC later this month.
Although GamePro is happy with its magazine, with the state of print being what it is these days, Jones acknowledged that about 70 percent of the company's resources go towards online now. Nobody on the staff is purely devoted to just print or just online, however. Jones says he feels he has to "keep calibrating [the balance between] the two." While online's been front and center for some time now, Jones also said he's noticed that people in public relations still love print and the opportunities the medium presents. GamePro is also planning a slight "refresh" on the print side to celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year.
Ultimately, Jones said his priority is to show how GamePro can be "different." Video game publications produce too much of the same content; he believes GamePro can forge a new path.
And Jones isn't the least bit worried about the future of GamePro. Unlike Ziff Davis, which was constantly trying to unload its games group, Jones said that IDG Entertainment is very pleased with the GamePro property. "I feel really, really strong about IDG's commitment to us," Jones commented, adding that the head of IDG is a big believer in the brand. "When the global CEO comes in [during a meeting] and said he loves you, that's like the ultimate vote of confidence."
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Jones told us that Hughes essentially brought "favorite members" of her team at Ziff with her to GamePro. Brent Martyn is now the Vice President of Online Sales and Promotions; Nick Geist is now the Northwest Sales Director; and Jessica Reback is the Southwest Sales Director. Jones commented, "We're kind of looking at it as the best of 1UP, and they had an awesome sales organization there. I think having these experienced, well-known veterans really makes us stronger."
He also revealed two important new initiatives that GamePro has planned for the near future. One of those is a new partnership with 7-Eleven. You may recall that back in November of last year, the Slurpee giant announced its intention to begin selling video games. Jones says this is "just starting now" but they're going to have an increased presence in their stores soon. Where GamePro comes in is with a custom-made version of the magazine exclusively for free distribution to 7-Eleven customers. Jones says 7-Eleven does an estimated six million consumer transactions each day, so the exposure for GamePro will no doubt be tremendous. "It's one of the things we're most excited about around here," he remarked.
The second initiative – and certainly one that you wouldn't expect – is that GamePro is preparing to enter the games publishing space with its own label called GamePro Labs. Jones says the independent games publishing label will be "fueled by grassroots independent game developers," with an initial focus on Microsoft's XNA platform and Apple's iPhone, "but leaning more towards XNA because it's Xbox 360 and PC and down the road, Zune stuff too."
He commented that GamePro simply hopes to find the unrecognized talent out there and give them the keys to publish their game. Games will be published under GamePro Labs on Xbox Live Marketplace. At the same time, these developers will be allowed to write about and promote their titles on the GamePro website with a sort of "live workshop" blog. GamePro will handle all of the sales and marketing and manage distribution relationships with Microsoft, Apple and others. Jones said that three developers are signed up currently and GamePro will unveil some of their titles at GDC later this month.
Although GamePro is happy with its magazine, with the state of print being what it is these days, Jones acknowledged that about 70 percent of the company's resources go towards online now. Nobody on the staff is purely devoted to just print or just online, however. Jones says he feels he has to "keep calibrating [the balance between] the two." While online's been front and center for some time now, Jones also said he's noticed that people in public relations still love print and the opportunities the medium presents. GamePro is also planning a slight "refresh" on the print side to celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year.
Ultimately, Jones said his priority is to show how GamePro can be "different." Video game publications produce too much of the same content; he believes GamePro can forge a new path.
And Jones isn't the least bit worried about the future of GamePro. Unlike Ziff Davis, which was constantly trying to unload its games group, Jones said that IDG Entertainment is very pleased with the GamePro property. "I feel really, really strong about IDG's commitment to us," Jones commented, adding that the head of IDG is a big believer in the brand. "When the global CEO comes in [during a meeting] and said he loves you, that's like the ultimate vote of confidence."
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