Game Informer

Bibliographic Information: McNamara, A. (Editor). (2013). Game Informer (Magazine). Minneapolis: GameStop Corporation. Website URL: http://www.gameinformer.com/

Content Summary: This monthly American video gaming magazine was developed in 1991 and offers reviews, previews, articles, news, and strategy guides on all of the major video game consoles. Once a year, the editors put together a “Top 50 Games of Lat Year” issue, awarding a Game of the Year, and Top ten Lists in different categories. They also do an annual E3 issue, summarizing all of the major highlights from this prestigious annual video game conference. They review games based on a scale of 1 (awful) to 10 (perfect). Only 23 games have been awarded a ten rating. The covers usually feature very striking game art that wraps across the front and back of each issue.

Wikipedia. (2013). Game Informer. (28 April, 2013). Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Informer

Genre: Magazine

Subjects: videogames, video game consoles, Wii, Wii U, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Nintendo 3DS, Playstation Vita

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues/Defense: Due the graphic nature of some videogames (sexual and violent), this magazine may be challenged. If so, refer to:

1.     The San Francisco Public Library Collection Development Policy, Selection Criteria, and Teen Collection documents.

2.     The California Department of Education District Selection Policies, Reading Lists, and Resources for Recommended Literature: Pre-K-12.

3.     A hard copy of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.

4.     Mixed book reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus, and Publisher’s Weekly.

5.     Book selection rationale.

6.     If necessary, The San Francisco Public Library’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

Reason for Selection: Since GamePro went out of business, this is one of the few magazines left to review games for every console, and provides gamers with a general overview of games, both good and bad. In depth articles focus on the worthwhile games.