Video game fandom before the internet

Old gaming magazines provide a glimpse into a world that no longer exists. A very specific moment in time. As such, they’re a treasure trove of historic information. And sometimes they really deliver the goods. Like this editorial from industry legend Arnie Katz in the December 1992 issue of Electronic Games magazine (volume 1, issue 3).   

By this point Arnie had been kicking around the industry for a couple of decades, and was well known for his advocacy of gaming fandom. He was especially active in the fanzine scene (amateur magazines, made by fans, usually photocopied).

Anyway, in this particular editorial, he calls for the establishment of a national fan organisation. A way for people to communicate and share their interest in gaming.

“Fans need a group to represent their interests in the professional gaming industry and to support projects that can benefit gamers everywhere. Among the worthwhile things a national organisation could accomplish: a fanzine index, new game release lists, an amateur press association, a letters forum for debate on game related issues, and ultimately, a World Electronic Gaming Convention. No single fan can do all these things, but fandom can turn them all into realities if we pull together.”

…Oh Arnie, you sweet summer child. If only you knew what you were asking for, and how the introduction of the internet and social media as outlets for fan discourse would actually play out in gaming…