PSM3
A defunct British video game magazine focused on Sony PlayStation consoles and handheld systems.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
PSM3 was a British video game magazine devoted to Sony's PlayStation ecosystem, including the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. It was published by Future plc and began publication in October 2000 under the title PSM2. The original name reflected the magazine's emphasis on PlayStation 2, but the publication later changed its title to PSM3 in issue 78 as Sony's third home console became the central focus of its coverage. The magazine operated in the specialist games-press market, combining game reviews, previews, news, hardware coverage, buying advice and commentary on the wider PlayStation business. Although its editorial identity was centered on PlayStation, its contributors included freelance writers associated with other major games and culture publications, including Edge, PC Gamer and NME. This gave the magazine access to a broader pool of specialist and enthusiast writing rather than relying only on a fixed in-house staff. A distinctive part of PSM3's print product was its cover disc. The disc contained game-related video material and reviews, with writers often recording spoken commentary over footage in a format comparable to a director's commentary or an early video podcast. In 2007, the magazine issued a double-sided disc combining its regular DVD content with high-definition game trailers, screenshots and game saves that could be transferred to a computer or PlayStation 3. PSM3 also developed a digital presence. Its blog began in the middle of 2006 as an independent publication and was integrated into Future's CVG network in early 2007 alongside other Future games magazines, including Xbox World. The blog broadened the brand's ability to respond quickly to hardware launches and breaking news. In 2006, videos showing PlayStation 3 hardware being used outside a controlled demonstration environment attracted substantial attention on YouTube. Sony removed the original footage, after which copies were widely reposted by other users. During the Japanese PlayStation 3 launch, freelance contributor Joel Snape also used the blog to report live from the queue at the Asobits store in Akihabara. The brand expanded further into audio in 2007. PSM3 announced a podcast in June, invited readers to suggest discussion topics, and released its first episodes in the following weeks. The programs were long-form discussions, generally exceeding an hour, and used audience questions to create a more participatory relationship with readers. The editorial team produced many additional episodes before publishing its final podcast in January 2013, when it reflected on the magazine's history and the events of 2012. In July 2011, PSM3 received a redesign intended to address the preferences of a modern adult games audience. The redesign represented an attempt to refresh the publication's presentation and positioning as the PlayStation 3 generation matured. It was not enough to secure the magazine's long-term continuation. On 13 November 2012, Future announced that PSM3 and its sister publication Xbox World would close. The final issue of PSM3 went on sale on 12 December 2012, and the brand subsequently became defunct.
History
PSM3 originated in October 2000 as PSM2, a Future plc magazine serving the PlayStation 2 audience. It entered a competitive specialist-games publishing market in which magazines combined editorial coverage with review discs and other supplemental media. The title built its identity around Sony hardware and software, covering the PlayStation platform rather than operating as a general games magazine. As Sony's PlayStation 3 became the dominant subject for the brand, the publication changed its name to PSM3 from issue 78. The new title signaled a shift in emphasis while retaining coverage of PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. Its content included game reviews, previews, news, hardware material and commentary. The magazine also used regular freelance contributors, including writers with connections to Edge, PC Gamer and NME. The cover disc was an important part of the product. PSM3 used it to distribute game footage, reviews and other video features. Writers recorded commentary over footage, creating an editorial format that anticipated the conversational style of podcasts and online video. In 2007, a double-sided disc added high-definition trailers, screenshots and game saves alongside the regular DVD material. The brand's digital expansion began with a blog launched in the middle of 2006. Initially independent, it joined Future's CVG network in early 2007 with other Future games-magazine properties. The blog allowed the team to publish material outside the print cycle. Its most visible moments included videos of PlayStation 3 hardware operating in an uncontrolled environment, which attracted significant online attention before Sony removed the original footage. Copies were subsequently reposted elsewhere. The blog also carried live reporting from the Japanese PlayStation 3 launch, including freelance writer Joel Snape's account from the queue at an Akihabara retailer. PSM3 added a podcast in 2007. The team solicited reader questions and topic suggestions, and the early episodes were more than an hour long. The format became a continuing extension of the magazine's editorial voice and community engagement. The team eventually produced a final episode in January 2013, after the print magazine had ended. In July 2011, Future refreshed the magazine with a redesign intended to appeal to a modern adult-gamer readership. The change attempted to keep the brand relevant as games media consumption and the PlayStation market evolved. On 13 November 2012, Future announced the closure of PSM3 and sister title Xbox World. The final PSM3 issue was released on 12 December 2012. The related podcast ended shortly afterward, and PSM3 is now a defunct magazine brand.
- 2013
Final podcast episode
[1]The team released its last podcast episode in January and reflected on the publication's history.
- 2012
Final issue published
[1]Future announced the closure in November, and the final issue went on sale on 12 December.
- 2011
Editorial redesign
[1]A July redesign sought to make the magazine more relevant to adult gamers.
- 2007
Blog joins the CVG network
[1]The formerly independent blog became part of Future's CVG network.
- 2007
Double-sided disc released
[1]PSM3 issued a double-sided disc with standard DVD content on one side and high-definition trailers, screenshots and game saves on the other.
- 2007
Podcast launched
[1]The team introduced a podcast shaped in part by reader questions and suggestions.
- 2006
PSM3 blog begins
[1]The publication established a blog to supplement its print coverage and respond more quickly to PlayStation news.
- 2000
Launch as PSM2
[1]The magazine began publication in October under the name PSM2, focusing on Sony's PlayStation 2 and related games.
Products and positioning
A specialist PlayStation enthusiast publication combining magazine journalism with review media, online reporting and reader-oriented audio discussion.
Print magazine · 2000
PSM3 magazine
The core product was a specialist video game magazine covering Sony's PlayStation consoles and handheld systems. It combined reviews, previews, news, hardware coverage and editorial commentary, with the PlayStation 3 as its main focus after the title changed from PSM2. PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable remained part of its coverage.
Game-media disc
PSM3 cover disc
PSM3's cover disc supplemented the printed magazine with game footage, reviews and other video material. Writers sometimes recorded commentary over the footage, giving the disc a format similar to a director's commentary. A 2007 double-sided edition added high-definition trailers, screenshots and game saves that could be transferred to a computer or PlayStation 3.
Online publication · 2006
PSM3 blog
The blog, launched in 2006, extended PSM3 beyond its print schedule. It reported on PlayStation hardware and launches, hosted notable video material and later became part of Future's CVG network. Its coverage included reports from the Japanese PlayStation 3 launch and videos of PlayStation 3 hardware in use.
Podcast · 2007
PSM3 podcast
The podcast launched in 2007 after the team asked readers for discussion topics. Episodes used long-form conversation and audience questions, commonly running for more than an hour. The format continued alongside the magazine and concluded with a retrospective episode released in January 2013.
Brand decisions
2012
Close PSM3 and Xbox WorldOtherBackground
Future announced the closure of the two sister console magazines on 13 November 2012.
Action taken
The publisher discontinued both titles; PSM3's final issue went on sale on 12 December 2012.
Aftermath
PSM3 ceased publication, and its editorial team's final podcast followed in January 2013.
2011
Redesign for adult gamersStrategyBackground
The publication sought to respond to the needs of a more mature games audience and changing expectations for specialist games media.
Action taken
PSM3 introduced a redesign in July 2011.
Aftermath
The redesign refreshed the magazine's presentation, but the title was later closed by Future in 2012.
- Rename the publication from PSM2 to PSM3Strategy
Background
The magazine's editorial focus increasingly shifted toward Sony's PlayStation 3 while still retaining PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable coverage.
Action taken
Future changed the title to PSM3 beginning with issue 78.
Aftermath
The new name aligned the brand with Sony's newer console generation.
Recent events
- 2013
PSM3 team releases its final podcast[1]
Other
In January, the team published its final podcast episode, looking back on the magazine's history and its experiences during 2012.
- 2012
Future announces the closure of PSM3[1]
Other
On 13 November, publisher Future announced that PSM3 and sister magazine Xbox World would be discontinued.
- 2012
PSM3 publishes its final issue[1]
Other
The last issue went on sale on 12 December, ending the magazine's print run.
- 2011
PSM3 undergoes an editorial and visual redesign[1]
Other
In July, the magazine was redesigned to appeal more directly to the needs and tastes of an adult games audience.
- 2007
PSM3 integrates its blog into the CVG network[1]
Other
The publication's blog, which had started independently in 2006, became part of Future's CVG network alongside other games-magazine sites.
- 2007
PSM3 introduces a double-sided cover disc[1]
Product launch
The magazine released a disc combining its standard DVD material with high-definition game trailers, screenshots and transferable game saves.
- 2007
PSM3 announces its podcast[1]
Product launch
The editorial team announced a reader-influenced podcast in June and released its first episodes during the summer, beginning a longer-running audio format.
- 2000
PSM2 launches as a PlayStation-focused magazine[1]
Product launch
The publication began in October 2000 under the name PSM2, targeting readers interested in Sony's PlayStation 2 and related games.
PSM2 changes its name to PSM3[1]
Product generation
Beginning with issue 78, the magazine adopted the PSM3 name to place greater emphasis on Sony's PlayStation 3 while continuing to cover PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable.
Sources1 sources
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