In November 1981, a small magazine landed on newsstands that would change the way the world consumed video games forever. Computer and Video Games, known to its readers as CVG, was the first publication in the world dedicated entirely to video games. Its inaugural issue did not feature the flashy graphics or complex narratives of modern titles, but instead offered articles on Space Invaders, Chess, and Othello alongside practical advice on how to learn programming. This humble beginning marked the birth of a media empire that would outlast its competitors by decades, becoming the longest-running video game media brand in history. The magazine capitalized on the exploding home computing market while still giving space to arcade games, bridging the gap between hobbyist coding and mainstream entertainment. By the second half of 1986, the magazine had secured an average circulation of 106,000 copies, proving that there was a hungry audience for dedicated gaming journalism.
The Hit Award
The magazine introduced a scoring system that became a badge of honor for developers and a guide for consumers. Reviews featured a numerical score, but the true prize was the C+VG Hit award, a logo that appeared on the highest-rated games. This simple graphic became a powerful marketing tool, influencing sales for titles both big and small. The award was not merely a rating; it was a stamp of approval that could make a game's career. In 1992, the magazine expanded its reach by launching Go!, a handheld gaming supplement bundled with the main publication. This addition acknowledged the growing trend of portable gaming, ensuring that CVG remained relevant as the industry shifted from stationary arcade cabinets and home consoles to handheld devices. The magazine's ability to adapt its format while maintaining its core identity allowed it to survive the transition from print to digital.The Golden Ceremony
In April 1983, the magazine published the results of its first Golden Joystick Awards, marking the beginning of the longest-running gaming ceremony in the world. The ceremony took place in Berkeley Square, where DJ Dave Lee Travis presented the award for best game of the year to Jetpac. This event transformed the magazine from a simple reviewer into a cultural arbiter of the gaming industry. The awards moved online in 1999 with the launch of CVG.com, ensuring the tradition continued into the digital age. The Golden Joystick Awards became a staple of the gaming calendar, celebrating achievements that mainstream media often ignored. The magazine's ability to host such a prestigious event solidified its status as a leader in the field, creating a legacy that would outlive the print version itself.