Famitsu
The first issue of Famitsu appeared on the 6th of June 1986 under the name Famicom Tsūshin. It sold less than 200,000 copies despite a print run of 700,000. The magazine began as a column in Login from March 1985 to December 1986 before becoming its own publication. A major competitor was Family Computer Magazine launched by Tokuma Shoten in July 1985. Editors noticed readers owned multiple consoles and decided to broaden coverage beyond just Nintendo systems. The title changed again on the 19th of July 1991 when issue number 136 arrived with weekly publication status. Hirokazu Hamamura served as editor-in-chief from 1992 until 2002. He felt a new era had begun after seeing a private demonstration of Final Fantasy VI in 1993. By early 1996 with issue 369, the magazines shortened their names to simply Famitsu.
ASCII published the magazine from its founding through March 2000. Enterbrain took over ownership for thirteen years starting that same month. Kadokawa then published it from 2013 to 2017 under its parent company structure. Since 2017, Kadokawa's subsidiary Gzbrain has handled all publishing duties. In 2019, the company officially changed its name to Kadokawa Game Linkage. Digital versions began appearing on BookWalker weekly starting the 28th of October 2011. The original publisher ASCII started the computer game magazine as an extra issue back in 1982. That initial effort later evolved into periodic releases before becoming a dedicated monthly format. The transition between owners marked significant shifts in editorial direction and market positioning throughout three decades of operation.
Shūkan Famitsū operates as a weekly publication released every Thursday. Circulation numbers reach approximately 500,000 copies per issue. This version focuses heavily on video game news and reviews for current platforms. Gekkan Famitsū runs on a monthly schedule instead of weekly frequency. The original Famicom Tsūshin initially focused solely on Nintendo systems before expanding coverage. Publication frequency increased from semimonthly to three times per month during early growth phases. Weekly issues carry the weight of breaking news while monthly editions provide deeper analysis. Both formats coexist within the same brand identity despite different release schedules. The circulation figure represents one of the highest among Japanese gaming magazines today.
Artist Susumu Matsushita created Necky the Fox as a costumed cartoon character. Odd-numbered issues feature Necky while even-numbered ones showcase pop idols or actresses. Year-end and special editions show Necky dressed as popular contemporary video game characters. His name came from a reader poll and derives from reversing the Japanese word for fox. The original connection to Famicom Tsūshin evokes the bark sound of a fox in Japanese. Necky makes cameo appearances in games like Super Mario Maker. Costumes worn by the mascot reflect current trends in the video game industry. The character has become an enduring symbol of the magazine's identity across multiple decades.
Four critics each assign scores ranging from zero to ten for every reviewed game. These individual ratings combine into a total score out of forty points. Thirty games have achieved perfect scores of forty since the system began. PlayStation 3 holds the record with seven total perfect-scoring titles. Five perfect scores exist on both Xbox 360 and Wii platforms combined. Franchises like The Legend of Zelda produced five perfect scoring entries together. Metal Gear earned three perfect scores while Final Fantasy secured two. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth received the most recent perfect score available. Only three completely foreign games achieved full marks including Skyrim and Grand Theft Auto V. Most perfect scores come from Japanese companies such as Nintendo, Square Enix, Sega, Konami, and Capcom.
Famitsu publishes dedicated magazines covering specific consoles and gaming genres. Famicom Tsūshin Kōryaku Special targeted younger audiences until September 2002. Famitsū Comic ran irregularly between 1992 and 1995 before ending publication. Sega Saturn Tsūshin covered Dreamcast news through various incarnations over time. Mobile gaming coverage appears in separate titles via GREE and Mobage platforms. A Satellaview magazine existed for only twelve issues from May 1995 to May 1996. Virtual Boy got just one issue published in 1995. PlayStation Tsūshin began in May 1996 and later became Famitsū PS2 plus PSP+PS3. GameWave DVD included video game footage on NTSC Region 2 discs from September 2000 to May 2011. Xbox and Xbox 360 news received monthly coverage starting January 2002 until discontinuation in 2013. Retro gaming content now lives in a monthly title launched November 2010.
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Common questions
When did the first issue of Famitsu appear under its original name?
The first issue of Famitsu appeared on the 6th of June 1986 under the name Famicom Tsūshin. It sold less than 200,000 copies despite a print run of 700,000.
Who served as editor-in-chief of Famitsu from 1992 until 2002?
Hirokazu Hamamura served as editor-in-chief from 1992 until 2002. He felt a new era had begun after seeing a private demonstration of Final Fantasy VI in 1993.
Which console holds the record for the most perfect scores awarded by Famitsu critics?
PlayStation 3 holds the record with seven total perfect-scoring titles. Thirty games have achieved perfect scores of forty since the system began.
What is the circulation number for Shukan Famitsu per issue?
Circulation numbers reach approximately 500,000 copies per issue. This version focuses heavily on video game news and reviews for current platforms.
When did digital versions of Famitsu begin appearing on BookWalker weekly?
Digital versions began appearing on BookWalker weekly starting the 28th of October 2011. The original publisher ASCII started the computer game magazine as an extra issue back in 1982.