Gaming Target
Encyclopedia
Gaming Target is a website
covering video games and gaming culture that was founded on February 17, 1999 by Matt Swider.
and Game Boy Color
. The site began using the GamingTarget.com domain and opened a Dreamcast section on September 9, 1999, the same day as the DC's North American launch.
Various redesigns and server outages would plague the site in 2000 and in early 2001 it went offline to undergo a complete revamp. The new Gaming Target went live on May 15, 2001 and the site has been in continuous operation ever since. In addition to the new design, sections were added for the PlayStation 2
, Game Boy Advance
and GameCube. A section devoted to the Xbox
would open in October during the run-up to that console's November launch.
In September 2002, Gaming Target was redesigned again and became an affiliate of UGO
. This deal allowed UGO to syndicate articles from Gaming Target on UGO's Games channel.
In late 2004, the site underwent another redesign (still used today) and opened sections covering the Nintendo DS
and PlayStation Portable
. In May 2005, during the build-up to E3, Gaming Target added sections for the PC, N-Gage
and the next-generation Xbox 360
, PS3 and Wii
. Finally, in June 2006, the Retro channel was opened, providing coverage of retired console, handheld and PC games.
Gaming Target has won acclaim for its "Video Game Librarian" series of articles. The series details a pilot program of how video games and gaming-related media enhance library collections while serving people's tastes. Both the initiative and the articles have been recognized by professionals in the library community, including the Library Journal
.
In addition to reviewing current games, Gaming Target also publishes a series of articles that delve into the history of games and gaming. Some of the more popular articles include a history of the Contra series
, a history of the Tomb Raider series
, an overview of Star Wars
games, a history of Sonic the Hedgehog
titles, and a look at wrestling
games.
Gaming Target has been involved in controversy in the video game community on two separate occasions. First, it tried to decode the release date of the Wii from a cryptic Nintendo press release. While their guess of an October 2 Wii release was ultimately wrong, it spurred much discussion, with some enthusiasts responding with supporting evidence and others responding with release date theories of their own.
However, some analysts scoffed at the idea that the press release actually contained any coded information at all.
Later, in October 2006, the site published a satirical article showcasing how to use the Kreate a Fighter option in the newest Mortal Kombat game, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
. The article includes instructions on how to insert noted anti-video game attorney Jack Thompson
into the game. Citing a contempt charge the lawyer received from a Florida judge, the article calls him “the most violent man in America, ergo, perfect for Mortal Kombat.” Thompson responded by sending a letter to Midway Games
demanding they cease and desist
selling Mortal Kombat: Armageddon based on his claim that the game was illegally profiting from his likeness. The incident was widely reported in the mainstream and gaming press and was picked up by journalists at sites like GameSpot, The Inquirer, Slashdot and many more. Midway chose not to respond to Thompson's allegation.
Website
A website, also written as Web site, web site, or simply site, is a collection of related web pages containing images, videos or other digital assets. A website is hosted on at least one web server, accessible via a network such as the Internet or a private local area network through an Internet...
covering video games and gaming culture that was founded on February 17, 1999 by Matt Swider.
History
When it launched in 1999, Gaming Target focused solely on the Nintendo 64Nintendo 64
The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil...
and Game Boy Color
Game Boy Color
The is Nintendo's successor to the 8-bit Game Boy handheld game console, and was released on October 21, 1998 in Japan, November 19, 1998 in North America, November 23, 1998 in Europe and November 27, 1998 in the United Kingdom. It features a color screen and is slightly thicker and taller than...
. The site began using the GamingTarget.com domain and opened a Dreamcast section on September 9, 1999, the same day as the DC's North American launch.
Various redesigns and server outages would plague the site in 2000 and in early 2001 it went offline to undergo a complete revamp. The new Gaming Target went live on May 15, 2001 and the site has been in continuous operation ever since. In addition to the new design, sections were added for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
, Game Boy Advance
Game Boy Advance
The is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed, manufactured, and marketed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001; in North America on June 11, 2001; in Australia and Europe on June 22, 2001; and in the People's Republic of China...
and GameCube. A section devoted to the Xbox
Xbox
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
would open in October during the run-up to that console's November launch.
In September 2002, Gaming Target was redesigned again and became an affiliate of UGO
UGO
UGO Entertainment, Inc. is a website providing coverage of online media in entertainment targeting males age 18–34. The company is currently based in New York, New York, United States. On July 24, 2007 it was announced that Hearst Corporation would acquire UGO Entertainment...
. This deal allowed UGO to syndicate articles from Gaming Target on UGO's Games channel.
In late 2004, the site underwent another redesign (still used today) and opened sections covering the Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
and PlayStation Portable
PlayStation Portable
The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
. In May 2005, during the build-up to E3, Gaming Target added sections for the PC, N-Gage
N-Gage
The N-Gage is a mobile telephone and handheld game system by Nokia, based on the Nokia Series 60 platform, released in October 2003. It began sales on October 7, 2003. The N-Gage QD replaced the original N-Gage in 2004....
and the next-generation Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
, PS3 and Wii
Wii
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
. Finally, in June 2006, the Retro channel was opened, providing coverage of retired console, handheld and PC games.
Notability
In its seven years of operation, Gaming Target has created a database of over 1500 reviews. It is currently ranked as the 27th largest review archive by Gamerankings.Gaming Target has won acclaim for its "Video Game Librarian" series of articles. The series details a pilot program of how video games and gaming-related media enhance library collections while serving people's tastes. Both the initiative and the articles have been recognized by professionals in the library community, including the Library Journal
Library Journal
Library Journal is a trade publication for librarians. It was founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey . It reports news about the library world, emphasizing public libraries, and offers feature articles about aspects of professional practice...
.
In addition to reviewing current games, Gaming Target also publishes a series of articles that delve into the history of games and gaming. Some of the more popular articles include a history of the Contra series
Contra series
is a video game series produced by Konami composed primarily of run and gun-style shoot-'em-ups. The series debuted in as a coin-operated arcade game simply titled Contra, which was followed by the release of Super Contra in and several sequels produced for various home platforms.The in-universe...
, a history of the Tomb Raider series
Tomb Raider series
Tomb Raider is a media franchise consisting of video games, comic books, novels, theme park rides and movies, centring around the adventures of the fictional British archaeologist Lara Croft...
, an overview of Star Wars
Star Wars computer and video games
Star Wars has spawned over one hundred computer and video games, dating back to some of the earliest home consoles. Some are based directly on movie material, with the remaining games heavily involved in the Expanded Universe.-Early history:...
games, a history of Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog series
Sonic the Hedgehog is the best selling video game series released by Sega starring and named after its mascot character, Sonic the Hedgehog...
titles, and a look at wrestling
Professional wrestling
Professional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
games.
Gaming Target has been involved in controversy in the video game community on two separate occasions. First, it tried to decode the release date of the Wii from a cryptic Nintendo press release. While their guess of an October 2 Wii release was ultimately wrong, it spurred much discussion, with some enthusiasts responding with supporting evidence and others responding with release date theories of their own.
However, some analysts scoffed at the idea that the press release actually contained any coded information at all.
Later, in October 2006, the site published a satirical article showcasing how to use the Kreate a Fighter option in the newest Mortal Kombat game, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon is the seventh game in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. The PlayStation 2 version was released in stores on October 11, 2006 while the Xbox version was released on the October 16, with a Wii version released on May 29, 2007 in North America.The game was not released...
. The article includes instructions on how to insert noted anti-video game attorney Jack Thompson
Jack Thompson (attorney)
John Bruce "Jack" Thompson is an American activist and disbarred attorney, based in Coral Gables, Florida. Thompson is known for his role as an anti-video-game activist, particularly against violence and sex in video games....
into the game. Citing a contempt charge the lawyer received from a Florida judge, the article calls him “the most violent man in America, ergo, perfect for Mortal Kombat.” Thompson responded by sending a letter to Midway Games
Midway Games
Midway Games, Inc. is an American company that was formerly a major video game publisher. Following a bankruptcy filing in 2009, it is no longer active and is in the process of liquidating all of its assets. Midway's titles included Mortal Kombat, Ms.Pac-Man, Spy Hunter, Tron, Rampage, the...
demanding they cease and desist
Cease and desist
A cease and desist is an order or request to halt an activity and not to take it up again later or else face legal action. The recipient of the cease-and-desist may be an individual or an organization....
selling Mortal Kombat: Armageddon based on his claim that the game was illegally profiting from his likeness. The incident was widely reported in the mainstream and gaming press and was picked up by journalists at sites like GameSpot, The Inquirer, Slashdot and many more. Midway chose not to respond to Thompson's allegation.