Defiant New Videogames Magazine Reaches Funding Goal in Just 7 Hours on Kickstarter
{
“title”: “Defiant New Videogames Magazine ‘Continue’ Surpasses Kickstarter Goal in Just 7 Hours, Igniting Australian Games Journalism Revival”,
“content”: “
In an era where the landscape of video game media is constantly shifting, often towards consolidation and automation, a beacon of independent print journalism has emerged in Australia. ‘Continue,’ a new magazine spearheaded by seasoned Australian games journalists Jackson Ryan and Mark Serrels, has not only met but spectacularly surpassed its crowdfunding goals on Kickstarter. The project, which aimed to inject fresh life into the nation’s dwindling games media scene, achieved its initial AU$18,000 funding target in a remarkable seven hours, ultimately raising approximately AU$44,000 within its first 24 hours and exceeding its final stretch goal. This overwhelming support underscores a significant appetite for thoughtful, in-depth, and locally relevant video game coverage.
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The Precarious State of Australian Games Media
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The success of ‘Continue’ arrives at a critical juncture for Australian video game journalism. Over the past five years, the Down Under media scene has experienced a particularly harsh contraction. While layoffs and the closure of outlets have become a global trend in games media, Australia has seemingly borne a disproportionate brunt. Established websites have shuttered, experienced writers have been let go, and many surviving platforms have pivoted towards less substantive content, often driven by affiliate marketing or, more recently, the pervasive influence of AI-generated text. This decline has left a void, diminishing the presence of critical analysis, investigative reporting, and unique cultural perspectives on gaming within the Australian context.
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Jackson Ryan, one of ‘Continue’s founders, articulated the sentiment driving the project on their Kickstarter page: \”It’s been a brutal time for videogames. Industry wide layoffs, studios shutting down. Games writing has suffered, too. We’ve watched on as our favourite outlets disappear — or worse, transform into AI slop factories,\” he stated. \”It feels bleak. It feels like there’s no light at the end of this very dark tunnel. But we believe audiences love great games writing. So we don’t want to give up.\” This sentiment resonates deeply with a community that values authentic voices and substantive content over fleeting, algorithm-driven articles.
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‘Continue’: A Vision for Quality and Community
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‘Continue’ is more than just a magazine; it’s a statement of defiance against the prevailing trends. Described as a \”defiant, new videogames magazine,\” its core mission is to champion long-form journalism, insightful essays, and engaging creator interviews. The publication aims to feature some of the most prominent and respected voices in Australian games journalism, ensuring a high standard of quality and a distinct local flavour. The initial issue boasts an impressive roster of contributors, including:
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- Alanah Pearce
- Ruby Innes
- Ally McLean
- James O’Connor
- Ben Armstrong
- And many more established and emerging talents.
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Crucially, ‘Continue’ is not just about established names. Ryan and Serrels have actively opened the doors for aspiring writers, encouraging pitches from new talent. This commitment to nurturing the next generation of games journalists is a vital component of their strategy to rebuild and sustain the Australian games media ecosystem. By providing a platform for diverse perspectives and fresh voices, ‘Continue’ aims to foster a richer, more inclusive conversation around video games.
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From Print to Digital: Expanding the ‘Continue’ Universe
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The success of the Kickstarter campaign has immediate implications for the magazine’s reach and future development. Beyond funding the initial print run, the overwhelming support has enabled Ryan and Serrels to set ambitious stretch goals. Notably, surpassing the AU$40,000 mark means that ‘Continue’ will evolve into a dedicated online presence. The team plans to establish a website, continuemagazine.com, which will serve as a digital home for the magazine’s content, offering a platform for additional articles, archives, and community engagement. This dual approach—combining the tangible appeal of a print magazine with the accessibility of a digital hub—is designed to maximize the impact and longevity of the ‘Continue’ brand.
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Even though the campaign has surpassed its final stretch goal, there is still a month left for the public to contribute. Funds raised beyond the initial targets will be instrumental in securing the production of ‘Continue’ issue #2, allowing the team to further refine the magazine’s format, expand its contributor base, and solidify its online infrastructure. This ongoing support is crucial for establishing ‘Continue’ as a sustainable and influential force in Australian games media for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions about ‘Continue’ Magazine
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What is ‘Continue’ magazine?
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‘Continue’ is a new print magazine focused on video game journalism, founded by Australian journalists Jackson Ryan and Mark Serrels. It aims to revive and support the Australian games media scene with in-depth articles, essays, and interviews.
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Why was ‘Continue’ created?
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The magazine was created in response to the significant decline of video game media in Australia, characterized by layoffs, outlet closures, and a perceived shift towards lower-quality content. Ryan and Serrels believe there is a strong audience demand for high-quality, independent games writing.
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How did ‘Continue’ perform on Kickstarter?
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The Kickstarter campaign was highly successful, reaching its initial AU$18,000 goal in just seven hours. It ultimately raised approximately AU$44,000 within 24 hours and surpassed its final stretch goal of AU$40,000, demonstrating significant public support.
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What will the Kickstarter funds be used for?
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The funds will be used to print the first issue of ‘Continue,’ establish a companion website (continuemagazine.com), and support the development and production of a second issue. The success also allows for the expansion of the contributor pool and the nurturing of new writing talent.
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Who are some of the featured writers in ‘Continue’?
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The first issue will feature contributions from prominent Australian games journalists and writers, including Alanah Pearce, Ruby Innes, Ally McLean, James O’Connor, and Ben Armstrong
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