Future closes down Play magazine, which focused on PlayStation content

The gaming magazine Play, one of the last of its kind in the UK, is ceasing publication.

According to a brief announcement shared on their social media, Play expressed regret, revealing that the upcoming issue focused on Sony will be its last.

The Official PlayStation Magazine in the UK was discontinued in May 2021 after 25 years, and was succeeded by Play, a new magazine launched by Future Publishing, featuring the same editorial team minus the official Sony affiliation.

Though rebranded, Play functioned as a successor to OPM, created by the "same team of writers, editors, and designers." It ended a 29-year publishing journey by running for four years.

Oscar Taylor-Kent, Play's editor, noted in a lengthy post on GamesRadar+, Future's main gaming website, that "games eventually have to end, whether due to in-game failures or merely reaching the credits." He remarked that this time has also arrived for their publication.

Taylor-Kent reflected on the magazine as a blend of previous UK gaming magazines, including the Official PlayStation Magazine and PSM, which have all since closed.

He particularly acknowledged the contributions of team members Jessica Kinghorn, Miriam McDonald, and Milford Coppock, praising their work on both OPM and Play.

In a related development, Game Informer also ceased operations in August after 33 years.