In an increasingly digital world, it’s refreshing to see physical magazines still being produced. Even better is one focused on Nintendo’s hottest new console, the Nintendo Switch. Enter: Switch Player Magazine. Since its debut issue in February 2017, Switch Player Magazine has been home to detailed reviews, opinion pieces, news content and more. Being huge fans of the magazine, we had the opportunity to sit down with Executive Editor, Paul Murphy, to learn more about him and Switch Player!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m Paul, I’m 39 and because I’m a “grown-up” I don’t get as much time to play games as I used to… I guess that’s why I’ve always loved handhelds.
I work in a school as a Design and Technology Technician and I’m also a foster parent as well as being a husband and a father to three birth children. I also love football and support Tottenham Hotspur.
What was your first console/game you owned?
The first console we owned at home was the original Game Boy, followed closely by the SNES.
Growing up, do you have any fond childhood video game memories?
Playing copious amounts of Tetris, besting all 96 exits in Super Mario World (up yours, Tubular) and absolutely loving The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. It says “childhood” here, but I was about 15 at this time; it wasn’t until my teens that I got into games. Seriously though, the Tubular level in Super Mario World can do one…stupid balloons.
Before there was Switch Player, you ran another site called The Vita Lounge. Can you provide some insight as to what got you interested in running a video game website?
I’ve always loved the idea of writing about games. Never enough to actually study games journalism or anything (I’d have never been able to afford university anyway), but I’ve always been fascinated with it. In my younger years (in the heyday of magazines, before the Internet) I dreamed of running my own fanzine.
With The Vita Lounge, I’d bought a Vita shortly after launch and was completely dumbfounded by the lack of news, coverage, reviews and anything substantial in the mainstream gaming press (who knew, right?). So I thought I’d set up a blog myself to start offering my views on things and provide a few reviews to help others make informed choices. It sort of blew up a little from there…
Let’s talk about Switch Player Magazine. Debuting in February 2017 and having released your 13th issue in March, the magazine is quickly becoming a must for all Switch fans. Can you share some background as to how Switch went from a concept to a physical (and digital) magazine that Nintendo fans all over the world are now enjoying?
Although its own entity (I didn’t want to simply evolve TVL), everything on Switch Player is a natural evolution of what worked best on TVL. We already produced 25 issues of our print and digital Vitamag, so it was logical to continue that process. Plus, we had the benefit of actually launching it with the system.
It was incredibly challenging, mapping planning and coordinating a launch issue though, the work that went into issues 1 and 2 took many months of organizing. That planning was worth it though, as it allowed us to settle into a structure that we are now reaping the benefit of.
From the amazing cover artwork to the original comics and more, who makes up the Switch Player team?
Too many to list! One of the key things that I wanted for Switch Player was unique cover artwork. All of our Vitamag issues, and many other magazine publishers, use stock artwork for their covers. I wanted something unique, striking and tailor-made so every issue has a custom-designed look. We are always looking for new talent to offer their abilities. I have a phenomenal team of writing talent around me as well, and we are always looking for new writers that are passionate about the Switch and journalism in general. The full list of our current team is inside the cover of each issue.
Protip for anyone running a website or business – surround yourself with people better than you. It’ll make your life easier.
Being Executive Editor is no easy feat! How do you juggle all this responsibility to produce a timely magazine each month along with ensuring the site remains current?
With great difficulty! Honestly though, it’s tricky and that’s where having a phenomenal team around you helps. We’ve settled into a routine now and with issues coming every four weeks (instead of just “monthly”), we have a set system of what needs to be in by when. I’ve got a team of editors that proof everything so all I have to do is put the pieces of the jigsaw together. The vast majority of my time is handling the management side of things and organizing. It takes a tremendous amount of time to coordinate, but seriously, that hardest feat is choosing what makes the cut. We are limited to 60 pages for postage reasons and sometimes we have to snip bits out.
For those who have yet to experience the joy of getting their latest Switch Player Magazine, can you quickly comment as to what they’re missing out on?
Folks that grew up in a non-Internet era relied heavily on magazines for their gaming news and reviews and it’s something that’s always been close to my heart. Despite the plethora of information at our fingertips and on our screens, sometimes we can miss a bit of news, or a feature or perhaps not see a game which could be special. With Switch Player Magazine, the idea is to have a variety of essential information at your fingertips, ready to be glanced at any time and to keep Switch fans informed of all the essential developments.
With the Nintendo Switch now a year old, what have you enjoyed about the system?
Too much! Honestly, who can seriously say that this is where we would be one year on? It’s been an absolute roller coaster of a year and with so many outstanding experiences, the biggest issue has been finding the time to play them all. Being able to play these games, anywhere and anytime has been incredible. I predominantly play in handheld (I can’t always command the monopoly on the TV these days), but sometimes it’s nice to play on the big screen and having that option is nice. The sheer amount of choice has been the thing for me though; this system has had over 400 games in year. Has any system ever had a better supply of quality games?
What advice would you give to Nintendo as they begin their second year with the console?
I don’t think I’m anywhere near qualified enough to give any advice, but I can offer my concerns. The system needs to continue down a similar path with release quality and release frequency, but I think following two Directs and a Nindies showcase, we have no need to worry just yet. Plus, Smash!
What are you most looking forward to in 2018 that has been announced for the Switch?
So many games: The Fractured But Whole, Mario Tennis Aces, Dark Souls Remastered, Octopath Traveler and many more slated, but you cannot look beyond Super Smash Bros. however it appears: port, deluxe or new version.
Here’s a fun one! What are you hoping will release on the Switch this year?
There’s a lot of ports I would love to see, like Red Dead Redemption, Fallout 3, Burnout Paradise and so on, but I think given the relevance and behemoths that they are, PUBG or Fortnite need Switch versions ASAP. That would be immense.
Can you tease what readers can expect in future issues?
We are always looking to improve the quality and design of Switch Player, to ensure that it is the best it can be. Right now, we are working with folks to introduce comic strips, securing new features and looking at all sorts. It’s all fun and games! We are also looking at introducing regular competitions. Well, once we reach a certain number of supporters.
Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share today?
I just want to thank every person that has made a difference to Switch Player, whether you’ve read the free version, bought an issue or bought the lot. Those that have written content for the magazine, those that designed our fabulous artwork or the developers that send us reviews. All of you are special and have made each issue that much more viable, and I just hope that you’ve enjoyed what we’ve created.
If you aren’t yet a supporter and can spare a few quid/dollars every month, then please consider supporting us! Every little helps and you’ll get a cool little thing dedicated to our favorite hybrid console!
Follow and subscribe to Switch Player Magazine
http://switchplayer.net/
https://www.patreon.com/switchplayer
https://twitter.com/SwitchPlayerMag
https://www.instagram.com/switchplayermag/
