Steel Media Ltd is this week unveiling its plans to enter the PC games industry business.
We're best known for our activity in the mobile games industry, having created the leading consumer sites PocketGamer.co.uk, 148Apps and AppSpy, the number one dedicated industry portal PocketGamer.biz, and subsequently the market-leading PG Connects mobile games conferences and supporting events series.
Last year we successfully launched into the virtual reality space with industry portal The Virtual Report, the VR Connects conference series, VR Indie Pitches and the Global VR Challenge.
Brand new site and conference
Now we're looking to add a further string to our bow by entering the PC games industry with a combination of digital media portals, conference activity and supporting events.
First to arrive will be brand new B2B channel, PCGamesInsider.biz, set to go live at the end of July.
Shortly after, we'll be running our first PC Indie Pitch as part of activities during Gamescom week in Cologne (August), and then roll out our first PC-related conference content with a PC track, expo and pitch event as part of PG Connects Helsinki in September.
A more complete PC Connects event, alongside PG Connects London in January 2018, will follow.
To execute this PC vision, we've secured the services of Alex Calvin, former Deputy Editor of MCV, who has been named editor of the new site and will oversee editorial content.
Our senior sales manager Alex Boucher (former commercial sales manager at Develop/Intent Media) and Steel Media’s head of sales Lisa Bisset (formerly Babel) will manage the commercial side, all overseen by Steel Media COO Dave Bradley – who himself has considerable industry chops having previously edited PC titles, including the official Microsoft Windows magazine, whilst at Future.
Big plans
"I've been a PC gamer for 25 years and it’s very exciting to be exploring that industry again,” said Bradley.
“There's so much going on in the PC space at the moment, for both triple-A publishers and indie studios. From HTML5 browser games to the latest hardcore eSports, not to mention the hardware scene, there's tons to talk about.
“With our VR site and events, 2017 has already seen Steel Media expand into new territories, and adding PC to our line-up feels like a natural fit. Steel Media is renowned for delivering expert B2B knowledge and utility, and with Alex Calvin on board we'll doing the same for PC as we already do for mobile and VR. I can't wait to welcome innovative PC developers into our famous Big Indie Pitch events."
Steel Media CEO Chris James said the move is a natural evolution and growth for the company, which is by no means stepping away from its mobile gaming core.
“I’m super excited to be broadening Steel Media’s reach into the PC market. Mobile will always remain at the heart of what we do, so we’re not changing there, but in many ways the rest of the games industry has moved closer towards us, thanks to digital distribution, free-to-play, and games as a service,” said James.
“So whilst there are many obvious differences there is definitely common ground and plenty of learnings for both formats. Naturally this will also segue very nicely into our VR activity, which has covered mobile VR, and PC and console VR. Ultimately we hope to provide the same service to the PC industry – and to those who span PC and mobile – as we have to mobile.”
To get involved or submit stories contact Alex.Calvin@steelmedia.co.uk. For commercial opportunities contact Alex.Boucher@steelmedia.co.uk.
