I started digitizing my collection of Paper Mayhem magazines. The wikipedia article can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_Mayhem
Paper Mayhem was a niche magazine dedicated to the play-by-mail (PBM) gaming community, first published in the mid-1980s. It became a significant resource for enthusiasts of this unique gaming genre, providing a platform for players to connect, share strategies, and stay informed about the latest PBM games and developments.
The magazine featured a variety of content tailored to the interests of PBM gamers. It included detailed reviews and analyses of new and existing PBM games, helping readers decide which games to join. Additionally, it published strategy guides, player tips, and game-related articles that enhanced the gaming experience and offered insights into successful play.
One of the standout aspects of Paper Mayhem was its focus on community building. The magazine regularly included player-written columns and letters, fostering a sense of camaraderie among readers. These contributions allowed players to share their experiences, discuss game mechanics, and offer advice, creating a vibrant and interactive community.
Paper Mayhem also served as a valuable tool for PBM game operators. It provided a space for them to advertise their games, announce updates, and recruit new players. This symbiotic relationship between the magazine and game operators helped sustain the PBM industry and kept the community informed about new opportunities.
Despite its niche focus, Paper Mayhem maintained a loyal readership throughout its run. The magazine's dedication to quality content and community engagement made it an essential resource for PBM gamers. However, with the rise of digital gaming and the internet, the PBM genre declined, leading to the eventual discontinuation of Paper Mayhem in the late 1990s.
The magazine was instrumental in building and maintaining the PBM gaming community before the rise of digital gaming platforms. It served as a crucial platform for communication, strategy sharing, and community building among PBM enthusiasts.
Click here to view my archive.org page. List of published magazine I scanned into archive.org.
