1-UP is... Adventures in video game culture. A new zine about how and why we play. It's about video games as a way of life, not just a pastime or private addiction. Stories about triumph and defeat, losing quarters, staying up late, and being invincible. Not your little brother's game mag; no cheats, codes, or centerfolds of virtual vixens. We revel in video games as a cultural experience and as art; blinking lights, blip bloop music, and a million ways to approach "gameplay."
1-Up is published by Raina Lee and and designed by John Pham. Described by Kathleen Hanna as "that beautiful zine about video games," the zine has been featured in UK's Edge, The Face, Giant Robot, XLR8R, Official Playstation Magazine, G4 Media (on TV!).
1. Can I submit something? Will it get
printed?
Yes please! Please check the writing guidelines first. No straight game reviews
please. Also, no ‘ol skool nostalgia articles unless they have some
cultural context in mind, esp those that start off with “when I was
a kid, I remember the Atari…” We are interested in critique
and more personal explorations of video games, and game culture as they
pertain to greater society. We also may not necessarily include your writing
in the next issue if it is not relevant or doesn’t work with our
format. If you’d like, please email me pitches.
If you’d like to contribute any other kinds of help (design, illustrations)
we'd really appreciate it! We could only exist with the support of our friends.
2. Do you pay your writers/ artists?
A: No. 1-Up is made from a labor of love (aka I am going into debt) and
contributors shall be people who are passionate about the subject.
We may look a little fancier now but it’s still independent.
3. Where can I get a copy of 1-Up?
From me directly or at your local comic or indie bookstore.
Please request it!
4. Why did you start 1-Up?
Because I loved video games and knew that the experience was more than
just polygons and graphic engines. Also because I started a video game
mag I would want to read.
5. Do you do subscriptions?
No, not currently but I’d like to starting in the fall. But
as sporadic as my school schedule is, it’s a bit tough. Maybe when
I hire some employees/ interns (anyone in the LA or NYC area please email
me).
6. Why does my order take so long?
Because it’s still at the bottom of my purse. No really,
it’s
because 1-Up is a bedroom operation, so I still do all the envelope licking.
Like most mail order, the books can take 2-4 weeks. Usually within 2.
For international orders, it’s longer.
7. Why aren’t there any more arcades?
Because the NES killed them off! Just kidding. Please support
your neighborhood arcade! But not if it's the Metreon or something.