G! VOICE started out as the Gamanian magazine! ?
▲ In 2005, 4 volumes of the Gamanian were exclusively issued.
▲ Gamania’s CEO, Albert Liu.
Albert’s words on the 1st issue of the Gamanian (2005):
“The culture of a company is crucial to its growth and development. When I say ‘culture’, I’m referring to the way people interact and work with each other within a company. It determines things that we value along the way, and defines what we stand for. In 2002, when Gamania started testing the waters of the international market, we came in contact with a lot of different cultures. The Gamania we know now is already a hybrid of different aspects, not just Taiwan’s. That is, the new culture of Gamania is, in a nutshell, a global village.
The ‘Gamanian’ is aimed to have our members from different cultures and backgrounds understand each other’s way of life. We all are Gamanians, and we are all responsible for molding our company into something we can relate to. The Gamanian is not a platform for those that already have a voice. It belongs to all Gamanians. I hope that, through this, we can get to know each other on a personal level, in order to maintain a communicative, tight-knitted network. Being a Gamanian means that you can drop your thoughts, big or small, at the Branding Center and have them share it with other members of this family. Make use of it, and be personal. It is your turn to shine, because you are a Gamanian.”
G!Voice’s Chief Editor and Branding Director, Ahbin, also pitched in a few words about the history of our company reading. Exactly how did we establish a “Gamania” brand through the birth of the Gamanian?
▲ Gamania’s Branding Director, Ahbin Chen.
Transcultural Communication: Achieved!
Ahbin recalls that, in 2005, Gamania was already a company known worldwide. Our branches were many times cross-cultural, and spread across different regions. Each office had their own language and life style… But the spirit of Gamania exists in every office corner. That, was our brand. So, we all have our own style, yet as a Gamanian, we are one. With this idea in mind, Ahbin thought is was most important to have a common read that sees the world through the eyes of a Gamanian. The message is clear: No matter which company branch you are in, we are one. The common read turned out to be this magazine: The Gamanian.
2006: The Gamanian: In Chinese! Also Available on Podcast!
▲ In 2006, the Gamanian was issued in its Chinese name: “橘人誌”, with a brand new official page including Podcast!
Ahbin: “The first episode of the Gamanian Podcast was released in 2006. Podcast was the ‘it’ thing back then, and so we just went with it and tried out something never done before.”
Check out the “vintage” Gamanian Podcast now!
G!Voice brings back the hottest Podcast episodes today! Join me down the memory lane, fellow Gamanians.
●2006 The Gamanian Vol. 3 Podcast－Gamania: Spotlight
●2006 The Gamanian Vol. 4 Podcast – Albert Says
The moment our brand and true spirit is delivered! Hear what Albert’s like in person here!
From Digital to Paper copy: Spreading the Word
The transition took place between the Gamanian issues 2005-2006, when Ahbin noticed that readers were nostalgic of actual magazines, and took less interest in e-books. The core concept was to “spread the word” in Gamania, and with paper copies, this idea was much more accessible. Readers outside of Gamania would also be able to get in touch of our culture through these readings, and we touched the hearts of far more gamers this way. The impact was huge. Not only did Gamania establish a strong image of being a young and positive gaming company, many were drawn to the spirit of the Gamanian magazine and hoped to join our family by contacting HR.
▲ The newsprint copy of the Gamanian become widely popular among readers. There were 6 issues available, with themes: F. A. M. IL. Y. as its main features.
As time changes, so do we. The evolution of E-platforms inspired us to go back to digitalizing our stories. The truth is, up to present day, G!Voice started from a simple media form and evolved into a multimedia body of work: It connects current affairs, market observations, branding and contemporary culture; it is a platforms for many platforms.
G!Voice: The Next Step
Guess what: A brand-new G!Voice will be introduced in 2013! In order to stay fresh and true to the notion of being original, G!Voice move on to its next phase with a series of new features, different cover art, and other editing adjustments. Also, the magazine will be issued upon every other month. Feel free to pitch in your thoughts on G!Voice! We sincerely hope to have your suggestions and feedback. Stay tuned for the next issue, and get ready for a big surprise!