Unfortunately, no more AREA 5 in Atomix
matt chandronaitI hate making “business decisions.” When the guys from Atomix originally approached us, the idea seemed like mana from heaven. Here was an iPad app that could finally allow us to directly charge for the creation of our content. Unless you’re the size of IGN or Gamespot, making a decent income from advertising dollars alone is an increasingly difficult prospect and, quite frankly, the almighty ad-dollar isn’t an arena we’re interested in competing in. While we knew Atomix was a risk for us financially, the potential outcome—producing video about videogames, our first love—was enough of an attractor to get us on board.
The Atomix team down in Mexico City are a fantastic bunch of dudes. We love those guys and we’re happy to report that Atomix magazine has lined up an editorial staff so that the magazine will continue right on schedule with monthly releases in both English and Spanish. In fact, the next issue is going to be free! Our time producing content for the magazine might be over, but I know that Atomix magazine will continue to get some issue sales every month from the members of this little startup in San Francisco, and we hope you’ll continue to support them as well. All of us at AREA 5 sincerely wish them all the success in the world and the two companies have left the possibility open that we could work together again in the future. After all, this wasn’t some stupid tiff over editorial or a relationship gone sour, this was AREA 5 doing what it needed to do to prosper as a business. For now, that means building up enough cash-on-hand in our company bank account that we can take some really big risks in the future, and we hope you’ll jump back on board with us when the time is right.
But, in spite of this news, we’re actually in a very good place as a company. The deals we’ve got pending, if all goes according to plan, could mean real growth for AREA 5 as a company—the kind that could mean new employees, interns to abuse, that sort of thing—and THAT’S when it’ll be (the aforementioned) right time.
Reader Comments (12)
It's a bummer that it's proven so difficult to survive making videos about games. It shouldn't be so hard.
I hope you figure it out.
Disappointing but I hope you guys have some sort of stable and regular output of new content some time soon. Didn't hear a lot from you guys between the end of coop and the start of Atomix.
What's going on with you guys and EGMi? EGMi was a bit slow for a wile but it appears to be picking up again with the release of the iPad app.
Looking forward to what ever you guys do next and I am glad to hear Area 5 is doing well.
Saw the report from Matt Chandronait's twitter. It's unfortunate news to read, as AREA 5's written content in the firs two issues of Atomix was fantastic, though I'm glad to know you're all doing well. Keep up the fantastic video content and you will continue to prosper - I can feel it. Good luck, all.
I really like and follow much of what you guys do and look forward to your future projects. As for atomix I picked it up because of Matt and Ryan, if they're not there then I have no interest in it. No offense Atomix.
Actually, we really appreciate the support you and everyone else have lent us over the years. I'd encourage you to give the next issue a try simply because it's free and we have no I'll will toward those guys and wish them the best of luck. Still, that being said, I hope our next public venture can do its part to pay you all back for your continues faith in us.
@mats effect ... Yeah, we had some work with EGMi in the beginning and we'd of course be open to working with them more in the future, but it's on a case-by-case basis and video is, unfortunately, expensive. I'd love to get a call/email asking us to produce more for them, but obviously we have no control over that :)
@chris ... Yeah, the problem is that it's expensive to make and serve video. No ones figured out the proper way to monetize the kind of long-form stuff we enjoy doing. We've actually floated the idea of putting our stuff behind a subscription wall and making apps that only exist to serve our videos, but realistically that's a LONG way off--which was one reason why Atomix appealed to us so much initially :(
Sad panda face! Still no iPad, so never got around to it.
But excited to see what you guys got lined up next! I'm in for anything...as long as I own the device it'll be on!
im just wondering what was wrong with coop...Seemed to do well with that and everyone loved it.
Damn, that was quick. I loved reading the first issue, and always love it when you guys are on RebelFM.
Keep us updated. Love you guys 4 lyfe.
Damn it... >_< Every time I get used to seeing you guys producing fantastic game related editorial video, you vanish again. No anger at you guys of course, you have to eat and run a business. Just a damned shame. Best of luck!
You guys should really just get into making (video game) pr0n to pay the bills! Area 5 sounds kind of dirty if you think about it too long.