Excalibur (Czechoslovakia's Pioneer Gaming Journal)
Excalibur, founded in January 1991 in Prague by Martin Ludvik, was the historic first commercial computer game magazine in Czechoslovakia and the post-Velvet Revolution Czech Republic. Chronicling Amiga, Atari ST, and IBM PC titles in the wake of the fall of communism, Excalibur trained a legendary generation of critics—including Jan Eisler, Andrej Anastasov, and Lukas Ladra—who established the foundation of Central European gaming culture.
Post-Velvet Revolution Genesis in Prague
Following the 1989 Velvet Revolution, Czechoslovakia transitioned to a market economy. Martin Ludvik assembled passionate Amiga and PC hobbyists to print *Excalibur* #1 in January 1991. The magazine was an instant sensation across Prague kiosks, introducing an isolated generation to western interactive entertainment.
The Rise of Auteur Gaming Critics
Excalibur cultivated renowned Czech gaming scribes who wrote under distinctive pen names. Their reviews were characterized by sharp wit, uncompromising candor, and personal philosophical musings, transforming game criticism into popular cultural literature.
The Schism to Score and Historical Legacy
In 1994, key editorial figures departed Excalibur to establish rival glossy magazine *Score*. Excalibur continued publishing until 2000. It is universally honored as the primordial wellspring that sparked the Czech game development boom (Bohemia, Warhorse, SCS).