According to press release this morning, Sony has decided that printed magazines are valuable after all - in this digital age - and has resurrected Official Playstation Magazine! Err..well, sort of...

Though, to be different - they've decided to call it Playstation: The Official Magazine.  So repeat after me, PtOM.  Yep - that's it. 

The magazine will debut in November in time for the holiday crunch and will feature a 13th issue each year - presumable again, a holiday special. 

Future Publishing US - the folks behind Playstation Magazine (PSM) and Official Xbox Magazine (OXM) have won the rights to prepare the magazine each month.  Simon Whitcombe, Publishing Director at Future had this to say about the deal:

"Future's international heritage is as a PlayStation publisher. PSM sold more than 40 million copies over its lifetime and we have published the Official PlayStation Magazine in the UK since 1995. We're honored that SCEA recognizes the excellence and experience that we can bring to the license and to PlayStation fans all over the world."

We can concur with his points as the UK version of PSM has won several awards for excellence. We don't expect any less from these guys here.  Though, it's always tough from a consumer standpoint to take an 'Official' magazine seriously - as it often carries the burden of proving to it's audience that it isn't simply a new PR tool for the console manufacturer.

Probably the most interesting aspect of this move comes on Sony's part - as their motivation behind 'killing' OPM was centered around their vision that print would no longer be needed in consideration of the PS3s online capabilities. 

Obviously - someone woke up and smelled the coffee at SCEA and we're awaiting an official response.