Online gamers nationwide rejoiced today as MASSIVE Magazine’s premiere issue arrived on newsstands across the country. MASSIVE Magazine, produced by the same team responsible for the acclaimed Computer Games Magazine and published by the media division of theglobe.com, is the next big thing in gaming. MASSIVE is the only print publication dedicated solely to massively multiplayer online (MMO) games.

The premiere issue of MASSIVE includes a 30-page feature on “What’s Next” for the MMOs of today and tomorrow. Other articles cover such topics as: why you’d want to hire a Chinese gold farmer and what it’s like to run a guild with hundreds (or more) members. Each newsstand copy of MASSIVE includes a free DVD with five playable trial versions from SOE, including EverQuest II, EverQuest, Planetside, Star Wars Galaxies, and The Matrix Online, plus a VIP code that lets readers access the beta of Gods & Heroes.

Judging by the early reviews, MASSIVE is already a success. “I was pretty blown away by MASSIVE, and I never read magazines cover to cover,” writes reader Chris Zachos. “The minute I got a chance, I subscribed. I can’t wait for the next issue. I love how smart your writers are (I got a lot of chuckles). I think you guys really have tapped an emerging market and I wish you all the luck!”

MASSIVE Magazine has an aggressive distribution plan and is available along with Computer Games Magazine at all major retailers, including Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million. The magazine will also be distributed in a digital version.