Now that free DVDs are a common sight as giveaways with magazines, particularly in the UK, Future Publishing has announced that, in partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), its Official PlayStation Magazine will provide what it says is the world's first monthly playable BD covermount from June onwards.

"We are very excited to partner with Future to offer a playable Blu-ray disc to UK PlayStation 3 owners," said the managing director of SCE UK, Ray Maguire. "The high capacity of Blu-ray media is the perfect method to distribute large volumes of unique existing, and user-generated content in HD, showcasing PS3's multimedia capabilities to the full. Combined with the PlayStation Network Store, we're offering a content distribution channel unmatched anywhere else in the industry."

The magazine's publisher, Matt Pierce, added: "We are delighted that Official PlayStation Magazine will deliver to its readers a monthly playable disc, and the world's first cover-mounted Blu-ray disc. Future has worked closely with Sony since 1995 to offer playable demo discs for PlayStation, PS2 and PSP and we will be working hard to ensure gamers get the very best content for their PS3 as well."

Story filed 02.05.07