Freelance graphic designer Caspian Whistler began making video game zines while studying at University of the Arts London.
Exposed to many quality print publications for other areas of the arts, Whistler felt that video game magazines were "bleak" in comparison.
[2] Whistler began A Profound Waste of Time (APWOT) while studying graphic design at the Chelsea College of Art as part of a project about zines and counterculture.
Its design was consulted on by Leo Field, it uses various types of printing and commissions various artists; the first issue features cover art of Shovel Knight (2014) by Dan Mumford.
[1][2] Whistler focused on using the physical nature of the magazine to its full effect, incorporating booklet inserts, foldouts, tip-ins and holographic covers.