Imagine Publishing, the publisher behind the magazines Play, How It Works, and SciFiNow, announced today that two of its video game magazines will be merging. X360 and 360 Magazine will be combined to create one title that will cover all things Xbox 360 related. Imagine stated that the new magazine will be the “strongest-ever Xbox 360 title.” Imagine will be putting the current Editor of 360 Magazine, Dan Howdle, in charge of the new magazine, which will carry on the X360 branding.

“Having been involved with both magazines throughout the last five years, it would be fair to say that X360 and 360 Magazine have always occupied their own individual niche; there have always been elements each has realised with greater effectiveness than the other,” said Howdle. “The new X360 combines the power of these unique strengths into one highly desirable whole. I could not be more thrilled at being a part of the team that’s going to make X360’s future a reality.”

The first issue of X360 to be authored by the combined staff is issue 87. That issue, which will hit stores on July 11, will feature in-depth E3 coverage and an enhanced DVD.

“By merging these two magazines, we have a chance to better focus ourselves on creating exactly what is needed is push the X360 brand forward,” said Rick Porter, editor In chief at Imagine Publishing. “Ultimately, we’re now in a position to create the best possible package for the Xbox 360 gamer, and ensure the X360 brand goes from strength to strength in the challenging single-format magazine market.”