Game Informer, Iconic Gaming Mag, Bows Out After 3 Decades

After 33 years as a leading voice in gaming journalism, Game Informer has been abruptly shut down by GameStop. This article explores the announcement, the magazine's history, and the shocked reactions from its staff.

Game Informer's Final Chapter

The Sudden Shutdown and GameStop's Decision

On August 2nd, a shocking announcement appeared on Game Informer's Twitter (X) account: the magazine and its website were ceasing operations immediately. This unexpected closure brought an end to a 33-year legacy, leaving fans and industry professionals reeling. The announcement acknowledged the magazine's long history, from the early days of pixelated games to today's immersive experiences, thanking readers for their loyalty. Despite the closure, the statement assured readers that the passion for gaming would endure.

However, the reality for the Game Informer staff – including those working on the website, podcast, and video documentaries – was far less sentimental. Called to a meeting on Friday with GameStop's VP of HR, they were informed of the immediate closure and subsequent layoffs. Issue #367, featuring a Dragon Age: The Veilguard cover story, will be the magazine's last. The entire website has been wiped, replaced with a farewell message, effectively erasing decades of gaming history.

A Look Back at Game Informer's History

Game Informer (GI) was a monthly American video game magazine, providing articles, news, strategy guides, and reviews. Its origins trace back to August 1991 as an in-house newsletter for FuncoLand, a video game retailer later acquired by GameStop in 2000.

The online presence, GameInformer.com, launched in August 1996, initially offering daily news and articles. After GameStop's acquisition, the original site was briefly closed before being relaunched in 2003 with a redesigned format and enhanced features.

A major website redesign in 2009 introduced new features like a media player and user reviews, coinciding with a magazine redesign and the launch of the "Game Informer Show" podcast.

In recent years, GameStop's struggles, including the decline of physical game sales, significantly impacted Game Informer. Despite a brief period of renewed hope with the return of direct-to-consumer subscriptions, the publication ultimately fell victim to GameStop's internal challenges and cost-cutting measures.

The Staff's Reaction and the End of an Era

The sudden closure left employees devastated and shocked. Social media posts expressed disbelief and sorrow, with former staff sharing memories and frustration at the lack of notice. The outpouring of support from the gaming community highlighted the impact Game Informer had on the industry. Comments from former employees and industry figures emphasized the loss of a significant part of gaming journalism history and the abrupt end to years of dedicated work.

The finality of the situation was further underscored by observations that GameStop's farewell message bore a striking resemblance to a message generated by ChatGPT, highlighting the impersonal nature of the decision.

Game Informer's closure marks a significant loss for gaming journalism. For 33 years, it provided insightful coverage and reviews, shaping the gaming landscape. Its sudden demise underscores the challenges facing traditional media in the digital age, leaving a void in the industry and a lasting impact on the gaming community.