Legendary Gaming Magazine Vanishes Overnight

GameStop's abrupt closure of Game Informer, a 33-year-old gaming journalism giant, sends shockwaves through the industry. This article details the announcement, explores Game Informer's rich history, and examines the emotional responses from its now-former employees.

Game Informer's Unexpected Demise

The Announcement and GameStop's Decision

On August 2nd, a Twitter (X) post delivered the devastating news: Game Informer, both print and online, was ceasing operations immediately. This unexpected closure stunned fans and professionals alike, ending a 33-year run covering gaming's evolution from pixelated beginnings to today's immersive experiences. The announcement thanked readers for their loyalty but offered little explanation beyond a vague acknowledgment of the magazine's legacy. The final issue, #367, featuring Dragon Age: The Veilguard, will be its last. The entire website has been scrubbed, replaced with a farewell message, effectively erasing decades of gaming history.

Employees learned of the immediate shutdown and subsequent layoffs in a Friday meeting with GameStop's VP of HR. The suddenness of the closure left them reeling, with severance details to follow.

Game Informer's Legacy

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

The online presence, GameInformer.com, launched in August 1996, initially offering daily updates and articles. A 2001 GameStop acquisition briefly shuttered the site, but it was revived in 2003 with a redesigned format, enhanced features, and subscriber-exclusive content.

A major website redesign in 2009 coincided with a magazine revamp, introducing features like a media player and user reviews. The popular podcast, "The Game Informer Show," also debuted at this time.

However, GameStop's financial struggles, stemming from the decline of physical game sales, hampered Game Informer in recent years. Despite a meme-stock surge, GameStop continued job cuts, including recurring layoffs at Game Informer. After removing the magazine from its rewards program, GameStop recently allowed direct-to-consumer subscriptions, hinting at a potential sale or spin-off – a hope now dashed.

Employee Reactions and Outpouring of Grief

The abrupt closure has left employees devastated and shocked. Social media reflects their disbelief and sadness, with former staff members sharing memories and expressing frustration over the lack of notice. Tributes poured in from across the gaming community, highlighting the magazine's impact.

Konami's official X account expressed gratitude for Game Informer's contributions. Former staff, including content director Kyle Hilliard and Liana Ruppert, shared their heartbreak and anger at the sudden loss of their work and the magazine's legacy. Andy McNamara, former editor-in-chief with a 29-year tenure, expressed his profound sadness.

Journalist Jason Schreier even noted the uncanny similarity between the official farewell message and one generated by ChatGPT, highlighting the impersonal nature of the decision.

Game Informer's closure marks a significant loss for gaming journalism. Its 33-year contribution to the community, providing insightful coverage and reviews, leaves a void. The sudden shutdown underscores the challenges faced by traditional media in the digital age, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by countless readers and the countless stories it brought to life.