Game Informer Shut Down and Wiped From the Internet After 33 Years as a Gaming Magazine

Game Informer's Legacy Ends After 33 Years

GameStop's decision to shutter Game Informer, a prominent gaming publication, has sent shockwaves through the gaming community. The August 2nd announcement, delivered via Twitter (X), marked the abrupt end of a 33-year run, leaving both fans and industry professionals reeling. The statement acknowledged the magazine's extensive history, from the early days of pixelated games to today's advanced virtual worlds, expressing gratitude to its loyal readership.

A Sudden Closure and Staff Layoffs

The magazine's staff, also responsible for a website, podcast, and online video content, received the news of the immediate closure and subsequent layoffs during a Friday meeting with GameStop's VP of HR. Issue #367, featuring a Dragon Age: The Veilguard cover story, will be the final publication. The entire website has been removed, replaced with a farewell message, effectively erasing decades of gaming history.

Game Informer's Journey Through Time

Originating as an in-house newsletter for FuncoLand in August 1991, Game Informer evolved into a leading monthly magazine covering video games and consoles. Acquired by GameStop in 2000, its online presence launched in 1996, underwent several redesigns, and ultimately featured a comprehensive review database, news updates, and subscriber-exclusive content.

The magazine's online platform saw significant upgrades in 2009, introducing features like a media player and user reviews, alongside the launch of its popular podcast, "The Game Informer Show." However, GameStop's financial struggles and internal restructuring negatively impacted Game Informer in recent years, leading to job cuts and ultimately, its closure.

Employee Reactions and Industry Response

The unexpected closure has left former and current employees devastated. Social media is filled with expressions of disbelief and sadness, with many sharing memories and frustrations over the lack of notice. Industry figures and former staff members alike have voiced their disappointment and highlighted the significant contribution Game Informer made to gaming journalism. The sentiment is one of profound loss and a recognition of the publication's lasting impact.

The irony, noted by Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, is that the farewell message could have been generated by AI, highlighting the stark contrast between the human impact of the closure and the impersonal nature of the announcement.

Game Informer's closure marks a significant loss for gaming journalism, underscoring the challenges faced by traditional media in the digital age. While the publication is gone, its legacy and influence on the gaming community will undoubtedly endure.