Gaming journalism suffered a significant blow with GameStop's abrupt closure of Game Informer, a publication that had been a mainstay for 33 years. This article details the announcement, explores the magazine's history, and reflects on the shocked reactions from its staff.
Game Informer's Final Chapter
The Closure and GameStop's Decision
On August 2nd, Game Informer's Twitter (X) account delivered the shocking news: the magazine and its online presence were ceasing operations immediately. This unexpected announcement ended a 33-year run, leaving fans and industry professionals stunned. The message acknowledged the magazine's journey from the early days of pixelated games to today's advanced virtual worlds, thanking readers for their loyalty. While the print and online publication are gone, the announcement assured readers that the passion for gaming would endure.
The magazine's staff, including those working on the website, podcast, and online documentaries, received the news during a Friday meeting with GameStop's VP of HR. The immediate closure and subsequent layoffs, with severance details to follow, left the team reeling. Issue #367, featuring Dragon Age: The Veilguard, will be the final issue. The entire website has been removed, replaced with a farewell message, effectively erasing decades of gaming history from the internet.
A Look Back at Game Informer's Legacy
Game Informer (GI), an American monthly video game magazine, provided articles, news, strategy guides, and reviews of video games and consoles. Its origins trace back to August 1991, as an in-house newsletter for the video game retailer FuncoLand. Following GameStop's acquisition of FuncoLand in 2000, Game Informer became part of the GameStop family.
Game Informer Online debuted in August 1996, offering daily news and articles. Justin Leeper and Matthew Kato joined as full-time web editors in 1999, but the original GameInformer.com was shut down around January 2001 as part of the GameStop acquisition. Both Leeper and Kato later joined the magazine's editorial staff.
GI Online was relaunched in September 2003 at the same domain, boasting a redesigned site with enhanced features, including a review database, frequent updates, and premium content for subscribers.
A major website redesign launched in October 2009, coinciding with a magazine redesign. New features included an updated media player, user activity feeds, and user review capabilities. The popular podcast, The Game Informer Show, also premiered at this time.
In recent years, GameStop's struggles, fueled by declining physical game sales, negatively impacted Game Informer. The corporation's management created obstacles, leading to inconsistent directives and job cuts, including nearly annual layoffs at Game Informer. After removing physical Game Informer issues from its rewards program, GameStop recently allowed the publication to sell directly to subscribers, a move that seemed to signal a potential shift toward independence or a sale.
Staff Reactions and Industry Mourning
The sudden closure devastated Game Informer's employees, many expressing shock and sorrow on social media. Former staff members, some with decades of experience, shared memories and frustration over the lack of notice and the loss of their contributions to gaming journalism.
The official Konami account on X shared a heartfelt message of gratitude for Game Informer's contributions to the video game industry. Former staff members, including Kyle Hilliard (former content director), Liana Ruppert (former staffer), and Andy McNamara (former editor-in-chief, with a 29-year tenure), shared their dismay and heartbreak on social media. Jason Schreier from Bloomberg even noted the similarity between GameStop's farewell message and one generated by ChatGPT.
Game Informer's closure marks a significant loss for gaming journalism. For 33 years, it served as a cornerstone of the gaming community, providing in-depth coverage and insights. Its sudden demise highlights the challenges facing traditional media in the digital age. While the publication is gone, its legacy will continue to resonate within the gaming community.
