Game Informer Bids Adieu As A Gaming PublicationThe Announcement and GameStop's Decision
On August 2, Game Informer declared on their Twitter (X) page that both the magazine and its online presence would be ceasing operations. This unforeseen news marked the end of a 33-year legacy, leaving fans and industry professionals aghast. The announcement highlighted the magazine's journey from the early days of pixelated adventures to today's immersive digital realms. It expressed gratitude to loyal readers for being part of this epic journey and assured them that the passion for gaming cultivated together would continue to endure. Despite the presses ceasing, the essence of gaming that Game Informer cherished would remain.
The magazine staff, which also produces a website, weekly podcast, and online video documentaries about game studios and developers, were summoned to a meeting on Friday with GameStop’s VP of HR. During this meeting, they were informed that the publication was closing immediately, and they were all terminated, with severance terms to follow. The abrupt closure means that issue number 367, featuring the Dragon Age: The Veilguard cover story, will be its last. The entire website has been erased from the internet, with every historical link now redirecting to a farewell message, archiving decades of gaming history.
Game Informer's History
Game Informer Online was initially launched in August 1996 and featured daily news updates as well as articles. Justin Leeper and Matthew Kato were hired in November 1999 as full-time web editors. As part of GameStop's acquisition of the magazine, this original GameInformer.com site was closed around January 2001. Both Leeper and Kato were eventually added to the magazine's editorial staff.
GI Online was relaunched, at the same domain name, in September 2003, with a full redesign and many additional features, such as a review database, frequent news updates, and exclusive Unlimited content for subscribers.
Recently, however, as GameStop's fortunes declined with the slump in physical game sales, the corporation became a burden on Game Informer, hampered by ineffective management and inconsistent directives. Despite its meme stock surge, generating billions, GameStop has implemented job cuts across its operations, including near-annual layoffs at Game Informer.
After removing physical Game Informer issues from its rewards program, GameStop recently allowed the publication to resume direct subscriber sales. This marked a seemingly independent start, or possibly a precursor to the publication's eventual sale or spin-off.
Employees' Online Response
Game Informer's sudden closure has left employees heartbroken and stunned. Many voiced their disbelief and sadness on social media regarding the abrupt termination and the publication's legacy. Former staff, some with decades of service, shared memories and expressed frustration over the lack of warning and the loss of their contributions to gaming journalism.
"Thank you for your contributions to the video game industry," stated the official Konami account on X. "We'll always cherish the anticipation of each new issue's arrival."
"We were roughly 70% complete with the next issue, and it had a fantastic cover planned," said former magazine content director Kyle Hilliard.
"As someone who was there at issue one and spent most of their life striving for GI, it grieves me to see it conclude," said Andy McNamara, a former editor-in-chief who was at the publication for 29 years.
The closing of Game Informer signifies the end of an era in gaming journalism. For 33 years, the publication served as a pillar of the gaming community, offering comprehensive coverage, reviews, and perspectives on the world of video games. Its abrupt closure has created a gap in the industry, underscoring the difficulties traditional media encounter in the digital age. As the gaming community says goodbye to this iconic publication, Game Informer's legacy will surely endure in the memories of its readers and the numerous stories it presented.
