Game Informer Extinguished: Magazine Removed from Web After 33 Years

GameStop's decision to shutter Game Informer, a gaming journalism stalwart for over three decades, has sent shockwaves through the industry. This article explores the announcement, the magazine's rich history, and the emotional responses from its former staff.

Game Informer's Final Chapter

On August 2nd, a Twitter (X) post delivered the devastating news: Game Informer, both print and online, was ceasing operations. This abrupt end to a 33-year legacy stunned fans and professionals alike. The announcement acknowledged the magazine's journey from the early days of pixelated games to today's immersive digital worlds, thanking readers for their unwavering support. While the publication's physical and digital presence is gone, the passion for gaming it fostered will endure.

The magazine's staff—who also produced a website, podcast, and online video documentaries—received the news of immediate closure and layoffs during a Friday meeting with GameStop's VP of HR. Issue #367, featuring Dragon Age: The Veilguard, will be its last. 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 games and consoles. 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, offering daily news and articles. After GameStop's acquisition, the original site was closed, only to be relaunched in 2003 with a complete redesign and enhanced features, including a review database and subscriber-exclusive content.

A significant website redesign in 2009 coincided with the magazine's redesign, introducing features like a media player and user review capabilities. The popular "Game Informer Show" podcast also debuted at this time.

However, GameStop's struggles following the decline of physical game sales and internal management issues hampered Game Informer in recent years. Despite a surge in its stock price, GameStop continued job cuts, including recurring layoffs at Game Informer. After removing physical copies from its rewards program, GameStop briefly allowed direct-to-consumer subscriptions, hinting at a possible sale or spin-off—a hope ultimately dashed.

The Outpouring of Grief and Shock

The sudden closure devastated Game Informer's employees, who expressed their shock and sadness on social media. Former staff, some with decades of service, shared memories and frustration over the lack of warning and the loss of their contributions to gaming journalism. Comments from industry figures and former employees highlighted the profound loss and the abrupt end to a significant part of gaming history. The observation that a ChatGPT-generated message closely resembled the official farewell statement underscored the impersonal nature of the closure.

Game Informer's closure marks a significant loss for gaming journalism. For 33 years, it served as a cornerstone of the gaming community, providing insightful coverage and reviews. Its demise highlights the challenges faced by traditional media in the digital age, leaving a void and prompting reflection on the future of gaming journalism. The legacy of Game Informer, however, will undoubtedly continue to resonate with its readers and the countless stories it shared.