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

Game Informer's Legacy Ends: A 33-Year Run Concludes

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

The Unexpected Closure

On August 2nd, a tweet from Game Informer's official X account delivered the devastating news: the magazine and its online presence were ceasing operations. This abrupt end to a 33-year legacy stunned fans and professionals alike. The announcement acknowledged the magazine's long journey, from the early days of pixelated graphics to today's immersive gaming experiences, expressing gratitude to its loyal readership. However, the statement offered little explanation for the sudden closure.

Employees learned of the immediate shutdown and subsequent layoffs in 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 by a farewell message, effectively erasing decades of archived gaming history.

A Look Back at Game Informer's History

Game Informer, an American monthly video game magazine, provided readers with articles, news, strategy guides, and reviews of video games and consoles. Its origins trace back to August 1991 as an in-house newsletter for FuncoLand, a video game retailer later acquired by GameStop in 2000.

The online presence, GameInformer.com, launched in August 1996, offering daily updates and articles. While initially shut down around January 2001 following GameStop's acquisition, it was revived in September 2003 with a redesigned format and enhanced features.

A significant website redesign in 2009 introduced new features like a media player and user review capabilities, coinciding with a magazine redesign and the launch of the popular podcast, "The Game Informer Show."

In recent years, GameStop's struggles, stemming from the decline of physical game sales, negatively impacted Game Informer. Despite a temporary resurgence fueled by meme stock activity, GameStop continued implementing cost-cutting measures, including repeated layoffs at Game Informer. The magazine's recent return to direct subscriber sales hinted at a potential independent future, but that was not to be.

The Aftermath: Employee Reactions

The abrupt closure left employees heartbroken and shocked. Social media posts reflected disbelief and sadness, with former staff members sharing memories and expressing frustration over the lack of prior notice. Comments from former employees highlighted the sudden loss of their contributions and the magazine's rich history. The sentiment was echoed by industry figures, including Konami, expressing their appreciation for Game Informer's impact. The observation that the farewell message resembled something ChatGPT could generate added a layer of irony to the situation.

Game Informer's closure marks a significant loss for gaming journalism. Its 33-year contribution to the gaming community, providing comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis, leaves a void. While the publication may be gone, its legacy and the memories it created will endure.