Gaming Staple Game Informer Erased After Three Decades

GameStop's abrupt closure of Game Informer, a gaming journalism mainstay for over three decades, has sent shockwaves through the industry. This article details the announcement, explores Game Informer's rich history, and examines the emotional reactions of its former employees.

Game Informer's Final Chapter

The Closure and GameStop's Decision

On August 2nd, a Twitter (X) post delivered the devastating news: Game Informer, both print and digital, was ceasing operations. This unexpected announcement ended a 33-year run, leaving fans and professionals stunned. The message acknowledged the magazine's journey from the early days of pixelated gaming to today's immersive worlds, thanking readers for their unwavering support. While the publication is gone, the spirit of gaming it championed endures.

The magazine's staff, including those who contributed to the website, podcast, and 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 the last. The entire website has been 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) was a prominent American monthly video game magazine, offering articles, news, strategy guides, and game reviews. Its origins trace back to August 1991, as an in-house newsletter for FuncoLand, before GameStop's acquisition in 2000.

The online presence, GameInformer.com, debuted in August 1996. After GameStop's purchase, the original site was shut down around January 2001. A redesigned and enhanced GI Online relaunched in September 2003, boasting features like a review database and subscriber-exclusive content.

A significant website redesign launched in October 2009, coinciding with a magazine redesign. This update included a new media player, user activity feed, and user review capabilities. The popular podcast, The Game Informer Show, also premiered at this time.

In recent years, GameStop's struggles, coupled with internal management issues and shifting priorities, hampered Game Informer's growth. Despite GameStop's financial gains from its meme stock surge, job cuts continued, impacting Game Informer annually. After removing physical issues from its rewards program, GameStop briefly allowed direct-to-consumer subscriptions, hinting at a possible spin-off or sale—a hope ultimately dashed.

Employees Share Their Grief and Disbelief

The sudden closure has left employees heartbroken and shocked. Social media is filled with expressions of disbelief and sadness, with former staff members sharing memories and frustrations over the lack of notice. Their contributions to gaming journalism are now lost.

Konami's official account offered a poignant farewell, while former staff members like Kyle Hilliard (content director) and Liana Ruppert (former staffer) voiced their disappointment and anger at the abrupt termination and the loss of their work. Andy McNamara, former editor-in-chief and a 29-year veteran, expressed his profound sadness.

The irony wasn't lost on Jason Schreier of Bloomberg, who noted the similarity between the official farewell message and one generated by ChatGPT, highlighting the impersonal nature of the closure.

Game Informer's closure marks a significant loss for gaming journalism. For 33 years, it was a cornerstone of the gaming community, providing valuable coverage and insights. Its sudden demise underscores the challenges facing traditional media in the digital age, leaving a lasting void in the industry. The memories and stories it created will, however, continue to resonate within the gaming community.