GameStop's decision to shutter Game Informer, a gaming journalism mainstay for over three decades, has sent shockwaves through the industry. This article explores the announcement, Game Informer's legacy, and the emotional responses from its staff.
Game Informer's Final Chapter
The Closure and GameStop's Actions
On August 2nd, a tweet (now X post) from Game Informer announced the immediate closure of both its print magazine and online presence. This abrupt end to a 33-year run stunned fans and professionals alike. The statement acknowledged the magazine's long history, from the early days of pixelated gaming to today's immersive experiences, thanking readers for their support. However, the bittersweet farewell couldn't mask the reality: the magazine's website was swiftly removed, redirecting all links to a single goodbye message, effectively erasing decades of archived content. Issue #367, featuring Dragon Age: The Veilguard, will be the last. Employees were informed of the immediate closure and subsequent layoffs during a Friday meeting with GameStop's VP of HR.
A Look Back at Game Informer's History
Game Informer, a monthly magazine offering news, reviews, strategies, and articles on video games and consoles, launched in August 1991 as a FuncoLand in-house newsletter. GameStop's acquisition of FuncoLand in 2000 brought Game Informer under its umbrella. An online presence debuted in 1996, later relaunched in 2003 with enhanced features including a review database and subscriber-only content.
A major website redesign in 2009 introduced a media player, user activity feeds, and user reviews, coinciding with a print magazine redesign and the launch of the "Game Informer Show" podcast. However, GameStop's financial struggles in recent years, stemming from the decline of physical game sales, cast a shadow over Game Informer. Despite a temporary resurgence in GameStop's stock price, job cuts continued, including repeated layoffs at Game Informer. After removing physical copies from its rewards program, GameStop recently allowed Game Informer to sell directly to subscribers – a move that hinted at potential independence or a sale, but ultimately proved short-lived.
The Fallout: Employees React
The sudden closure left employees heartbroken and shocked. Social media became a platform for expressing disbelief and grief. Former staff, some with decades of service, shared memories and frustration over the lack of warning. Comments from former employees and industry figures highlighted the devastating impact and the loss of invaluable contributions to gaming journalism. The sentiment was echoed across social media, with many expressing their sadness and disbelief. One notable observation pointed out the uncanny similarity between the official farewell message and one generated by ChatGPT, highlighting the impersonal nature of the decision.
Game Informer's closure signifies the end of an era in gaming journalism. Its 33-year run established it as a cornerstone of the gaming community, providing insightful coverage and reviews. The abrupt shutdown underscores the challenges faced by traditional media in the digital landscape. While the magazine is gone, its legacy will undoubtedly endure in the memories of its dedicated readers and the countless stories it shared.
