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, a prominent gaming publication with a 33-year history, has sent shockwaves through the gaming community. This article details the announcement, explores Game Informer's impact, and reflects on the emotional responses from its staff.

The Unexpected Closure

On August 2nd, Game Informer's Twitter (X) account announced the immediate cessation of both its print and online operations. This abrupt closure stunned fans and industry veterans alike, bringing an end to a publication that chronicled the evolution of gaming from its pixelated beginnings to today's immersive experiences. The announcement expressed gratitude to its readership but offered little explanation for the sudden decision. The magazine's final issue, #367, features a Dragon Age: The Veilguard cover story.

Employees learned of the closure and subsequent layoffs in a Friday meeting with GameStop's VP of HR. 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 History

Game Informer, initially an in-house newsletter for FuncoLand (later acquired by GameStop in 2000), launched in August 1991. Its online presence, GameInformer.com, debuted in August 1996, undergoing several redesigns and expansions over the years, including the addition of a review database, exclusive content, and a popular podcast, "The Game Informer Show," in 2009.

However, GameStop's struggles in recent years, amidst the decline of physical game sales, cast a long shadow over Game Informer. Despite a temporary resurgence in its stock price, GameStop implemented multiple rounds of layoffs at the publication, ultimately impacting its operations and independence. The recent decision to allow direct subscriber sales hinted at a potential shift, but instead, resulted in the complete closure.

Staff Reactions and Industry Mourning

The abrupt closure has left former employees reeling. Social media is filled with expressions of shock, sadness, and frustration over the lack of notice and the loss of their contributions. Many shared memories and lamented the disappearance of years of journalistic work. Tributes poured in from across the industry, highlighting Game Informer's significant impact.

The official Konami account on X expressed gratitude for Game Informer's contributions, while former staff members, including former Editor-in-Chief Andy McNamara (29 years with the publication) and former content director Kyle Hilliard, shared their disappointment and disbelief. The speed of the shutdown, with a nearly completed issue left unreleased, underscores the suddenness of the decision.

Journalist Jason Schreier even noted the similarity between the official farewell message and one generated by ChatGPT, highlighting the impersonal nature of the closure.

The End of an Era

Game Informer's closure marks a significant loss for gaming journalism. For over three decades, it served as a cornerstone of the gaming community, providing in-depth coverage and analysis. Its sudden demise underscores the challenges faced by traditional media outlets in the digital landscape, leaving a void and prompting reflection on the future of gaming journalism. The legacy of Game Informer, however, will undoubtedly endure in the memories of its readers and the countless stories it shared.