Game Informer, a video game journalism and America’s longest-running gaming magazine has been shuttered by its parent company, GameStop. The sudden closure is the end of a 33-year legacy that began in 1991.
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On a Friday meeting, GameStop’s Vice President of Human Resources informed Game Informer’s staff that the publication would be closing immediately.
This news came as a shock with employees abruptly laid off and told they would soon receive severance details.
Following the announcement website was taken offline, effectively erasing decades of content including articles, reviews and investigative reports.
The last issue featured Dragon Age: The Veilguard on the cover. This issue will be remembered as the magazine’s swan song, the end of its influential presence in gaming journalism.
The magazine was owned by GameStop since 2000 and was abruptly closed with all staff members laid off.
Employees were told during a meeting with GameStop’s VP of HR that the publication was shutting down immediately and they would receive severance packages.
The closure came as a shock to many employees, who were unaware of the impending shutdown. This sudden decision left several staff members including the magazine video lead Alex Van Aken, in disbelief.
He mentioned that some staff members didn’t even know about the closure until they saw the announcement on social media.
The magazine’s official social media account shared a heartfelt farewell message titled “The Final Level: Farewell from Game Informer.”
The post expressed gratitude to its readers for their support over the years and acknowledged the magazine’s journey from its early days of pixelated adventures to today’s virtual realms.
GameStop also took to social media to announce the closure by addressing the magazine’s 33-year history and thanking readers for being part of the journey.
The Magazine was launched in 1991 and quickly established itself as a leading source for gaming news and analysis.
It stood out among its peers like GamePro and Electronic Gaming Monthly becoming a staple for gamers seeking authoritative reviews and interviews.
Over the years the magazine was known for its cover stories, editorials, and access to top gaming industry figures.
The magazine provided exclusive insights into upcoming titles and the development processes behind some of the biggest games.
In 2000, Game Informer was acquired by GameStop through its purchase of FuncoLand. This acquisition positioned the magazine as a major component of GameStop’s rewards program, offering subscriptions as part of the membership benefits.
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The magazine faced challenges adapting to the rise of online gaming blogs and YouTube channels.
While it maintained a loyal readership, the decline of physical magazine sales and the shift to digital content consumption put pressure on the publication.
GameStop’s corporate decisions increasingly impacted Game Informer’s operations. Frequent layoffs, changes in leadership and shifting priorities created uncertainty within the magazine.
The departure of longtime editor-in-chief Andy McNamara in 2020 signaled a turning point with staff departures contributing to the publication’s instability.
Game Informer was founded in August 1991 by FuncoLand as an in-house newsletter. It quickly evolved into a major publication and was known for its in-depth reviews, previews and insights into the gaming world.
GameStop acquired Game Informer in 2000 when it purchased FuncoLand. Under GameStop’s ownership, the magazine expanded its reach and became an integral part of the retailer’s business strategy, often bundled with GameStop’s PowerUp Rewards membership.
Game Informer was the third-largest magazine in the United States with over 8 million copies in circulation in 2011.
Its website was launched in 1996 and became a popular destination for gamers seeking the latest news and reviews.
Many readers have fond memories of Game Informer, recalling how it introduced them to new games and provided a deep dive into their favorite titles.
For some, it was their first introduction to gaming journalism, inspiring a new generation of writers and enthusiasts.
In recent years GameStop gained attention as a meme stock with volatile stock market activity driven by retail investors.
Despite this temporary financial boost the underlying business challenges persisted, ultimately impacting subsidiaries like Game Informer.
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