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

Gaming journalism suffered a significant blow with the abrupt closure of Game Informer, a publication that had been a mainstay for 33 years. This article explores the announcement, the magazine's history, and the emotional reactions from its staff.

Game Informer's Final Chapter

The Sudden Shutdown and GameStop's Decision

On August 2nd, a Twitter (X) post delivered the shocking news: Game Informer, both print and online, was ceasing operations. This unexpected announcement brought an end to a 33-year legacy, leaving fans and industry professionals stunned. The statement acknowledged the magazine's long journey, from the early days of pixelated games to today's sophisticated virtual worlds, thanking readers for their unwavering support. While the publication is gone, the spirit of gaming it championed will endure.

Employees learned of the immediate closure and subsequent layoffs in a Friday meeting with GameStop's VP of HR. The final issue, number 367, featuring Dragon Age: The Veilguard, will be its last. The entire website has been removed, replaced with a farewell message, effectively erasing decades of gaming history.

A Look Back at Game Informer's History

Game Informer (GI), an American monthly magazine, provided comprehensive coverage of video games, including news, reviews, and strategy guides. Its origins trace back to August 1991, as an in-house newsletter for FuncoLand, later acquired by GameStop in 2000.

The online presence, GameInformer.com, launched in August 1996, initially offering daily news and articles. Following GameStop's acquisition, the original site was replaced, only to be relaunched in 2003 with a redesigned format and enhanced features.

A major website redesign in 2009 coincided with a magazine revamp, introducing new features like a media player and user reviews. The popular podcast, "The Game Informer Show," also debuted at this time.

However, GameStop's struggles in recent years, coupled with internal challenges, ultimately hampered Game Informer. Despite a temporary resurgence due to GameStop's meme stock success, job cuts continued, impacting Game Informer's staff. The publication's recent return to direct subscriber sales offered a glimmer of hope, but proved short-lived.

The Outpouring of Emotion from Former Staff

The abrupt closure left employees heartbroken and shocked. Social media became a platform for expressing disbelief and grief. Long-time staffers shared their memories and frustration over the lack of warning. Tributes poured in from across the gaming industry, acknowledging Game Informer's significant contribution to gaming journalism.

The observation that a ChatGPT-generated message closely resembled the official farewell statement highlights the impersonal nature of the shutdown.

Game Informer's closure marks a significant loss for gaming journalism. For 33 years, it served as a cornerstone of the gaming community, providing insightful coverage and shaping the narrative around video games. Its demise underscores the challenges facing traditional media in the digital age, leaving a void that will be felt for years to come. The legacy of Game Informer, however, will undoubtedly endure in the memories of its dedicated readers and staff.