Game Informer Disappears from Web After 33 Years

Game Informer, a 33-year gaming journalism institution, has been abruptly shuttered by GameStop. This unexpected closure has sent shockwaves through the gaming community and left employees reeling.

GameStop's Decision and the Fallout

On August 2nd, a terse announcement on X (formerly Twitter) declared the immediate cessation of both the print and online editions of Game Informer. This abrupt ending concluded a 33-year run, leaving fans and industry professionals stunned. The announcement, while expressing gratitude to readers, offered little explanation beyond acknowledging the magazine's long history. The staff received the news via a Friday meeting with GameStop's VP of HR, where they were informed of immediate layoffs and the website's immediate removal. Issue #367, featuring a Dragon Age cover story, will be the final publication. The entire website has been wiped, redirecting to a farewell message.

A Legacy in Gaming Journalism

Launched in August 1991 as an in-house newsletter for FuncoLand (later acquired by GameStop), Game Informer quickly evolved into a leading gaming magazine. Its online presence, initially launched in 1996, underwent several iterations, culminating in a major redesign in 2009 that included a podcast and enhanced online features. The magazine provided comprehensive coverage, including news, reviews, strategy guides, and exclusive content.

However, GameStop's struggles in the face of declining physical game sales and internal restructuring ultimately led to the magazine's demise. Despite a brief period of renewed subscriber sales, the decision to shut down was swift and decisive, leaving employees with little warning.

Employee Reactions and Industry Mourning

The unexpected closure has elicited widespread dismay and anger amongst former employees. Social media posts from former staff members express shock, frustration, and heartbreak over the loss of their jobs and the erasure of years of contributions to gaming journalism. Tributes poured in from across the industry, highlighting the publication's significant impact. The swiftness of the shutdown and the complete removal of the online archive have been particularly criticized. Even the farewell message itself has drawn comparisons to AI-generated text, adding to the sense of impersonal finality.

Game Informer's closure represents a significant loss for gaming journalism. Its legacy, however, will undoubtedly endure in the memories of its readers and within the annals of gaming history. The suddenness of its demise underscores the challenges facing traditional media outlets in the digital age.