Key Highlights:
- Game Informer, the famous gaming magazine, closes after 33 years.
- All staff members lose their jobs as GameStop shuts down the publication.
- Thousands of articles become inaccessible as the website redirects to a closure notice.
The End of an Era: Game Informer Closes Its Doors
In a shocking turn of events, Game Informer, one of the world’s most beloved gaming magazines, has announced its closure after 33 years of bringing the latest news and reviews to eager readers.
This unexpected development has sent ripples through the gaming community, leaving many fans and industry professionals stunned.
Game Informer’s journey began in 1991 when it started as a simple newsletter for a shop called FuncoLand.
Over time, it grew into a massive publication that covered all things gaming. In 2000, when GameStop bought FuncoLand, they also took control of Game Informer.
The magazine quickly became a hit with readers, known for its eye-catching covers and in-depth articles about upcoming releases.
A Giant in the Publishing World
By the early 2010s, Game Informer had become a true powerhouse in the magazine world.
It was the fifth largest magazine in the United States, beating out famous names like Time Magazine and Sports Illustrated.
At its peak in 2011, Game Informer was printing over 8 million copies, making it the third-largest magazine in the country. Gamers loved it because it often had exclusive information about new titles before anyone else.
The Sudden Shutdown
On Friday, August 2nd, GameStop’s HR team called a meeting with Game Informer staff. They were told that the magazine was closing right away and that everyone was losing their jobs.
This news came as a complete surprise to many workers, who were in the middle of putting together the next issue.
Kyle Hilliard, who was in charge of the magazine’s content, shared on social media that they were about 70% done with the upcoming issue.
He mentioned it was going to have a “GREAT cover”, hinting at the excitement and hard work that went into each edition.
The closure of Game Informer means that many talented writers, editors, and other staff members are now out of work.
This adds to the growing number of job losses in the gaming industry, which has seen many companies cutting back recently.
The gaming community has rallied around the former Game Informer team, offering support and sharing memories of their favourite articles and covers.
One of the most upsetting aspects of the iconic magazine’s closure is the loss of its vast online archive.
The website, which had been running since 1996, now redirects to a page announcing the magazine’s end.
This means that thousands of articles, reviews, and interviews are no longer available to read. For many, this represents a significant loss of gaming history and knowledge.
GameStop’s Decision
The decision to close Game Informer came from its parent company, GameStop. While GameStop has had some successes over the years, recent reports suggest the company is facing tough times.
The changing nature of the gaming industry, with more people buying titles online instead of in shops, has made things difficult for traditional game retailers like GameStop.
GameStop shared the news of Game Informer’s closure on social media, saying it was done “with a heavy heart”.
They thanked loyal readers for their support over the years and noted that while the magazine might be gone, the passion for gaming it helped create will live on.
Although Game Informer has reached its final level, its impact on the gaming world won’t be forgotten.
For over three decades, it served as a trusted source of information and entertainment for millions of gamers.
From its early days covering pixelated adventures to its final issues exploring virtual worlds, GI was always at the forefront of gaming journalism.
The closure of Game Informer marks the end of an era in gaming media. It leaves behind a legacy of quality journalism, exciting previews, and a community of passionate gamers.
While the presses may have stopped, the influence will continue to be felt in the gaming world for years to come.
For now, fans of Game Informer are left to reflect on their favourite memories of the magazine, from eagerly awaiting each new issue to discovering their next favourite game through its pages.
Leave your thoughts on this sad and sudden announcement below.