GameStop has officially shut down the long-running gaming magazine, Game Informer, and laid off the entire staff, ending its impressive 33-year run. Debuted in 1991, Game Informer was a cornerstone for gaming news, in-depth reviews, and industry insights. Its closure marks the end of a significant era in video game journalism ad for gaming enthusiasts everywhere.
On Friday morning, Game Informer’s official social media channels announced the magazine’s closure with a heartfelt farewell message titled, “The Final Level: Farewell from Game Informer.” The statement read, “After 33 thrilling years of bringing you the latest news, reviews, and insights from the ever-evolving world of gaming, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Game Informer.
From the early days of pixelated adventures to today’s immersive virtual reality realms, we’ve been honoured to share this incredible journey with you. While our presses may stop, the passion for gaming we’ve cultivated together will continue to live on. Thank you for being part of our epic quest, and may your own gaming adventures never end.”
According to Kotaku, Game Informer staff were informed about the magazine’s immediate shutdown and their layoffs during a morning meeting. Former content director Kyle Hilliard shared the news on his X account (formerly Twitter), expressing frustration over the sudden closure, especially since the team was close to completing the next issue when the decision was made.
Founded in 1991 by FuncoLand and acquired by GameStop in 2000, Game Informer reached its peak circulation of 8 million copies in the U.S. and was a significant part of GameStop’s PowerUp Rewards program, which helped boost its sales and readership. Despite its initial success, the magazine faced challenges over the years, with circulation dropping to 7 million by 2017.
The publication underwent significant changes, including major layoffs and staff shifts in 2019, including the departures of founder Andy McNamara in 2020, and his successor Andrew Reiner in 2022. Matt Miller was the editor-in-chief at the time of the magazine’s closure.
The magazine’s final issue, #367, featuring Dragon Age: The Veilguard, was published in June 2024. As of now, Game Informer’s official website has been wiped clean, except for the farewell message. It remains unclear whether the site’s archives will be preserved. The abrupt closure of Game Informer highlights the shifting landscape of media in the digital age. While the presses may stop, the passion for gaming that the magazine fostered will continue to thrive among the gaming community.
Words by Khushboo Malhotra
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