Industry
End of an era: GameStop closes Game Informer after 33 years of continuous publication
The legendary magazine is closing in a surprise move after decades of covering the video game world.
More bad news for the video game industry. GameStop has decided to close Game Informer, one of the most respected physical and digital magazines in the United States. After 33 years of continuous publication month after month, the parent company is shutting down operations with a terse farewell statement.
“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,” they begin. “From the early days of pixelated adventure games to today’s immersive virtual worlds, we have been honored to share this incredible journey with you, our loyal readers. While our presses may stop, the passion for gaming that we have cultivated will continue to live on. Thank you for being a part of this epic quest, and may your own gaming adventures never end.”
How did the Game Informer staff find out?
Game Informer employees just found out this Friday; even some who were on a business trip didn’t know they were being let go. “There are still people on staff who don’t know what’s happening yet there’s a tweet that someone higher up posted spilling the news. I’ll have some stuff to say later today, but yes, everyone at Game Informer was laid off about an hour ago.,” explains Alex Van Aken, the magazine’s former video director, in his X profile.
There will be no more issues of the magazine. Next month’s issue will never see the light of day, despite being 70% complete, according to Kyle Hilliard, the magazine’s content director. GameStop is shutting down a magazine with three decades of history behind it without offering a single argument to support the decision. There are no public reasons. Nothing but dozens of talented colleagues returning to the job hunt. 2024 is proving to be a year to bury for video games.
From the editorial staff of Meristation USA, we deeply regret the end of such an important and storied publication as Game Informer.