Despite 33 years and 367 issues, Game Informer has officially announced its closure. While fans fondly look back on the magazine’s legacy, it is a bittersweet moment for its dedicated readers.
In 2000, GameStop acquired Game Informer, a monthly video game magazine that provided a combination of news, strategy guides, and reviews. This partnership helped elevate the magazine’s popularity, making it one of the most well-known in North America.
In 2019, Game Informer faced financial struggles due to GameStop and had to let go of half of its staff. As a result, it shifted its focus to producing online content for the remainder of the decade. In March 2024, Game Informer made a final attempt to revive print magazine subscriptions by offering a package deal through GameStop’s Power Up Rewards, providing 10 print issues per year.
Despite efforts to continue, the magazine officially closed down after the June 2024 issue was released.
Game Informer has officially announced that after 33 years of providing the gaming community with the latest news, reviews, and insights, they will be closing their doors. This news comes with great sadness for the team at Game Informer.
The Final Level: Farewell from Game Informer 🕹️ pic.twitter.com/tmrEB2TE7U
— Game Informer (@gameinformer) August 2, 2024
The individuals who were laid off also shared that the closure was just as unexpected for them as it was for the rest of the staff.
In a tweet, ex-Game Informer writer Alex Van Aken highlighted that the website now leads visitors to a goodbye message, indicating that all the hard work put into it over the years has disappeared.
If Van Aken’s experience is representative of other writers at Game Informer, this writing may never be accessible outside of print editions.
We can’t access the website to backup our years of work. It’s just a landing page now. pic.twitter.com/pXaImC9cJZ
— Alex Van Aken (@itsVanAken) August 2, 2024
The individuals who have been reading the magazine from a young age have expressed their backing for those who were let go from their jobs.
“The journey has been an incredible one. I am grateful for every issue and the impact they have had on me. One fan expressed their appreciation, stating, “I cannot stress enough how significant and influential you have been.”
Game Informer gained recognition for producing visually appealing covers and showcasing upcoming games, resulting in fans sharing their preferred artwork in the comment section.
A commenter shared, “It’s a sad day for gaming. I have fond memories of reading game informer and eagerly anticipating upcoming games in the industry. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.”
Game Informer holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it evoked childhood memories and played a significant role in shaping them into the passionate video game enthusiasts they are today. This sentiment was echoed in numerous comments.
“Receiving my monthly magazines and reading them with my friends at school was a cherished part of my childhood. Your absence will be deeply felt,”stated a third user.
The recent layoffs at Game Informer have brought attention to a significant issue plaguing the video game industry. Bungie’s loss of approximately 40% of its employees on July 31 has put the future of the Destiny series at risk.
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