Game Informer, once the longest-running gaming magazine in the U.S. with over three decades of history, has met its untimely demise. The decision was abruptly announced by parent company GameStop on August 2nd, 2024, catching many employees completely off-guard. GameStop stated, "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 we announce the closure of Game Informer." This sentiment, at least on the surface, echoes the feelings of many long-time readers and contributors.
Although Game Informer managed to adapt over the years, surviving the advent of the internet and digital media around it, it finally succumbed much like other print publications. That closure doesn't just mark the end of a magazine; it’s the loss of decades of foundational reports, unique insights, and shared memories. It appears the entire digital archive, which comprised thousands of articles and reviews, has been erased with the magazine's closure. When individuals visit GameInformer's website now, they’re greeted with merely the announcement of its shutdown—no articles, no reviews, just gone.
This shutdown follows years of financial distress for GameStop, stemming from shifts within the gaming industry from physical to digital sales. A recent decline meant the company had to lay off employees—not surprisingly, Game Informer was not immune to such corporate reshuffles, having undergone several rounds of layoffs over the last few years.
After acquisition by GameStop and the subsequent closure of Game Informer Australia, the magazine represented the last bastion of print gaming journalism under the brand's umbrella. Over time, it had become something of a relic—a magazine of white-paged nostalgia among its audience who would eagerly await each new edition. Fans often looked forward to the exclusive scoop reviews and behind-the-scenes interviews of emerging games.
Some major figures from the gaming community reacted to the news of the magazine's closure with sadness and reflection. Neil Druckmann, the creative force behind the Last of Us franchise, said, "Sad to see such a staple of our industry gone. Good luck to everyone involved; your work will be missed."
Major gaming companies, too, expressed their condolences. Official accounts from Konami, Cyberpunk 2077, and Discord shared tributes, reminiscing on their fond experiences with the magazine. Konami wrote, "Thank you for what you have brought to the video game industry. Your legacy and impact will forever remain." Ironically, this sentiment speaks volumes about how significant Game Informer had been throughout its run, even becoming something of nostalgia for gaming veterans.
A number of former staffers echoed these feelings online. Kyle Hilliard, Game Informer’s former content director, said he was frustrated the magazine's shutdown occurred just when they were 70% done with the next issue. "It was going to have some incredible content," he noted on social media, highlighting the importance of work they still hoped to share.
Others, like former lead video producer Alex Van Aken, shared their heartbreak and abrupt career change. "I’m heartbroken — it was my dream job — but my bills don’t care," he remarked. Meanwhile, Liana Ruppert, another former staff member, lamented the loss for everyone involved and the history it represented. "All of our features on Game Informer... just... gone," she posted, capturing the essence of loss many felt.
The consequences of the magazine’s closure extend beyond individual sadness. It’s indicative of the larger trends affecting print media as digital platforms continue to reclaim the spotlight. Just as Game Informer dealt with layoffs, another venerable institution, MTV News, also recently ceased operations, alongside its digital archives. It's becoming more common to see once-honored publications hitting the digital dustbin, often without any warning and leaving behind vast amounts of inaccessible historical content.
Regardless of their financial acts, GameStop’s management faced scrutiny, particularly for not allowing staff the opportunity to back up their content before shutting down the site entirely. With the entire digital footprint now erased from the internet, individuals who utilized Game Informer’s resources for articles on game design, feature pieces, and industry news are feeling the weight of history lost.
At its peak, Game Informer had surged to sales figures surpassing 8 million, thriving amid fierce competition from other print publications like Electronic Gaming Monthly and Nintendo Power. The magazine was one of the few remaining survivor of the golden age of gaming journalism, cherished not just for its operational tenure but for its many historic articles, exclusive interviews, and gallery of stunning covers.
For many, this loss signifies the end of the era, as gaming media increasingly transitions to Instagram feeds and YouTube channels. Those who came of age flipping through glossy pages of Game Informer now watch as it—alongside so much of gaming journalism—shifts to fleeting digital content. Yet, the magazine also embodied the love of gaming culture—something it preserved well through nostalgia—allowing fans to connect with the industry at large.
The comments surrounding the closure seem indicative of personal connections built with the magazine over the years. Andy McNamara, former editor-in-chief who spent 29 years with Game Informer, mentioned, "It breaks my heart to see it end. Game Informer has been such an integral part of our industry and has grown alongside it."
Even the manga-style cover art through the years often pushed creativity and innovation within the broader gaming community. The covers were not just marketing tools but avenues of expression, often featuring exclusive art and widely beloved characters from game franchises. Their designs were iconic—game developers often remarked on how the prospect of being on the cover was not just promotional, but legitimate recognition of their hard work.
The overall loss of Game Informer signifies more than just the shuttering of one publication; it's reminiscent of other prominent magazines best known for anchoring cultural conversations. Many worry about the potential culture of nostalgia being left behind as digital media becomes the standard.
Should such publications continue to receive this treatment? Or will they find ways to adapt and innovate, perhaps developing the future of video game journalism too? The industry may evolve, but the markers of gaming history created by Game Informer will remain etched within the hearts of its fans.
GameStop’s mishaps over the years increasingly present questions about the future of gaming journalism. If we want to preserve the memory of such important cultural touchstones, we must act now before we witness even more remnants of history slipping away— perhaps forever. The bittersweet farewell of Game Informer represents not just the closing of its pages but signifies our need to treasure what we share within many memories, friendships, and artistry within the gaming community.