Game Informer Shut Down and Wiped From the Internet After 33 Years as a Gaming Magazine

Game Informer's Legacy Ends After 33 Years

GameStop's abrupt closure of Game Informer, a prominent gaming publication, has sent shockwaves through the industry. The magazine and its accompanying website, podcast, and video content ceased operations on August 2nd, marking the end of a 33-year run. The unexpected announcement left employees laid off without prior warning, and the entire online archive was swiftly removed, replaced with a simple farewell message. Issue #367, featuring Dragon Age: The Veilguard, stands as the final publication.

A Look Back at Game Informer's History

Launched in August 1991 as an in-house newsletter for FuncoLand, Game Informer evolved into a leading voice in gaming journalism. Its online presence, initially launched in 1996, underwent several iterations, culminating in a major redesign in 2009 that incorporated features like a media player and user reviews. The magazine's podcast, The Game Informer Show, also debuted during this period.

However, GameStop's struggles in the face of declining physical game sales and internal restructuring ultimately led to Game Informer's demise. Despite a brief period of renewed subscriber sales, the publication's fate was sealed.

Employee Reactions and Industry Response

The sudden closure left former employees heartbroken and frustrated. Social media was flooded with expressions of disbelief and sadness, with many sharing memories and lamenting the lack of notice. Industry figures and former staff members alike mourned the loss of a significant contributor to gaming journalism. The starkness of the situation was highlighted by comparisons to a similarly worded farewell message generated by ChatGPT, underscoring the impersonal nature of the decision.

The disappearance of Game Informer represents a significant loss for the gaming community. Its extensive archive, now inaccessible, contained decades of reviews, news, and features. The abrupt closure serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by traditional media outlets in the digital age. While the publication itself is gone, its impact on gaming journalism and the memories it created will undoubtedly endure.