The legendary, long-running video game magazine, Game Informer, was shut down by parent company GameStop in August. The magazine’s first issue was published in 1991 during the 16-bit era, and the magazine steadily grew and evolved over the decades.
“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… Thank you for being part of our epic quest, and may your own gaming adventures never end,” ownership said in a statement (which was released without the knowledge of staff).
Workers at the magazine were laid off immediately—-even though the next issue was 70% finished—-and received severance pay. Game Informer’s final issue, #367, was published in June. Related to the magazine’s closure, the Game Informer website was taken down as well, including its archives.
Editor-in-chief Matt Miller wrote a heartfelt goodbye message, celebrating the magazine’s legacy. He said, “The outpouring of affection, support, and appreciation the team has received in recent days [following the magazine’s closure] is humbling, it has reminded me how much this long-running magazine has meant to so many.”
Game Informer was acquired by GameStop in 2000 and was one of the most recognizable and enduring gaming media brands out there. GameStop never disclosed a specific reason for closing Game Informer, but CEO Ryan Cohen implemented a cost-cutting mandate to help the company navigate its uncertain future, and the closure could have been related to that.
GameStop was once among the biggest video game retailers in the world, and while the brand name remains recognizable, the company’s earnings and profits have slumped in recent years. That being said, the 2021 short-squeeze situation boosted GameStop’s share price to record highs. And while the stock price has fallen since, it remains up by nearly 2,000% in the past five years.