We've reached the end of an era... And it's... messy
Game Informer, the once beloved gaming magazine (and website to an extent), has been ABRUPTLY shut down by its parent company, GameStop.
This announcement came as a shock to many, myself included - as a current subscriber to the magazine, as it brings to a close 33 years of fantastic gaming news, reviews, and insights that have always been a cornerstone for gamers worldwide.
In a heartless message to its readers (pictured above) that feels almost like it was written by ChatGPT, Game Informer said:
“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. From the early days of pixelated adventures to today’s immersive virtual realms, we’ve been honored to share this incredible journey with you, our loyal readers. While our presses may stop, the passion for gaming that we’ve cultivated together will continue to live on. Thank you for being part of our epic quest, and may your own gaming adventures never end.”
The message serves as a sad farewell to an institution that has been more than just a publication; it has been a trusted companion to many gamers, including myself for decades.
The news is made even more painful by the fact that all Game Informer staff have been laid off immediately, with some only learning of the closure through social media... YIKES.
Signs of the Times
For those following the industry closely, this kind of announcement shouldn't be completely shocking, as the writing may have been on the wall for this move for some time. Game Informer had been operating with a skeleton crew as of late, producing both a physical magazine and digital content in an increasingly challenging media landscape. The biggest shock to me is that Kotaku has somehow outlasted them.
The gaming media industry has been in constant flux, with a mix of giant conglomerates constantly absorbing smaller sites, independent creators like myself launching paid services to access full articles, and major outlets trying hard to 'maintain' gaming sections amid insnane economic pressures.
Game Informer stood out as the physical magazine distributed through GameStop stores, a unique position in a digital age where physical media had been becoming increasingly rare. However, GameStop's struggles as a brick-and-mortar retailer in a digital world have been... well-documented.
The abrupt shutdown of Game Informer is not only heartbreaking due to the sudden loss of jobs for its dedicated staff - but also - frustrating that the entire website now redirects to a 'closed' message.
By removing access to all their past articles and reviews, GameStop has now erased decades of content that served as a great resource for gamers and industry professionals alike. Leaving the site up, even in an archival state, would've preserved the legacy of Game Informer's impactful work and allowed readers to continue accessing the wealth of information and nostalgia it contained... But nope - Instead, we're left without access to the extensive library of insights and memories that shaped their gaming journeys.
That's beyond messed up, Ryan.
The company has undergone numerous transformations, shifting its focus from games to NFT's (that failed) then, hardware and collectibles. GameStop's notorious rise as a meme stock in 2021 highlighted its volatility - as I know well, but today's closure of Game Informer probably won't move the needle on the stock performance... Just another feather in a mismanaged mess of a cap.
A Personal Reflection
For a long time for me, Game Informer had always been more than just a magazine; it was a gateway into the world of gaming. Some of my earliest gaming memories involve flipping through its pages while playing my favorite games. Game Informer was at one point - a vital part of my gaming journey at a younger age, but as time had passed, so did the use of magazines.
Information moves fast, especially in the world of technology - and I found myself not even opening the pages of the magazines that were being delivered to me over the past few months.
Sad... but true reality of the world today.
In the end, the dedicated team behind Game Informer deserved far better than the treatment they received from GameStop and how they learned of being let go. The closure of this iconic publication is a loss for the gaming community, but the passion and enthusiasm it inspired in gamers everywhere will always endure.
Game Informer's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who grew up reading it, and its impact on gaming journalism will never be forgotten.
~ Smash
Twas only a matter of time.
What a shame. No warning! They should have done final few magazines and gone out with a bang.