Game Informer Magazine Is No More As GameStop Unexpectedly Shuts Down The Publication

File this one under "I'm actually kind of surprised it lasted this long."

I've subscribed to Game Informer, the longest running US video game magazine, for...well, let's just say a long time. I hung on to the monthly printed copy as long as parent company GameStop allowed me to do so. I was so grandfathered in and made sure I always renewed on time when they made new memberships digital only.

I was sad when the paper copy went away. There was always something awesome about seeing the latest copy in my mailbox. Maybe it took me back to a time when I was younger, maybe I just liked the feel of having the issue in my hands. I was happy when the physical edition returned to subscribers and thought, "Maybe they are giving them more resources, nice." Apparently not.

Sadly, after running for 33 years, Game Informer in any version is no more. In a post on X, Game Informer announced that they were closing down with a "heavy heart." 

The Final Level: Farewell from Game Informer 🕹️ pic.twitter.com/tmrEB2TE7U

— Game Informer (@gameinformer) August 2, 2024

According to a report by Kotaku, the Game Informer staff was brought into a meeting this morning with the GameStop VP of HR and were told that the entire division was closing down effective immediately and all staff would be laid off and receive a severance package. One employee was reported to be traveling for work when the news was announced.

Employees, current and past, have already taken to social media to comment on the closure. Ben Hanson, former video editor, said, "I'm furious about the end of Game Informer. It was an incredible 33-year run and then GameStop pumps out this phony/empty farewell message. I'd bet money it was written by AI. Fuck you, GameStop and a huge fuck you to Ryan Cohen." Cohen is the chairman and CEO of GameStop.

The next issue of Game Informer will be the final issue, despite the following issue already being about 70% complete according to Content Director Kyle Hilliard, and will feature Dragon Age: The Veilguard.