Longest-running US gaming magazine Game Informer shut down after 33 years as entire staff told they’re fired in meeting

GAME Informer is closing its doors, giving a shock announcement that left its entire staff unemployed.

The longest-running gaming magazine in the US is shutting down after 33 years in business.

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Game Informer — the longest-running gaming magazine in the US — is closing its doors after 33 years of operation, Kotaku reported.

All employees were called into a meeting on August 2, 2024, with parent company GameStop’s VP of HR.

They were informed that the publication would shut down immediately and that they would lose their jobs .

They were also told they would start receiving severance terms.

The sudden layoffs came as at least one staffer was in the middle of a work trip, per the outlet.

The abrupt closure also means that issue number 367 — the outlet’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard cover story — will be Game Informer’s last.

END OF AN ERA

Game Informer began publishing in 1991, per Kotaku.

Until its closure, it was one of the last remaining physical gaming magazines in the world.

It produced cover stories “that continued to share deep dives and exclusive interviews on the biggest games coming out,” from Final Fantasy: VII Rebirth to Star Wars Outlaws .

Game Informer has also run a website, a weekly podcast , and online video documentaries about game studios and developers.

At its prime, the Minneapolis , Minnesota -based business was the top monthly magazine among a group of publications that included Game Pro, Electronic Gaming Monthly, and others, as well as “platform-centric periodicals” such as Nintendo Power, according to Kotaku.

It had since become the only major one still running in the US.

It was known for its monthly reviews, editor columns, and “wide-ranging previews” for new games, as well as access to popular names for interviews “that few others in the industry could match,” per Kotaku.

SPEAKING OUT

Game Informer spoke out about its closure on social media .

On August 2, it wrote on X , “The Final Level: Farewell from Game Informer,” along with a photo of a lengthier message.

“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,” it said.

“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.

Game Informer's history

Game Informer published its first issue in August 1991.

The Minneapolis, Minnesota-based business was one of the last remaining physical gaming magazines in the world.

It was widely known for its monthly reviews, editor columns, and game previews.

Game Informer also ran a website, a podcast, and online video documentaries.

However, on August 2, 2024, the publication announced its closure after 33 years in business.

“Thank you for being part of our epic quest, and may your own gaming adventures never end.”

According to Kotaku, sources said the message was not written by anyone on the Game Informer team, which was still making sure all staff was notified about the shutdown.

Others expressed their outrage with the closure.

“A frustrating turn of events (especially considering we were about 70% done with the next issue and it was going to have a GREAT cover),” Kyle Hilliard, Game Informer magazine content director, Kyle Hilliard, posted .

“I’m furious about the end of Game Informer,” wrote former Game Informer video producer Ben Hanson.

“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. F**k you, GameStop and a huge f**k you to Ryan Cohen.”

Instagram/gameinformermagazin