Game Informer Shuts Down After 33 Years, GameStop Lays Off Staff Immediately
August 2, 2024
The situation surrounding Game Informer's closure is still developing, with ongoing updates expected.
Game Informer, one of the longest-running video game magazines, has been shut down by its parent company, GameStop, after 33 years of operation.
The closure of Game Informer reflects broader issues within the gaming press, as numerous outlets have faced layoffs amid industry changes.
The closure was announced during a sudden meeting where staff were informed they were laid off immediately, with severance pay provided.
Originally starting in 1991 as an in-house newsletter for FuncoLand, Game Informer was acquired by GameStop in 2000, reaching a peak readership of 6 million.
In recent years, the magazine faced multiple layoffs, including significant cuts in 2019 and 2022, as it shifted towards a mostly digital strategy.
The decline of Game Informer has been attributed to ongoing staff cuts and increasing competition from larger media outlets.
In March 2024, Game Informer began offering standalone subscriptions, marking an attempt to adapt to changing market conditions.
The magazine's final issue, number 367, featured a cover story on 'Dragon Age: The Veilguard,' but details about a subsequent issue were never revealed.
Following the closure, the official Game Informer website has been wiped clean, leaving only a farewell message, raising questions about the preservation of past articles.
Many staff members were reportedly unaware of the impending closure until it was publicly announced via social media.
Game Informer was unique as a physical magazine sold through GameStop, which has struggled to adapt to the digital gaming market.
Summary based on 19 sources
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Sources

Forbes • Aug 2, 2024
GameStop Shuts Down Game Informer, All Staff Laid Off As An Era Ends
CNET • Aug 2, 2024
Game Informer Magazine Shuts Down
The Verge • Aug 2, 2024
Game Informer is shutting down
GameSpot • Aug 2, 2024
Game Informer Is Shutting Down After 33 Years