By Sagar V. Mankar The gaming community was left in shock as the historic magazine Game Informer announced it would cease publication after 33 years of operation.
The June issue, featuring “Dragon Age: The Veilguard,” would be its last addition.
GameStop, the parent company, made the decision to halt the magazine’s production, likely due to its ongoing financial struggles.
Game Informer was a beloved monthly magazine that had been a staple in the gaming industry since its inception in August 1991.
Originally created to inform FuncoLand store customers about upcoming game releases, it evolved into one of the most respected and widely-read gaming publications in the United States.
Known for its impeccable cover art and in-depth coverage of the latest games, Game Informer held a special place in the hearts of gamers for over three decades.
Why Did Game Informer Close?
The decline in physical sales has been a significant factor in Game Informer’s demise.
GameStop, which acquired Game Informer when it purchased FuncoLand in 2000, has been facing significant financial challenges in recent years.
In August 2019, GameStop laid off about half of Game Informer’s staff, leading to more voluntary departures.
Further job cuts followed in March 2020, and despite a new subscription model launched in March 2023, these efforts were not enough to save the magazine.
As the retail giant grapples with the changing landscape of game sales, it has been forced to make difficult decisions, including the closure of its long-standing publication.
The Closure Was Handled Insensitively
However, the most shocking part of this closure is how GameStop handled it.
According to an investigation by Kotaku, employees were informed at the last minute by GameStop’s vice president of human resources. Some staff members were still on business trips when the news broke.
All employees were immediately terminated, with compensation processes already initiated.
Sadly, Issue 368, which was to feature “The Casting of Frank Stone,” was canceled before publication, leaving fans without a proper farewell to the beloved magazine.