After 33 years, Game Informer will be no more.
The publication announced its closure on social media and, according to Newshas ended with immediate effect. It was the digital coverage of half Frank Stone's casting, while its latest paperback edition covers Dragon Age: Guard of the Veil.
“From the early days of pixelated adventures to the immersive virtual realms of today, we've been honored to share this incredible journey with you,” the magazine reads. declaration“Even though our presses may stop, the passion for video games we've cultivated together will live on.”
That statement, according to sources speaking to Kotaku, was not written by any former staff member. In fact, a staff member was on a business trip when everyone was informed of the magazine's closure.
A Brief History of Game Informer
Game Informer debuted in August 1991 as a six-page magazine, and was published every two months. From 1994 onwards, it became a monthly magazine, and quickly became a staple of video game culture.
Each month, the magazine focused on a particular upcoming game (or games), often AAA, and sometimes console. In many cases, the magazine was used to fully reveal a title, as in the case of BioShock 2 RPG or 2013 tomb Raider restart.
Over time, the magazine became a key part of GameStop's loyalty program and issues were sold in stores. In August 2019, months of financial downturn led GameStop to cut half of the magazine's staff in a larger renovation.
The retailer has laid off several employees in recent years, most of them following significant financial losses and failed investments in cryptocurrency. He laid off staff last year March but acknowledging that such cuts were putting a strain on his business.
At the same time, Game Informer launched its own paper subscription, separate from GameStop's.
Game Informer had the distinction of being the last mainstream print video game magazine of its era. Contemporaries like Monthly Electronic Game AND Nintendo Power It ended in the early 2010s.
“Thank you for taking part in our epic quest,” the publication’s statement concludes, “and may your gaming adventures never end.”