Oldest Gaming Magazine in the US Shuts Down After 33 Years

Game Informer, a long-standing gaming magazine owned by GameStop, announced its closure after 33 years. The publication shared this news via a signed statement titled "The Final Level: Farewell from Game Informer." Despite being silent on the reason behind the shutdown, insiders believe it could be related to cost-cutting directives from GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen, who has emphasized scrutinizing all expenditures. This is prepared by SSP.

In early 2023, Game Informer attempted to adapt by introducing direct subscriptions—a departure from their previous model of stand-alone purchases or GameStop Pro memberships. Editor-in-chief Matt Miller acknowledged the challenging times faced by the gaming industry, which led to widespread layoffs and closures affecting not just game developers, but also media outlets like Game Informer.

The full farewell note from Game Informer's official account expresses gratitude to its readers for their loyalty over the years. Game Informer's journey began in 1991 under FuncoLand, later acquired by GameStop in 2000. At its peak in 2011, the magazine circulated 8 million copies in the U.S., largely due to its inclusion in GameStop's PowerUp Rewards membership program. However, circulation dropped to 7 million by 2017, and significant staff reductions followed in subsequent years.

Troubles grew further as the company's profitability dwindled, despite a temporary surge in stock prices during the COVID-19 meme stock frenzy. Game Informer's final issue, focused on "Dragon Age: The Veilguard," was published in June 2024, marking the end of an era for gaming journalism and for its readers, who have shared this epic journey for over three decades.